Exploring the Garonne and Dordogne rivers and Gironde estuary, viewing Aquitaine’s famous vineyards, châteaux and bastide towns
(limited dates/availability)
For all 2019 bookings made by 30th January 2019, deduct £60 per person.
14 August 2019
Day 1 - Bordeaux
Day 2 - Pauillac / Médoc
Day 3 - Blaye
Day 4 - Libourne / Saint-Émilion
Day 5 - Cadillac
Day 6 - Bordeaux
Day 7 - Bordeaux
Day 8 - Return Flight
Explore fascinating and scenically stunning areas where beautiful landscapes, châteaux and medieval ‘bastide’ towns are best viewed from the waterways that were once its commercial arteries. Bordeaux itself has classical façades, tree-lined boulevards, elegant squares and excellent museums.
Farms, vineyards and truffle-ground woodlands line the UNESCO Biosphere banks of the Dordogne. The Garonne is part of the Canal des Deux Mers, linking the Med to the Atlantic. On the Gironde, the Ile de Patiras lighthouse stands mid-flow; and all three are punctuated with quayside cafés and characterful towns.
The vine dominates with wines included in practically every regional dish – à la bordelaise. “Great cooking and great wines make a paradise on Earth” – the dictum of the Renaissance King Henry IV sums up southwest France which reveals some of the world’s greatest vineyards. In Plantagenet times Aquitaine prospered under English rule, largely from export of fine wines and Cognac. Whether for the wine, scenery or culture it still attracts the British as residents or frequent visitors.
Culture & Riverscapes
Excursions Included
Drinks Included
2 UNESCO Heritage Sites
No Single Supplement
Solo Group Departure
UK Tour Manager
Group Size: 6 – 28
Day 1 Fly from London Gatwick to Bordeaux and embark. Classical façades line the waterfront and leisurely exploration reveals tree-lined esplanades, elegant squares and fountains. Grand 18th-century architecture and monuments include the Esplanade des Quinconces, Place de la Bourse and the Grand Théâtre. Welcome drink and crew introduction. (D)
Day 2 Cruise past fishing perches and rocky escarpments down the River Garonne into the Gironde estuary to Pauillac. Learn about regional wine varieties and visit the famous Médoc Châteaux Route. Pre-dinner Jules Verne drinks party. (B, L, D)
Day 3 Sail along the Gironde estuary. At Blaye, enjoy an excursion along the corniche and its vineyards, then a guided walk around the World Heritage Vauban’s citadel. (B, L, D)
Day 4 Sail along the Dordogne and moor at Libourne or Bourg for an excursion to Saint-Émilion including its monolithic church and wine-tasting at a family-run vineyard. (B, L, D)
Day 5 Rejoin the Garonne River and pass Bordeaux to the ‘bastide’ town of Cadillac, visiting its ancient houses, church and Château de Roquetaillade, an amazing concoction of Medieval, Renaissance and Neo-Gothic styles, the setting for many films. (B, L, D)
Day 6 Cruise along the Garonne to Bordeaux for a panoramic tour including its historic bridge, boulevards and old town. Gala dinner. (B, L, D)
Day 7 At leisure for independent exploration of Bordeaux – the wines, history and art of the region may be studied here in the Musée du Vin, Musée d’Aquitaine and the Musée des Beaux Arts. Alternatively, join an optional tour visiting the Arcachon Bay area (£120). Farewell Jules Verne drinks party. (B, L, D)
Day 8 Transfer to the airport for the return flight to London Gatwick. (B)
Notes
Cabins are available from 5pm on arrival and until 9am on departure (before/after this, luggage storage on board is possible).
Whilst the vessel carries more, the group size specified refers to transfers and excursions.
The programme may be altered due to navigational factors with locks, water levels or congestion at certain sites.
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Launched in 2012 and built to a high standard, the ‘new generation’ MS Cyrano de Bergerac is registered in France with a mainly European crew and announcements in French and English. For 20 years Jules Verne has been the main UK partner of the innovative French cruise company, CroisiEurope, established 40 years ago, now boasting the largest European river fleet (over 40 ships), yet still operated by the same family. All drinks, except premium brands are included throughout the cruise. Enjoy International and French cuisine with a choice of wines in an elegant one-sitting dining room. Breakfast is a buffet, lunch and dinner waiter service with the occasional buffet. Reception, lounge bar with small dance floor, sundeck, lift and WiFi (free/limited). 87 air-conditioned cabins with private facilities, hairdryer, safe and TV. 41 twin/ double cabins with picture window (134 sq. ft.) on the Upper Deck, 21 twin/double cabins with picture window (134 sq. ft.) on the Middle Deck and 25 twin/ double cabins (134 sq. ft.) with porthole on the Main Deck.
per person in a twin/double Main Deck cabin
easyJet from Gatwick
(limited dates/availability)
For all 2019 bookings made by 30th January 2019, deduct £60 per person.
14 August 2019
Supplements per person
Single Supplement
NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
Limited availability on these dates:
Apr 28, Jul 21
Solo Group Departure - Aug 14 2019
No Single Supplement
Single supplement £545
Cabin Upgrades
Middle Deck £145
Upper Deck £185
Independent Arrival
Save £150
Arrival transfer add £40
Departure transfer add £40
Price Includes
Air travel and taxes, all port charges, transfers, 7-night cruise, full board and drinks on cruise vessel, excursions, UK Tour Manager, local expert guides and representatives. If our specially negotiated airfares are unavailable at the time of booking, a supplement may apply.
Not Included
Travel insurance, optional excursions, tipping, any government taxes or compulsory charges introduced after publication.
Please complete this form and a member of our sales department will contact you as soon as possible to confirm your booking and take payment. Our opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 5.30pm and Saturdays 10am to 2pm
