Taste of Bordeaux (Smithsonian Journeys)

BORDEAUX – EMBARKATION. Arrive in the wine capital of Bordeaux and embark your beautiful river cruise ship, docked on the Garonne River a stone’s throw from the city’s historic center. After time to get settled in your stateroom—and to explore Bordeaux on your own if time allows—kick off your journey with a welcome reception on board this evening.  (Meals: D)

LIBOURNE AND SAINT ÉMILION. Just north of Bordeaux, the Garonne converges with the Dordogne River, forming the Gironde Estuary. Follow the Dordogne during a relaxing morning on the water, cruising between vineyards and villages to Libourne, the gateway to some of Bordeaux’s most prestigious wine regions. Discover one of them on an excursion to the town of Saint Émilion, perched on a cliff overlooking an endless patchwork of vineyards. Here you’ll tour an unusual church carved out of a single piece of limestone, and then descend beneath the church to discover its catacombs and caves.  If you seek a more active adventure, pedal through the vineyards of this UNESCO-designated region on a guided bike ride from Libourne to Saint Émilion. (Meals: B,L,D)

LIBOURNE AND BERGERAC. Set out for the charming town of Bergerac, which traded hands between the English and French several times during the Middle Ages. On a walking tour along winding lanes lined with age-old half-timbered houses, stop in to see the Cloître des Récollets at the Maison du Vin and visit the Tobacco Museum, housed within a stunning 17th-century townhouse. Or stay in Libourne and delve into the town’s lively market, tasting the region’s specialties as you meander among open-air stalls stocked with everything from olives and herbal soaps to epicurean cheeses and local honey. Alternatively, visit an age-old watermill and learn about traditional breadmaking or enjoy a vineyard hike followed by a wine tasting and tapas. (Meals: B,L,D)

BLAYE – BOURG. Return west along the Dordogne toward Blaye, situated at the entrance to the Gironde Estuary. A renowned wine appellation in its own right, Blaye is known for its imposing 17th-century citadel, one of 12 designed by military engineer Vauban, now collectively a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tour the expansive cliff-top fortifications or take a guided bike ride along a former railway. Alternatively, set out for the Pair-non-Pair Caves to view some of the world’s oldest cave paintings, representations of horses, ibexes and mammoths that date back some 30,000 years. Instead, bike through the idyllic countryside to Bourg or travel there by road for a walking tour and a visit to the Carriage Museum and the World War II Petrol Cistern. As evening falls, meet local wine growers at a wine festival in this charming medieval village and enjoy the region’s wine as well as live French music and dancing. 

CUSSAC-FORT-MEDOC. Across the estuary lies Cussac-Fort-Médoc, a lovely base from which to explore the famed Médoc region, renowned for producing some of the finest Bordeaux wines. The town is home to Fort Médoc, another of Vauban’s World Heritage-listed fortifications, which guards the western bank of the Gironde Estuary. Set off on a guided hike through this picturesque region, visiting the fort as well as the verdant vineyards that blanket this surrounding landscape. You’ll also have the chance to sample Grand Cru Classé wines accompanied by local specialties. 

CADILLAC. Cruise to Cadillac and meet the owner of the Chateau Royal de Cazeneuve, where Henri IV held Queen Margot captive. Tour the magnificent property, owned by only four families since its founding, and see the original furnishings within. Or visit the impressive Castle of Roquetaillade, an amazingly preserved masterpiece of medieval military architecture owned by the same noble family for 700 years. Choose to continue with a tour of the intriguing Cadillac Ducal Castle, a once-splendid chateau that served as a women’s prison until the mid-20th century. Or opt to bike through Cadillac on a guided bike tour.

BORDEAUX. Glide back into the heart of Bordeaux, a capital of not only wine, but also art and culture. Discover the rich traditions and golden-hued neoclassical architecture of this UNESCO World Heritage Site on a city tour, then visit the indoor Les Halles de Bacalan market for a tasting of local delicacies.  Choose to end your walking tour with one of three options; witness Les Bassins des Lumières, a spectacular sound and light show; visit the interactive La Cité du Vin, housed in a whimsical building designed to capture the liquidity of wine; or take a guided tour of the Musée d’Aquitaine, which traces the history of the region from prehistory and the Roman period, to the Atlantic slave trade, and through the modern era. Bike enthusiasts may wish to ride along the city’s amazing network of bicycle paths.

BORDEAUX – DISEMBARKATION. After breakfast, disembark the ship and transfer to the airport for your flight home.