7-night Taste of Bordeaux Cruise

Embark the ship for your Taste of Bordeaux cruise. (D),

Take in the romance of Bordeaux as you pass iconic sights on a scenic morning cruise. Later in the day, dock in Libourne, a gateway to one of Bordeaux's most elite wine regions. Join an excursion to Saint-Émilion, known for its celebrated vineyards, and while here, explore the monolithic church carved out of one piece of limestone rock, and then go under the church to discover its catacombs and caves. Afterwards, enjoy a Grand Cru Classé wine tasting at either Château de Ferrand or Château de Pressac. Alternatively, you can enjoy an excursion to Saint-Émilion solely to discover more of the small historic town. If you prefer a more active adventure, pedal through the vineyard-rich countryside to Saint-Émilion and then to Château Soutard for a Grand Cru Classé wine tasting. You can also choose to tour the magnificent Château de Vayres, one of the most prestigious historic buildings of Aquitaine. (B,L,D),

Take in the romance of Bordeaux as you pass iconic sights on a scenic morning cruise. Later in the day, dock in Libourne, a gateway to one of Bordeaux's most elite wine regions. Join an excursion to Saint-Émilion, known for its celebrated vineyards, and while here, explore the monolithic church carved out of one piece of limestone rock, and then go under the church to discover its catacombs and caves. Afterwards, enjoy a Grand Cru Classé wine tasting at either Château de Ferrand or Château de Pressac. Alternatively, you can enjoy an excursion to Saint-Émilion solely to discover more of the small historic town. If you prefer a more active adventure, pedal through the vineyard-rich countryside to Saint-Émilion and then to Château Soutard for a Grand Cru Classé wine tasting. You can also choose to tour the magnificent Château de Vayres, one of the most prestigious historic buildings of Aquitaine. (B,L,D),

The Libourne wine region, including Saint-Émilion, Pomerol, and Fronsac, is one of the major cradles of viticulture in the Bordeaux area, dating back to Gallo-Roman times. The first vines were planted in Fronsac two thousand years ago. In the 18th century, the wines of Fronsac enjoyed the best reputation in the Libourne region, selling for higher prices than their neighbors in Saint-Émilion and Pomerol. Today, Fronsac includes several beautiful wine estates such as Château de La Dauphine, Château de La Rivière, and Château Gaby. Here, you will visit a cellar and taste local wines from one estate. (B,L,D),

Once in Blaye, you can join a tour of its 17th-century citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For a more active excursion, take a bike ride around Blaye. Later in the day, you can choose to bike from Blaye through the idyllic French countryside to Bourg. While in the ancient village of Bourg, take a walking tour and visit the Carriage Museum, which houses a wonderful collection of horse-drawn vehicles. Later in the day, experience the hospitality of this charming medieval village with an exclusive wine festival. Meet the local wine growers and taste the fruits of their labors as well as enjoy live French music and dancing. (B,L,D),

Blaye is located north of Bordeaux, on the eastern side of the Gironde estuary in Aquitaine, France. Blaye is a small river port town with a long history of strategic military significance. The Citadel of Blaye and the city walls, constructed around 1685, is a highlight of the town, and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The red wines made in the nearby vineyards are another highlight of the area, and wine tastings are held inside the Citadel. Sightseeing in Blaye can be enjoyed by foot, with the 12th century medieval castle ruins, markets, and Fort Medoc on an island in the river as popular highlights of the town.

