Bordeauxs Chateaux Rivers and Wine

7 Day River Cruise

France, Europe
17 Meals Included
7 Excursions
Easygoing Pace

Characterised by opulent chateaux, charming cities spliced by winding cobbled lanes, scenic beauty that flanks the Dordogne and of course, world-renowned wines from sprawling vineyards.

Highlights

  • All-Inclusive Cruising - all meals and drinks included in the price
  • Time at leisure in Bordeaux
  • A number of optional excursions are available

Map Key

Train
Coach
Boat
Airplane
Walking
1
Number of nights

Itinerary

Day 1
UK to Bordeaux

Dinner

Depart on your scheduled flight to Bordeaux. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your ship. Take a moment to settle into your comfortable cabin and enjoy a welcome cocktail with the crew before dinner. The cruise will set sail to Pauillac. You can board your ship at 6pm. If your arrival is before this time, you are then free to explore the city at your own pace until it is time to board your ship.

Day 2
Pauillac to Royan

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

You will dock at Pauillac, and begin a tour of the prestigious wine-growing region of Medoc. Favoured by a mild, humid microclimate, this region produces some of the world's most sought-after red wines. The trail will take you along the famous Chateaux Route, past rolling valleys, verdant fields and the wine estates and elegant castles of Saint Julien, Margaux, Lafite-Rothschild and Latour. With stops along the route, sample the region's exquisite wines and discover why they are revered by connoisseurs across the globe. Cruise the Gironde until you reach the estuary. Dock in Royan and enjoy a panoramic tour of the seaside city.

Day 3
Royan to Libourne

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Enjoy the day at leisure in Royan or alternatively join an optional excursion to the seaside cities of Rochefort and La Rochelle. Leave by coach for Rochefort. Rochefort was originally chosen by Jean-Baptiste Colbert as a refuge, defence, and supply post for the French navy back in the mid-1660s. Its arsenal remained a naval base and dockyard until as late as 1926. The historic downtown area boasts lovely private mansions and beautiful homes where the legendary sailors and explorers lived. Visit the Corderie Royale, a historical rope-making factory. Built between 1666 and 1669, it was the first industrial building in France, and the factory provided ropes for the French Navy and its ships for over three centuries. Tour the main building and learn about the techniques used to produce the ropes used on the large sailing ships. Afterwards, head to La Rochelle. Stop for lunch in a local restaurant. The over 1,000-year-old city of La Rochelle is the capital of the Charente Maritime. It's tucked along the Bay of Biscay and contains some of the most beautiful natural and architectural heritage in the area. During a guided tour of the old town and port, learn about the Grosse-Horologe gate, Renaissance arcades, lovely half-timbered homes, finely sculpted facades of the private mansions, and the cathedral. Enjoy some free time before returning to the ship. The rest of the day will be spent cruising to Libourne. Enjoy dinner and an evening of entertainment.

Day 4
Libourne to Bordeaux

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

This morning enjoy an excursion to Saint-Emilion. A guided tour of Saint-Emilion's underground monuments, discovers the rich history of this medieval city, including its enigmatic monolithic church. Continue to a vineyard where you will learn how the famous local wine is produced. Enjoy a tasting of local products at the end of the tour. Return to the ship in Libourne and spend the afternoon cruising to Bordeaux. In the evening leave by coach for a panoramic tour of the city of Bordeaux (only available in 2023), where you'll be able to discover the main monuments, followed by a tour on foot of the old quarter of Bordeaux. Discover the impressive areas such as the Place des Quinconces and the Grand Theatre, as well as the intimate side streets, tucked around the Place Saint Pierre.

Day 5
Bordeaux to Cadillac

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Cruise along the Garonne, getting a good glimpse of Bordeaux from the water as the ship continues to Cadillac. This morning visit the magnificent and prestigious Chateau de Roquetaillade. This castle has been the backdrop for several French films including Brotherhood of the Wolf (Le Pacte des Loups) and Fanfan la Tulipe. Explore the towers of this medieval chateau before heading to a wine cellar in the Sauternais to enjoy a tasting of the famous Sauternes wine. Afterwards, return to Cadillac for a guided tour of the city. Located on the right bank of the Garonne River, the city was founded in 1280 and still retains its original structure. Explore the port, its ramparts, and the main square and stroll the streets to admire the old homes and 15th-century church. Spend the afternoon cruising to Bordeaux and arrive during the evening. Tonight, enjoy the gala evening.

Day 6
Bordeaux

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

This morning visit The Chartrons District and Wine and Commerce Museum. Set out with your guide on foot to explore the old neighbourhood where wine merchants performed their trade. You'll visit the Wine and Commerce Museum to trace the history of Bordeaux's classic nectar. Enjoy some wine tasting at a fee. Return to your ship for lunch and then enjoy some free time on your own in the city this afternoon. Back on board, enjoy dinner and an evening of entertainment.

Day 7
Bordeaux to UK

Breakfast

After breakfast, disembark at 9am for your transfer to the airport and your return flight to the UK. If you have a late return flight, you may leave your luggage onboard the ship until 14.00pm and spend your time exploring the city until your return airport transfer.

