Brilliant Bordeaux

Arrive at Bordeaux-Mérignac International Airport. If you have arranged a Uniworld arrival transfer, a Uniworld representative will be on hand to greet you and transfer you to the ship.

The French phrase “la douceur de vivre” perfectly describes your time in Cadillac, known for its deliciously flavored dessert wines. Choose between two carefully curated experiences running at the same time.
Royal Château Cazeneuve with Private Sauternes Toast: Journey through the vineyards to Château Royal de Cazeneuve, a polygonal 14th-century fortress with a royal pedigree and a favoured residence of Henry IV. The beautifully restored château still belongs to descendants of the Albret family. After your intimate visit, meet Louis and Caroline de Sabran-Pontevès for a Sauternes toast, sampling the unique perfume and flavour of the area.
The Colorful Life of Toulouse-Lautrec: Uncover the history of artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, whose mother’s home at Château Toulouse-Lautrec would inspire much of his artwork. Venture to the nearby town of Verdelais, with its beautiful tree-lined walkways and 19th-century facades, where Toulouse-Lautrec is buried.

The legendary Médoc region abounds with prestigious wine châteaux in a dizzying array of architectural styles, as well as miles of grapevines stretching to the horizon. Choose between two excursions running at the same time.
Médoc Châteaux Route with Private Wine Tasting: A panoramic tour of this legendary landscape takes you from Pauillac to the tip of the Médoc peninsula, past storied vineyards including Château Latour, Mouton Rothschild and Pichon Longueville Baron, and through the villages of Margaux, Saint-Julien and Saint-Estèphe. The tour concludes with a private visit and tasting of superior wines at one of the great châteaux.
Let’s Go: Bike in the Médoc Vineyards: Combine fresh air, gorgeous scenery and fine wine with a bicycle ride among the prestigious Médoc vineyards, pedalling through lush landscapes of historic estates that have seemingly remained unchanged for centuries.
Also included today: Fresh Médoc Oysters Tasting with an oyster farmer at the Guards’ House terrace, accompanied by a glass of local white wine.

The Route de la Corniche Fleurie winds from Blaye to Bourg-sur-Gironde through picturesque hamlets — limestone cliffs on one side, the Gironde on the other. Choose between two excursions running at the same time.
Panoramas of Route de la Corniche Fleurie with Blaye Fortress: Travel this remarkable road past fishing huts on stilts, charming 19th-century stone houses and centuries-old cliffs before arriving at Blaye’s 17th-century demilune-shaped citadel, built by famed military engineer Vauban. The citadel contains the ruins of a medieval castle, houses, squares, streets and a convent, all enclosed within stark walls, with sweeping views of the estuary from the top.
Intimate Experience with Local Wine and Art Connoisseurs: Join an informal wine tasting hosted by the owner of La Petite Cave, a charming wine bar in Blaye, for a personal look into the life of a local wine lover, with visits to his art studio and collections of wine and antique cars.
Also included today: Bourg sur Gironde Stroll through the upper town, past medieval gates and the spring, concluding at the remains of the old citadel with spectacular views over the estuary and the Dordogne. Note: this excursion requires walking up many steps and may not be suitable for gentle walkers.

The Route de la Corniche Fleurie winds from Blaye to Bourg-sur-Gironde through picturesque hamlets — limestone cliffs on one side, the Gironde on the other. Choose between two excursions running at the same time.
Panoramas of Route de la Corniche Fleurie with Blaye Fortress: Travel this remarkable road past fishing huts on stilts, charming 19th-century stone houses and centuries-old cliffs before arriving at Blaye’s 17th-century demilune-shaped citadel, built by famed military engineer Vauban. The citadel contains the ruins of a medieval castle, houses, squares, streets and a convent, all enclosed within stark walls, with sweeping views of the estuary from the top.
Intimate Experience with Local Wine and Art Connoisseurs: Join an informal wine tasting hosted by the owner of La Petite Cave, a charming wine bar in Blaye, for a personal look into the life of a local wine lover, with visits to his art studio and collections of wine and antique cars.
Also included today: Bourg sur Gironde Stroll through the upper town, past medieval gates and the spring, concluding at the remains of the old citadel with spectacular views over the estuary and the Dordogne. Note: this excursion requires walking up many steps and may not be suitable for gentle walkers.

The Gironde is a navigable estuary in southwest France and is formed from the meeting of the rivers Dordogne and Garonne just downstream of the centre of Bordeaux. Covering around 635 km², it is the largest estuary in western Europe.

With Libourne as your base, travel to nearby breathtaking Saint-Émilion and immerse yourself in the region’s history and wine culture. Choose between two excursions running at the same time.
Saint-Émilion Walking Tour with Wine Tasting: Hilltop Saint-Émilion was the first vineyard region to be protected by UNESCO. Shops brimming with wine line its steep cobblestone streets, medieval ramparts still stand, and the most extraordinary sight of all is the 12th-century church carved entirely into a cliff — only the tower is above ground. After touring Saint-Émilion, visit the cellars of a prestigious estate for a tasting of some of the world’s most highly rated wines.
Dordogne Valley: Explore the remarkable landscapes of this storied valley.

France’s rich agricultural tradition is the heart and soul of the region’s exquisite cuisine. Choose between three excursions running at the same time.
Libourne Walking Tour with Farmers’ Market: Libourne’s market is the heart and soul of the town, brimming with the freshest vegetables, ripest cheeses, most luscious fruits and loveliest flowers. Check out the stalls in the market square, then explore the covered market with its enticing aromas of bread, cheese, fish and meat.
Let’s Go: Libourne Bike Ride: Explore the surrounding countryside and waterways by bicycle.
Château Boutinet Wine Tasting (MAKE TRAVEL MATTER): Walk amongst the vines with Nathalie and Jérôme, owners of Château Boutinet and passionate advocates for sustainability in winemaking. Their flock of sheep maintains the vineyards by grazing, replacing tractors, providing natural fertilisation and promoting biodiversity. Stroll through the grounds, stopping for a snack or a glass of wine, and discover how their viticultural philosophy produces exceptional wines while caring for the environment.
Also included this evening: Nights Out — after-hours immersive light show at the Bassins des Lumières, a WWII submarine base in Bordeaux’s Port de la Lune transformed into a stunning cultural space, with dramatic light projections against its historic walls.

Discover Bordeaux’s many charms today, either on foot with a local expert or on two wheels. Choose between two excursions running at the same time.
Do as the Locals Do: Bordeaux Walking Tour: Catch a tram to the Place de la Comédie, the heart of Bordeaux’s Golden Triangle, whose splendid honey-coloured stone buildings from the 18th century UNESCO has designated a World Heritage Site. Sample the delicious handiwork of Bordeaux’s bakers, discover the city’s rich chocolate-making heritage and learn the culinary traditions that have made this one of France’s great gastronomic cities. This evening, the Captain’s Farewell Reception and Dinner.
Let’s Go: Bike Bordeaux Backstreets: Pedal with your expert guide along the Quai des Chartrons, past the antique shops of Rue Notre Dame and the Church of St. Louis, to the city’s great squares including the Bourse and Parliament, before returning along the banks of the Garonne with a stop at one of the delightful cafés along the way.

Disembark the ship and transfer to Bordeaux-Mérignac International Airport for your flight home — or extend your French adventure with an optional pre-cruise extension to Biarritz Basque Country or a post-cruise extension to Paris. Speak with a Cruiseabout consultant for availability and details.