Embark on a magical winter holiday cruise through Bordeaux, where the enchanting atmosphere awaits you. Experience the festive spirit as you glide along the Garonne and Dordogne rivers, stopping at charming towns adorned with twinkling lights and seasonal cheer. Delight in Bordeaux's renowned Christmas Markets, featuring over a hundred wooden chalets brimming with unique crafts, local delicacies and artisanal gifts. In the evenings, enjoy live entertainment and festive activities on board with your fellow cruisers. This immersive journey combines Bordeaux's exquisite wine culture with the joy of the holiday season, creating unforgettable memories amidst the backdrop of historic vineyards and picturesque landscapes. Join us for an extraordinary celebration of winter wonder in one of France’s most breathtaking regions!
Begin your journey in the heart of Basque Country, Bilbao! Home to the world-renowned Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao is a cultural hub for rich history and flavorful cuisine. Then enjoy two nights in the stunning seaside resort of San Sebastián before embarking on your river cruise journey in Bordeaux. From romantic walks to red wine, Bordeaux is the cultural capital of all that is quintessentially French. Follow wine's journey from countryside to cask as you tour centuries-old vineyards and taste Bordeaux's finest vintages throughout your river cruise experience. Step into living history when you visit historic Roquetaillade Castle and Château Boutinet, delighting in their elegant décor and regal architecture. Then, contrast their grandeur with the pastoral gems including the historic village of Saint-Émilion and the seaside resort of Soulac-sur-Mer. After disembarking, you will venture into the UNESCO-designated Loire Valley, the all-important "Garden of France." Journey to Amboise, the final resting place of Leonardo da Vinci, before concluding your journey in the “City of Lights” which needs no introduction, Paris.
Begin your journey in the heart of Basque Country, Bilbao! Home to the world-renowned Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao is a cultural hub for rich history and flavorful cuisine. Then enjoy two nights in the stunning seaside resort of San Sebastián before embarking on your river cruise journey in Bordeaux. Embark on a magical winter holiday cruise through Bordeaux, where the enchanting atmosphere awaits you. Experience the festive spirit as you glide along the Garonne and Dordogne rivers, stopping at charming towns adorned with twinkling lights and seasonal cheer. Delight in Bordeaux's renowned Christmas Markets, featuring over a hundred wooden chalets brimming with unique crafts, local delicacies and artisanal gifts. In the evenings, enjoy live entertainment and festive activities on board with your fellow cruisers. This immersive journey combines Bordeaux's exquisite wine culture with the joy of the holiday season, creating unforgettable memories amidst the backdrop of historic vineyards and picturesque landscapes. Join us for an extraordinary celebration of winter wonder in one of France’s most breathtaking regions!
Taste of Bordeaux (Christmas)
At A Glance
On our river cruises, you will enjoy an extensive lineup of included tours. In many cases, you will have a choice of excursions, such as standard tours, bike tours, hikes and Special Interest Tours. We always include a large variety of activities so that you can choose how you want to explore. No matter your preference, your days will be full of discovery and wonder.
Embark the ship for your Taste of Bordeaux cruise. (D)
Day 2 | Libourne | Saint-Émilion excursion and Grand Cru Classé wine tasting |
|
| | OR Saint-Émilion Excursion |
|
| | OR Saint-Émilion bike tour |
|
Welcome to Libourne, a gateway to one of Bordeaux’s most elite wine regions. Join an excursion to Saint Émilion, known for its celebrated vineyards, and while here, explore the monolithic church carved out of one piece of limestone rock, and then go under the church to discover its catacombs and caves. Afterwards, enjoy a Grand Cru Classé wine tasting at either Château de Ferrand or Château de Pressac. Alternately, you can enjoy an excursion to Saint-Émilion solely to discover more of the small historic town. If you prefer a more active adventure, pedal through the vineyard-rich countryside to Saint-Émilion. (B,L,D)
Day 3 | Libourne | Bastide town and market visit |
|
| | OR Ancient Watermill Visit and Breadmaking Workshop |
|
| | OR Château Boutinet hike with wine and tapas tasting |
|
Stroll through the colorful, open-air market, tasting some of the region’s specialties. As a unique alternative, travel back in time to visit an ancient watermill and learn the tradition of breadmaking. Or, you can get your heart pumping by venturing deeper into town by hiking through one of Libourne’s renowned vineyards, accompanied by a tasting of local wine and tapas. (B,L,D)
