This fantastic 7-day cruise departs on the 5th July and offers the perfect way to explore the Bordeaux region, and as you would expect includes plenty of wine tasting opportunities!

Bordeaux is known as the wine capital of the world and is a top destination for discerning travellers. The region has thriving restaurant scene, vibrant bars and stylish boutiques. The elegant 18th century stone façades have been extensively restored and the waterfront has been revitalised and now forms one of the city’s most attractive districts.

Positioned on the Garonne River, close to where it joins the Dordogne before flowing into the Atlantic, Bordeaux is surrounded by some of the most famous wine regions in France.

Flanking the two rivers, these areas are best explored from the water, and this cruise will take you to Sauternes, Paulliac, St Emilion and Fronsac, including a number of wine-tastings at highly-regarded vineyards.

In addition to wine, there will be opportunities to visit prehistoric caves, charming bastide towns and elegant chateaux – whilst excellent cuisine inspired by the south of France will be served throughout.

Below is the standard cruise itinerary, however we can work with you to extend your holiday and can suggest some pre or post cruise destinations. For example, you could end your cruise with a few days exploring Paris, or just a short drive North of Bordeaux is the picturesque area Charentes which is famous for it’s Cognac vineyards.

Itinerary  

Day 1- 5th July:  
You will Fly direct to Bordeaux. On arrival you will be collected at the airport and transferred to AmaDolce, moored in the centre of the city.

Day 2- 6th July:
On the first day of cruising you will visit the impressive castle of Roquetaillade, an well-preserved masterpiece of mediaeval military architecture, which has been owned by the same noble family for 700 years. In the afternoon you will travel to the Sauternes wine region where you can visit the Château de RayneVigneau or Château Guiraud for a tasting of the sweet wines produced here.

Day 3 – 7th July
Pauillac, a village on the Left Bank of the Gironde Estuary, is the 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, before visiting either the Château Gruaud Larose or Château Léoville Poyferré for a tasting of Grand Cru wines.

Day 4- 8th July
This morning you will arrive in Blaye. There will be an option to join a tour of its 17th century citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or for the more energetic there will be the chance to take a bike ride from Blaye through the idyllic French countryside. Alternatively, you can visit the prehistoric cave of Pair non Pair, which is home to some of the most impressive rock paintings in France. The afternoon is spent in the historic village of Bourg, where you can visit the Carriage Museum, which houses a wonderful collection of horse-drawn vehicles, and explore the underground passageways that lead to oil tanks from the Second World War. The day ends with a visit to a special wine festival complete with wine, canapés and music.

Day 5 – 9th July
Libourne provides a gateway to one of Bordeaux’s most elite wine regions, Saint-Émilion, known for its picturesque architecture, monuments and celebrated vineyards. There will be an optional excursion to historic Saint Émilion, where you can explore the monolithic church carved out of one piece of limestone rock, and then visit its catacombs and caves. Afterwards, enjoy a wine tasting at either Château de Ferrand or Château de Pressac. If you prefer, there is an option to cycle through vineyards and the countryside surrounding Saint-Émilion,and then to Château Soutard for a Grand Cru Classé wine tasting.

Day 6 – 10th July
Today you will have an opportunity to visit the magnificent Château Vayres, one of the most prestigious historic buildings of Aquitaine, or spend time discovering the Bastide town of Libourne and then stroll through its colourful open-air market, tasting some of the region’s specialties. Later in the day, you can visit Fronsac, where you can taste some of the regional wines at a grand wine cellar.

Day 7 – 11th July
Your last full day on board will be dedicated to Bordeaux, a UNESCO World Heritage Site classified as a “City of Art and History.” You’ll have an opportunity to experience much of the splendid architecture on a city tour followed by a visit to the impressive Cité duVin.

Day 8 – 12th July
The cruise ends after breakfast. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home, or, if you have chosen to extend your itinerary you will travel to your next destination.

Ship Details – “The Amadolce”

Public Areas

• Panoramic Lounge with bar, piano and Observation Lounge
• Complimentary specialty tea & coffee station available 24/7
• Lounge and staterooms on Violin and Cello Deck
• Beauty salon, massage and spa services
• Walking track, whirlpool and fitness room
• Bicycles for exploring on one’s own or on guided bicycle tours

Accommodation 

• All outside accommodations, with French Balconies on the Violin & Cello decks
• Spacious bathrooms with bathrobes and slippers
• Hair dryer, safe and direct-dial telephone
• Flat-screen TV featuring local and satellite channels
• Individually controlled air-conditioning
• Complimentary bottled water

Dining

• Main Dining Restaurant – offering western cuisine as well as regional specialties using locally sourced ingredients
• The Chef ’s Table – a specialty restaurant, which serves as an intimate dining alternative to the main restaurant. Diners can watch the chef preparing an array of delicious dishes. Limited seating – most clients enjoy one evening at this restaurant.
• Complimentary fine wine, beer, soft drinks and specialty coffees with lunch & dinner, plus sparkling wine at breakfast