Chateaux, Rivers & Wine

Step aboard the ship and take time to settle comfortably into your stateroom before venturing out to explore Bordeaux. As the magnificent capital of the Aquitaine region, this destination stands widely celebrated for its thoughtfully preserved eighteenth-century architecture. Funded largely by a historic, booming wine trade, these glorious buildings collectively form the largest urban UNESCO World Heritage Site on earth. Recognized today as a designated City of Art and History, Bordeaux acts as a "Little Paris," brimming with elegant boulevards, striking Gothic and baroque churches, and picturesque gardens. Gaze up to spot the towering, flamboyant spire of the Basilica of St. Michael from almost any vantage point, and find immense joy in exploring the vibrant urban green spaces entirely on foot.

Discover stately mansions, beautifully restored houses, and grand squares forming the vibrant heart of Bordeaux’s old town. Among these architectural treasures, the neoclassical Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux stands out proudly as the crown jewel of the city. Marvel at another stunning cultural gem and official national monument of France, the spectacular Cathedral of St. Andrew, where a young Eleanor of Aquitaine married the future Louis VII in 1137. Afterward, enjoy a relaxing stroll across the elegant, 17-arched Stone Bridge, a favored spot among locals for whiling away a peaceful afternoon and capturing breathtaking panoramic views of the river, historic docks, and harbor.

While sailing along the lush, green banks of the Dordogne, quickly realize why writer Henry Miller referred to this exceptionally fertile region as a "country of enchantment." Just beyond the tree-lined shores, watch vast vineyards stretch deep into a peaceful pastoral landscape, eventually giving way to sylvan forests hiding secret stashes of wild truffles and thriving farms cultivating the season’s freshest produce. Spot occasional historic castles and grand estates peering out from behind dense hedgerows, and as the journey ventures farther upriver, experience the waterways becoming increasingly intimate and narrow.

This evening, arrive in Libourne to enjoy a comfortable overnight stay. Originally built as a fortified settlement to help colonize the wilderness areas of southwestern France, Libourne has continuously hugged the scenic confluence of the Dordogne and Isle Rivers since 1270. Explore a town founded and named by Roger de Leybourne under the English Crown and King Edward I, which later found itself caught amidst fierce 14th-century struggles between the French and English. Today, experience a charming destination that commands a highly respected status as a premier wine-making capital of the northern Gironde and proudly hosts one of the largest fresh food markets in the entire region.

Included Excursions:
Panoramic Bordeaux
Tour the capital of the namesake wine-growing region that, save Paris, boasts more protected buildings than any other French city.

Libourne is a gastronomic haven, an inviting destination full of the authentic flavors of southwestern France. Situated in the picturesque heart of Bordeaux wine country, its surrounding vineyards have a long-standing tradition of crafting exceptional wines from Merlot, cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc grapes, showcasing the region’s unique terroir. Libourne’s culinary scene shines, with an abundance of food markets and charming bistros offering fresh produce and regional delicacies, such as entrecôte à la Bordelaise, perfectly paired with renowned local wines.

Included Excursions:
Libourne Walking Tour
Get to know this fascinating town where the Dordogne and Isle Rivers meet.

The village of Bourg reclines along the Gironde, just beyond the confluence of the Garonne and Dordogne Rivers. Perched on a rocky slope and encircled by medieval walls, it has always had a clear view of ships, friend or foe, heading toward Bordeaux. The citadel in the Upper Town has long kept watch. Pleasant strolls unfold at every corner, from the picturesque alleyways that tumble down to the harbor to the ancient King’s Staircase that provided the royals with quick access to the water. With a rich architectural heritage, it is one of France’s official historic villages.

A producer of fine red wines, the scenic town of Blaye rests on the Gironde River, just north of Bordeaux. Blaye boasts an extraordinary 17th-century citadel, dramatically set on a rock along the river. The sprawling fortress was built on the orders of King Louis XIV to protect Bordeaux, upstream on the Garonne River. Its ancient Gothic château contains the tomb of Charibert II, King of Aquitaine. Legend has it that the Frankish hero Roland, who served Charlemagne, is also buried here. The citadel, its city walls and two nearby forts comprise a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Included Excursions:
Blaye Walking Tour & Citadel
Explore Blaye’s scenic citadel complex, a grand fortress built on the orders of Louis XIV.

A Taste of Cognac: Camus
Walk through the historic town of Blaye and learn the history of Cognac during a Privileged Access visit to a distillery.

Pauillac is a famed wine-growing village in the southwest of France. Set along the Gironde estuary, it neighbors other iconic wine locations, including Margaux, Saint-Estéphe and Saint-Julien. Collectively, they produce some of the world’s most prestigious wines. Several Premier cru classé can be found in the region, including Château Lafite Rothschild, Château Latour and Château Mouton Rothschild. The town itself features a splendid waterfront promenade, delicious local cuisine and a vibrant atmosphere rich in both history and charm.

Included Excursions:
Médoc & Margaux Wine Country
Sample some of France’s best wines in the Margaux appellation and savor dinner at the elegant Château Kirwan.

Bordeaux’s good fortune began in the 12th century when Duchess Eleanor of Aquitaine married Count Henri Plantagenêt, who soon became King Henry II of England. Their wedding in 1152 led to a growing popularity in wine production. Claret was the primary style of Bordeaux wine at the time and England imported it in large quantities. France regained control of the region and its vines at the close of the Hundred Years’ War in 1453. Since then, the city and its surrounding region has produced many styles, from simple table wine to the most prestigious and coveted bottles.

Though its name may not be familiar, the Garonne River is among the most beloved waterways in the world of wine lovers. As you sail its languid waters, gaze upon gentle hills laden with vineyards and riverside outcroppings dotted with honey-colored castles that share long histories of skirmishes. Sleepy French villages set the tone of life along the Garonne, where a slow pace and gentle patience serve the wine-growing industry well. Fishing is also prevalent along the river’s banks; you pass some of the many carrelets (small fishing huts) hugging the shores.

Cadillac was built as a fortified town to protect Bordeaux. Its mighty towers gave watchmen a clear view of the Garonne, and a clear shot should any foe attempt to pass. This charming town and its 17th-century castle retain much of their old-world charm. Cadillac’s locale on the waterway further gave it a central commercial role in the trade route to and from Spain. The name of the town was adopted by Antoine Laumet de la Mothe, Sieur de Cadillac, who later founded Detroit and governed Louisiana; the Cadillac division of General Motors is named for him.

Set sail through the heart of the Bordeaux wine region as you journey along the Garonne River. Famous for its distinct color—the result of sediment-rich freshwater from its origins high in the Pyrenees Mountains mixing with the salty seawater of the Gironde estuary—this dynamic waterway plays a vital role in the economy of southwestern France. Part of the meandering Canal des Deux Mers (“Canal of the Two Seas”), it connects the Mediterranean and Atlantic Oceans, allowing a shorter and safer route between the two while bolstering inland trade and transportation.

Included Excursions:
Cadillac Walking Tour & Wine Tasting
Discover the charming town of Cadillac and sample some of France’s sweetest wines in the town that produces them.

Bid farewell to your fellow guests and journey home. Or spend more time exploring, perhaps joining one of the extensions.