Bordeaux & the Medoc Cruise

Your cruise begins with your arrival at Bordeaux Airport where you will take a private transfer to the S.S. Bon Voyage in the port of Bordeaux, within walking distance of the city center with its world-renowned museums and 18th-century architecture. Early arrivals can drop their bags off for safe storage to explore unencumbered, otherwise, hop aboard and settle into your spacious river-view stateroom. Perhaps unwind with a drink, do some socializing, or enjoy the facilities before preparing for a relaxed evening that includes a multicourse dinner hosted onboard.

Meals Included: Dinner

Cruising to Cussac-Fort-Medoc, get ready to explore the prestigious Medoc wine region with its many wine estates featuring chateaux in a myriad of architectural styles and nearly endless grapevine-covered terrain. This morning, all passengers will get to enjoy a fresh Medoc oyster tasting with an oyster farm, accompanied by local wine. Further additional tour options include a scenic drive along the Médoc Châteaux Route highlighting medieval, Renaissance, and Greek Revival chateaux, with a stop at one for a private wine tasting. Avid cyclists might enjoy an excursion combining a bike ride with magnificent scenery and fine wine by pedaling through the picturesque landscapes of historic estates.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Included Excursion Options Available:
– Fresh Médoc Oysters Tasting
– Médoc Châteaux Route with Private Wine Tasting
– Let’s Go: Bike in the Médoc Vineyards

Famous for its flavored dessert wines, enjoy la douceur de vivre in Cadillac, aptly translating to the “sweetness of living.” You’ll visit one of Henry IV’s favorite residences, the 14th-century Château Royal de Cazeneuve, which he inherited from his mother and enjoyed a tempestuous love affair with Queen Margo. Albret descendants are the owners and you’ll get to meet them for a Sauternes toast in the reception hall. Alternatively, take a tour to a chateau that inspired a significant number of works by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec in the late 1800s. You’ll also see Verdelais, where the artist was laid to rest.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Included Excursion Options Available:
– Private Owner’s Tour of Royal Château with Sauternes Toast
– The Colorful Life of Toulouse-Lautrec

A drive along the Route de la Corniche Fleurie is sure to be a highlight as one of the most beautiful roads we’ve seen. It travels through a number of picturesque hamlets between Blaye and Bourg-sur-Gironde, with the river on one side and limestone cliffs on the other, leading to Blaye Fortress. You’ll marvel at the 17th-century citadel built to protect Bordeaux from invaders by sea and enjoy the opportunity to stand on the walls of medieval castle ruins for a spectacular view. Alternatively, wine and art lovers can take an intimate tour featuring a wine tasting with the owner at La Petite Cave in Blaye as well as a look at his art studio, an antique car, and wine collection.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Included Excursion Options Available:
– Bourg sur Gironde Stroll
– Panoramas of Route de la Corniche Fleurie with Blaye Fortress
– Intimate Experience with Local Wine & Art Connoisseurs

From Libourne, a medieval town known as the winemaking capital of the northern Gironde, travel to hilltop Saint-Émilion with its ideal mix of historic vineyards and impressive architecture. It’s an immersion into history and wine culture, complete with medieval ramparts and steep cobbled streets lined with many wine shops. The highlight is the 12th Century Monolithic church that with most of the church subterranean, only the tower stands above ground. After your tour of Saint-Émilion, head to an estate for a visit to the cellars, including a tasting of what’s been rated among the world’s best wines.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Included Excursion Options Available:
– Saint-Émilion Walking Tour with Wine Tasting

Today, experience French village life and the country’s rich agriculture traditions with a visit to Libourne’s farmer’s market. Mingle with the locals and chat with the various growers and producers while enjoying the aroma of fresh-baked bread, and browsing the colorful fruits and veggies, artisanal cheeses, flowers, and more. Your visit includes both the covered market and stalls in the market square. Afterward, you’ll be able to step into shops, homes, and ateliers to meet some of the artisans who make some of the items you’re viewing. This evening, take in an immersive after hours Bassins des Lumières light show at Port de la Lune. This former German WWII submarine base, once a target of Allied bombings, is now the show’s venue, projected against the base walls. This is followed by the Captain’s Farewell Reception and Dinner.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Included Excursion Options Available:
– Libourne with Farmer’s Market
– Nights Out: After Hours at the Bassins des Lumières

Today is all about Bordeaux. Explore it on a guided walking tour, or via the locals’ favorite way, by bike. Touring on foot starts with a tram ride to Place de la Comédie, the heart of the city’s Golden Triangle. Get to know Bordeaux like a local by discovering what they enjoy in the UNESCO-listed core, from shops to food halls, with the chance to sample products from bakers and a variety of food artisans. The cycling excursion pedals through the riverfront Quai des Chartrons neighborhood with its picturesque squares, passing antique shops and historic churches, stopping at a cafe for refreshments.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Included Excursion Options Available:
– Bordeaux Walking Tour
– Let’s Go: Bike Bordeaux Backstreets

Your Uniworld cruise comes to an end today with breakfast served before disembarkation. Once you’ve disembarked you’ll receive a private transfer to Bordeaux’s international airport where you can catch your flight home or embark on further travels. Alternatively, you can take a private transfer to a local hotel in the city if you’d like to spend more time here. Wherever your travels take you, should you need assistance, our experts will be here to help.

Meals Included: Breakfast