Taste of Bordeaux (Wine Cruise)

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

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. Afterwards, enjoy a Grand Cru Classé wine tasting at a local château. Alternately, 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. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

• Saint-Émilion excursion and Grand Cru Classé wine tasting OR Saint-Émilion Excursion OR Saint-Émilion bike tour

Stroll through the colorful, open-air market, tasting some of the region's specialties. As a unique alternative, visit a wine cellar and enjoy a special tasting of Fronsac wines from a local estate. 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. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

• Bastide town and market visit OR Fronsac Wine Tasting OR Château Boutinet hike with wine and tapas tasting

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, in the ancient village of Bourg, take a walking tour and visit the Carriage Museum, which houses a wonderful collection of horse-drawn vehicles 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. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

• Citadel visit OR Blaye Chemin de Fer bike tour
• Bourg walking tour, Carriage Museum and WWII Petrol Cistern
• Exclusive wine festival

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. You will see some of the most beautiful and famous wine estates. You'll then visit a local château for a tasting of Grand Cru wines. More active guests can hike through the vineyards of Château Margaux and taste local specialties. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

• Medoc Grand Cru Classé wine tasting and scenic vineyard tour OR Vineyard hike and local specialties tasting

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 Chateau de Rayne Vigneau or Chateau 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)

Excursions:

• Roquetaillade Castle with Sauternes wine tasting OR Roquetaillade and Cadillac visit OR Cadillac bike tour

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 two excursions in the afternoon. Enjoy a visit to the immersive and interactive Bordeaux Wine Museum, housed in an awe-inspiring building. Alternately, be treated to a spectacular sound and light show, Les Bassins des Lumières. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

• UNESCO city tour and market tasting OR Bordeaux bike tour
• Bordeaux Cité du Vin (wine museum) visit OR Bassins de Lumières

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