This magnificent itinerary takes you to the heart of Southwestern France, well known for its idyllic landscapes, famous wines, historical monuments, and emblematic sites. What better way to explore this part of French paradise than through longstanding maritime cities and an unequivocal art of living?
Highlights
Cruise all the way to Royan in the Gironde Estuary
Taste the fantastic Arcachon oysters, and the wine and cheese in the Médoc
Visit Bordeaux, renowned for its exceptional architectural heritage
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Board the ship at 6 p.m. After comfortably settling into your cabins, enjoy the cocktail party and meet the crews. The ships begin to cruise to Pauillac. Begin on the Garonne River, before entering the Gironde River then pass the islands of Cazeau and Patiras before reaching Pauillac.
Day 2: Pauillac | The Médoc | Gironde Estuary | Royan
Built long ago by wine merchants and sea captains, Pauillac has managed to preserve the mansions formerly belonging to nobility along its waterfront that were constructed with great blocks of stone.
This morning, there are two excursions:
CLASSIC Package: Tour through the Médoc vineyards. Visit the prestigious earth at the end of the world that nurtures the most renowned red wines of the planet, tucked between and an ocean and an estuary. Cross through most of the famed names in the Médoc region—Saint Julien, Haut-Médoc, etc.— stopping along the celebrated wine route to have a tasting of some of the illustrious regional wines.* While on the road, get a glimpse of the famous label vineyards and domains such as Châteaux Lafite-Rothschild, Latour, and Mouton Rothschild.
DISCOVERY Package: "Wine & Cheese." Discover the vineyards and castles of the Médoc region by bike. Get ready to learn about the history, architecture, and out-of-the-way places in this exceptionally beautiful area. Enjoy a tasting of a grand cru classé along with an assortment of cheeses.* After the excursion, return on board the ship.
Cruise the Gironde and reach the estuary. Then pass by the marshes, steep cliffs of Meschers-sur-Gironde, troglodyte homes, and fishing cabins before arriving in Royan during the afternoon. Excursion for both packages: Royan and its waterfront. Join a panoramic tour of Royan, a seaside city and an official French "Ville d’Art et d’Histoire." Villas from the Belle Epoque and the charming “retro” homes from the 1950s line the waterfront. In the Foncillon District, have a look at the fascinating church and learn about its conception. After the excursion, return on board the ship. Join for an evening of dinner and dancing.
Excursion for both packages: The seaside cities of Rochefort and La Rochelle. Leave by coach for Rochefort. Rochefort was originally chosen by Jean-Baptiste Colbert as a refuge, defense, 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 historical 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. At the end of the afternoon, return to Royan. Join for dinner and an evening of entertainment.
Day 4: Royan | Saintes | Meschers-sur-Gironde | Libourne
This morning, join an excursion for both packages: Saintes. Saintes has accumulated almost two thousand years of history, marked by its rich heritage and its Gallo-Roman and medieval ruins. Visit the Roman theater, one of the oldest from the era, which is still the best preserved on the Atlantic Coast and highlights the importance that Saintes held at the time. The theater can hold up to 15,000 attendees and was used as a showplace for battles between gladiators and wild animals for almost three centuries. Then continue on to the Saint-Eutrope Basilica. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site along the Way of St. James, it is one of the most important monuments in the city and its crypt has been described as fascinating and impressive on online tourist reviews describing its startling contrasts between the Roman and Gothic style architecture and as a must-see visit for anyone in Saintes. After tge excursion, return on board the ship.
This afternoon, join an excursion for both packages: Talmont-sur-Gironde and Meschers-sur-Gironde. Visit a typical French seaside village with tons of charm which is officially listed as one the most beautiful villages in the country. Talmont-sur-Gironde is lined with cobblestone streets that take you to the white tower on the coastline, up to its beautiful Romanesque church, and over to the quaint port. The lovely, small houses dotting the streets are full of boutiques selling wares by local craftspeople. In Meschers-sur-Gironde, tour the cave dwellings suspended in the cliffs which harbor treasures from centuries long ago.
After returning on board, begin to cruise to the next stop, spending the rest of the day cruising up the Dordogne to Libourne.
This morning, join an excursion for both packages: Saint-Émilion. Take a guided tour of Saint-Émilion's underground monuments, discovering the rich history of this medieval city, including its enigmatic monolithic church. Then head to a vineyard where to 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. Then spend the afternoon cruising to Bordeaux.
