River Cruise Itinerary:
BORDEAUX - PAUILLAC(2) - ROYAN - Rochefort(1) - La Rochelle(1) - LIBOURNE(2) - Saint-Emilion(1) - CADILLAC - BORDEAUX
Day 1 : BORDEAUX - PAUILLAC(2)
You’ll board our ship in the heart of Bordeaux. After comfortably settling into your cabins, we’ll introduce our crew at a welcome cocktail and enjoy our first evening together. Our ship will begin to cruise to Pauillac. We’ll begin on the Garonne River, before entering the Gironde River where we’ll pass the islands of Cazeau and Patiras before reaching Pauillac.
Day 2 : PAUILLAC(2) - THE MEDOC(1) - Gironde Estuary - ROYAN
Built long ago by wine merchants and sea captains, Pauillac has managed to preserve the mansions formerly belonging to nobility along its waterfront that were constructed with great blocks of stone.
This morning, feel free to self explore or we can offer two optional excursions:
CLASSIC Package: Tour through the Médoc vineyards. Visit the prestigious earth at the end of the world that nurtures the most renowned red wines of the planet, tucked between and an ocean and an estuary. We’ll cross through most of the famed names in the Médoc region—Saint Julien, Haut-Médoc, etc.— stopping along the celebrated wine route to have a tasting of some of the illustrious regional wines.* While we are on the road, we’ll also get a glimpse of the famous label vineyards and domains such as Châteaux Lafite- Rothschild, Latour, and Mouton Rothschild.
DISCOVERY Package: "Wine & Cheese." Discover the vineyards and castles of the Médoc region by bike. Get ready to learn about the history, architecture, and out-of-the-way places in this exceptionally beautiful area. We'll enjoy a tasting of a grand cru classé along with an assortment of cheeses.* After our excursion, we will return on board the ship.
We’ll cruise the Gironde until we reach the estuary. Then we’ll pass by the marshes, steep cliffs of Meschers- sur-Gironde, troglodyte homes, and fishing cabins before arriving in Royan during the afternoon. Included excursion for both packages: Royan and its waterfront. Join us for a panoramic tour of Royan, a seaside city and an official French "Ville d’Art et d’Histoire." Villas from the Belle Epoque and the charming “retro” homes from the 1950s line the waterfront. In the Foncillon District, we’ll have a look at the fascinating church and learn about its conception. After our excursion, we will return on board the ship. Join us for an evening of dinner and dancing.
Day 3 : ROYAN - Rochefort - La Rochelle - ROYAN
Optional excursion for both packages: The seaside cities of Rochefort and La Rochelle. We’ll leave by coach for Rochefort. Rochefort was originally chosen by Jean-Baptiste Colbert as a refuge, defense, and supply post for the French navy back in the mid-1660s. Its arsenal remained a naval base and dockyard until as late as 1926. The historical downtown area boasts lovely private mansions and beautiful homes where the legendary sailors and explorers lived. We’ll visit the Corderie Royale, a historical rope-making factory. Built between 1666 and 1669, it was the first industrial building in France, and the factory provided ropes for the French Navy and its ships for over three centuries. We’ll tour the main building and learn about the techniques used to produce the ropes used on the large sailing ships. Afterwards, we’ll head to La Rochelle. We’ll stop for lunch in a local restaurant. The over 1,000-year-old city of La Rochelle is the capital of the Charente Maritime. It’s tucked along the Bay of Biscay and contains some of the most beautiful natural and architectural heritage in the area. During a guided tour of the old town and port, you’ll learn about the Grosse- Horologe gate, Renaissance arcades, lovely half-timbered homes, finely sculpted facades of the private mansions, and the cathedral. Enjoy some free time before returning to the ship. At the end of our afternoon, we’ll return to Royan. Join us for dinner and an evening of entertainment.
Day 4 : ROYAN - Saintes - Meschers-sur-Gironde - LIBOURNE(2)
This morning, join us on an optional excursion for both packages: Saintes. Saintes has accumulated almost two thousand years of history, marked by its rich heritage and its Gallo-Roman and medieval ruins. We’ll visit the Roman theater, one of the oldest from the era, which is still the best preserved on the Atlantic Coast and highlights the importance that Saintes held at the time. The theater can hold up to 15,000 attendees and was used as a showplace for battles between gladiators and wild animals for almost three centuries. We’ll then continue on to the Saint-Eutrope Basilica. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site along the Way of St. James, it is one of the most important monuments in the city and its crypt has been described as fascinating and impressive on online tourist reviews describing its startling contrasts between the Roman and Gothic style architecture and as a must-see visit for anyone in Saintes. After our excursion, we will return on board the ship.
This afternoon, join us on an optional excursion for both packages: Talmont-sur-Gironde and Meschers-sur-Gironde. We’ll visit a typical French seaside village with tons of charm which is officially listed as one the most beautiful villages in the country. Talmont-sur-Gironde is lined with cobblestone streets that take you to the white tower on the coastline, up to its beautiful Romanesque church, and over to the quaint port. The lovely, small houses dotting the streets are full of boutiques selling wares by local craftspeople.
