7 Night Taste of Bordeaux Cruise from Bordeaux

Embark the ship for your Taste of Bordeaux cruise. (D)

Take in the romance of Bordeaux as you pass iconic sights on a scenic morning cruise. Later in the day, dock in Libourne, a gateway to one of Bordeaux's most elite wine regions. Join an excursion to Saint Emilion, 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. Afterwards, enjoy a Grand Cru Classe wine tasting at either Chateau de Ferrand or Chateau de Pressac. If you prefer a more active adventure, pedal through the vineyard-rich countryside to Saint-Emilion and then to Chateau Soutard for a Grand Cru Classe wine tasting. You can also choose to tour the magnificent Chateau de Vayres, one of the most prestigious historic buildings of Aquitaine. (B,L,D)

Stroll through Libourne's colorful open-air market, tasting some of the region's specialties. Or, you can get your heart pumping by venturing deeper into town on an invigorating bike tour or hiking through one of Libourne's renowned vineyards. Later in the day, set sail for Blaye, where you'll enjoy an evening at your leisure. (B,L,D)

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 from Blaye through the idyllic French countryside. While in the ancient village of Bourg, take a walking tour and visit the Carriage Museum, which houses a wonderful collection of horse-drawn vehicles. Later in the day, 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. (B,L,D)

Cussac-Fort-Medoc, a lovely village on the bank of the Gironde Estuary, is gateway to the famed Medoc region, renowned for producing some of the world's finest Bordeaux wines. You will see some of the most beautiful and famous wine estates, including Chateau Latour, Chateau Mouton Rothschild, Chateau Lafite Rothschild, and Chateau Pichon Longueville. You'll then visit either Chateau Gruaud-Larose or Chateau Leoville Poyferre for a tasting of Grand Cru wines. Alternatively, you can visit Lynch-Bages, a quaint wine estate and village, followed by a wine and local specialties tasting. Or, enjoy a coast drive to Soulac-sur-Mer where you'll see unique sights, such as the Statue of Liberty and the Cordouan Lighthouse known to be the oldest in France. (B,L,D)

Visit the impressive Castle of Roquetaillade, an amazingly preserved masterpiece of medieval military architecture owned by the same noble family for 700 years. Next, travel to the Sauternes wine region to either Chateau de Rayne Vigneau or Chateau Guiraud to taste the highly prized golden-hued sweet wines produced here. In the evening, enjoy a spectacular illumination cruise, gazing at the iconic structures of Bordeaux as they glow against the night sky. (B,L,D)

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 immersive and interactive Bordeaux Wine Museum, housed in an awe-inspiring building. Bike enthusiasts will wish to join a tour along the city's amazing network of bicycle paths. (B,L,D)

Disembark the ship and prepare for your flight home. (B)