Gironde & Dordogne 5 nights

 

5 Night Cruise sailing from Bordeaux roundtrip aboard one of CroisiEurope’s 2 deck ships. Ships sailing this itinerary include Rhone Princess (to be renamed Princess d’Aquitaine early 2011) or other similar vessels. Please check for further details at time of enquiry/booking.

Vessels in the CroisiEurope fleet are distinguished by the clean lines unique to them. Onboard, everything has been designed to offer maximum comfort. The lounge rooms and dining rooms are spacious and elegant and fitted out with the latest technologies. The functional, welcoming cabins are very well equipped (satellite TV, carpet, shower, hair dryer, WC). All vessels are air-conditioned with an independent thermostat for each cabin. The top deck, which is open to the sky and includes a sheltered area, is the ideal place to take the air, lying in the sun on a deck chair, walking from one end of the deck to the other, or sitting at one of the tables under the awning.

Cruise to the Gironde Estuary, steeped in history, wine and natural treasures, the Bordeaux region offers an astonishing range of delights that captivate the eyes and taste buds alike.

DAY 1: BORDEAUX
Board between 18 and 19. Settle into your cabin, and meet the crew during a welcome cocktail reception. Dinner on board followed by an evening of entertainment.

DAY 2: BORDEAUX – PAUILLAC
Head down the River Garonne and then join the River Gironde, passing Cazeau Island and Patiras Island before arriving Pauillac in time for lunch on board. Built long ago by wine merchants and ships’ captains, Pauillac has managed to preserve its fine houses belonging to old nobility which were built from great blocks of stone along its quaysides. Your optional excursion this afternoon is to visit the Médoc (reservation in advance essential) – a renowned region and an “away-from-it-all” spot where the most famous of all red wines in the world are cultivated: a strip of land squeezed between ocean and estuary. Here a mild, humid climate has made it easy to cultivate and develop the vines. You will pass through most of the great Médoc appelations such as Saint Julien, Margaux, Haut-Médoc and many more, following the famous Châteaux Route. You will also have the opportunity to see the châteaux Lafite-Rothschild, Latour and Mouton Rothschild. Return on board for dinner and an evening of entertainment. Moor for the night in Pauillac.

DAY 3: PAUILLAC – GIRONDE ESTUARY – BLAYE
Set sail early this morning, cruising along the Gironde to the estuary. Pass the marshes, Meschers-sur-Gironde with its steep cliffs, Troglodyte houses and fishermen’s huts, before arriving in Blaye. Lunch on board, arriving in Blaye around 14. In days gone by, this superb acropolis was an ideal look-out post to watch for invaders. Vauban had a citadel built here and this fortress is without doubt the biggest attraction in Blaye. Set off on an optional excursion along the Corniche, or cliff route. Narrow and picturesque, the road snakes alongside the River Dordogne before reaching the Gironde Estuary. As you travel, catch a glimpse of charming gardens, ancient fishermen’s houses, remarkable dwelling places carved out of the heart of the cliff, not forgetting the famous carrelets, the unique fishermen’s huts perched on wooden stilts on top of the water. The scenery here is an unusual combination of river, rocks and vines. Stop in the village of Bourg, a charming city built on a rocky outcrop enclosed by medieval ramparts. Return to Blaye, where you visit the citadel. Majestic and imposing, it overhangs the Gironde Estuary and affords magnificent panoramic views over the Gironde. Return on board for dinner, followed by an evening of dancing. Moor for the night in Blaye.

DAY 4: BLAYE – LIBOURNE – SAINT-EMILION
Breakfast as you cruise this morning, heading for Libourne. Shortly after passing the island of Cazeau, join the River Dordogne and head for Libourne where you will arrive in time for lunch. After lunch on board, join an optional excursion to Saint-Émilion. You will have a guided visit of the underground monuments of Saint-Émilion village as your guide introduces you to the history of this medieval city. Then visit an exceptional Troglodyte settlement – the cave of Émilion, the monk who founded the city, the Chapel of the Holy Trinity built in his honour and the catacombs. Finally you will see what is undoubtedly the most original of all the monuments – the Monolithic Church. Carved out entirely from the limestone rocks, it is the largest church in Europe. You next head off to visit a family-run vineyard and wine-producer where the owner will explains the steps involved in producing the great wines of Saint-Émilion. Have a tasting to conclude your visit. Rejoin your floating hotel in Libourne at the end of the afternoon. After dinner on board, the rest of the evening is free. Moor for the night in Libourne.

DAY 5: LIBOURNE – BORDEAUX
Breakfast on board as you continue your cruise back to Bordeaux, where you will arrive in the morning. Lunch on board. After lunch set off on an optional guided tour of Bordeaux, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Half of the town – the boulevards on the banks of the River Garonne – have also been recognised for their architectural heritage. Set off by coach for a guided panoramic tour of the city, and see the key buildings and monuments before visiting Old Bordeaux on foot. From the broad avenues of the Neo-classical areas of Quinconces and the Grand Théâtre to the narrow alleyways of the Saint-Pierre district, this tour gives you the opportunity to see the diversity of Bordeaux’s rich heritage. Return on board for a gala dinner, followed by an evening of dancing.

DAY 6: BORDEAUX
After breakfast on board, disembark around 9.
End of CroisiEurope’s services.

 

	2012 RATES
March, April, October, November	$1042
July - August	$1058
May, June, September	$1091

	SUPPLEMENTS
Upper deck	$107
Single	$251

 

To Book or Enquire

 

Please call us now on +61 (0)2 9247 4233 or 04 1491 4746

Alternatively, you can Skype us about this holiday by clicking the button below.