This magnificent itinerary will take 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
Visit Bordeaux, renowned for its exceptional architectural heritage
Visit an exceptional troglodytic site in Saint-Emilion village
Discover Médoc, where the most famous wines in the world are cultivated
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 a welcome cocktail and meet the crew. The ship begins to cruise to Pauillac. Starting on the Garonne River, before entering the Gironde River the ship 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 offered:
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 until the ship reaches 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 for 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 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.
This morning, join an excursion for both packages: Saint-Émilion. You will take a guided tour of Saint-Émilion's underground monuments, discovering the rich history of this medieval city, including its enigmatic monolithic church. You’ll then head to a vineyard where you’ll learn about how the famous local wine is produced. You’ll enjoy a tasting of local products at the end of the tour. You’ll return to the ship in Libourne and spend the afternoon cruising to Bordeaux.
Excursion for both packages:Guided tour of Bordeaux "by night". You’ll leave by coach for a panoramic tour of the city, where you’ll be able to discover the main monuments, followed by a tour on foot of the old quarter of Bordeaux. You’ll 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 your expedition, you’ll return on board the ship.
Cruise along the Garonne, getting a good glimpse of Bordeaux from the water as you continue on to Cadillac. This morning, two excursions are available:
CLASSIC: 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. You’ll then head to a wine cellar in the Sauternais to enjoy a tasting of the famous Sauternes wine. Afterwards, you’ll 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. You’ll explore the port, its ramparts, and the main square and stroll the streets to admire the old homes and 15th-century church.
DISCOVERY: Gourmet market in Cadillac. You’ll head toward the hills surrounding Cadillac, crossing through the city and passing in front of the bastide. You’ll then continue on through the vineyards, taking in the breathtaking views of the river below. The trek will finish up on a flavorful tone, with a tasting of wine and succulent local delicacies.
You’ll spend the afternoon cruising to Bordeaux, and you’ll arrive during the evening. Tonight is the festive gala evening.
Excursion for both packages:To the center of Arcachon Bay. You’ll 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. You’ll then visit the famous oyster cabins, and you’ll be able to sample some of the shellfish. You’ll stop for lunch in a local restaurant. In the afternoon, you’ll head for Arcachon and a boat ride into the renowned bay, which harbors birdlife, cabins on stilts, and oyster farms. After, you’ll visit the Dune of Pilat, the highest sand dune in Europe.At the end of the afternoon, you’ll return on board the ship in Bordeaux.
OR
This morning, two excursions are available: CLASSIC: Guided tour of Bordeaux, whose historical area is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll leave by coach for a panoramic tour of the city, where you’ll be able to discover the main monuments, followed by a tour on foot of the old quarter of Bordeaux. You’ll 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:Visit La Cité du Vin. 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.
Lunch will be served on board. Enjoy some free time on your own in the city this afternoon.
Join dinner and an evening of entertainment.
Day 7: Bordeaux | Disembark
1 Breakfast
Enjoy breakfast on board this morning before disembarking.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.
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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 was terrific with great planning on your part. Most of the adventures were not mainstream and somewhat off the beaten path which made it especially enjoyable!! We felt taken care of and you all were readily available to respond to questions and issues. I would highly recommend your company and friends have already expressed interest based on our pictures and excitement.
Gale Cantor
TrustScore 4.8 | 174 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 174 reviews on
1 day 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
2 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.