In Meschers-sur-Gironde, we'll tour the cave dwellings suspended in the cliffs which harbor treasures from centuries long ago. After we return on board, we’ll begin to cruise to our next stop, spending the rest of our day cruising up the Dordogne to Libourne.
Day 5 : LIBOURNE(2) - BORDEAUX
This morning, join us on an optional excursion for both packages: Saint-Émilion. We will take a guided tour of Saint-Émilion's underground monuments, discovering the rich history of this medieval city, including its enigmatic monolithic church. We’ll then head to a vineyard where we’ll learn how the famous local wine is produced. We’ll enjoy a tasting of local products at the end of our tour.*
We’ll return to the ship in Libourne. We’ll then spend the afternoon cruising to Bordeaux. Optional excursion for both packages: Guided tour of Bordeaux at night (you must register for this excursion at your travel agency before your departure). We’ll leave by coach for a panoramic tour of the city, where you’ll be able to discover the main monuments, followed by a tour on foot of the old quarter of Bordeaux. We’ll discover the impressive areas such as the Place des Quinconces and the Grand Théâtre, as well as the intimate side streets tucked around the Place Saint Pierre. After our excursion, we will return on board the ship.
Day 6 : BORDEAUX - CADILLAC
We’ll cruise along the Garonne, getting a good glimpse of Bordeaux from the water as we continue on to Cadillac. This morning, we offer two optional excursions:
CLASSIC Package: a visit to the magnificent and prestigious Château de Roquetaillade. This castle has been the backdrop for several French films including Brotherhood of the Wolf (Le Pacte des Loups) and Fanfan la Tulipe. Explore the towers and keeps in this medieval château and take time to learn about the architecture, interiors, and ambiance of French life almost 500 years ago. We’ll then head to a wine cellar in the Sauternais to enjoy a tasting of the famous Sauternes wine.* Afterward, we’ll return to Cadillac for a guided tour of the city. Located on the right bank of the Garonne River, the city was founded in 1280 and still retains its original structure. We’ll explore the port, its ramparts, and the main square and stroll the streets to admire the old homes and 15th-century church.
DISCOVERY Package: Gourmet market in Cadillac. We’ll head toward the hills surrounding Cadillac, crossing through the city and passing in front of the bastide. We’ll then continue on through the vineyards, taking in the breathtaking views of the river below. The trek will finish up on a flavorful tone, with a tasting of wine* and succulent local delicacies.
We’ll spend the afternoon cruising to Bordeaux, and we’ll arrive during the evening. Tonight is our festive gala evening.
Day 7 : BORDEAUX
Enjoy breakfast on board this morning before disembarking.
BORDEAUX - PAUILLAC(2) - ROYAN - Rochefort(1) - La Rochelle(1) - LIBOURNE(2) - Saint-Emilion(1) - CADILLAC - BORDEAUX
Day 1 : BORDEAUX - PAUILLAC(2)
You’ll board our ship in the heart of Bordeaux. After comfortably settling into your cabins, we’ll introduce our crew at a welcome cocktail and enjoy our first evening together. Our ship will begin to cruise to Pauillac. We’ll begin on the Garonne River, before entering the Gironde River where we’ll pass the islands of Cazeau and Patiras before reaching Pauillac.
Day 2 : PAUILLAC(2) - THE MEDOC(1) - Gironde Estuary - ROYAN
Built long ago by wine merchants and sea captains, Pauillac has managed to preserve the mansions formerly belonging to nobility along its waterfront that were constructed with great blocks of stone.
This morning, feel free to self explore or we can offer two optional excursions:
CLASSIC Package: Tour through the Médoc vineyards. Visit the prestigious earth at the end of the world that nurtures the most renowned red wines of the planet, tucked between and an ocean and an estuary. We’ll cross through most of the famed names in the Médoc region—Saint Julien, Haut-Médoc, etc.— stopping along the celebrated wine route to have a tasting of some of the illustrious regional wines.* While we are on the road, we’ll also get a glimpse of the famous label vineyards and domains such as Châteaux Lafite- Rothschild, Latour, and Mouton Rothschild.
DISCOVERY Package: "Wine & Cheese." Discover the vineyards and castles of the Médoc region by bike. Get ready to learn about the history, architecture, and out-of-the-way places in this exceptionally beautiful area. We'll enjoy a tasting of a grand cru classé along with an assortment of cheeses.* After our excursion, we will return on board the ship.
We’ll cruise the Gironde until we reach the estuary. Then we’ll pass by the marshes, steep cliffs of Meschers- sur-Gironde, troglodyte homes, and fishing cabins before arriving in Royan during the afternoon. Included excursion for both packages: Royan and its waterfront. Join us for a panoramic tour of Royan, a seaside city and an official French "Ville d’Art et d’Histoire." Villas from the Belle Epoque and the charming “retro” homes from the 1950s line the waterfront. In the Foncillon District, we’ll have a look at the fascinating church and learn about its conception. After our excursion, we will return on board the ship. Join us for an evening of dinner and dancing.