Excursion for both packages: Guided tour of Bordeaux at night (you must register for this excursion at your travel agency before your departure). Leave by coach for a panoramic tour of the city, 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 Théâtre, as well as the intimate side streets tucked around the Place Saint Pierre. After the excursion, return on board the ship.
Cruise along the Garonne, getting a good glimpse of Bordeaux from the water continues on to Cadillac. This morning, two excursions are offered:
CLASSIC Package: a visit to the magnificent and prestigious Château 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 and keeps in this medieval château and take time to learn about the architecture, interiors, and ambiance of French life almost 500 years ago. Then head to a wine cellar in the Sauternais to enjoy a tasting of the famous Sauternes wine.* Afterward, 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.
DISCOVERY Package: Gourmet market in Cadillac. Head toward the hills surrounding Cadillac, crossing through the city and passing in front of the bastide.Then continue on through the vineyards, taking in the breathtaking views of the river below. The trek finish up on a flavorful tone, with a tasting of wine* and succulent local delicacies.
Spend the afternoon cruising to Bordeaux, and arrive during the evening. Tonight is a festive gala evening.
Excursion for both packages: To the center of Arcachon Bay. Leave by coach for Gujan-Mestras to visit the museum presenting the work and techniques involved in oyster farming, an integral part of the area’s history and heritage that has existed for centuries. Then visit the famous oyster cabins, and be able to sample some of the shellfish. Stop for lunch in a local restaurant. In the afternoon, head for Arcachon and a boat ride into the renowned bay which harbors birdlife, cabins on stilts, and oyster farms. After, visit the Dune of Pilat, the highest sand dune in Europe. At the end of the afternoon, return on board the ship in Bordeaux.
OR
This morning, two excursions offer:
CLASSIC Package: Guided tour of Bordeaux, whose historical area is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Leave by coach for a panoramic tour of the city, 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 Théâtre, as well as the intimate side streets tucked around the Place Saint Pierre.
DISCOVERY Package: La Cité du Vin in Bordeaux. Opened in May 2016, this modern building - reminiscent of a lighthouse on the banks of the Garonne - is a unique invitation to voyage to the heart of wine and its traditions throughout the world. The Cité du Vin is a self-guided tour punctuated by 20 themed spaces explaining the culture of wine in an immersive, sensorial setting. The grand finale of your visit brings you to the upper level for a gorgeous 360° view of Bordeaux and a complimentary glass of wine.*
Have lunch on board. Enjoy some free time on your own in the city this afternoon.
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Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
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Main Deck-Cat A
25 cabins with porthole (18 cabins with twin beds, 7 cabins with a double bed)
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Main Deck- Cat B
13 double cabins- equipped with private en-suite facilities (shower and WC), satellite TV, hairdryer, safe.
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Main Deck- Cat C
9 double cabins- equipped with private en-suite facilities (shower and WC), satellite TV, hairdryer, safe.
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Middle Deck-Cat A
21 cabins with porthole (18 cabins with twin beds, 7 cabins with a double bed) equipped with private en-suite facilities (shower and WC), satellite TV, hairdryer, safe.
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Middle Deck-Cat B
4 double cabins
1 PRM
- equipped with private en-suite facilities (shower and WC), satellite TV, hairdryer, safe.
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Middle Deck-Cat C
4 double cabins- equipped with private en-suite facilities (shower and WC), satellite TV, hairdryer, safe.
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Upper Deck-Cat A
41 cabins (16 cabins with twin beds, 4 cabins with a double bed (can be separated into 2 singles), 1 disabled cabin with a double bed, equipped with private en-suite facilities (shower and WC), satellite TV, hairdryer, safe.
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Upper Deck-Cat B
18 double cabins- equipped with private en-suite facilities (shower and WC), satellite TV, hairdryer, safe.
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Upper Deck-Cat C
3 double cabins- equipped with private en-suite facilities (shower and WC), satellite TV, hairdryer, safe.
Notes
20% discount on children between 2-10 years
30% discount for 3rd person in triple cabin
Initial deposit is 25%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure by Bank transfer or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
The trip might have been the absolute best of our lifetime (thus far). We particularly want to commend our guide Peter in the Guilin area-he was so incredibly attentive, energetic, enthusiastic-and absolutely dedicated to ensuring that our meals were 100% vegetarian.
Jack Charney
TrustScore 4.8 | 175 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 175 reviews on
1 day ago
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
3 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
4 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.