Barge Cruise: Bordeaux - Médoc

Tour the most famous wine region in the world!

Cruise the Garonne and Dordogne Rivers in southwestern France aboard a 24-passenger barge-hotel (7 days - 6 nights). This cruise will take you from the Sauternes region through the city of Bordeaux and on to Médoc and St. Emilion. Cruise past vineyards and chateaus and stop along the way to taste the local wines. Your onboard chef will delight you with regional dishes, paired with appropriate wines from the region, of course.

TYPICAL BARGE CRUISE ITINERARY
(actual program may vary)

Please note: Excursions may be taken in a different order due to the timing of the tides, which affect navigation on the rivers.

Day 1 - Sunday: Bordeaux to Castets. Afternoon transfer from the Bordeaux train station or airport by private air-conditioned minibus to the barge moored in Castets-en-Dorthe. The crew will welcome you with cocktails and appetizers. After settling into your cabin, enjoy your first dinner aboard the barge - an introduction to the excellent local cuisine, accompanied by local wines.

Day 2 - Monday: Castets to Cadillac. After breakfast, begin your wine-tasting adventure in the Graves region, with stops at Chateau Guiraud and Domaine Rousset-Peyraguey, neighbors of the famous Chateau d'Yquem. Back on board the barge, cruise the Garonne River to Cadillac, a bastide (walled town) from where you'll be taken to visit the Château de Roquetaillade.

Day 3 - Tuesday: Cadillac to Bordeaux. Morning cruise to Bordeaux (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), where the barge will moor at the famous Pont de Pierre. After a guided tour, free time to see more of the city and perhaps do a little shopping.

Day 4 - Wednesday: Bordeaux to Blaye. Continuing your cruise down the Garonne, arrive at the town of Blaye, on the banks of Gironde Estuary. The 17th-century citadel built by the noted military engineer Vauban is part of another World Heritage Site. After visiting the citadel, enjoy a wine tasting at Chateau Falfas.

Day 5 - Thursday: Blaye to Bourg. Today, cruise across the estuary to the famed Médoc wine region. After mooring in Pauillac, you'll be driven through the vineyards to visit one of the well-known wineries. Later, cruise back across the estuary to the confluence of the Dordogne and Garonne Rivers and moor for the night in Bourg. Time before dinner on the barge to take a walk through the village.

Day 6 - Friday: Bourg to Libourne. Morning cruise up the Dordogne River to Libourne. Tour the picturesque village of Saint Emilion, another World Heritage Site, where wine was first produced by the Romans in the 2nd century AD. Your final wine-tasting on the cruise will be at the Chateau Rochebelle winery, where you'll visit the 18th-century cellars carved out of stone and sample their grand cru wines.

Day 7 - Saturday: Libourne to Bordeaux. After breakfast, transfer from the barge to the Bordeaux train station or airport.

On alternate weeks, cruise will be in the reverse direction.
This itinerary is subject to change without notice.

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Highlights

• Wine tastings: Sauternes (Graves), Côtes-de-Bourg, Médoc and St. Emilion plus additional regional wines with meals on the barge
• Visit the Château de Roquetaillade
• Guided city tour of Bordeaux (World Heritage Site)
• Visit the Citadel of Blaye (part of the Fortifications of Vauban World Heritage Site)
• Tour of the village of Saint Emilion (World Heritage Site)

Included

• Private accommodations with shower and all meals from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on day 7 served on the barge
• Wine with lunch and dinner; selected alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages consumed aboard the barge
• Sightseeing tours, wine tastings and entrance fees as specified
• Transfers from Saint-Jean train station in Bordeaux or Bordeaux-Merignac airport to and from the barge

Not Included

• Transportation to and from beginning and end points
• Health and travel insurance
• Barge crew gratuities (suggested 5% of cruise price)
• Superior vintage wines
• Personal expenses
• Optional activities when available
• Other items not specifically listed under "Included" above

Barge Features

• Cabins: 12 twin (24 passengers)
• 4 to 6 crew members
• Size: 126 ft. long
  
• Dining room and lounge area
• Air conditioning and central heating
• Air-conditioned coach for excursions
• Internet connection available
  

Cruise Departures

Every Sunday subject to availability (except winter)

This barge can be chartered for groups. Various themes can be arranged to fit the specific interests of each group.

Dates and Prices

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