View Full Itinerary

Your Cruise Ship

MS Cyrano De Bergerac
6 nights
Bordeaux River, France
More details

Important Information

The Captain and Croisieurope reserve the right to alter/modify an itinerary at any time, should safety or external circumstances make this necessary, changes are also subject to tides. Some of the highlights may only be seen on optional excursions at an additional cost, or by exploring independently.

If booking more than 12 weeks before departure a deposit of £390.14pp will need to be paid at the time of booking with the full amount payable at 12 weeks prior to departure. The deposit applies to adults and children. If you are within 12 weeks of travel then the full balance of the holiday will be payable.

A visa is not required for your entry into France. Further advice should be sought from the applicable tourist authority for other nationalities and for general queries. We strongly advise you check your destinations' Tourist Board or Embassy for the most up-to-date guidelines regarding passport validity.

Your flight is to Bordeaux-Merignanc Airport with British Airways (BA), departing from London Gatwick South Terminal.

Each passenger is entitled to 23KG of hold luggage plus 1 item of hand luggage not exceeding (Max 23kg - 56cm/45cm/25cm) in size and 1 personal item such as a handbag, briefcase or laptop case. Weight restrictions will be finalized on your final documentation. Should you wish to take additional luggage you will need to pay extra at check-in. Check-In should be at least 3 hours before departure.

IMPORTANT: Please note that final flight details will be confirmed on your final documentation which will be sent to you approximately 21 days before departure. Check in baggage is included with your flight. A printed E-ticket is no longer required at check-in, all you need to do is present your passport to the staff at the desk and your boarding pass will be given to you.

Airport Extras

If you wish to arrange Airport car parking or accommodation at preferential rates, we recommend you book this in advance with Holiday Extras on 0871 360 2000, quoting HX313.

We strongly recommend that you and all members of your party are suitably insured as soon as you book your holiday. It is a condition of booking that you must have suitable travel insurance. It is important that you purchase travel insurance that suitably covers your participation in whatever activities you may undertake at the time that you make your booking. To assist you with this, we have arranged travel insurance in partnership with Holiday Extras. To arrange your travel insurance with Holiday Extras, please call 0800 781 4237 and quote 'WK830' for preferential rates. Please ensure you provide us with the name of your insurer, policy number and their 24-hour emergency contact number as soon as possible. Mercury Holidays will not be liable for any costs incurred by you due to your failure to take out suitable travel insurance from the date of booking

It is your responsibility to check any health and vaccination requirements applicable to your booked arrangements. We can only provide general information about this. Health and hygiene facilities and disease risks vary from country to country. You should take health advice about your own needs as early as possible and in good time before your departure. Sources of information include; www.fco.gov.uk, http://travelhealthpro.org.uk/, www.hpa.org.uk, your General Practitioner or a specialist clinic.

This cruise is accessible to most people with an average level of fitness. It involves some climbing of steep steps, and getting on and off boats. This tour is not suitable for anyone with walking difficulties.

The currency in France is the Euro, We recommend that you exchange your currency before you leave the UK, however cash machines are available in all the major cities to withdraw money in the local currency.

Credit cards are accepted on board ship and throughout all major cities.

This cruise is All-Inclusive, so you will only need to take a little extra money with you to cover any premium drinks on board and souvenirs, drinks and snacks purchased when off the ship, as well as any optional excursions you wish to book.

Tipping is at your discretion. There is an envelope in your cabin for these purpose that can be handed to reception at the end of your cruise.

Please note: your cruise is shared with international clients from other companies.

An English-speaking Cruise Director will be on board your cruise to help with any queries that you may have. While on excursions included in your itinerary, you will be accompanied by an English-speaking local tour guide. When exploring locally during your leisure time you will not be accompanied by a tour guide. Please note: Your cruise is shared with international clients from other companies.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily are taken onboard the ship. Tables seat 4 and 6 people, so you’ll be able to converse and socialise with new friends, whilst never feeling crowded together. Tea and coffee are available on-board ship as well as unlimited soft drinks and alcoholic drinks, including a variety of wines and beer, both during meals and at the bar. (Premium brands are available at an extra cost). Any dietary requirements and dislikes should be made known to our reservations staff at the time of booking. On embarking the ship, you will be greeted by the captain, crew and staff and treated to welcome cocktails.

On your arrival in Bordeaux you will be met by a representative from our local agent, CroisiEurope, holding a sign displaying: “Mercury Holidays”. The Mercury Holidays/CroisiEurope representative will show you to your transfer vehicle. If you need to contact your representative during your stay the details will be given on your arrival.

Embarkation Time: 6pm

If your arrival is before this time, you will be transferred to the docking area where you are then free to explore the city at your own pace until it is time to board your ship.

Disembarkation Time: 9am

If your return flight is after 9am you will be able to leave your luggage onboard the ship (until 14:00pm) and spend your time exploring the city until your return airport transfer. Please note that from 9:00 am on day of disembarkation drinks will not be available in the lounge bar and there will be no other cruise services on board.

Please note: In instances where the ship must leave the dock and luggage cannot be stored or if you need luggage store later than 14:00pm. There is luggage storage available (at a fee) at the at Bordeaux-Saint-Jean train station which is about a ten-minute car journey from the port. You are then free to explore the city or relax in one of the many coffee shops and eateries in Bordeaux, before making your way back to the port for your return airport transfer. You will be given a pickup time prior to disembarking the ship, please ensure you are back at the port before your allocated transfer time.