Join your ship in the historic city of Bordeaux, a World Heritage Site on the Garonne River which boasts magnificent monuments and spectacular 18th-century buildings, before cruising to Cadillac, from where you will enjoy a wine tasting excursion in Sauternes.
Admire the spectacular 16th-century architecture of Libourne, visit UNESCO-listed Saint-Emilion and take a stroll through the historic village of Bourg, before discovering the impressive citadel, city walls and forts of Blaye which are collectively a World Heritage Site.
Enjoy wine tasting in Pauillac and dinner at a chateau, before returning to the fascinating city of Bordeaux. Take the opportunity to further explore the city, home to the Place des Quinconces and the spectacular Place de la Bourse, before this fascinating cruise comes to an end.
R173 Operated by Viking River Cruises
.
Chateaux and Wine of Bordeaux Itinerary
Day 1 - Bordeaux (France)
Fly from the UK to Bordeaux where you will be met at and transferred to your ship. The ship will be docked in Bordeaux overnight. Join the escorted evening walk of Bordeaux to see the monuments illuminated at night. (D)
Day 2 - Bordeaux
Tour the city centre this morning and see some of Bordeaux's highlights, including the Place des Quinconces, one of the largest squares in Europe; the neoclassical Grand Theatre de Bordeaux; and several spectacular churches. Visit the Musee d'Aquitaine for a tour of the collections before sailing upstream along the Garonne River to Cadillac, a small town with a towering castle that gave its name to the American car brand. (B,L,D)
Day 3 - Cadillac
Begin with a tour of Cadillac before an excursion to Sauternes to learn about how the area's sweet white wines are made. (B,L,D)
Day 4 - Libourne - Saint Emilion
Enjoy a guided walk through the beautiful square, lined with 16th-century buildings. There is an optional wine tasting at a chateau or a trip to a local farm to learn about the art of truffle hunting. After lunch, head to the pretty wine-growing town of Saint-Emilion for a guided tour. (B,L,D)
Day 5 - Bourg - Blaye
Enjoy a stroll around Bourg, or join the optional trip to Cognac, birthplace to one of the world's best-known brandies, before cruising to Blaye, renowned for its 17th-century citadel. Explore the ramparts and take in breathtaking views of the estuary. (B, L, D)
Day 6 - Blaye - Pauillac
Enjoy a morning of scenic cruising before arriving in Pauillac, where you can enjoy a Wine Country tour. Your drive through the Medoc region includes the opportunity to indulge in wine tastings. This evening, there is a visit to a chateau for dinner. (B, L, D)
Day 7 - Bordeaux
Cruise back to Bordeaux and enjoy time at leisure in the city this afternoon. There is also the option to visit a market with the chef to see where the locals buy their fresh produce, or take the optional visit to the French barrel makers, La Nadalie. (B, L, D)
Day 8 - Bordeaux
After breakfast, disembark and transfer to the airport for your return flight.
For navigational reasons the Captain of the ship reserves the right to modify the cruise itinerary. Visit sequence, tours and times may vary. Key: B - breakfast; L - lunch; D - dinner