Sail beautiful Bordeaux with Scenic

Visit picture postcard villages and acclaimed wineries, enjoy glorious local cuisine and more on this 11-day river cruise through France’s famous Bordeaux region. 

Tour Highlights

Travel through the heart of one of the world’s great gastronomic regions and savour its delights.

On this sensory journey, you’ll take on the skills of a sommelier, join a masterclass in French cooking and explore some of the most picturesque villages in Europe.

Whether it’s a wine a tasting in a château in Médoc or Cadillac or sampling the delights of a fresh food market in Arcachon, your palate will be well sated on this Scenic cruise.

Beautiful Bordeaux- Full Itinerary

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Day 1 – Bordeaux

Kick off your holiday at tonight’s welcome reception on board after settling into your suite on the luxurious Scenic Diamond in Bordeaux.

Meals included: Dinner

Day 2 – Bordeaux > Saint-Émilion

Enjoy a pleasant morning cruise along the Dordogne River to Libourne. Whilst cruising, perhaps join a masterclass in French cuisine in Scenic Culinaire. Spend the afternoon in Saint-Émilion, the jewel of this ancient wine growing region. You’ll also get to explore the underground catacombs of the Monolithic Church – a true trip highlight.

Sundowners
Celebrate the two thousand-year history of wine with a glass at the exclusive estate of Château Siaurac.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 – Libourne > Pauillac

Awake to charming vistas over historic Libourne.

Freechoice
Enjoy a guided tour of Libourne and view its quaint 16th century town-house and Gothic church. Alternatively, sample the exquisite Grand Cru Class wines at the estate of Château Franc Mayne, or visit the city of Bergerac and enjoy foie gras tasting at a local farm.

Leisurely cruising to Pauillac this afternoon with opportunities to join a cooking class in Scenic Culinaire along the way.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 – Médoc

Discover why the Médoc region is highly regarded as the world’s leading red wine producer. Afterwards, sample the region’s finest at the Château Gruaud-Larose estate, or take a bike to explore Château Lagrange, featured on Napoleon III’s 1855 Classification.

Enrich
The spectacular Médoc countryside boasts many fine aristocratic châteaux but none more opulent than Château Giscours. You’ll be escorted to the 18th century Farm Suzanne on the Giscours estate to enjoy an unforgettable four-course dinner with Grand Cru Class wines and live musicians performing classical masterpieces for your enjoyment. Truly wondrous.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 – Pauillac > Cadillac

Soak in the Garonne River vistas as we spend a full day cruising the pretty Garonne River landscape into Cadillac. Scenic Culinaire will offer cooking classes en route. Enjoy fabulous entertainment on board this evening.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 – Cadillac

Venture into the Sauternes region for a tasting of the prestigious Château Guiraud dessert wines. Alternatively, cycle through the rolling vineyards of Sauternes to taste the Grand Cru Class wines of Château Myrat.

Freechoice
Join an exclusive cooking class in Scenic Culinaire, or tour the impressive Roquetaillade Castle. Alternatively, discover the medieval village of Saint Macaire. Or perhaps enjoy a 12 kilometre roundtrip hike from Cadillac to Loupiac.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 – Bordeaux

Freechoice
Shop with a Chef at a local food market before an exclusive cooking class in Scenic Culinaire, or enjoy a guided tour of Bordeaux and her many attractions. For the more energetic, cycle the historic regions of Bordeaux.
Enjoy an afternoon at leisure in Bordeaux. And tonight, enjoy a fabulous local soloist performing for your listening pleasure on board.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 – Arcachon > Bourg

Discover the delightful beachside area of Arcachon this morning, the jewel of France’s western coastline.

Freechoice
Why not stay on board and enjoy a chocolate and wine pairing event. Or choose to explore Le Teich Bird Reserve, home to over 250 bird species. Alternatively, climb Europe’s largest sand dune, or join a walking tour of Arcachon including Baltard Market.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9 – Cognac

Today explore the unique northern shores of the Gironde Estuary.

Freechoice
Discover the Carriages Museum in Bourg Castle. Alternatively, spend a full day exploring the fortified town of Cognac, and enjoy a tasting at the property of Rémy Martin.

Late afternoon cruising on the Gironde River to Blaye.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10 – Blaye > Bordeaux

Discover the remarkable Blaye region, established to protect the Bordeaux region from invasion.

Freechoice
Stroll through the charming Citadel of Blaye, or join a 30 kilometre roundtrip cycle along the Captain’s Road, named in honour of the WWI Captains who chose to purchase their homes along this beautiful stretch of waterway in the early 20th century.

Perhaps relax on the Sun Deck as we cruise past beautiful uninhabited islands, or choose to enjoy an on board cooking class in Scenic Culinaire, as we cruise towards Bordeaux. Celebrate your cruise through the Bordeaux region at the Captain’s farewell dinner on board this evening.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11 – Bordeaux

Disembark after breakfast, with memories of a truly unforgettable journey. Then transfer to Bordeaux Airport or Bordeaux Train Station.

Meals included: Breakfast

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