| | OR Blaye Chemin de Fer bike tour |
|
| Bourg | OR Bourg walking tour, Carriage Museum, and WWII Petrol Cistern |
|
Once in Blaye, you can join a tour of its 17th-century citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For a more active excursion, take a bike ride around Blaye along a former railway. Later in the day, you can choose to bike from Blaye through the idyllic French countryside to Bourg. Or, in the ancient village of Bourg, take a walking tour and visit the Carriage Museum, which houses a wonderful collection of horse-drawn vehicles, and the World War II Petrol Cistern. Towards the evening, experience the hospitality of this charming medieval village with an exclusive wine festival. Meet the local wine growers and taste the fruits of their labors as well as enjoy live French music and dancing. (B,L,D)
Day 5 | Cussac Fort Medoc | Medoc Grand Cru Classé wine tasting and scenic vineyard tour |
|
| | OR Vineyard hike and local specialties tasting |
|
| | OR Soulac-sur-Mer seaside excursion |
|
Cussac-Fort-Medoc is a peaceful commune in southwestern France and your is gateway to the famed Médoc region, renowned for producing some of the world’s finest Bordeaux wines. You will see some of the most beautiful and famous wine estates, including Château Latour, Château Mouton Rothschild, Château Lafite Rothschild and Château Pichon Longueville. You’ll then visit either Château Léoville Barton or Château Léoville Poyferré for a tasting of Grand Cru wines. More active guests can hike through the vineyards of Château Margaux and taste local specialties. Alternatively, or you may enjoy a drive along the coast to Soulac-sur-Mer where you’ll see unique sights, such as the Statue of Liberty and the Cordouan lighthouse known to be the oldest in France. (B,L,D)
Day 6 | Cadillac | Roquetaillade Castle with Sauternes wine tasting |
|
| | OR Roquetaillade and Cadillac visit |
|
Visit the impressive Castle of Roquetaillade, an amazingly preserved masterpiece of medieval military architecture owned by the same noble family for 700 years and travel to the Sauternes wine region to either Chateau de Rayne Vigneau or Château Guiraud to taste the highly prized golden-hued sweet wines produced here. For those wishing to explore more of the history on the decadent castles, you can enjoy a visit to the Roquetaillade castle and Cadillac castle. Or, pedal through the charming town of Cadillac for a guided bike tour. (B,L,D)
Day 7 | Bordeaux | UNESCO city tour and market tasting |
|
| | Bordeaux Cité du Vin (wine museum) visit |
|
The breathtaking capital of the wine world, Bordeaux is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and classified as a “City of Art and History.” During your time here, you will also experience Bordeaux’s famous Christmas Markets and be immersed in the warm holiday atmosphere in this vibrant city. You’ll also have an opportunity to experience much of the rich culture and architecture on a city tour followed by a visit to the famed indoor Les Halles de Bacalan market for a tasting of local specialties to please the palate. Bike enthusiasts will wish to join a tour along the city’s amazing network of bicycle paths. Depending on your interests, you have a choice from three excursions in the afternoon. Enjoy a visit to the immersive and interactive Bordeaux Wine Museum, housed in an awe-inspiring building. Alternately, be treated to a spectacular sound and light show, Les Bassins des Lumières. (B,L,D)
Day 8 | Bordeaux | DISEMBARKATION |
|
Disembark the ship and prepare for your flight home. (B)
Day 1 | Bilbao | Hotel check-in |
|
Check into your hotel for the beginning of your Basque Country land package
Day 2 | Bilbao | Guernica excursion |
|
| | “A City of Contrasts” walking tour and introduction to tapas |
|
Travel to the Basque town of Guernica, infamously bombed by German and Italian air forces during the Spanish Civil War – and the subject of one of Picasso’s most renowned paintings. Immerse yourself in culture and visit the open-air market where you’ll find a variety of local specialties, from cheese to peppers to fish. Later in the day, take an informative walking tour through Bilbao and learn how to order Basque tapas, known locally as pintxos, and revered for their small size and big taste. (B)
Day 3 | Bilbao | Guggenheim Museum |
|
| San Sebastian | Hotel check-in |
|
Take a deep dive into the contemporary art within the world-famous Guggenheim Museum, a work of art itself. Designed by architect Frank Gehry, the museum features a daring and innovative façade and showcases work by such artists as Andy Warhol, German artist Anselm Kiefer, and Basque masters Eduardo Chillida and Jorge Oteiza. Later in the day, transfer to San Sebastián and check into your hotel. In the evening, take a stroll through Old Town, the second oldest neighborhood in the city, where distinctive architecture and pintxos bars beckon, made even more romantic by the evening light. (B)
