Travel to France’s legendary wine capital, Bordeaux. Iconic châteaux, timeless vineyards and delicious wine tastings are plentiful as you visit Libourne, Blaye, Bourg, Pauillac and Cadillac. This trip is a must for anyone interested in the best of French culture, lifestyle, wine and food.
About the Wine Region – The Garrone, Dordogne anad Gironde Estuary
In the corner of southwestern France, the Garonne and Dordogne rivers merge together to form the Gironde Estuary that naturally divides the famous Bordeaux region into the Left and Right banks. One of the largest controlled wine regions in France, Bordeaux is made up of several sub-regions each with its own strictly governed appellation, unique climate and terroir. Unlike most wines around the world, the quality of Bordeaux wine is determined by these factors rather than the grape varietal. Bordeaux is acclaimed for its legendary red blends, though white blends from this region also make a big impression. The Left and Right banks of the river have different soil types that bring these exceptional blends to life.
Inclusions
- 4 night pre-cruise hotel in Spain
- 7 night deluxe cruise roundtrip Bordeaux aboard AmaDolce
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CRUISE AMENITIES, DINING AND CUISINE
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Bottled water replenished daily
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Personalized service from a highly trained Cruise Manager during both cruise and land programs
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All onboard dining in a variety of venues
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Regionally inspired cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients
- Captain’s Welcome Cocktail and Dinner
- La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs exclusive dining experience
- Unlimited fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
- Unlimited sparkling wine and fresh juice with breakfast
- Internet & WIFI access
- Immersive tours in every destination
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- Transfers from hotel to ship
- Hosted by a winery’s owner, vintner or certified sommelier
- Premier vineyards and cellar tours, as well as daily food and wine pairing
- Book by Jun 30: FREE Pre-Cruise Land Package and receive $300 USD onboard credit per cabin, plus FREE gratuities for Balcony & up!
| November 9, 2023 | Land & Cruise |
| Riverview | $4599 |
| French Balcony | $6069 |
| Taxes & Fees | $324 |
| 4-night Spain Pre-Cruise Package: Complimentary (over $3000 value per cabin!) | |
Prices are per person, based on double occupancy.
Promotion is subject to change without notice.
Other dates are available – contact our travel advisors for more details.
Cruise Itinerary: November 9 – 16, 2023
| Date | Ports | Arrive | Depart |
| 11/09/2023 | BORDEAUX (Embarkation) | 3:00 PM | |
| 11/10/2023 | BORDEAUX | 8:00 AM | |
| LIBOURNE | 1:00 PM | ||
| 11/11/2023 | LIBOURNE | 1:00 PM | |
| BLAYE | 4:30 PM | ||
| 11/12/2023 | BLAYE | 1:30 PM | |
| BOURG SUR GIRONDE | 2:30 PM | ||
| 11/13/2023 | BOURG SUR GIRONDE | 9:30 AM | |
| CUSSAC-FORT-MEDOC | 11:00 AM | ||
| 11/14/2023 | CUSSAC-FORT-MEDOC | 6:30 AM | |
| CADILLAC | 1:00 PM | 7:00 PM | |
| BORDEAUX | 10:00 PM | ||
| 11/15/2023 | BORDEAUX | ||
| 11/16/2023 | BORDEAUX (Disembarkation) | 9:00 AM |
Embark the ship for your Taste of Bordeaux cruise. (D)
Day 2 BORDEAUX – LIBOURNE
Take in the romance of Bordeaux as you pass iconic sights on a scenic morning cruise. Later in the day, dock in Libourne, a gateway to one of Bordeaux’s most elite wine regions. Join an excursion to Saint Émilion, known for its celebrated vineyards, and while here, explore the monolithic church carved out of one piece of limestone rock, and then go under the church to discover its catacombs and caves. Afterwards, enjoy a Grand Cru Classé wine tasting at either Château de Ferrand or Château de Pressac. Alternately, you can enjoy an excursion to Saint-Émilion solely to discover more of the small historic town. If you prefer a more active adventure, pedal through the vineyard-rich countryside to Saint-Émilion and then to Château Soutard for a Grand Cru Classé wine tasting. You can also choose to tour the magnificent Château Vayres, one of the most prestigious historic buildings of Aquitaine. (B,L,D)Day 3 LIBOURNE – BLAYE
