Best of Bordeaux Cruise + 2 extra nights in Bordeaux
Discover the famous wines, chateaux and historic walled towns of Bordeaux as you cruise the beautiful Gironde Estuary and Garonne and Dordogne rivers.
After your cruise, why not stay on in Bordeaux for two extra nights? This magnificent city was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008, so take this opportunity to explore more of its wine museums, the opera house and cafés.
On day 7, transfer to your hotel in Bordeaux for two nights. Enjoy time to explore independently before being taken to the airport on day 9 for your flight to the UK.
Bordeaux vineyard
Bordeaux
Bordeaux
Médoc wine region
Troglodyte caves in Meschers-sur-Gironde
Blaye Fortress
Bordeaux grape harvest
Château de Roquetaillade near Cadillac
Saint Émilion near Libourne
Saint Émilion near Libourne
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Your Itinerary
DAY 1: UK - Bordeaux.
Fly to Bordeaux where you will be met and transferred to your ship, MS Princesse d'Aquitaine, for embarkation. (D)
DAY 2: Bordeaux - Paulliac.
Today, sail along the Garonne River into the Gironde Estuary before docking and having lunch on board at Pauillac. Surrounded by some of Bordeaux's finest vineyards, this historic town was built by wine merchants and retains many original townhouses along its banks. This afternoon, perhaps join the optional excursion to the Médoc, where some of Bordeaux's most illustrious red wines are cultivated. Drive through great 'appellations' including Saint Julien, Haut-Médoc and Margaux as you trace the iconic 'Châteaux Route', admiring the beautiful châteaux of Lafite-Rothschild, Latour and Mouton Rothschild on the way. Afterwards, return to your ship for dinner and entertainment. (B, L, D)
DAY 3: Pauillac - Blaye.
Leave early this morning and drink in the views as you cruise the Gironde Estuary, passing marshlands and the cliffs of Meschers-sur-Gironde, peppered with troglodyte caves. Next, cruise to Blaye, where, after lunch on board, you can join the optional excursion, driving the cliff road that winds alongside the Dordogne River and Gironde, and catch glimpses of the region's ancient caves and 'carrelets' - stilted fishermen's huts - en-route. After a stop in medieval Bourg, return to Blaye and its 17th century fortress. Built by Louis XIV's architect Vauban, its sturdy ramparts and arrow-headed bastions were designed to stop invaders reaching Bordeaux. Tonight, enjoy dinner and dancing on board. (B, L, D)
DAY 4: Blaye - Libourne.
This morning, sail past Bordeaux and join the Dordogne to cruise to Libourne. After lunch on board, why not join the optional visit to the enchanting wine town of Saint Émilion? A UNESCO World Heritage site, this postcard-perfect hilltop settlement dates from the 2nd century BC when the Romans first planted vineyards here. Tour its remarkable underground cloisters, catacombs and chapel, built around a cave inhabited by the 8th century monk Émilion, before seeing the Monolithic Church, the world's largest hewn from a single rock. Next, learn about and sample some of the region's acclaimed wines at a family-run vineyard before returning to the ship for dinner and entertainment. (B, L, D)
DAY 5: Libourne - Cadillac.
This morning, cruise into the Garonne, arriving in Cadillac in time for lunch. This afternoon, join the optional excursion to the astonishing 12th century Château de Roquetaillade, a six-towered castle with fairytale looks. Marvel at its extravagant Gothic interiors, created by 19th century architect Viollet-le-Duc. The tour then switches attention to the delightful, walled town of Cadillac, home of the Château des Ducs d'Epernon and enclosed by fortifications and gates leading to a charming main square. After dinner on board, the evening is at leisure. (B, L, D)
DAY 6: Cadillac - Bordeaux.
Relax as you cruise back to Bordeaux, arriving in time for an optional afternoon tour of this bustling city, which started life as a Roman trading post and whose classical architecture has earned it UNESCO World Heritage status. Enjoy a panoramic coach tour of the major landmarks, including elegant 18th century houses, the Girondins column and the colonnaded Grand Théâtre. Next, set off on a walking tour around the old Saint Pierre district where narrow alleyways, fine churches and fountained squares melt into neo-classical boulevards. Back on board, enjoy a gala dinner and dancing this evening. (B, L, D)
DAY 7: Bordeaux.
After breakfast, disembark your ship and transfer to your hotel in Bordeaux for two nights. (B)
DAY 8: Bordeaux.
Free time to explore this elegent city and discover the history of its famous wines. (B)
DAY 9: Bordeaux - UK.
Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK. (B)
MS Princesse d'Aquitaine
Twin cabin, MS Princesse d'Aquitaine
Restaurant, MS Princesse d'Aquitaine
Restaurant, MS Princesse d'Aquitaine
Lounge bar, MS Princesse d'Aquitaine
Lounge dance floor, MS Princesse d'Aquitaine
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MS Princesse d'Aquitaine
Light, bright and spacious, MS Princesse d'Aquitaine is a welcoming and comfortable ship, fully air-conditioned throughout and offering modern navigational technologies. Accommodating just 138 passengers in 69 comfortably furnished cabins, MS Princesse d'Aquitaine provides a great base from which to enjoy some of the most beautiful waterways in Europe.
Public Rooms & Facilities
Large sun deck with deck chairs; dining room; lounge bar with dance floor; bar; gift shop.
Dining
Your cruise includes full board. The dining room is large enough to accommodate all passengers in one sitting. Breakfasts are buffet style, while lunch and dinner have set menus, usually including a choice of regional specialities and traditional favourites. There is an evening programme of entertainment and a welcome cocktail on the first night.
Cabins
All cabins are outside cabins and have twin or double beds; air-conditioning/climate control; satellite TV; radio; hairdryer; safety deposit box; shower and wc. Your holiday price includes a main deck cabin or you may choose to upgrade.
Options/Upgrades
Cabin Categories & Descriptions:
Twin/double main deck cabin with large window
Twin/double upper deck cabin with large window
MS Princesse d'Aquitaine
MS Princesse d'Aquitaine Sun deck
MS Princesse d'Aquitaine Upper Deck
MS Princesse d'Aquitaine Main Deck
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Main Deck twin or double cabin with large window
Upper Deck twin or double cabin with large window
Holiday Availability
Unfortunately we do not currently have any available departure dates for this holiday. For more information about possible future departures or suitable alternative holidays please contact us using the number at the top of the page or view one of the Other Holiday Choices
Best of Bordeaux Cruise + 2 extra nights in Bordeaux
Holiday Highlights
- Bordeaux
- Pauillac
- Blaye
- Libourne
- Cadillac
NO HIDDEN EXTRAS: All prices shown include ALL compulsory charges (Fuel Supplement, Air Passenger Duty & Flight Supplement where applicable). Book with confidence: We are members of ABTA and all our air-inclusive holidays are financially protected by the Civil Aviation Authority under the ATOL scheme
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