Cruising the Bordeaux Wine Country

Local departure by coach or Door-to-Door service, then to the Paris area for an overnight stay.

We disembark and travel north by coach to the Loire Valley. The Loire River is listed as a World Heritage site. We will visit the pretty town of Blois and Château Chambord on our journey. Blois is known as the capital of the Loir-et-Cher area and was first mentioned in the 6th century so the area has both history and buildings of interest all the way through to the modern day.

We then travel to the Château Chambord, where construction was first started in the 16th century for the young King Francois I and has been a popular attraction ever since its completion. The Château Chambord is one of the most impressive Renaissance building in the Loire Valley which also has beautiful grounds and gardens to explore. We stay overnight in the Loire region.

Today we travel to Bordeaux which is at the centre of the Bordeaux wine-growing region. Bordeaux is renowned for its historic quarters, and around 1800 hectares are listed as a World Heritage site. Place de la Bourse, with its elegant buildings, and Fountain of the Three Graces are well-photographed, and popular with visitors.

The Cathedral Bell Tower offers a panoramic view of the town and many of its monuments – though visitors must climb 229 steps to the top!

We board our ship, the MS Cyrano De Bergerac for the next five nights. Enjoy a welcome cocktail followed by dinner.

Today we cruise from Bordeaux to Cussac-Fort-Medoc. Come and enjoy an afternoon included excursion to the Medoc a renowned region off the beaten track, where the most famous of all red wines in the world are cultivated. Medoc is home to around 1,500 vineyards. Medoc also has an AOC (Appellations d’origine controlee or the controlled designation of origin) for its wine which is the same for the Champagnes. We pass through many of the great Medoc appellations, following part of the famous Chateaux Route. Then we berth in Cussac-Fort-Medoc overnight.

Depending on mooring availability, the stopover in Cussac-Fort-Médoc may be replaced by another port of call.

We set sail early this morning, cruising towards Blaye. Why not join our included excursion by coach along the Corniche, or cliff route. The scenery here is an unusual combination of river, rocks and vines. We'll return onboard and cruise on the Gironde all the way to the estuary.

Please note that depending on mooring availability, the order of ports of call may be reversed.

Today we cruise to Bourg/Libourne and offer an optional excursion to the world-famous ‘wine’ village of Saint-Emilion. Saint-Emilion has been a 'wine' town since the Romans first planted vines in the area back in the early 2nd century.

This then continued with the Monk Emilion who settled in the town to worship and develop the vineyards. It was monk Emilion who gave the town its name. From this humble beginning, the vines have blossomed, making St Emilion into one of the largest wine-producing towns in the area. Admire the many sights here, such as Trinity Chapel and the town's Monolithic church, which is also the largest of its kind in Europe.

Tonight is a festive gala dinner and evening.

Depending on mooring availability, the stopover will be at either Bourg or Libourne.

We cruise to Bordeaux. Once we have moored you can enjoy free time in the town. Bordeaux is said to be the capital of the wine industry and is home to the world wine fair called Vinexpo. The city has a wealth of interesting sights, including St Catherine’s street in the city centre and Saint-Michel’s tower, which soars high above the city.

One of the city’s most famous attractions is the magnificent Miroir d’eau, the world’s largest reflecting pool, which sits in front of the Place de la Bourse and creates a fabulous effect. One of the nicest parts of the city is Les Quais, which stretch along the banks of the Garonne River and are a pretty place to wander around.

So why not have a look around at some of the grand buildings and sample some wine before tonight’s dinner and entertainment.

We head north to the Paris area for an overnight stay.

Return home.