Day 4 | San Sebastian | “City by the Bay of Biscay” tour |
|
Discover the charms of the “City by the Bay of Biscay.” Known in the Basque language as Donostia, San Sebastián was once a prominent fishing village and was burned to the ground in 1813 after being occupied by Napoleonic troops. However, by 1887, after rebuilding, the city flourished as a popular tourist destination and spa resort. Later in the day, enjoy some free time in the city renowned for holding the second highest number of Michelin stars per square meter. (B)
Day 5 | San Sebastian | Transfer to Bordeaux via Bayonne |
|
Check out of your hotel and transfer to Bordeaux via the French Basque town of Bayonne. Later, embark the ship in Bordeaux for your Taste of Bordeaux cruise. (B,D)
Day 6 | Libourne | Saint-Émilion excursion and Grand Cru Classé wine tasting |
|
| | OR Saint-Émilion Excursion |
|
| | OR Saint-Émilion bike tour |
|
Welcome to Libourne, a gateway to one of Bordeaux’s most elite wine regions. Join an excursion to Saint Émilion, known for its celebrated vineyards, and while here, explore the monolithic church carved out of one piece of limestone rock, and then go under the church to discover its catacombs and caves. Afterwards, enjoy a Grand Cru Classé wine tasting at either Château de Ferrand or Château de Pressac. Alternately, you can enjoy an excursion to Saint-Émilion solely to discover more of the small historic town. If you prefer a more active adventure, pedal through the vineyard-rich countryside to Saint-Émilion. (B,L,D)
Day 7 | Libourne | Bastide town and market visit |
|
| | OR Ancient Watermill Visit and Breadmaking Workshop |
|
| | OR Château Boutinet hike with wine and tapas tasting |
|
Stroll through the colorful, open-air market, tasting some of the region’s specialties. As a unique alternative, travel back in time to visit an ancient watermill and learn the tradition of breadmaking. Or, you can get your heart pumping by venturing deeper into town by hiking through one of Libourne’s renowned vineyards, accompanied by a tasting of local wine and tapas. (B,L,D)
| | OR Blaye Chemin de Fer bike tour |
|
| Bourg | OR Bourg walking tour, Carriage Museum, and WWII Petrol Cistern |
|
Once in Blaye, you can join a tour of its 17th-century citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For a more active excursion, take a bike ride around Blaye along a former railway. Later in the day, you can choose to bike from Blaye through the idyllic French countryside to Bourg. Or, in the ancient village of Bourg, take a walking tour and visit the Carriage Museum, which houses a wonderful collection of horse-drawn vehicles, and the World War II Petrol Cistern. Towards the evening, experience the hospitality of this charming medieval village with an exclusive wine festival. Meet the local wine growers and taste the fruits of their labors as well as enjoy live French music and dancing. (B,L,D)
Day 9 | Cussac Fort Medoc | Medoc Grand Cru Classé wine tasting and scenic vineyard tour |
|
| | OR Vineyard hike and local specialties tasting |
|
| | OR Soulac-sur-Mer seaside excursion |
|
Cussac-Fort-Medoc is a peaceful commune in southwestern France and your is gateway to the famed Médoc region, renowned for producing some of the world’s finest Bordeaux wines. You will see some of the most beautiful and famous wine estates, including Château Latour, Château Mouton Rothschild, Château Lafite Rothschild and Château Pichon Longueville. You’ll then visit either Château Léoville Barton or Château Léoville Poyferré for a tasting of Grand Cru wines. More active guests can hike through the vineyards of Château Margaux and taste local specialties. Alternatively, or you may enjoy a drive along the coast to Soulac-sur-Mer where you’ll see unique sights, such as the Statue of Liberty and the Cordouan lighthouse known to be the oldest in France. (B,L,D)
Day 10 | Cadillac | Roquetaillade Castle with Sauternes wine tasting |
|
| | OR Roquetaillade and Cadillac visit |
|
Visit the impressive Castle of Roquetaillade, an amazingly preserved masterpiece of medieval military architecture owned by the same noble family for 700 years and travel to the Sauternes wine region to either Chateau de Rayne Vigneau or Château Guiraud to taste the highly prized golden-hued sweet wines produced here. For those wishing to explore more of the history on the decadent castles, you can enjoy a visit to the Roquetaillade castle and Cadillac castle. Or, pedal through the charming town of Cadillac for a guided bike tour. (B,L,D)
Day 11 | Bordeaux | UNESCO city tour and market tasting |
|
| | Bordeaux Cité du Vin (wine museum) visit |
|
