7-night from Bordeaux to Bordeaux
Embark on an enchanting Taste of Bordeaux: Cruising the Waterways of Southwest France itinerary, part of AmaWaterways’ new collaboration with Smithsonian Journeys. Explore Bordeaux’s picturesque wine regions, wandering through charming towns and historic sites, and savoring exquisite local wines and cuisine. Start in Bordeaux, exploring the city’s historic center before cruising along the Garonne River. Visit picturesque towns like Libourne and Saint Émilion, immersing yourself in their rich wine culture and scenic vineyards. Plus, enjoy specially curated tours that include a discovery of Bergerac's medieval allure, a tour of the historic Château Royal de Cazeneuve where Henry IV kept the Queen Margot captive for several years, and an exploration of the prehistoric petroglyphs of the Pair-non-Pair caves – all exclusively available on Taste of Bordeaux Smithsonian Journeys. You will also have the unique opportunity to engage with and learn from two Smithsonian Journeys Experts throughout your journey whose specialized expertise will further immerse you in the history, art or culture of the region.What's Included
- Arrive in the wine capital of Bordeaux and embark your beautiful river cruise ship, docked on the Garonne River a stone’s throw from the city’s historic center. After time to get settled in your stateroom—and to explore Bordeaux on your own if time allows—kick off your journey with a welcome reception on board this evening. (Meals: D)
- Just north of Bordeaux, the Garonne converges with the Dordogne River, forming the Gironde Estuary. Follow the Dordogne during a relaxing morning on the water, cruising between vineyards and villages to Libourne, the gateway to some of Bordeaux’s most prestigious wine regions. Discover one of them on an excursion to the town of Saint Émilion, perched on a cliff overlooking an endless patchwork of vineyards. Here you’ll tour an unusual church carved out of a single piece of limestone, and then descend beneath the church to discover its catacombs and caves. If you seek a more active adventure, pedal through the vineyards of this UNESCO-designated region on a guided bike ride from Libourne to Saint Émilion. (Meals: B,L,D)
- Set out for the charming town of Bergerac, which traded hands between the English and French several times during the Middle Ages. On a walking tour along winding lanes lined with age-old half-timbered houses, stop in to see the Cloître des Récollets at the Maison du Vin and visit the Tobacco Museum, housed within a stunning 17th-century townhouse. Or stay in Libourne and delve into the town’s lively market, tasting the region’s specialties as you meander among open-air stalls stocked with everything from olives and herbal soaps to epicurean cheeses and local honey. Alternatively, visit an age-old watermill and learn about traditional breadmaking or enjoy a vineyard hike followed by a wine tasting and tapas. (Meals: B,L,D)
- Return west along the Dordogne toward Blaye, situated at the entrance to the Gironde Estuary. A renowned wine appellation in its own right, Blaye is known for its imposing 17th-century citadel, one of 12 designed by military engineer Vauban, now collectively a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tour the expansive cliff-top fortifications or take a guided bike ride along a former railway. Alternatively, set out for the Pair-non-Pair Caves to view some of the world’s oldest cave paintings, representations of horses, ibexes and mammoths that date back some 30,000 years. Instead, bike through the idyllic countryside to Bourg or travel there by road for a walking tour and a visit to the Carriage Museum and the World War II Petrol Cistern. As evening falls, meet local wine growers at a wine festival in this charming medieval village and enjoy the region’s wine as well as live French music and dancing. (B,L,D)
- Across the estuary lies Cussac-Fort-Médoc, a lovely base from which to explore the famed Médoc region, renowned for producing some of the finest Bordeaux wines. The town is home to Fort Médoc, another of Vauban’s World Heritage-listed fortifications, which guards the western bank of the Gironde Estuary. Set off on a guided hike through this picturesque region, visiting the fort as well as the verdant vineyards that blanket this surrounding landscape. You’ll also have the chance to sample Grand Cru Classé wines accompanied by local specialties. (B,L,D)
- Cruise to Cadillac and meet the owner of the Chateau Royal de Cazeneuve, where Henri IV held Queen Margot captive. Tour the magnificent property, owned by only four families since its founding, and see the original furnishings within. Or visit the impressive Castle of Roquetaillade, an amazingly preserved masterpiece of medieval military architecture owned by the same noble family for 700 years. Choose to continue with a tour of the intriguing Cadillac Ducal Castle, a once-splendid chateau that served as a women’s prison until the mid-20th century. Or opt to bike through Cadillac on a guided bike tour. (B,L,D)
- Glide back into the heart of Bordeaux, a capital of not only wine, but also art and culture. Discover the rich traditions and golden-hued neoclassical architecture of this UNESCO World Heritage Site on a city tour, then visit the indoor Les Halles de Bacalan market for a tasting of local delicacies. Choose to end your walking tour with one of three options; witness Les Bassins des Lumières, a spectacular sound and light show; visit the interactive La Cité du Vin, housed in a whimsical building designed to capture the liquidity of wine; or take a guided tour of the Musée d’Aquitaine, which traces the history of the region from prehistory and the Roman period, to the Atlantic slave trade, and through the modern era. Bike enthusiasts may wish to ride along the city’s amazing network of bicycle paths. (B,L,D)
- After breakfast, disembark the ship and transfer to the airport for your flight home. (B)
Dates & Pricing
Select your preferred date or enquire
Your Itinerary
Day 1 - Bordeaux
Read More
Read Less
Day 2 - Libourne
Read More
Read Less
Day 3 - Libourne
Read More
Read Less
Day 4 - Blaye
Read More
Read Less
Day 5 - Cussac Fort Medoc
Read More
Read Less
Day 6 - Cadillac
Read More
Read Less
Day 7 - Bordeaux
Read More
Read Less
Day 8 - Bordeaux
Read More
Read Less
Travel Partner
AmaWaterways is a premier river cruise line offering luxurious journeys through Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America. Known for exceptional service and innovative ship designs, they provide unforgettable travel experiences
Tripcode: 137857
Price from
$8,408*
per person*
Book with confidence
Speak to an advisor in-store
Prefer to talk to us in person? Make an appointment at our Travel Branches to speak with one of our Travel Advisors
Make an appointment