Bordeaux to Bordeaux - 6 days (BOS) |
For further assistance call 1-800-526-8539 |
| |
|
Ask about our Travel Insurance |
| |
Detailed Itinerary:
Day 1: Bordeaux (Embarkation)
We board the Princesse D' Aquitaine between 6:00pm and 7:00pm in Bordeaux. After settling into our cabins, we have a welcome drink in the lounge and are introduced to the crew. After dinner, we have a welcome party on board.
Day 2: Bordeaux - Pauillac
We head down the River Garonne and then join the River Gironde, passing Cazeau Island and Patiras Island before arriving Pauillac in time for lunch on board. Built long ago by wine merchants and ships’ captains, Pauillac has managed to preserve the fine houses belonging to the old nobility that were built from great blocks of stone along its quaysides. Our optional excursion this afternoon is to visit the Médoc (reservation in advance essential) – a renowned region and an “away-from-it-all” spot where the most famous of all red wines in the world are cultivated: a strip of land squeezed between ocean and estuary. Here a mild, humid climate has made it easy to cultivate and develop the vines. We pass through most of the great Médoc appelations such as Saint Julien, Margaux, Haut-Médoc and many more, following the famous Châteaux Route. We also have the opportunity to see the “must see” châteaux Lafite-Rothschild, Latour and Mouton Rothschild. We return on board for dinner and an evening of entertainment. We moor for the night in Pauillac.
Day 3: Pauillac - Gironde Estuary- Blaye
We set sail early this morning, cruising along the Gironde to the estuary. We pass the marshes, Meschers-sur-Gironde with its steep cliffs, Troglodyte houses and fishermen’s huts, before arriving in Blaye. We have lunch on board, and arrive in Blaye around 2:00pm.
In days gone by, this superb acropolis was the perfect look-out post to watch for invaders. Vauban had a citadel built here and this fortress is without doubt the biggest attraction in Blaye. We set off by coach on our optional excursion along the Corniche, or cliff route. Narrow and picturesque, the road snakes alongside the River Dordogne before reaching the Gironde Estuary. As we travel, we catch a glimpse of charming gardens, ancient fishermen’s houses, remarkable dwelling places carved out of the heart of the cliff, not forgetting the famous carrelets, the unique fishermen’s huts perched on wooden stilts on top of the water. The scenery here is a quite unusual combination of river, rocks and vines. We stop in the village of Bourg, a charming city built on a rocky outcrop enclosed by medieval ramparts. We then return to Blaye, where we visit the citadel. Majestic and imposing, it overhangs the Gironde Estuary and affords magnificent panoramic views over the Gironde. We return on board for dinner, followed by an evening of dancing. We moor for the night in Blaye.
Day 4: Blaye - Libourne - Saint Emilion
We have breakfast as we cruise this morning, heading for Libourne. Shortly after passing the island of Cazeau, we join the River Dordogne and head for Libourne where we arrive in time for lunch. After lunch on board, we have an optional excursion to Saint-Émilion. We have a guided visit of the underground monuments of Saint-Émilion village as our guide introduces us to the history of the medieval city. We then visit an exceptional Troglodyte settlement – the cave of Émilion, the monk who founded the city, the Chapel of the Holy Trinity built in his honour and the catacombs. Finally we see what is undoubtedly the most original of all the monuments – the Monolithic church. Carved out entirely from the limestone rocks, it is the largest church in Europe. We next head off to visit a family-run vineyard and wine-producer where we are welcomed by the owner who explains the steps involved in producing the great wines of Saint-Émilion. Naturally we have a tasting to conclude our visit. We rejoin our floating hotel in Libourne at the end of the afternoon. After dinner on board, the rest of the evening is free. We moor for the night in Libourne.
Day 5: Libourne - Bordeaux
We have breakfast on board today as we continue our cruise back to Bordeaux, where we arrive in the morning. Lunch on board. We set off on our optional guided tour of Bordeaux. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bordeaux obtained this classification in the category of “cultural site”. Half of the town – the boulevards on the banks of the River Garonne – has also been recognised for its architectural heritage. We set off by coach for a guided panoramic tour of the city, and we see the key buildings and monuments before we visit Old Bordeaux on foot. From the broad avenues of the Neo-classical areas of Quinconces and the Grand Théâtre to the narrow alleyways of the Saint-Pierre district, this tour gives us the opportunity to see the diversity of Bordeaux’s rich heritage. We return on board for a gala dinner, followed by an evening of dancing.
Day 5: Libourne - Bordeaux (Disembarkation)
After breakfast on board, we disembark around 9:00am. End of services.
Note:
- Please check with us regarding availability of English excursions.
- A valid passport is required for travel. Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.
2012 Departure Dates |
Cabin Rates are per passenger in $USD |
Departure Date |
Disembarkation Date |
Lower Deck w/ picture window - twin |
Upper Deck w/ picture window - twin |
Lower Deck with picture window - single
|
Upper Deck w/ picture window- single |
4-Apr-12 |
9-Apr-12 |
$1,080 |
$1,190 |
$1,340 |
$1,450 |
15-May-12 |
20-May-12 |
$1,131 |
$1,241 |
$1,391 |
$1,501 |
10-Jun-12 |
15-Jun-12 |
$1,131 |
$1,241 |
$1,391 |
$1,501 |
25-Jun-12 |
30-Jun-12 |
$1,131 |
$1,241 |
$1,391 |
$1,501 |
11-Jul-12 |
16-Jun-12 |
$1,097 |
$1,207 |
$1,357 |
$1,467 |
26-Jul-12 |
31-Jul-12 |
$1,097 |
$1,207 |
$1,357 |
$1,467 |
21-Aug-12 |
26-Aug-12 |
$1,097 |
$1,207 |
$1,357 |
$1,467 |
12-Sep-12 |
17-Sep-12 |
$1,131 |
$1,241 |
$1,391 |
$1,501 |
Fuel surcharges are additional per person. Please call to inquire. |
|
