An improved itinerary on our top-rated vessel for food, visits rival ports of La Rochelle and Rochefort, cruising the Garonne, Dordogne & Gironde to famous vineyards, châteaux & bastide towns
(limited dates/availability)
For all 2023 bookings made by 31 October 2022, deduct £50 per person
Day 1 - Bordeaux
Day 2 - Médoc / Royan
Day 3 - Rochefort / La Rochelle / Libourne
Day 4 - Saint-Émilion / Bordeaux
Day 5 - Cadillac
Day 6 - Bordeaux
Day 7 - 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
UK Tour Manager
Day 1 Fly from Gatwick to Bordeaux and embark. Welcome drink and crew introduction. Cruise past fishing perches and rocky escarpments down the River Garonne into the Gironde estuary to Cussac-Fort-Medoc. (D)
Day 2 Learn about regional wine varieties and visit the famous Médoc Châteaux Route. Sail along the Gironde estuary. Panoramic tour of seaside Royan. Pre-dinner Jules Verne drinks party. (B, L, D)
Day 3 Optional full-day excursion to the historic ports of Rochefort on the Charente estuary and La Rochelle on the Bay of Biscay (approx. £130, bookable locally). Cruise the Dordogne river and moor at Libourne. (B, L, D)
Day 4 Visit Saint-Émilion and its monolithic church with wine-tasting at a family-run vineyard. Continue to Bordeaux for an evening panoramic tour including its historic bridge, boulevards and old town. Grand 18th-century architecture and monuments include the Esplanade des Quinconces, Place de la Bourse and the Grand Théâtre. (B, L, D)
Day 5 Continue cruising along the Garonne river to the ‘bastide’ town of Cadillac, visiting its ancient houses, church and Château de Roquetaillade, an amazing mix of Medieval, Renaissance and Neo-Gothic styles, the setting for many films. Gala dinner. (B, L, D)
Day 6 At leisure in 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 (approx. £140, bookable locally). Farewell Jules Verne drinks party. (B, L, D)
Day 7 Transfer for the return flight. (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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A Premium vessel launched in 2012 and built to a high standard. The 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 over 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, sun deck, 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 2023 bookings made by 31 October 2022, deduct £50 per person
Supplements per person
Single Supplement
NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
(limited availability)
2023: Aug 28
Single supplement £495
Cabin Upgrades
Middle Deck (twin/double) £175
Middle Deck Single (double for sole use) £670
Upper Deck (twin/double) £225
Upper Deck Single (double for sole use) £720
Independent Arrival
Save £150
Arrival or departure transfer add £40
Price Includes
Air travel and taxes, all port charges, transfers, 6-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.
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VAT No. 805146159
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