Brilliant Bordeaux
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Bordeaux is world-famous as one of France’s wine capitals. And for good reason. Step off the boat here and you’ll see miles upon miles of some of the globe’s most celebrated vineyards. But there’s so much more Bordeaux than that. This beautiful city defines the French experience, with a rustic authenticity that you can reach out and touch. Our Brilliant Bordeaux river tour sees you exploring three of the region’s prettiest rivers before embarking on a scenic drive from Blaye to Bourg. You’ll see for yourself how the French live day-to-day, with visits to farmer’s markets, windmills and country residences. And of course, there’ll be as much wine as you care to sample.
Itinerary
DAY 1 Bordeaux (Embark)
Arrive at Bordeaux-Mérignac International Airport. If your cruise package includes a group arrival transfer or if you have purchased a private arrival transfer, you will be greeted by a Uniworld representative and transferred to the ship.
DAY 2 Blaye, Bourg sur Gironde
The Route de la Corniche Fleurie…could this be the most beautiful road you’ve ever traveled? Find out today on the drive to Blaye Fortress, passing through one impossibly picturesque hamlet after another. Once you arrive, you’ll discover the wonders of this historic fortress, a UNESCO-designated citadel that once protected Bordeaux from attacks by sea.
DAY 3 Cussac Fort Médoc, Pauillac la Fayette
The legendary Médoc region abounds with prestigious wine châteaux in a dizzying array of architectural styles, as well as miles of grapevines stretching to infinity. Take a scenic drive through the storied Médoc wine route, followed by a wine tasting at a beautiful wine estate.
DAY 4 Cadillac
The French phrase “la douceur de vivre” is an accurate description for your time in Cadillac, known for its deliciously flavored dessert wines. Visit Château Royal de Cazeneuve, site of Henry IV’s and Queen Margot’s tempestuous love. Meet the owner around a glass of Sauternes in the reception hall.
DAY 5 Libourne (Saint-Émilion)
With Libourne as your base, travel to nearby breathtaking Saint-Émilion and immerse yourself more deeply in the region’s history and wine culture. The medieval town of Saint-Émilion is an ideal place to linger. Wander its cobblestone lanes lined with wine shops and bakeries, and stop to admire the amazing rock-hewn church that extends beneath the city’s streets. Another treasure awaiting you underground? A wine tasting in the cellars of a Grand Cru estate.
Note: Today’s lunch will be on your own; ask your Cruise Manager for recommendations on the best nearby restaurants.
DAY 6 Libourne, Bordeaux
France’s rich agricultural tradition is the heart and soul of the region’s exquisite cuisine—and what better way to get a taste for the freshest vegetables, cheeses, breads and fruits than with a visit to Libourne’s lively farmers’ market?
DAY 7 Bordeaux
Discover Bordeaux’s many charms today, either on foot with a local expert or on two wheels—the locals’ preferred way to navigate the city’s charming backstreets. You have a wonderful selection of active opportunities to see this magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Site.
DAY 8 Bordeaux (Disembark)
Disembark the ship. If your cruise package includes a group departure transfer or if you have purchased a private departure transfer, you will be transferred to Bordeaux-Mérignac International Airport for your flight home.
About this trip
See 3 UNESCO World Heritage sites and 1 country
Departure Months
March to October
What's included
7 NIGHTS
Accommodation
PREMIUM ALL INCLUSIVE
7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 7 dinners, Welcome and Farewell Gala Dinners. Unlimited beverages onboard, including fine wine, beer, spirits, specialty coffee and tea, soft drinks and mineral water
ON-TRIP TRANSPORT
All transport shown
Sightseeing highlights
Sailing on the newest Super Ships to the rivers of Bordeaux—the S.S. Bon Voyage— designed to immerse guests in French culture, art and wine, from its stunning lobby clad in polished wood, subtle brass details and hand-crafted balustrade, to the stylish emerald tones found in bar Le Salon Champagne, inspired by Yves Saint Laurent’s personal abode, Villa Majorelle.
The dining venues also capture the essence of France. The quintessential La Brasserie, with its natural green and pops of yellow décor inspired by the famous Bouillon Pigalle, serves traditional bistro fare. Le Grand Fromage offers menus reflective of the local cuisine, prepared from locally-sourced ingredients. La Cave des Vins is an intimate space where connoisseurs can gather for expert food and wine pairing dinners upon request.
The stunning Soleil Deck, awash in vibrant fabrics, features the only infinity pool on the rivers and spectacular views of the French countryside. Poolside service at Le Café du Soleil offers casual French cuisine as well as open-air cooking demonstrations from our chefs.
The Bressenden difference
DINING
All meals onboard, prepared using the finest and freshest ingredients
7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 7 dinners
Captain’s Welcome and Farewell Receptions
Welcome and Farewell Gala Dinners
Unlimited beverages onboard, including fine wine, beer, spirits, specialty coffee and tea, soft drinks and mineral water
EXCURSIONS
6 days of excursions, including “Choice Is Yours” options, all fully hosted by English-speaking local experts
Guided “Let’s Go,” “Do as the Locals Do” and “Village Day” programs
State-of-the-art Quietvox portable audio-headset system on all excursions
Use of bicycles and Nordic walking sticks
LUXURIOUS SHIPS
7-night cruise in a riverview stateroom on the breathtaking S.S. Bon Voyage
Lavishly appointed riverview staterooms and suites have handcrafted Savoir® Beds of England, high thread count 100% Egyptian cotton sheets and European duvets, and a menu of pillow options
Free Internet and Wi-Fi access
EXPERIENCES
3 UNESCO World Heritage sites
Captivating onboard local entertainment
Cultural enrichment, including Signature Lectures
Services of an experienced Uniworld Cruise Manager
All transfers on arrival and departure days
Gratuities for onboard personnel (ship staff, crew, Cruise/Tour Manager) are included during the cruise/tour
Exclusive Connoisseur Collection on select summer departures
BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE
Low deposits – Booking protected.
CONNOISSEUR COLLECTION SAILINGS
Culinary-focused French cruises that will take you to famous restaurants, vineyards, orchards, truffle farms and other culinary hot spots. In Bordeaux, experience a sensory adventure at La Cité du Vin, an interactive museum devoted to wine. Select dates.
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Included
EuropeFranceRiver Cruises -
Not Included
AfricaAsiaAustralasiaCanadaCroatiaDanubeEgyptEnglandGreeceIcelandIrelandItalyLatin AmericaMultiPortugalRhineScandinaviaScotlandSpainSpain and PortugalToursTurkeyUK & IrelandUsaUSA & CanadaWorldwide
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