Day 3 : ROYAN - Rochefort - La Rochelle - ROYAN
Optional excursion for both packages: The seaside cities of Rochefort and La Rochelle. We’ll leave by coach for Rochefort. Rochefort was originally chosen by Jean-Baptiste Colbert as a refuge, defense, and supply post for the French navy back in the mid-1660s. Its arsenal remained a naval base and dockyard until as late as 1926. The historical downtown area boasts lovely private mansions and beautiful homes where the legendary sailors and explorers lived. We’ll visit the Corderie Royale, a historical rope-making factory. Built between 1666 and 1669, it was the first industrial building in France, and the factory provided ropes for the French Navy and its ships for over three centuries. We’ll tour the main building and learn about the techniques used to produce the ropes used on the large sailing ships. Afterwards, we’ll head to La Rochelle. We’ll stop for lunch in a local restaurant. The over 1,000-year-old city of La Rochelle is the capital of the Charente Maritime. It’s tucked along the Bay of Biscay and contains some of the most beautiful natural and architectural heritage in the area. During a guided tour of the old town and port, you’ll learn about the Grosse- Horologe gate, Renaissance arcades, lovely half-timbered homes, finely sculpted facades of the private mansions, and the cathedral. Enjoy some free time before returning to the ship. At the end of our afternoon, we’ll return to Royan. Join us for dinner and an evening of entertainment.
Day 4 : ROYAN - Saintes - Meschers-sur-Gironde - LIBOURNE(2)
This morning, join us on an optional excursion for both packages: Saintes. Saintes has accumulated almost two thousand years of history, marked by its rich heritage and its Gallo-Roman and medieval ruins. We’ll visit the Roman theater, one of the oldest from the era, which is still the best preserved on the Atlantic Coast and highlights the importance that Saintes held at the time. The theater can hold up to 15,000 attendees and was used as a showplace for battles between gladiators and wild animals for almost three centuries. We’ll then continue on to the Saint-Eutrope Basilica. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site along the Way of St. James, it is one of the most important monuments in the city and its crypt has been described as fascinating and impressive on online tourist reviews describing its startling contrasts between the Roman and Gothic style architecture and as a must-see visit for anyone in Saintes. After our excursion, we will return on board the ship.
This afternoon, join us on an optional excursion for both packages: Talmont-sur-Gironde and Meschers-sur-Gironde. We’ll visit a typical French seaside village with tons of charm which is officially listed as one the most beautiful villages in the country. Talmont-sur-Gironde is lined with cobblestone streets that take you to the white tower on the coastline, up to its beautiful Romanesque church, and over to the quaint port. The lovely, small houses dotting the streets are full of boutiques selling wares by local craftspeople.
In Meschers-sur-Gironde, we'll tour the cave dwellings suspended in the cliffs which harbor treasures from centuries long ago. After we return on board, we’ll begin to cruise to our next stop, spending the rest of our day cruising up the Dordogne to Libourne.
Day 5 : LIBOURNE(2) - BORDEAUX
This morning, join us on an optional excursion for both packages: Saint-Émilion. We will take a guided tour of Saint-Émilion's underground monuments, discovering the rich history of this medieval city, including its enigmatic monolithic church. We’ll then head to a vineyard where we’ll learn how the famous local wine is produced. We’ll enjoy a tasting of local products at the end of our tour.*
We’ll return to the ship in Libourne. We’ll then spend the afternoon cruising to Bordeaux. Optional excursion for both packages: Guided tour of Bordeaux at night (you must register for this excursion at your travel agency before your departure). We’ll leave by coach for a panoramic tour of the city, where you’ll be able to discover the main monuments, followed by a tour on foot of the old quarter of Bordeaux. We’ll discover the impressive areas such as the Place des Quinconces and the Grand Théâtre, as well as the intimate side streets tucked around the Place Saint Pierre. After our excursion, we will return on board the ship.
Day 6 : BORDEAUX - CADILLAC
We’ll cruise along the Garonne, getting a good glimpse of Bordeaux from the water as we continue on to Cadillac. This morning, we offer two optional excursions:
CLASSIC Package: a visit to the magnificent and prestigious Château de Roquetaillade. This castle has been the backdrop for several French films including Brotherhood of the Wolf (Le Pacte des Loups) and Fanfan la Tulipe. Explore the towers and keeps in this medieval château and take time to learn about the architecture, interiors, and ambiance of French life almost 500 years ago. We’ll then head to a wine cellar in the Sauternais to enjoy a tasting of the famous Sauternes wine.* Afterward, we’ll return to Cadillac for a guided tour of the city. Located on the right bank of the Garonne River, the city was founded in 1280 and still retains its original structure. We’ll explore the port, its ramparts, and the main square and stroll the streets to admire the old homes and 15th-century church.
DISCOVERY Package: Gourmet market in Cadillac. We’ll head toward the hills surrounding Cadillac, crossing through the city and passing in front of the bastide. We’ll then continue on through the vineyards, taking in the breathtaking views of the river below. The trek will finish up on a flavorful tone, with a tasting of wine* and succulent local delicacies.
We’ll spend the afternoon cruising to Bordeaux, and we’ll arrive during the evening. Tonight is our festive gala evening.
Day 7 : BORDEAUX
Enjoy breakfast on board this morning before disembarking.