The breathtaking capital of the wine world, Bordeaux is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and classified as a “City of Art and History.” During your time here, you will also experience Bordeaux’s famous Christmas Markets and be immersed in the warm holiday atmosphere in this vibrant city. You’ll also have an opportunity to experience much of the rich culture and architecture on a city tour followed by a visit to the famed indoor Les Halles de Bacalan market for a tasting of local specialties to please the palate. Bike enthusiasts will wish to join a tour along the city’s amazing network of bicycle paths. Depending on your interests, you have a choice from three excursions in the afternoon. Enjoy a visit to the immersive and interactive Bordeaux Wine Museum, housed in an awe-inspiring building. Alternately, be treated to a spectacular sound and light show, Les Bassins des Lumières. (B,L,D)
Day 12 | Bordeaux | DISEMBARKATION |
|
| Loire Valley / Amboise | Hotel check-in |
|
Disembark the ship and transfer to Tours for free time for lunch before arriving in the Loire Valley, where you will check in to your Amboise hotel. (B)
Day 13 | Amboise | Château de Chenonceau, Clos du Lucé and Château d’Amboise |
|
Visit three of the Loire Valley’s regal châteaux starting with the Château de Chenonceau, one of the most beautiful castles in France. This château has been referred to as the “Women’s Castle” since it is the only castle in the region that has been built, inhabited and saved by women during the Renaissance. Château du Clos Lucé was Leonardo da Vinci’s last home where he completed some of his most famous works under the patronage of the King of France. The Château d’Amboise, perched on a promontory overlooking the Loire River, was the first Renaissance château built in the Loire Valley and features extravagant residences, gardens and a Gothic chapel, where Leonardo da Vinci is buried. (B)
Day 14 | Amboise | Hotel check-out |
|
| Paris | Transfer to Paris; hotel check-in |
|
Check out of your Amboise hotel and, en route to Paris, visit two more majestic châteaux. While Château de Chambord, located at the heart of Europe’s largest enclosed wooded park, began as an unassuming hunting lodge, it is now the biggest château in the Loire Valley with 426 rooms, 77 staircases and 282 fireplaces. Next, either marvel at the residence of seven kings and ten queens of France at the famous Château de Blois where you'll discover the secrets of the French court, or enjoy free time. Afterwards, transfer by motorcoach to your hotel at Charles De Gaulle Airport. (B)
Day 15 | Paris | Return flight home |
|
Bid farewell to Paris and prepare for your flight home. (B)
Day 1 | Bilbao | Hotel check-in |
|
Check into your hotel for the beginning of your Basque Country land package.
Day 2 | Bilbao | Guernica excursion |
|
| | “A City of Contrasts” walking tour and introduction to tapas |
|
Travel to the Basque town of Guernica, infamously bombed by German and Italian air forces during the Spanish Civil War – and the subject of one of Picasso’s most renowned paintings. Immerse yourself in culture and visit the open-air market where you’ll find a variety of local specialties, from cheese to peppers to fish. Later in the day, take an informative walking tour through Bilbao and learn how to order Basque tapas, known locally as pintxos, and revered for their small size and big taste. (B)
Day 3 | Bilbao | Guggenheim Museum |
|
| San Sebastian | Hotel check-in |
|
Take a deep dive into the contemporary art within the world-famous Guggenheim Museum, a work of art itself. Designed by architect Frank Gehry, the museum features a daring and innovative façade and showcases work by such artists as Andy Warhol, German artist Anselm Kiefer, and Basque masters Eduardo Chillida and Jorge Oteiza. Later in the day, transfer to San Sebastián and check into your hotel. In the evening, take a stroll through Old Town, the second oldest neighborhood in the city, where distinctive architecture and pintxos bars beckon, made even more romantic by the evening light. (B)
Day 4 | San Sebastian | “City by the Bay of Biscay” tour |
|
Discover the charms of the “City by the Bay of Biscay.” Known in the Basque language as Donostia, San Sebastián was once a prominent fishing village and was burned to the ground in 1813 after being occupied by Napoleonic troops. However, by 1887, after rebuilding, the city flourished as a popular tourist destination and spa resort. Later in the day, enjoy some free time in the city renowned for holding the second highest number of Michelin stars per square meter. (B)
Day 5 | San Sebastian | Transfer to Bordeaux via Bayonne |
|
Check out of your hotel and transfer to Bordeaux via the French Basque town of Bayonne. Later, embark the ship in Bordeaux for your Taste of Bordeaux cruise. (B,D)
Day 6 | Libourne | Saint-Émilion excursion and Grand Cru Classé wine tasting |
