Wine Roads of France & Portugal

Arrive at Bordeaux-Mérignac International Airport. If you have arranged a Uniworld arrival transfer, you will be greeted by a Uniworld representative and transferred to the ship.

The legendary Médoc region abounds with prestigious wine châteaux in a dizzying array of architectural styles, as well as miles of grapevines stretching to infinity. Take a scenic drive through the storied Médoc wine route, followed by a wine tasting at a beautiful wine estate. In the evening, a special Captain's Welcome Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you.

Featured Excursions: Choice of Fresh Médoc Oysters Tasting OR Médoc Châteaux Route with Private Wine Tasting OR Let's Go: Bike in the Médoc Vineyards

The French phrase “la douceur de vivre” is an accurate description for your time in Cadillac, known for its deliciously flavored dessert wines. Visit Château Royal de Cazeneuve, site of Henry IV's and Queen Margot's tempestuous love. Meet the owner around a glass of Sauternes in the reception hall.

Featured Excursions: Choice of Private Owner's Tour of Royal Château with Sauternes Toast OR The Colorful Life of Toulouse-Lautrec

Please Note: Sailing this stretch of the Garonne depends on the tides. If it is not possible to sail to Cadillac, you will be transferred to your destination via motorcoach.

The Route de la Corniche Fleurie…could this be the most beautiful road you've ever traveled? Find out today on the drive to Blaye Fortress, passing through one impossibly picturesque hamlet after another. Once you arrive, you'll discover the wonders of this historic fortress, a UNESCO-designated citadel that once protected Bordeaux from attacks by sea.

Featured Excursions: Choice of Bourg sur Gironde Stroll OR Intimate Experience with Local Wine & Art Connoisseurs OR Panoramas of Route de la Corniche Fleurie with Blaye Fortress OR Rendez-Vous Chez Rémy Martin

With Libourne as your base, travel to nearby breathtaking Saint-Émilion and immerse yourself more deeply in the region's history and wine culture. The medieval town of Saint-Émilion is an ideal place to linger. Wander its cobblestone lanes lined with wine shops and bakeries, and stop to admire the amazing rock-hewn church that extends beneath the city's streets.

Featured Excursions: Choice of Saint-Émilion Walking Tour with Wine Tasting OR Grand Cru Tasting OR Grand Cru Château Picnic Lunch

Please Note: Today's lunch will be on your own; ask your Cruise Manager for recommendations on the best nearby restaurants.

France's rich agricultural tradition is the heart and soul of the region's exquisite cuisine—and what better way to get a taste for the freshest vegetables, cheeses, breads and fruits than with a visit to Libourne's lively farmers' market? In the evening, a special Captain's Farewell Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you. (B/L/FD)

Featured Excursions: Choice of Nights Out: After Hours at the Bassins des Lumières OR Libourne Walking Tour with Farmer's Market

Discover Bordeaux's many charms today, either on foot with a local expert or on two wheels—the locals' preferred way to navigate the city's charming backstreets. You have a wonderful selection of active opportunities to see this magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Featured Excursions: Choice of Do as the Locals Do: Bordeaux Walking Tour OR Let's Go: Bike Bordeaux Backstreets OR Retro Sidecar Bordeaux Tour OR Retro Sidecar Romantic Tour

Disembark the ship and transfer to Bordeaux-Mérignac International Airport for your flight to Porto, where you'll board the S.S. São Gabriel. Note: Included flights may be as early as 6:00am and/or have a connecting flight.

Portugal's second city (after Lisbon), Porto gave its name to the nation's most famous export, Port wine, and to the nation itself. Today, choose to explore Portugal on foot or by panoramic drive. In the evening, a special Captain's Welcome Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you.

Featured Excursions: Choice of Porto Panoramic Tour OR Do as the Locals Do: Porto Walking Tour OR Let's Go: Porto to the Sea Bike Tour

Get a crash course on the history of Port during your visit to the Douro Museum. Later, discover the wonders of a special town right in the gateway of the Douro Valley, Lamego. This evening, enjoy a Night Out with dinner at a local quinta.

Featured Excursions: Choice of Douro Museum OR Lamego Walking Tour with Tasting OR Nights Out: Dinner at a Local Quinta OR Cooking with the Condessa

Go medieval today at Castelo Rodrigo, both the name of a hilltop castle as well as the village that surrounds it. The view from the top is incredible and the village is a charming place to ramble, relax and replenish. Alternatively, lace up your hiking boots and unleash your inner Indiana Jones with an up-close gander at some prehistoric carvings at an archaeological park.

Featured Excursions: Choice of Castelo Rodrigo OR Archaeological Park of the Côa Valley

Today, you can visit the historic university town of Salamanca—the “Golden City”—famous for its sand-colored buildings and abundance of churches. Feel the centuries fall away as your ship winds its way through the pristine, dramatic UNESCO-protected landscapes of the Douro River Valley.

Featured Excursion: Salamanca - The Golden City and Spain's Oldest University

Today is all about wine, which has been cultivated in the Douro River Valley since ancient Roman times. Partake in a choice of excursions including a tasting at a prestigious Port wine estate or a vineyard hike with a wine tasting at a local quinta.

Featured Excursions: Choice of Local Quinta Guided Tour with Tasting OR Let's Go: Vineyard Hike and Wine Tasting at a Local Quinta

Explore Guimarães, the town where Portugal was born. Its well-preserved architecture and stylish young residents make it a pleasure to visit. In the evening, a special Captain's Farewell Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you. (B/L/FD)

Featured Excursion: Guimarães City Tour

Disembark the ship and board a motorcoach, heading south through Portugal's picturesque countryside to Lisbon where you will check in to your hotel. Along the way, we'll stop in the charismatic city of Óbidos, where you'll enjoy a couple hours of free time to explore and have lunch on your own. If you'd like help selecting an eatery, your Cruise Manager will be happy to make some suggestions.

Featured Excursion: Portuguese Cooking Class

Everything old is new again in the Portuguese capital. Get to know this hilly metropolis with a city tour that shows you all the top sights and treats you to an iconic, locally made pastry.

Featured Excursions: Choice of Lisbon City Tour OR Lisbon Foodie Walk OR Retro Sidecar Lisbon Tour

Experience your own “Age of Discovery” with a full day to explore Lisbon however you wish. The city hosts remarkable museums and excellent shopping, and natives of Lisbon boast that they have the best food in the world.

Featured Excursion: Sintra and Cascais

If you have arranged a Uniworld departure transfer, you will be transferred to Lisbon Portela Airport for your flight home.