From the French Basque Country to Bordeaux - Fine French cuisine at the foot of the Pyrenees and an escapade in the Gironde (port-to-port cruise)

We'll set off on a tourist train to discover the history and heritage of Blaye and its citadel. Perched on a cliff with a magnificent view of the Gironde Estuary, the Blaye Citadel has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The garrison possesses immense gates, underground passages, fortified buildings, and almost a mile of ramparts. The defense system created by Vauban to defend Bordeaux from invasions has remained intact. This tour will take you along the historic streets of Blaye and introduce you to the citadel architecture. You'll then cross the vineyards to the Château Marquis de Vauban restaurant to tour the wine cellar and enjoy a tasting of local products. We’ll return to the ship on the train.

PLEASE NOTE

• The order of the visits can change.
• Time are approximate.

Departure by coach from Libourne for the excursion to Saint-Emilion. Guided tour of the underground monuments in Saint-Emilion village. Your guide will tell you all about the history of the medieval town. You will then visit an exceptional troglodytic site with, undoubtedly, its most original monument, the Monolithic church. Hewn entirely in limestone, it is the largest in Europe. You will then depart for a visit of a family-owned wine-growing estate, where you will be welcomed by the owner, who will explain the stages of the wine-making process in Saint-Emilion. A commented wine-tasting* session will complete the visit. Return to Libourne by coach.

PLEASE NOTE

• The tour will take place entirely on foot, so wear sturdy shoes
• The visit of the underground sites involves certain rooms which may be poorly lit and confined.
• *alcohol abuse is dangerous to your heath, consume with moderation.
• The order of visits can be modified.
• Times are approximate.

We'll leave on foot to visit the Blaye Citadel, built in the 17th century by Vauban in order to better protect the city of Bordeaux. You will explore the underground passages that soldiers once used and learn how the site was developed using older buildings that Vauban preserved and reused. After our tour, we'll walk a few more feet to a local vineyard and taste some regional products with an excellent glass of wine.*

PLEASE NOTE

• Times are approximate.
• The order of the visits can change.
• Wear comfortable, sturdy walking shoes.
• *Alcohol can be harmful to your health. Please drink in moderation.

Libourne by bike and wine tasting.Guided tour of Libourne. Discover this former English bastide. Located at the confluence of the Isle and Dordogne Rivers, Libourne expanded around its port. We'll see the Saint John the Baptist Church, Abel Surchamp Square, and the imposing clock tower in the grand harbor. Then, we'll hop on our electric bikes and head over to the Pomerol wine-growing area. We'll enjoy a tasting of wine.*

PLEASE NOTE

• Please wear sturdy shoes
• *alcohol abuse is dangerous to your heath, consume with moderation.
• The order of visits can be modified.
• Times are approximate.
• Electrically assisted bicycles available
• Helmets are provided on all our cycling tours.

Departure by coach to discover the Médoc, prestigious wine-growing region. A corner of the world that produces the most prestigious red wines on the planet, tightly wedged between an ocean and an estuary. A mild, humid microclimate which has been favorable to the development of the vines. We will go through most of the Médoc appellations (Saint Julien, Margaux, Haut-Médoc). On the famous Châteaux Route, we will stop to taste the famous wines of the region. On the way you will see major domains such as Châteaux Laffitte-Rothschild, Latour and Mouton Rothschild. Return to the boat at the end of the afternoon.

PLEASE NOTE

• Visit mostly by coach.
• Alcohol can be harmful to your health. Please drink in moderation.
• Valid only if pre-booked.
• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.