Brilliant Bordeaux

Itinerary:

Day 1: Bordeaux

Arrive in Bordeaux and board S.S. Bon Voyage for the start of your river cruise. Settle into your stateroom and get comfortable as you prepare to explore one of France’s most famous wine regions. If you have arranged an arrival transfer with Uniworld, you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to the ship.

Day 2: Cadillac

Sail to Cadillac, an area known for its beautiful countryside and sweet Sauternes wines. Visit the historic Château Royal de Cazeneuve for a glimpse into its royal past, accompanied by a glass of Sauternes, or discover the story of artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. It’s a relaxed introduction to the history, wine and culture of the region.

Day 3: Cussac Fort Médoc

Discover the celebrated Médoc wine region, where prestigious châteaux sit among seemingly endless vineyards. Choose to follow the Médoc Châteaux Route for a private wine tasting, sample fresh local oysters or cycle through the vineyards for a more active experience. Back onboard, enjoy the Captain’s Welcome Reception and Dinner.

Day 4: Blaye & Bourg-sur-Gironde

Travel along the scenic Route de la Corniche Fleurie towards historic Blaye. Explore the UNESCO-listed Blaye Citadel, once built to protect Bordeaux from attacks by sea, before discovering the character of nearby Bourg-sur-Gironde. Picturesque villages and riverside scenery make this a lovely day for exploring.

Day 5: Libourne & Saint-Émilion

Step into one of Bordeaux’s most famous wine regions with a visit to beautiful Saint-Émilion. Wander through its historic streets and discover centuries of winemaking tradition, with a tasting giving you the chance to sample the local wines. Return to Libourne after a day surrounded by vineyards and French countryside.

Day 6: Libourne & Bordeaux

Enjoy more time in Libourne before cruising back towards Bordeaux. The day offers another opportunity to experience the region’s local food, markets and wine culture before returning to the city. In the evening, enjoy a special after-hours experience at Bordeaux’s immersive Bassins des Lumières.

Day 7: Bordeaux

Spend your final full day getting to know Bordeaux, with its elegant architecture, lively streets and rich heritage. Explore on foot or take a more active approach with a bike ride through the city’s backstreets, stopping for local treats along the way. Return to the ship and enjoy your final evening onboard.

Day 8: Bordeaux

Wake up in Bordeaux as your river cruise comes to an end. After breakfast, disembark S.S. Bon Voyage and continue with your onward journey. Leave with memories of historic châteaux, beautiful vineyards, French cuisine and some of Bordeaux’s celebrated wines.

Terms and Conditions

INCLUDES: accommodation in a Riverview stateroom on the S.S. Bon Voyage, 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 7 dinners, Captain’s Welcome and Farewell Receptions, Welcome and Farewell Gala Dinners, unlimited beverages onboard, including fine wine, beer, spirits, specialty coffee and tea, soft drinks, and mineral water, 6 days of excursions (all fully hosted by English-speaking local experts), guided “Let's Go,” “Do as the Locals Do,” and “Village Day” programs, state-of-the-art Quietvox portable audio-headset system on all excursions, Brompton G-Line Bicycles and Nordic Walking sticks available for independent exploration, gratuities for onboard personnel, 24-hour room service, laundry and Wi-Fi.

SAVE R12,000 – 8 Days From R48,000 per person sharing