7 NIGHTS / 9 DAYS
Day 1: USA - Bordeaux (France)
Flight with a good itinerary.
Day 2: Bordeaux
Arrival at the airport in Bordeaux. You will be greeted by our local representatives and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to discover Bordeaux.
Bordeaux is a city in southwestern France renowned for its prestigious wine industry, producing some of the world's most celebrated red wines. The city is situated along the Garonne River, known for its stunning 18th-century architecture, including the Place de la Bourse and the Bordeaux Opera House. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Bordeaux attracts visitors with its rich cultural heritage, vibrant culinary scene, and of course, its exceptional wines.
Day 3: Bordeaux - Cussac-Fort-Medoc
After your breakfast at the hotel, you will be able to spend the day sightseeing in this vibrant city. In the afternoon, you will be transferred to the pier to board your beautiful cruise ship.
After comfortably settling into your cabins, you will be introduced to the crew with a welcome cocktail. Your ship will begin its journey setting sail towards Cussac-Fort-Médoc. You will start cruising on the Garonne River, before entering the Gironde River, where you will pass the islands of Cazeau and Patiras before reaching Cussac-Fort-Médoc. (Breakfast-Dinner)
Beginning of your cruise.
Boarding: 06:00 pm
Day 4: Cussac-Fort-Medoc - The Medoc - Gironde Estuary - Royan
After breakfast, enjoy free time in the morning to continue exploring Cussac-Fort-Medoc on your own, or opt for an optional morning tour ($) to visit the Médoc vineyards. The tour will take you through renowned locations in the Médoc region, including Saint Julien and Haut-Médoc, offering opportunities for tasting distinguished local wines along the celebrated wine route. As you travel, catch glimpses of iconic vineyards and estates like Châteaux Lafite Rothschild, Latour, and Mouton Rothschild.
In the afternoon, indulge in a complimentary excursion featuring a panoramic tour of Royan, an officially designated French "ville d’Art et d’Histoire" nestled by the seaside. Continue your exploration of the Foncillon District, where the captivating church eagerly invites you to delve into the secrets of its origin. Following this, relish some time at leisure to wander the port and rediscover the city at your own pace, whether exploring the covered market, the modern Palais des Congrès, the shell auditorium resembling Boston's Hatch Shell, or simply unwinding at waterfront cafes, shopping, or savoring a delightful meal. Conclude your expedition by returning to the ship and savor an evening of delightful dinner and dancing on board. (Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner)
Day 5: Royan - Rochefort - La Rochelle - Royan
Enjoy breakfast on board, followed by free time to explore the beautiful town of Royan or opt for an optional excursion ($) to visit two coastal cities, Rochefort and La Rochelle. Departing by coach, you will first arrive in Rochefort, a historic maritime town with a renowned naval heritage, including the Arsenal de Rochefort, a 17th-century naval shipyard. You will explore the historic Corderie Royale, the first industrial building in France, which supplied ropes to the French Navy for over three centuries, and learn about rope-making techniques used for large sailing ships.
Afterwards, continue towards La Rochelle, a city with over 1,000 years of history and the capital of Charente Maritime. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before continuing with a guided tour of the old town and port. Discover landmarks such as the Grosse-Horloge gate, Renaissance arcades, half-timbered homes, intricately sculpted facades of private mansions, and the cathedral. Following the tour, savor some free time before returning to the ship. Once on board, cruise along the Dordogne to Libourne for the remainder of the day. (Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner)
Day 6: Libourne - Saint-Émilion - Bordeaux
Following breakfast, time at leisure to continue your exploration of the rolling countryside or opt for an optional guided tour ($) to explore the underground monuments of Saint-Émilion. Uncover the fascinating history of this medieval city, including its mysterious monolithic church. Afterward, you will head to a vineyard to discover the art of producing the renowned local wine. The tour will conclude with a delightful tasting of local products. Later in the day, return to the ship and spend the afternoon cruising toward Bordeaux. (Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner)
Day 7: Bordeaux – Cadillac
As you enjoy breakfast, capture picturesque views of Bordeaux from the water as you make your way to Cadillac. Upon arrival, you will have free time to explore the small town of Cadillac or opt for an optional excursion ($) to visit Roquetaillade Castle, where you will delve into the medieval architecture. Continue to explore a wine cellar in the Sauternais for a tasting of the renowned Sauternes wine, followed by a guided tour of Cadillac. Situated on the right bank of the Garonne River and founded in 1280, Cadillac maintains its original structure. You will discover the port, explore the ramparts, and wander through the main square, taking a stroll along the streets to admire the charming old homes and a 15th-century church. In the afternoon, return to your ship to continue the cruise towards Bordeaux.
This is the night we like to dress up, although no dress code is imposed. The crew, all in their dress uniform, are presented to the passengers who are invited to have a drink with the captain. That evening, the chef will serve a banquet paying a special tribute to the world of French gastronomy. Dancing follows this gala dinner in the lounge bar. (Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner)
Day 8: Bordeaux - Arcachon Bay – Bordeaux
Breakfast on board. Enjoy a leisurely day exploring Bordeaux’s charming city at your own pace or opt for an optional excursion ($) to explore the famous Arcachon Bay with a coach departure from Bordeaux. Begin your journey with a boat trip on the Bassin d'Arcachon, offering views of Bird Island, the iconic 'Cabanes tchanquées' houses on stilts, and the picturesque oyster beds. Enjoy some free time in Arcachon, followed by lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, venture to the Great Dune of Pilat, standing at 107m, the tallest sand dune in Europe, providing a breathtaking panoramic view from its summit. The day concludes with a return to Bordeaux. Enjoy an evening of onboard entertainment. (Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner)
Day 9: Bordeaux - USA
After one last breakfast on board, disembarkation in Bordeaux, you will be transferred to the airport for your return flight home. (Breakfast)
-End of services-
*For navigation safety reasons, Croisieurope may alter the cruise itinerary. This program is tidal and arrival times at ports of call may be subject to change.