|
| | OR Saint-Émilion Excursion |
|
| | OR Saint-Émilion bike tour |
|
Welcome to Libourne, a gateway to one of Bordeaux’s most elite wine regions. Join an excursion to Saint Émilion, known for its celebrated vineyards, and while here, explore the monolithic church carved out of one piece of limestone rock, and then go under the church to discover its catacombs and caves. Afterwards, enjoy a Grand Cru Classé wine tasting at either Château de Ferrand or Château de Pressac. Alternately, you can enjoy an excursion to Saint-Émilion solely to discover more of the small historic town. If you prefer a more active adventure, pedal through the vineyard-rich countryside to Saint-Émilion. (B,L,D)
Day 7 | Libourne | Bastide town and market visit |
|
| | OR Ancient Watermill Visit and Breadmaking Workshop |
|
| | OR Château Boutinet hike with wine and tapas tasting |
|
Stroll through the colorful, open-air market, tasting some of the region’s specialties. As a unique alternative, travel back in time to visit an ancient watermill and learn the tradition of breadmaking. Or, you can get your heart pumping by venturing deeper into town by hiking through one of Libourne’s renowned vineyards, accompanied by a tasting of local wine and tapas. (B,L,D)
| | OR Blaye Chemin de Fer bike tour |
|
| Bourg | OR Bourg walking tour, Carriage Museum, and WWII Petrol Cistern |
|
Once in Blaye, you can join a tour of its 17th-century citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For a more active excursion, take a bike ride around Blaye along a former railway. Later in the day, you can choose to bike from Blaye through the idyllic French countryside to Bourg. Or, in the ancient village of Bourg, take a walking tour and visit the Carriage Museum, which houses a wonderful collection of horse-drawn vehicles, and the World War II Petrol Cistern. Towards the evening, experience the hospitality of this charming medieval village with an exclusive wine festival. Meet the local wine growers and taste the fruits of their labors as well as enjoy live French music and dancing. (B,L,D)
Day 9 | Cussac Fort Medoc | Medoc Grand Cru Classé wine tasting and scenic vineyard tour |
|
| | OR Vineyard hike and local specialties tasting |
|
| | OR Soulac-sur-Mer seaside excursion |
|
Cussac-Fort-Medoc is a peaceful commune in southwestern France and your is gateway to the famed Médoc region, renowned for producing some of the world’s finest Bordeaux wines. You will see some of the most beautiful and famous wine estates, including Château Latour, Château Mouton Rothschild, Château Lafite Rothschild and Château Pichon Longueville. You’ll then visit either Château Léoville Barton or Château Léoville Poyferré for a tasting of Grand Cru wines. More active guests can hike through the vineyards of Château Margaux and taste local specialties. Alternatively, or you may enjoy a drive along the coast to Soulac-sur-Mer where you’ll see unique sights, such as the Statue of Liberty and the Cordouan lighthouse known to be the oldest in France. (B,L,D)
Day 10 | Cadillac | Roquetaillade Castle with Sauternes wine tasting |
|
| | OR Roquetaillade and Cadillac visit |
|
Visit the impressive Castle of Roquetaillade, an amazingly preserved masterpiece of medieval military architecture owned by the same noble family for 700 years and travel to the Sauternes wine region to either Chateau de Rayne Vigneau or Château Guiraud to taste the highly prized golden-hued sweet wines produced here. For those wishing to explore more of the history on the decadent castles, you can enjoy a visit to the Roquetaillade castle and Cadillac castle. Or, pedal through the charming town of Cadillac for a guided bike tour. (B,L,D)
Day 11 | Bordeaux | UNESCO city tour and market tasting |
|
| | Bordeaux Cité du Vin (wine museum) visit |
|
The breathtaking capital of the wine world, Bordeaux is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and classified as a “City of Art and History.” During your time here, you will also experience Bordeaux’s famous Christmas Markets and be immersed in the warm holiday atmosphere in this vibrant city. You’ll also have an opportunity to experience much of the rich culture and architecture on a city tour followed by a visit to the famed indoor Les Halles de Bacalan market for a tasting of local specialties to please the palate. Bike enthusiasts will wish to join a tour along the city’s amazing network of bicycle paths. Depending on your interests, you have a choice from three excursions in the afternoon. Enjoy a visit to the immersive and interactive Bordeaux Wine Museum, housed in an awe-inspiring building. Alternately, be treated to a spectacular sound and light show, Les Bassins des Lumières. (B,L,D)
Day 12 | Bordeaux | DISEMBARKATION |
|
Disembark the ship and prepare for your flight home. (B)