Once in Blaye, you can join a tour of its 17th-century citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For a more active excursion, take a bike ride around Blaye. Later in the day, you can choose to bike from Blaye through the idyllic French countryside to Bourg. While in the ancient village of Bourg, take a walking tour and visit the Carriage Museum, which houses a wonderful collection of horse-drawn vehicles. Later in the day, experience the hospitality of this charming medieval village with an exclusive wine festival. Meet the local wine growers and taste the fruits of their labors as well as enjoy live French music and dancing. (B,L,D),

Pauillac, a lovely village on the Left Bank of the Gironde Estuary, is gateway to the famed Médoc region, renowned for producing some of the world's finest Bordeaux wines. You will see some of the most beautiful and famous wine estates, including Château Latour, Château Mouton Rothschild, Château Lafite Rothschild, and Château Pichon Longueville. You'll then visit either Château Gruaud-Larose or Château Léoville Poyferré for a tasting of Grand Cru wines. Alternatively, you can visit Château Lynch-Bages, a quaint wine estate and village, followed by a wine and local specialties tasting. Or, enjoy a coast drive to Soulac-sur-Mer where you'll see unique sights, such as the Statue of Liberty and the Cordouan Lighthouse known to be the oldest in France. (B,L,D),

Visit the impressive Castle of Roquetaillade, an amazingly preserved masterpiece of medieval military architecture owned by the same noble family for 700 years and travel to the Sauternes wine region to either Château de Rayne Vigneau or Château Guiraud to taste the highly prized golden-hued sweet wines produced here. For those wishing to explore more of the history on the decadent castles, you can enjoy a visit to the Roquetaillade castle and Cadillac castle. Or, pedal through the charming town of Cadillac for a guided bike tour. (B,L,D),

Cadillac is located in the Gironde commune of the Aquitaine region in southwestern France.  The town was founded in 1280 by Lord Jean I de Grailly whose lush land grew renown vineyards of sweet green and tannin red grapes. The neighboring and competitive towns such as Bordeaux and Sauternes also harvest sweet wines. Centuries of Cadillac’s French-style architecture, grandiose staircases, royal apartments, luxurious French décor, and tasteful art make it an ideal sight-seeing tour for visitors.  Active visitors can cycle between French towns and the miles of vineyards or canoe on the River Garonne. 

Asides from viniculture, France birthed Antoine Laumet de La Mothe, sieur de Cadillac who adopted the commune as his own.  A French explorer and adventurer, he discovered today’s Detroit, Michigan - the center of automobile production in the 20th century. The founders of Cadillac Auto Company, paid homage to La Mothe and his feats. 

Visit the impressive Castle of Roquetaillade, an amazingly preserved masterpiece of medieval military architecture owned by the same noble family for 700 years and travel to the Sauternes wine region to either Château de Rayne Vigneau or Château Guiraud to taste the highly prized golden-hued sweet wines produced here. For those wishing to explore more of the history on the decadent castles, you can enjoy a visit to the Roquetaillade castle and Cadillac castle. Or, pedal through the charming town of Cadillac for a guided bike tour. (B,L,D),

Visit the impressive Castle of Roquetaillade, an amazingly preserved masterpiece of medieval military architecture owned by the same noble family for 700 years and travel to the Sauternes wine region to either Château de Rayne Vigneau or Château Guiraud to taste the highly prized golden-hued sweet wines produced here. For those wishing to explore more of the history on the decadent castles, you can enjoy a visit to the Roquetaillade castle and Cadillac castle. Or, pedal through the charming town of Cadillac for a guided bike tour. (B,L,D),

The breathtaking capital of the wine world, Bordeaux is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and classified as a "City of Art and History". You'll have an opportunity to experience much of the rich culture and architecture on a city tour followed by a visit to the famed indoor Les Halles de Bacalan market for a tasting of local specialties to please the palate. Bike enthusiasts will wish to join a tour along the city's amazing network of bicycle paths. Depending on your interests, you have a choice from three excursions in the afternoon. Enjoy a visit to the immersive and interactive Bordeaux Wine Museum, housed in an awe-inspiring building. Alternatively, be treated to a spectacular sound and light show, Les Bassins de Lumières. Or, explore the enriching city of Bordeaux at your own leisure. In the evening, enjoy a spectacular illumination cruise, gazing at the iconic structures of Bordeaux as they glow against the night sky. (B,L,D),

Disembark the ship and prepare for your flight home. (B),