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Beautiful Bordeaux, the Dordogne & La Rochelle (Fly & Cruise)

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Explore the villages and vineyards of this wonderful part of France

7 days From £1,995 per person
Operated by our sister company Great Rail Journeys

2023 Tour code: BBZ23

About the tour

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

What’s included

Itinerary

Day 1 - London to Bordeaux

Fly from your choice of airport to Bordeaux - the centre of one of the world's most famous wine regions, 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 rail, view our Rail & Cruise option here.

Includes
  • Dinner
Day 2 - Roquetaillade Château or Cadillac countryside hike

Today we arrive in the marvellous walled town of Cadillac, 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.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 - Wines of Médoc

This morning we arrive at Cussac, a sleepy village on the banks of the Gironde. Here we disembark for a tour through the celebrated Médoc wine route and enjoy a tasting at a vineyard along the Route des Châteaux. On board this evening, we enjoy another freshly prepared dinner alongside some entertainment.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 - St Emilon

Disembarking in Libourne this morning, we travel to St Emilion for a guided tour of this UNESCO listed city before visiting the Troglodyte cave the monk who founded the town was said to have lived in after escaping the celebrity status bestowed on him for performing a miracle. We'll also see the largest monolithic church in Europe and call at a family-run vineyard, where we enjoy a tasting of some popular local wines before returning to Libourne and beginning our journey back to Bordeaux.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 - Rochefort and La Rochelle

After another delicious breakfast, we board a coach bound for Rochefort. Its 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.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 - Bordeaux and London

After a final breakfast on board, this morning we disembark and transfer to Bordeaux airport, where we catch our flight back to London.

Includes
  • Breakfast

Additional information

Departure times

Provisional departure and return times, where available, can be found together with dates and prices by clicking on the 'Prices & Availability' button. We will write to you around 10 weeks before your departure date with the precise meeting times for your tour group.

Mobility information

Due to the nature of our tours they are generally unsuitable for those with restricted mobility. If you’d like to discuss any particular holiday with us in this respect, then please don’t hesitate to call us.

Ship

MS Cyrano de Bergerac

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Upgrades

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UK rail connections
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