Immerse yourself in the brilliance of the Bordeaux region on this 7-night river cruise. Sail along three splendid rivers, the Garonne, Dordogne and Gironde indulging in wonderfully French experiences, cuisine and of course, wine!
Highlights of your Bordeaux river cruise include the opportunity to sample wines in some of the best vineyards and châteaux’s of the Bordeaux region, enjoy a scenic drive from Blaye to Bourg along the Route de la Corniche Fleurie and marvel at the sights of Blaye Fortress and Lansac Windmill along the way. Wander through local farmers markets trying out the delicious French cuisine, learn more about Bordeaux’s rich history on a heritage walking tour of the region and stroll through the cobblestone lanes of the medieval town of Saint-Émilion lined with French wine shops and bakeries.
You’ll do all this from your floating hotel for 7 nights, the fabulous S.S. Bon Voyage, a cruise ship designed to immerse guests in French culture, art and wine while on board. Wake up in luxurious staterooms overlooking the beautiful surroundings of the French countryside. Dine in the finest onboard restaurants from the quintessentially French La Brasserie, to Le Grand Fromage whose menu reflects the local cuisine to La Cave des Vins, an intimate experience for a special night of expert food and wine pairings.
What's included?
Return flights to Bordeaux
Flying from Dublin Airport
1 checked bag per person roundtrip
All transfers included
Ports of Call: Bordeaux | Cadillac | Cussac Fort Médoc | Blaye, Bourg Sur Gironde | Libourne (Saint-Émillion) | Libourne, Bordeaux | Bordeaux
Based on 2 adults sharing
Travelling March 2024
Departures from March to October, call us to quote for your chosen date
Your Adventure
Embark in Bordeaux
Cadillac
Cussac Fort Médoc, Pauillac la Fayette
Blaye, Bourg sur Gironde
Libourne (Saint-Émilion)
Libourne, Bordeaux
Bordeaux
Disembark in Bordeaux
Day 1 Embark in Bordeaux
Arrive at Bordeaux-Mérignac International Airport. If your cruise package includes a group arrival transfer or if you have purchased a private arrival transfer, you will be greeted by a Uniworld representative and transferred to the ship.
Day 2 Cadillac
The French phrase “la douceur de vivre” is an accurate description for your time in Cadillac, known for its deliciously flavoured dessert wines. Visit Château Royal de Cazeneuve, site of Henry IV’s and Queen Margot’s tempestuous love. Meet the owner around a glass of Sauternes in the reception hall.
Featured Excursion:
Choice of The colourful life of Toulouse Lautrec at Château de Malromé or Sauternes vineyard visit with private wine tasting at Château de CazeneuveDay 3 Cussac Fort Médoc, Pauillac la Fayette
The legendary Médoc region abounds with prestigious wine châteaux in a dizzying array of architectural styles, as well as miles of grapevines stretching to infinity. Take a scenic drive through the storied Médoc wine route, followed by a wine tasting at a beautiful wine estate. Enjoy the waters of the Garonne River and the Gironde Estuary before heading to the pretty town of Pauillac, gateway to the storied Médoc wine route, the Atlantic coast and remnants of the Atlantic Wall erected during WWII.
Featured Excursion:
Fresh Médoc oysters tasting
Choice of “Let’s Go” bike in the Médoc vineyards or Bunker archaeology tour or Médoc Châteaux route with private wine tastingDay 4 Blaye, Bourg sur Gironde
The Route de la Corniche Fleurie…could this be the most beautiful road you’ve ever travelled? Find out today on the drive to Blaye Fortress, passing through one impossibly picturesque hamlet after another. Once you arrive, you’ll find your centre with a unique and expertly led yoga session in the heart of this historic fortress, a UNESCO-designated citadel that once protected Bordeaux from attacks by sea.
Featured Excursion:
Panoramas of Route de la Corniche Fleurie with Blaye FortressDay 5 Libourne (Saint-Émilion)
The medieval town of Saint-Émilion is an ideal place to linger. Wander its cobblestone lanes lined with wine shops and bakeries, and stop to admire the amazing rock-hewn church that extends beneath the city’s streets. Another treasure awaiting you underground? A wine tasting in the cellars of a Grand Cru estate. With Libourne as your base, travel to nearby breathtaking Saint-Émilion and immerse yourself more deeply in the region’s history and wine culture.
Featured Excursion:
Saint-Émilion walking tour with wine tastingDay 6 Libourne, Bordeaux
France’s rich agricultural tradition is the heart and soul of the region’s exquisite cuisine—and what better way to get a taste for the freshest vegetables, cheeses, breads and fruits than with a visit to Libourne’s lively farmers’ market?
In the evening, a special Captain’s Farewell Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you.Featured Excursions:
Libourne “Village Day” with farmer's market & Nights Out: After Hours at the Bassins des LumièresDay 7 Bordeaux
Discover Bordeaux’s many charms today, either on foot with a local expert or on two wheels—the locals’ preferred way to navigate the city’s charming backstreets. You have a wonderful selection of active opportunities to see this magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Featured Excursion:
Choice of “Do as the Locals Do” Bordeaux walking tour or ”Let’s Go” bike Bordeaux backstreetsDay 8 Disembark in Bordeaux
Disembark the ship. If your cruise package includes a group departure transfer or if you have purchased a private departure transfer, you will be transferred to Bordeaux-Mérignac International Airport for your flight home.