Beautiful Bordeaux, the Dordogne & La Rochelle (Rail & Cruise)
Beautiful Bordeaux, the Dordogne & La Rochelle (Rail & Cruise)
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Beautiful Bordeaux, the Dordogne & La Rochelle (Rail & Cruise)
7 Days Starting and ending in St Pancras International
Visiting: France
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BBR21
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Tour Overview
Experience the idyllic landscapes surrounding Bordeaux and explore the most leisurely way possible, on a river cruise sailing through the picturesque Gironde Estuary and along sections of the Garonne and Dordogne. You'll also visit the important maritime towns of the Southwest coast and enjoy great food and free-flowing wines from Bordeaux each dinnertime on this wonderfully inclusive cruise holiday.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 - London to Bordeaux
We meet at our Departure Office at London St Pancras* and travel
on the Eurostar to Paris. On arrival in the French capital, we
board a coach that takes us from the Gare du Nord to the Gare
Montparnasse. Here we board a train that will whisk us southwards
through the French countryside to Bordeaux, centre of one of the
world's most famous wine regions and set on the banks of the
Garonne River. Here we transfer to our floating hotel for 6 nights,
the MS Cyrano de Bergerac. After time to settle in, we are greeted
with a welcome cocktail before tonight's 3-course dinner is served,
accompanied by free-flowing wine and followed by an evening of
entertainment on board.
*If you would like to travel by air, view our Fly &
Cruise option title="Beautiful Bordeaux & The Dordogne Cruise (Fly & Cruise)">
here.
Day 2 - Atlantic Coast and wines of Médoc
This morning we cruise into the scenic Gironde Estuary, passing
a scattering of traditional wooden fishing huts dotted around the
attractive inlets of Cazeau Island and pretty Patiras Island. After
taking in these charming scenes at a leisurely pace, we arrive in
Pauillac, a sleepy port whose quayside is lined with grand stone
houses. We disembark for a tour through the celebrated Médoc wine
route and enjoy a tasting at a vineyard along the Route des
Châteaux. We return to the ship for lunch before an afternoon
excursion to the seaside town of Royan for a tour that takes us
past Belle Epoque villas and the retro houses that line the
shorefront. Afterwards, make the most of some free time to truly
appreciate the aesthetics of Royan, an official town of 'art and
history'. We return to the ship this evening for another freshly
prepared dinner.
Day 3 - Rochefort and La Rochelle
After another delicious breakfast, we board a coach bound for
Rochefort. It's position on the banks of the Charente River have
made it an important maritime destination for centuries, and during
our time here, we take a tour that delves into this intriguing
past. Entrance is also included to the Corderie Royale, an historic
rope-making factory that was the very first industrial building in
the country and supplied the French navy for over 300 years.
We continue to one of the most historically important seaports
on the European Atlantic coast, La Rochelle. After a lovely lunch
at a local restaurant, we set out on a tour exploring the natural
and man-made architecture that makes this destination so unique.
This is followed by some free time, during which you may like to
explore the Old Town and harbour area or visit one of the city's
many museums. Back on board, we begin sailing along the Dordogne
River to Libourne.
Day 4 - St Emilon
Early this morning leave Blaye and join the peaceful Dordogne
River on the way to the wine town of Libourne. Disembarking, travel
to St Emilion for a guided tour before visiting the exceptional
Troglodyte cave of St Emilion himself. You'll then call at a
family-run vineyard for a tasting of the popular regional wine.
Day 5 - Roquetaillade Château or Cadillac countryside hike
Arrive in the marvellous walled town of Cadillac
on Day 5, boasting a rich history dating back
to the 13th century. Here you have a choice of excursions. You
could take a tour of Roquetaillade Château, a magnificent medieval
monument, followed by a tasting of the local Sauternes wine and a
guided tour of Cadillac, or head for the hills on an energetic hike
through the distinctive countryside surrounding the town. Admire
panoramic views of the Garonne River alongside landscapes of
lilting vineyards before stopping at a family-run farm for a wine
paring session.
Day 6 - Bordeaux
Following a relaxed morning on board, this afternoon we arrive
back in Bordeaux, a beautiful city brimming with 18th-century
grandeur. With its broad boulevards and quaint Old Town, the
UNESCO-protected city boasts an exciting diversity that's palpable
in many of its attractions. We embark on a city tour for some
deeper insight into Bordeaux's history. Alternatively, you are free
to explore at your own pace. Back on board this evening, we enjoy a
gala dinner, the perfect end to our holiday.
Day 7 - Bordeaux and London
After a final breakfast on board, this morning we disembark and
transfer to Bordeaux station. Here we take the high-speed train to
Paris, where we connect with the Eurostar service back to London St
Pancras International.
What's Included
-
The services of an onboard Cruise Director
-
Optional Bag Concierge
-
6-night cruise on board the MS Cyrano de Bergerac
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