Cruise through the Aquitaine Region from Bordeaux to Royan, along the Gironde Estuary and the Garonne and Dordogne Rivers (port-to-port cruise)

This morning, we offer two excursions: CLASSIC Package: Tour through the Médoc vineyards. 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.* DISCOVERY Package: “Wine & Cheese.” Discover the vineyards and castles of the Médoc region by bike. We’ll enjoy a tasting of a grand cru classé along with an assortment of cheeses.* After the excursion, we will return to the ship. We’ll cruise the Gironde until we reach Royan during the afternoon. Included excursion for both packages: Royan and its waterfront. Join us for a panoramic tour of Royan where villas from the Belle Epoque and the charming “retro” homes from the 1950s line the waterfront. After our excursion, we will return on board the ship. Join us for an evening of dinner and dancing.

Excursion for both packages: The seaside cities of Rochefort and La Rochelle. Rochefort’s 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. Afterwards, we’ll head to La Rochelle. We’ll stop for lunch in a local restaurant. 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.

This morning, join us on an excursion for both packages: Sainte Emilion. 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 about how the famous local wine is produced. Enjoy a tasting of local products at the end of our tour. After our excursion, we will return to the ship in Libourne and cruise to Bordeaux. Join our excursion for both packages: Guided tour of Bordeaux “by night”. 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 the tour return to the ship.

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 excursions: CLASSIC: a visit to the magnificent and prestigious Château de Roquetaillade. After we explore the towers and keeps in this medieval château, we’ll 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. DISCOVERY: Gourmet walk in Cadillac. Join us for a gourmet walk in Cadillac. Departing from the port, we will walk along the Garonne River on the former towpaths and then climb up a slope crossing woods and vineyards. The walk will end up with a wine-tasting session*. We’ll spend the afternoon cruising to Bordeaux, and we’ll arrive during the evening. Tonight is our festive gala evening.

This morning we offer a couple of choices on both packages either tours of Bordeaux or Arachon Bay.
Arcachon Bay. We’ll leave by coach for Gujan-Mestras to visit the museum presenting the work and techniques involved in oyster farming, an integral part of the area’s history and heritage that has existed for centuries. We’ll then visit the famous oyster cabins, and you’ll be able to sample some of the shellfish. Stop for lunch in a local restaurant. In the afternoon, we’ll head for Arcachon and a boat ride into the renowned bay, which harbors birdlife, cabins on stilts, and oyster farms. Later visit the Dune of Pilat, the highest sand dune in Europe. Later in the afternoon return to Bordeaux.

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Bordeaux
This morning, we offer two excursions:
CLASSIC: Guided tour of Bordeaux, whose historical area is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 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.

DISCOVERY: Visit La Cité du Vin. Opened in May 2016, this modern building—reminiscent of a lighthouse on the banks of the Garonne—is a unique invitation to voyage to the heart of wine and its traditions throughout the world. Lunch will be served on board. Enjoy some free time on your own in the city this afternoon. Join us for dinner and an evening of entertainment.

Enjoy breakfast on board this morning before disembarking at 9:00 a.m. End of our services.

Your cruise with all meals from dinner the first evening to breakfast on the final day – all onboard beverages (not including the special lists) – accommodations in a double-occupancy, climate-controlled cabin with shower in private bathroom – onboard entertainment — welcome cocktail – gala evening – assistance from our onboard, multi-lingual host/hostess – all port fees – prepaid classic sightseeing package

Drinks from our special lists or drinks ordered during excursions or transfer – cancellation and baggage insurance – transfers to/from departure/arrival points – personal expenses