Stroll through the colorful, open-air market, tasting some of the region’s specialties. You can also choose to enjoy a tasting of local wines from one of the beautiful wine estates in the Fronsac region. Or, you can get your heart pumping by venturing deeper into town by hiking through one of Libourne’s renowned vineyards. Later in the day, set sail for Blaye, where you’ll enjoy an evening at your leisure. (B,L,D)
Day 4 BLAYE – BOURG
Once in Blaye, you can join a tour of its 17th-century citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For a more active excursion, take a bike ride around Blaye. Later in the day, you can choose to bike from Blaye through the idyllic French countryside to Bourg. While in the ancient village of Bourg, take a walking tour and visit the Carriage Museum, which houses a wonderful collection of horse-drawn vehicles. Later in the day, experience the hospitality of this charming medieval village with an exclusive wine festival. Meet the local wine growers and taste the fruits of their labors as well as enjoy live French music and dancing. (B,L,D)
Day 5 CUSSAC-FORT MEDOC
Cussac-Fort Medoc, a lovely village on the bank of the Gironde Estuary, is gateway to the famed Médoc region, renowned for producing some of the world’s finest Bordeaux wines. You will see some of the most beautiful and famous wine estates, including Château Latour, Château Mouton Rothschild, Château Lafite Rothschild and Château Pichon Longueville. You’ll then visit either Château Gruaud Larose or Château Léoville Poyferré for a tasting of Grand Cru wines. Alternately, you can visit Margaux Vineyards, a quaint wine estate, followed by a wine and local specialties tasting. Or, enjoy a coast drive to Soulac-sur-Mer where you’ll see unique sights, such as the Statue of Liberty and the Cordouan lighthouse known to be the oldest in France. (B,L,D)
Day 6 CADILLAC
Visit the impressive Castle of Roquetaillade, an amazingly preserved masterpiece of medieval military architecture owned by the same noble family for 700 years and travel to the Sauternes wine region to either Chateau de Rayne Vigneau or Chateau Guiraud to taste the highly prized golden-hued sweet wines produced here. For those wishing to explore more of the history on the decadent castles, you can enjoy a visit to the Roquetaillade castle and Cadillac castle. Or, pedal through the charming town of Cadillac for a guided bike tour. (B,L,D)
Day 7 BORDEAUX
The breathtaking capital of the wine world, Bordeaux is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and classified as a “City of Art and History.” You’ll have an opportunity to experience much of the rich culture and architecture on a city tour followed by a visit to the famed indoor Les Halles de Bacalan market for a tasting of local specialties to please the palate. Bike enthusiasts will wish to join a tour along the city’s amazing network of bicycle paths. Depending on your interests, you have a choice from three excursions in the afternoon. Enjoy a visit to the immersive and interactive Bordeaux Wine Museum, housed in an awe-inspiring building. Alternately, be treated to a spectacular sound and light show, Les Bassins des Lumières. Or, explore the enriching city of Bordeaux at your own leisure. In the evening, enjoy a spectacular illumination cruise, gazing at the iconic structures of Bordeaux as they glow against the night sky. (B,L,D)
Day 8 BORDEAUX – DISEMBARKATION
Disembark the ship and prepare for your flight home. (B)
4-night Spain Pre-Cruise Package: Complimentary (over $3000 value per cabin!)
Day 1: BILBAO, SPAIN
Check into your hotel for the beginning of your Basque Country land program.
