Bordeaux & the Rivers of Wine

Fly from London to Bordeaux and transfer 4-star Golden Tulip Bordeaux Euratlantique for overnight.

Morning walking tour of Bordeaux, including a visit to Cité du Vin. Afternoon transfer to the mooring to embark on the MS Cyrano de Bergerac for your six-night cruise, beginning with a welcome drink and introduction to the crew. Sail past fishing perches and rocky escarpments down the River Garonne and into the Gironde estuary to Cussac-Fort-Medoc, its 17th century fortress a UNESCO listed site.
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Tour the Medoc’s ‘Route des Châteaux’, nestled between the ocean and the estuary, where nature, history and heritage intertwine with the wine, and famous names include Margaux, Saint-Julien and Château Laffite-Rothchild. Learn about the vineyards and varieties of the region, renowned for the most prestigious of the Grands Crus Classés of Bordeaux. Cruise the Gironde to its mouth on the Bay of Biscay, for a tour of seaside Royan. With a busy port, beautiful beaches and boardwalk cafés, the town was awarded “Ville d’Art et d’Histoire” status for its architectural mix of styles, from Belle Epoch villas to 1950s seafront houses, a strikingly modern concrete cathedral, and unique indoor market. Pre-dinner Jules Verne drinks party aboard.
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Enjoy a leisurely day in Royan or join us on an optional full day excursion, travelling by road to the historic ports of Rochefort on the Charente estuary and La Rochelle on the Bay of Biscay. The former displays its Naval focus in the 17th century dockyards and ‘La Corderie Royale’ rope factory, now the International Sea Centre. The latter a fishing and trade harbour since the 12th century, its streets lined with half-timbered houses, Renaissance façades, and medieval arcades; its Vieux Port, guarded by two ancient towers, in sharp contrast to the huge modern marina (£150, pre-bookable). Cruise the Dordogne River this evening to moor at Libourne.
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Tour to enchanting Saint-Émilion, its Monolithic church, carved into the rock, encircled by the cobbled streets of the medieval village, which is itself surrounded by the centuries-old (and still intact) UNESCO listed vineyards. Visit the catacombs and hermit cave dwelling of the monk Emilion, for whom the town is named; and enjoy a tour and tasting at a family-run vineyard. Return to the river, sailing down the Dordogne and up the Garonne to Bordeaux.
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Continue cruising along the Garonne to Cadillac, a typical ‘bastide’ town, focused on a main square, its grid-plan streets spreading out around it, and farmland forming its surround. View its castle, ramparts, and 15th century church, and travel to the Château de Roquetaillade, in Mazères. The 14th century castle, with 19th century restorations, is an intriguing mix of medieval, Renaissance and Gothic styles, and an impressive setting for several films. Sail to Bordeaux this evening. Gala Dinner.
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At leisure in UNESCO listed Bordeaux, lining the Garonne with quays, gardens, and regal façades. Perhaps stroll to the ingenious Miroir d’Eau, reflecting the Palais-de-la-Bourse in its pool, or delve into the wines, history, and art of the region in the Museums of Wine, Aquitaine and Beaux Arts; or join us on an optional tour of the Arcachon Bay area, with a boat trip to view Bird Island, the oyster beds and ‘cabanes tchanquées’ stilt-houses; and by road to the 107m high ‘Great Dune of Pilat’, Europe’s highest sand dune (£160, pre-bookable). Farewell Jules Verne drinks party aboard.
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 Disembark this morning and transfer to the airport for your return flight.
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