AmaWaterways™ River Cruises

Taste of Bordeaux

A tantalizing trio of a truly authentic French experience.

Where else but on the Garonne and Dordogne rivers can one see historic wine estates and châteaux, an interactive wine museum and timeless vineyards? Our all-encompassing Taste of Bordeaux river cruise and land journey is the perfect blend of exquisite wine, gastronomic delights and French culture and lifestyle — with a dash of Basque.

For the Wine Connoisseur or Foodie

A variety of exciting epicurean excursions have been designed for those who relish the idea of refining their palate. During our pre-river cruise land package in Spain's Basque Country, guests can experience the alluring charm of the “City by the Bay of Biscay,” San Sebastián, undoubtedly one of the world’s favorite gastronomy cities. San Sebastián is rife with the mouthwatering aromas of pintxos, tasty bite-size morsels akin to tapas that boast a variety of toppings, the perfect pairing with a crisp glass of wine. In San Sebastián alone, restaurants have earned a total of 16 prestigious Michelin Stars, and a total of 46 Michelin Stars are dotted around the entire Basque Country! In addition, during our post-cruise land package in France’s Loire Valley, guests may dine within the Michelin-starred gourmet restaurant, led by Chef Arnaud Philippon, at the historic Cháteau de Pray.

Tantalizing French flavors and divine fragrances of fresh spices await in the open-air markets of Libourne, with regional specialties from French cheese to foie gras. While sailing the Garonne, treat your taste buds to delicious wine tastings with the breathtaking backdrop of a timeless vineyard. Throughout your journey, visit famous wine estates — Château Latour, Château Mouton Rothschild and Château Léoville Poyferré — where you’ll be able to relish the bold flavors of Grand Cru Classè wines.

For Architecture and Design Enthusiasts

In Basque Country, art and architecture are often one in the same. Bilbao, Spain is renowned for its groundbreaking Guggenheim Museum, designed by famed Canadian-American architect Frank Gehry. A work of art itself, the museum’s daring and innovative façade curves at random with silver panels that catch the light and a flower-like atrium. Inside, walls and pedestals are covered in contemporary paintings, sculptures and collages from artists that include Andy Warhol, German artist Anselm Kiefer, and Basque masters Eduardo Chillida and Jorge Oteiza.

Of course, the Bordeaux region offers its own architectural wonders. Perched upon a hill in Cadillac, the iconic Castle of Roquetaillade, which translates to “carved out of rock,” overlooks the enchanting French countryside. It is indisputably the most famous medieval castle in the southwest of France. One of Bordeaux’s wine museums and more contemporary architectural gems, La Cité du Vin, was designed to resemble the movement of wine swirling in a glass. Its bold curves, extraordinary shapes, and gold panels stand out amid historic buildings on the banks of the Garonne River. You can explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the idyllic medieval village of Saint-Émilion, home to world-famous wineries and the mighty 17th-century architectural wonder, the Blaye Citadel designed by famous military architect Vauban.

Historic Château de Pray is a 13th-century castle in the Loire Valley remodeled during the Renaissance and framed by two protective towers overlooking traditional French gardens. Nearby you’ll venture to Château du Close Luce — the last home of Leonardo da Vinci, where he completed some of his most famous works under the patronage of the King of France; and the artist’s final resting place, Château d’Amboise, the valley’s first Renaissance château. The region’s largest such structure, Château de Chambord, is located at the heart of Europe’s largest enclosed wooded park.

For the Active Traveler

Active travelers and cyclists won’t have to worry about missing a beat and can join along the city of Bordeaux’s amazing network of more than 400 miles of bicycle paths. Spectacular views are a part of each bike tour, with picturesque vineyards, scenic landscapes, and fairytale-like châteaux all included. We even offer an option to wind through Blaye, crossing, at times, Santiago’s Path, one of Europe’s most famous pilgrimage routes since the Middle Ages. One of AmaWaterways’ hiking tours also allows guests to venture deeper into the commune of Libourne through one of its renowned vineyards.

Experience the best of the region’s culture, lifestyle and cuisine on our incredible Taste of Bordeaux river cruise and land packages!

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Taste of Bordeaux

Taste of Bordeaux

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