Day 2: BILBAO
Travel to the Basque town of Guernica, infamously bombed by German and Italian air forces during the Spanish Civil War – and the subject of one of Picasso’s most renowned paintings. Immerse yourself in culture and visit the open-air market where you’ll find a variety of local specialties, from cheese to peppers to fish. Later in the day, take an informative walking tour through Bilbao and learn how to order Basque tapas, known locally as pintxos, and revered for their small size and big taste. (B)
Day 3: BILBAO – SAN SEBASTIAN
Take a deep dive into the contemporary art within the world-famous Guggenheim Museum, a work of art itself. Designed by architect Frank Gehry, the museum features a daring and innovative façade and showcases work by such artists as Andy Warhol, German artist Anselm Kiefer, and Basque masters Eduardo Chillida and Jorge Oteiza. Later in the day, transfer to San Sebastián and check into your hotel. In the evening, take a stroll through Old Town, the second oldest neighborhood in the city, where distinctive architecture and pintxos bars beckon, made even more romantic by the evening light. (B)
Day 4: SAN SEBASTIAN
Discover the charms of the “City by the Bay of Biscay.” Known in the Basque language as Donostia, San Sebastián was once a prominent fishing village and was burned to the ground in 1813 after being occupied by Napoleonic troops. However, by 1887, after rebuilding, the city flourished as a popular tourist destination and spa resort. Later in the day, enjoy some free time in the city renowned for holding the second highest number of Michelin stars per square meter. (B)
Day 5: SAN SEBASTIAN – ARCACHON, FRANCE – BORDEAUX – EMBARKATION
Check out of your hotel and transfer to Bordeaux via the French Basque town of Bayonne. Later, embark the ship in Bordeaux for your Taste of Bordeaux cruise. (B,D)
CELEBRATION OF WINE RIVER CRUISES
Whether you are a wine novice or a self-described oenophile with your own wine cellar, we invite you to indulge in one of our more than 60 exclusive “Celebration of Wine River Cruises” through Europe’s most celebrated wine regions. These thrilling wine-themed European sailings provide a unique and delicious dimension to already enticing itineraries—with enhanced epicurean experiences included in the price of the cruise.
CHOOSE YOUR IDEAL WINE EXPERIENCE
Each of our Celebration of Wine River Cruises is hosted by an enthusiastic wine professional who leads you through tastings and interactive discussions, accompanies you on select shore excursions to vineyards and cellars, and helps curate a special food and wine pairing dinner on board. Guided by their passion and expertise, you’ll delight in discovering one of the world’s most perfect trifectas: travel, wine and elegant cuisine.
HOSTED WINE SAILINGS
Is there a winery whose bottles dominate your dinner parties? If so, you may be able to travel along with their wine club. Guided by the winery’s owner, vintner or certified sommelier, you will enjoy the unique opportunity to compare and contrast a selection of wines prepared by your host while discovering the history and modern-day culture of the region. Review our extensive choice of Wine Cruises hosted by wine experts.
EPICURIAN EXPERIENCES
– Premier Vineyards and Cellar Tours
One of the most delightful aspects of our Wine Cruises is visiting Europe’s unique vineyards and wineries. Whether you’re strolling through France’s 14th-century Château de Montaigne or visiting Austria’s historic and majestic Burg Clam, you’ll taste history every step of the way among storied vines.
– Authentic Encounters
Connect with artisans and vintners within the same fields in which their ancestors toiled. Learn how best to pair decadent chocolate with wine; discover how olives transform into the Mediterranean’s prized nectar, olive oil; or be tempted by Austria’s famed Wachau Valley apricots.
– Food and Wine Pairing – A Unique Art
Indulge in wine perfectly chosen to meld with the food on your plate and on your palate at an unforgettable dinner designed to heighten the relationship between the two. Rosemary-crusted lamb? A clear match for Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Oysters on the half shell? Try a Loire white.
Exclusive Wine Cruise
TASTE OF BORDEAUX (WINE CRUISE)
NOV 9 – 16, 2023
Hosted by Mark A. Newman, CEO of Accolade Brands Inc. & SteakHouse Vineyards
Mark A. Newman is CEO of Accolade Brands Inc. & SteakHouse Vineyards. In addition to producing wine in California, Mark also has produced wine in the Loire Valley in France called Perle de Mer Muscadet. Additionally, Mark has recently judged with Gambero Rosso for the prestigious Tre Bicchieri awards in Rome, Italy.
In his over 40 years in the wine industry, he has owned the largest wine & spirits retail chain in Arizona, held key California winery positions as well as senior level executive positions in the wine distributing business. He received his education at the University of Southern California and is a member of several wine industry trade groups. Mark was inducted into the prestigious Commanderie de Bontemps du Medoc et Graves recognizing his years of dedication to the Bordeaux wine industry, and is Maitre-Conseil of Gastronomy, an honor bestowed by the French Minister of Agriculture, a member of the Society of Wine Educators. Mark has judged the Los Angeles International Wine Competition for 26 consecutive years, and he also judges the California State Fair, the San Diego International Wine Competition, and the San Diego Toast of the Coast Competition.
