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
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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. (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
Disembark in Libourne, a picturesque city with buildings dating back to the 16th century. You can also take part in one of two optional excursions: an exploration of the Bergerac area in the Dordogne to learn about truffles, or go wine tasting to a nearby chateau. Later take a tour of Saint Emilion, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. (B,L,D)
Day 5 - Libourne - Bourg
After a leisurely morning in Libourne, cruise to Bourg arriving in the afternoon. Enjoy a stroll or take the optional excursion to Cognac. This evening, cruise to Blaye. (B, L, D)
Day 6 - Blaye - Pauillac
See the extraordinary 17th century citadel in Blaye, set on a rock beside the river. The citadel of Blaye, its city walls and two other forts are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Return to the ship for lunch and cruise to Pauillac. Enjoy a wine country tour, sampling local wines. Travel through the rolling vineyard-laced hulls to dinner at a chateau. (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 full day excursion to Arcachon on the Atlantic coast. (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