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Taste of Bordeaux
Smithsonian Journeys
Tour Description:
From romantic walks to red wine, Bordeaux is the cultural capital of all that is quintessentially French. Follow wine's journey from countryside to cask as you tour centuries-old vineyards and taste Bordeaux's finest vintages throughout your river cruise experience. Step into living history when you visit historic Roquetaillade Castle and Château Boutinet, delighting in their elegant décor and regal architecture. Then, contrast their grandeur with the pastoral gems including the historic village of Saint-Émilion and the peaceful commune of Cussac-Fort-Medoc. Explore the cobblestone streets of Bordeaux and the rolling hills of the French countryside by foot or by bicycle, experiencing southern France according to your tastes. After indulging in Bordeaux's colorful culture and rich flavors, you and your palate will remember this journey for years to come.
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Dates & Pricing
| Thursday 01 Oct 26 — Thursday 08 Oct 26 | Starting at $5,049 |  SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
Disclaimer: Prices listed are per person, based on double occupancy, and in USD. All promotions are valid for new bookings only, capacity controlled and valid on select dates and departures. Individual Terms and Conditions will apply to all promotions. Any promotion can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Please speak with your Pavlus Travel Planner for complete vendor terms and conditions, including eligible tour and cruise dates.
Destination & Sightseeing
ITINERARY
ITINERARYDay 1
BORDEAUX – EMBARKATION. Embark the ship for your Taste of Bordeaux cruise.
Day 2
LIBOURNE. Welcome to 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. If you prefer a more active adventure, pedal through the vineyard-rich countryside to Saint-Émilion.
Day 3
LIBOURNE. Stroll through the colorful, open-air market, tasting some of the region’s specialties. As a unique alternative, travel back in time to visit an ancient watermill and learn the tradition of breadmaking. Or, you can get your heart pumping by venturing deeper into town by hiking through one of Libourne’s renowned vineyards, accompanied by a tasting of local wine and tapas.
Day 4
BLAYE – BOURG. 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 along a former railway. Later in the day, you can choose to bike from Blaye through the idyllic French countryside to Bourg. Or, in the ancient village of Bourg, take a walking tour and visit the Carriage Museum, which houses a wonderful collection of horse-drawn vehicles, and the World War II Petrol Cistern. Towards the evening, 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.
Day 5
CUSSAC-FORT-MEDOC. Cussac-Fort-Medoc is a peaceful commune in southwestern France and your gateway to the famed Médoc region, renowned for producing some of the world’s finest Bordeaux wines. Today, you can join a tour of the commune's famous wine estates. More active guests can hike through the vineyards, followed by a tasting of local specialties. Alternatively, you may enjoy a drive along the coast 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.
Day 6
CADILLAC. Visit the impressive Castle of Roquetaillade, an amazingly preserved masterpiece of medieval military architecture owned by the same noble family for 700 years. 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.
Day 7
BORDEAUX. 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. In the afternoon, be treated to a spectacular sound and light show, Les Bassins des Lumières. Alternatively, you can enjoy a visit to the immersive and interactive Bordeaux Wine Museum, housed in an awe-inspiring building.
Day 8
BORDEAUX – DISEMBARKATION. Disembark the ship and prepare for your flight home. (B)
B,L,D – Indicates Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner are included on this day.
Disclaimer: Prices listed are per person, based on double occupancy, and in USD. All promotions are valid for new bookings only, capacity controlled and valid on select dates and departures. Individual Terms and Conditions will apply to all promotions. Any promotion can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Please speak with your Pavlus Travel Planner for complete vendor terms and conditions, including eligible tour and cruise dates.
