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. Alternatively, you can enjoy an excursion to Saint-Emilion solely to discover more of the small historic town. 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)

The Libourne wine region, including Saint-Emilion, Pomerol, and Fronsac, is one of the major cradles of viticulture in the Bordeaux area, dating back to Gallo-Roman times. The first vines were planted in Fronsac two thousand years ago. In the 18th century, the wines of Fronsac enjoyed the best reputation in the Libourne region, selling for higher prices than their neighbors in Saint-Emilion and Pomerol. Today, Fronsac includes several beautiful wine estates such as Chateau de La Dauphine, Chateau de La Riviere, and Chateau Gaby. Here, you will visit a cellar and taste local wines from one estate. (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 around Blaye. Later in the day, you can choose to bike from Blaye through the idyllic French countryside to Bourg. 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)

After arriving at Cussac-Fort Medoc, venture to Pauillac, a lovely village on the Left Bank of the Gironde Estuary. This is a 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 Chateau 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 and 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. For those wishing to explore more of the history on the decadent castles, you can enjoy a visit to the Roquetaillade castle and Cadillac castle. Or, pedal through the charming town of Cadillac for a guided bike tour. (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 famed indoor Les Halles de Bacalan market for a tasting of local specialties to please the palate. Bike enthusiasts will wish to join a tour along the city's amazing network of bicycle paths. Depending on your interests, you have a choice from three excursions in the afternoon. Enjoy a visit to the immersive and interactive Bordeaux Wine Museum, housed in an awe-inspiring building. Alternatively, be treated to a spectacular sound and light show, Les Bassins de Lumieres. Or, explore the enriching city of Bordeaux at your own leisure. 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)

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