Group Tour Operator for river cruises in Northern Europe
Discover Bordeaux, the Dordogne and the Atlantic Coast (CroisiEurope) – NEW FRENCH RIVER CRUISE
-
France-Gironde-Garonne-Bordeaux-at-night-©CroisiEurope
DRINKS PACKAGE and ONE EXCURSION INCLUDED!
A scenic cruise through the heart of South-Western France along the Garonne and Dordogne Rivers sailing through world-famous wine growing regions, historical seaside resorts and the city of Bordeaux, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located in the region of Aquitaine, in Southwest France, the city’s name is synonymous world over with the French well-known red wine and the prestigious vineyards of the Médoc and Sauternes. This is also an opportunity to discover Saint-Emilion, known for its great wine and its Romanesque churches and where you can explore a cavernous underground church that’s the largest of its kind in Europe. The region is also home to some of the best French pastries, so why not treat yourself to some Blaye’s pralines or sweet caramel crusted cakes, called the cannelés?
Our ship is operated by one of the leading river cruise companies ‘CroisiEurope’ who operate a 50+ fleet of river and canal vessels with a minimum 4* standard of comfort, facilities and catering.
Dates
April - October
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1
Depart the UK
Travel to Dover and take the ferry to Calais or Dunkerque. On arrival in France, continue to Rouen or Paris area for an overnight stay. Dinner is included at the hotel this evening.
Day 2
Travel to Bordeaux
Depart after breakfast and continue to Bordeaux to arrive in time for embarkation at 18.00 hours. After checking into your cabin, there will be a Welcome Cocktail and reception before dinner. This evening, the ship will begin to cruise to Cussac-Ford-Médoc along the Garonne River before entering the Gironde River, passing the islands of Cazeau and Patiras.
Day 3
Cussac-Fort-Medoc – The Medoc – Gironde Estuary – Royan
This morning there will be an optional excursion today along the celebrated wine route of the Médoc vineyards, home to illustrious red wines, famous labels and domains such as Châteaux Lafite-Rothschild. Stops will be made for tastings as we travel through this renowned region and also get a glimpse of famous label vineyards. Return to the ship for lunch.
This afternoon, there will be a guided walking tour of Royan (included). Discover this Atlantic seaside town with its old villas, luxuriant gardens, beautiful harbour and impressive old church. There will be some time to explore at leisure after the tour.
Enjoy an evening of dinner and dancing on board.
Day 4
Royan – Rochefort – La Rochelle – Royan – Libourne
An optional full day excursion by coach to the seaside resorts of Rochefort and La Rochelle. In Rochefort, the historic downtown boasts lovely private mansions where legendary sailors and explorers lived. A visit will be made to the Corderie Royale, an historical rope making factory, the first industrial building in France, including a guided tour to learn about the techniques used to produce the ropes for large sailing ships including those of the French Navy.
After the visit we will continue to La Rochelle, tucked away on the Bay of Biscay, where we will stop for lunch in a local restaurant. On a guided tour of the old town and port, discover the Grosse-Horloge gate, Renaissance arcades, half-timbered homes with sculpted facades, and the cathedral. Enjoy some free time before returning to the ship.
Back on board ship, relax and enjoy dinner whilst cruising along the Dordogne to Libourne.
Day 5
Libourne – Bordeaux
This morning there is an optional guided tour of the medieval city of Saint-Émilion, its underground monuments and Monolithic church. After the tour there will be a visit to a local vineyard for a wine and local produce tasting before returning to the ship for lunch.
Alternatively, why not explore Libourne at leisure. Discover this former English bastide located at the confluence of the Isle and Dordogne rivers. See the St. John the Baptist Church, Abel Surchamp Square and the imposing clock tower in the harbour.
Back on board, the ship will cruise to Bordeaux this afternoon. Enjoy a leisurely dinner this evening
Day 6
Bordeaux – Cadillac – Bordeaux
As we sail along the Garonne, we will get a glimpse of Bordeaux from the water as the ship sails on to Cadillac. Here, there is an optional excursion to visit the medieval and prestigious Chateau de Roquetaillade which has been the backdrop for several French films. Explore the towers, keeps and the interiors and learn about it’s 500 year old history. After the visit, we will head to a wine cellar in the Sauternais for a tour and tasting. Back in Cadillac enjoy a guided city tour of the port, ramparts, the main square and admire the old houses and 15th century church before returning to the ship for lunch.
Spend the afternoon cruising back towards Bordeaux, arriving early evening. Tonight is the Festive Gala Evening on board.
Day 7
Bordeaux – Arcachon Bay – Bordeaux
An optional full day excursion by coach to Bassin d’Arcachon for a boat trip to see Bird Island, the famous ‘Cabanes Tchanquees’ (houses on stilts) and the oyster beds. After the cruise enjoy some free time in Arcachon before lunch in a local restaurant. On the way back to the ship, stop at the Great Dune of Pilat, the highest sand dune in Europe with amazing views from the top. Return to the ship for a final evening dinner and entertainment.
Alternatively, there are 2 other morning optional excursions as detailed below or spend the day at leisure either on board ship or exploring the town at your own pace.
- A guided walking tour of the old town district of Chartrons followed by a visit and tour of the famous Wine and Commerce Museum ending the tour with a tasting.
- A guided tour of the Bassins des Lumieres – a unique digital art centre which was a former submarine base built by the Germans.
Enjoy a final evening dinner including entertainment.
Day 8
Depart Bordeaux
Disembark after breakfast and start to make the return journey home, making an overnight stop in the Rouen or Paris area. Dinner will be included at the hotel this evening.
Day 9
Return to the UK
Continue, after breakfast, towards Calais or Dunkerque and take the ferry across to the UK.
MS Cyrano de Bergerac
(Premier Standard)
The upper deck cabins have wide windows with French balconies, the ones on the middle deck have large windows and on the main deck the cabins have portholes.
During the cruise, all meals are served in the restaurant which is located on the middle deck. The lounge / bar, at the front of the ship, is used for evening entertainment, aperitif and games. There is also a sun deck equipped with armchairs and sun loungers where you can relax while enjoying a panoramic view of the landscapes. It is also where morning fitness classes are held. Located on the middle deck, the restaurant is where all meals are served during your cruise. It seats all guests at tables which vary in size with a panoramic view. The atmosphere is casual but elegant. Perfect place to meet with friends before excursions or to ask any information you may need to the staff. The Gift Shop offers a wide assortment of souvenirs, CroisiEurope products and post cards. The lounge is located at the front of the ship and offers panoramic views. Cocktails and games, dancing, and other forms of entertainment all happen here.
Cabin information/facilities (CroisiEurope)
All cabins are located above the water level and offer panoramic views of the landscape. They are equipped with private toilet, shower, washbasin and towels. Cabins are comfortable and include Satellite TV, hairdryer, safe and storage space. Depending on the boat, cabins have twin beds, a large bed or 2 separable beds. Voltage on board in 220V. All cabins are air conditioned and have independent thermostat controlled heating and air conditioning. The size and configuration of cabins vary from boat to boat. Some boats have cabins which are specifically equipped for people with reduced mobility (please ask for further details). There is free Wi-Fi throughout the ship.
MS Cyrano De Bergerac (or similar)
| Departure date (Cruise Code BYA) | 9 days/8 nights | Single Supplement |
| April – October | From £1,559.00 per person (based on a twin/double main deck cabin) | From £579.00 per person (based on a single main deck cabin) |
Deposit and Payment Guidelines
A non-refundable deposit will be due upon confirmation with staged payments prior to departure. Further details upon request as these vary for each cruise company.
