Taste of Bordeaux

Check in to your hotel for the beginning of your Basque Country land journey. Stay Two Nights: Bilbao, Hesperia Bilbao (or similar)

Travel to Guernica, infamously bombed by German and Italian air forces during the Spanish Civil War and the subject of one of Picasso's most renowned paintings. Visit the open-air market.

Later, take a walking tour through Bilbao and learn how to order Basque tapas, known locally as pintxos. (B)

View the world-famous Guggenheim Museum, a work of art itself. It showcases work by such artists as Andy Warhol and Anselm Kiefer, as well as Basque masters Eduardo Chillida and Jorge Oteiza.

Later, transfer to San Sebastian and check into your hotel.

In the evening, perhaps stroll through the Old Town, where distinctive architecture and pintxos bars beckon. Stay Two Nights: San Sebastian, NH Collection Aranzazu (or similar) (B)

San Sebastian was once a prominent fishing village and was burned to the ground in 1813 after being occupied by Napoleonic troops. However, by 1887, after rebuilding, the city flourished as a popular tourist destination and spa resort.

Later in the day, enjoy some free time. (B)

Transfer to Bordeaux via the French Basque town of Bayonne. Embark your ship in Bordeaux. Stay Seven Nights: Aria River Ship (B/D)

Take in Bordeaux on a scenic morning cruise.

Later, dock in Libourne and head to Saint-Emilion, known for its vineyards, and explore the church carved from one piece of limestone rock.

Afterwards, enjoy a Grand Cru wine tasting. Alternately, you can explore Saint-Emilion in more depth, or cycle to Chateau Soutard for a wine tasting. You can also choose to tour the magnificent Chateau Vayres. (B/L/D)

Stroll through Libourne's colourful, open-air market, tasting some of the region's specialties. You can also choose to enjoy a tasting of local wines from one of the beautiful wine estates in the Fronsac region. Or you can get your heart pumping by venturing deeper into town by hiking through one of Libourne's renowned vineyards.

Later in the day, set sail for Blaye, where you'll enjoy an evening at your leisure. (B/L/D)

In Blaye, you can join tour its World Heritage-listed 17th-century citadel, or take a bike ride.

Later, you can choose to cycle through the countryside to Bourg for a walking tour and visit to the Carriage Museum. Experience the hospitality of this charming medieval village at a wine festival with French music and dancing. (B/L/D)

Cussac-Fort Medoc, a lovely village on the bank of the Gironde Estuary, which is the gateway to the famed Medoc wine region. You will see some of the most famous wine estates, including Chateau Latour, Chateau Mouton Rothschild and Chateau Lafite Rothschild, then visit a renowned chateau for a tasting of Grand Cru wines. Alternately, you can visit Lynch Bages, followed by a wine and local specialties tasting. Or drive on the coast to Soulac-sur-Mer to see sights such as the Statue of Liberty and France's oldest lighthouse. (B/L/D)

Visit the medieval castle of Roquetaillade and travel to the Sauternes wine region to taste the highly prized golden-hued sweet wines produced here. Those wishing to explore more history can add a visit to Cadillac Ducal Castle, or pedal through the charming town of Cadillac on a guided bike tour. (B/L/D)

Experience Bordeaux's rich culture and architecture on a tour followed by a visit to Les Halles de Bacalan market. Cycling enthusiasts will wish to join a tour of the network of bicycle paths. You have a choice of three afternoon excursions. You can visit the immersive and interactive Bordeaux Wine Museum, be treated to a spectacular sound and light show, Les Bassins des Lumieres, or explore at leisure.

In the evening, enjoy a spectacular illumination cruise. (B/L/D)

Disembark your ship and transfer to Tours for free time before arriving in the Loire Valley, where you will check in to your hotel. Stay Two Nights: Amboise, Chateau de Pray Loire Valley (B)

Visit three of the Loire Valley's chateaux starting with Chenonceau, known as the “Women's Castle” since it was the only regional castle built, inhabited and saved by women during the Renaissance. Chateau du Clos Luce was Leonardo da Vinci's last home, and Chateau d'Amboise, on a promontory overlooking the Loire River, was the first Renaissance chateau built in the valley. It features a Gothic chapel, where Leonardo is buried. (B)

En route to Paris, visit two more majestic chateaux. Chateau de Chambord began as an unassuming hunting lodge but is now the biggest chateau in the Loire Valley with 426 rooms, 77 staircases and 282 fireplaces. Next, either marvel at Chateau de Blois to discover the secrets of the French court, or enjoy free time.

Afterwards, transfer to your hotel. Stay: Paris, Pullman Charles de Gaulle (or similar) (B)

Bid farewell to Paris and prepare for your flight home. (B)