Taste of Bordeaux - Christmas Time & New Year's Celebration Cruise

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Taste of Bordeaux

Christmas Time & New Year's Celebration Cruise



Tour Description:

Embark on an enchanting Taste of Bordeaux: Cruising the Waterways of Southwest France itinerary, part of AmaWaterways’ new collaboration with Smithsonian Journeys. Explore Bordeaux’s picturesque wine regions, wandering through charming towns and historic sites, and savoring exquisite local wines and cuisine. Start in Bordeaux, exploring the city’s historic center before cruising along the Garonne River. Visit picturesque towns like Libourne and Saint Émilion, immersing yourself in their rich wine culture and scenic vineyards. Plus, enjoy specially curated tours that include a discovery of Bergerac's medieval allure, a tour of the historic Château Royal de Cazeneuve where Henry IV kept the Queen Margot captive for several years, and an exploration of the prehistoric petroglyphs of the Pair-non-Pair caves – all exclusively available on Taste of Bordeaux Smithsonian Journeys. You will also have the unique opportunity to engage with and learn from two Smithsonian Journeys Experts throughout your journey whose specialized expertise will further immerse you in the history, art or culture of the region.

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Dates & Pricing

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Thursday 23 Dec 27 — Thursday 30 Dec 27Starting at $4,829 Get a Quote


ITINERARY

Day 1
BORDEAUX – EMBARKATION. Embark the ship for your Taste of Bordeaux cruise.

Day 2
LIBOURNE. Welcome to 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. If you prefer a more active adventure, pedal through the vineyard-rich countryside to Saint-Émilion.

Day 3
LIBOURNE. Stroll through the colorful, open-air market, tasting some of the region’s specialties. As a unique alternative, travel back in time to visit an ancient watermill and learn the tradition of breadmaking. Or, you can get your heart pumping by venturing deeper into town by hiking through one of Libourne’s renowned vineyards, accompanied by a tasting of local wine and tapas.

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 along a former railway. Later in the day, you can choose to bike from Blaye through the idyllic French countryside to Bourg. Or, in the ancient village of Bourg, take a walking tour and visit the Carriage Museum, which houses a wonderful collection of horse-drawn vehicles, and the World War II Petrol Cistern. Towards the evening, 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.

Day 5
CUSSAC-FORT-MEDOC. Cussac-Fort-Medoc is a peaceful commune in southwestern France and your gateway to the famed Médoc region, renowned for producing some of the world’s finest Bordeaux wines. Today, you can join a tour of the commune's famous wine estates. More active guests can hike through the vineyards, followed by a tasting of local specialties.

Day 6
CADILLAC. Visit the impressive Royal Chateau Cazeneauve, an amazingly preserved masterpiece owned by the same noble family for generations to the current day. 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.

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. In the afternoon, be treated to a spectacular sound and light show, Les Bassins des Lumières. Alternatively, you can enjoy a visit to the immersive and interactive Bordeaux Wine Museum, housed in an awe-inspiring building.

Day 8
BORDEAUX – DISEMBARKATION. Disembark the ship and prepare for your flight home. (B) B,L,D – Indicates Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner are included on this day.