Amid a backdrop of Europe’s most regal castles, historic ruins and vineyard-laced hills, all the while tasting world-class wines sourced from the very spots you’re traveling through.
Wine hosts and sommeliers will share their passion for viticulture through discussions and wine tastings on board. On shore, the insightful Wine Host—always a professional winery owner, winemaker, wine instructor or certified sommelier from a renowned North American winery—will lead guests through discussions and wine tastings on board, accompanying you to local wineries and vineyards where you'll learn first-hand from regional European experts.
And all of this comes at no extra cost. Whether you are a wine novice or a self-described oenophile with your own home wine cellar, this is the perfect chance to indulge in one of the world’s most perfect trifectas: travel, wine and elegant cuisine. From romantic cities to foodie havens, AmaWaterways will bring you into the very heart of Europe’s most exciting and legendary vineyards.
As with all of our itineraries, you can further enliven your senses by indulging in complimentary Special Interest Tours with local guides. Enjoy the perfect blend of visits to vineyards with excursions to nearby landmarks and destination hotspots
Along the way, tempt your increasingly refined palate with a glass of locally produced wines depending on your chosen itinerary—wines such as Moscatel de Favaios, Vinho Verde, Beaujolais, Reisling, Côtes du Rhône, Hermitage, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Grüner Veltliner, Sauvignon blanc, Pinot blanc and Pinot d’Alsace will be among either your favorite varietals or new flavors to which you will be introduced.
Our Wine Cruises also offer a smorgasbord of exciting epicurean tours designed for travelers who relish the idea of honing their culinary skills.
A signature experience available on all of our itineraries, you’ll also be treated to unlimited, hand-selected local wines during every onboard lunch and dinner. These change daily and are paired with locally-inspired menus.
TRAVEL DATE | PRICE | TYPE |
---|---|---|
March 14, 2024 | $5,264 CAD - Compared to $6,509 CAD | Per Person |
DAY | DATE | PLACE |
---|---|---|
1 | Thu Mar 14 | Bordeaux |
2 | Fri Mar 15 | Bordeaux |
3 | Sat Mar 16 | Libourne |
4 | Sun Mar 17 | Blaye |
5 | Mon Mar 18 | Cussac Fort Medoc |
6 | Tue Mar 19 | Cadillac |
7 | Wed Mar 20 | Bordeaux |
8 | Thu Mar 21 | Bordeaux |
DAY 1 – Bordeaux
EMBARKATION
Embark the ship for your Taste of Bordeaux cruise. (D)
DAY 2 – Bordeaux
Morning scenic cruising
Libourne
Saint-Émilion excursion and Grand Cru Classé wine tasting
OR Saint-Émilion Excursion
OR Saint-Émilion bike tour
Welcome to Libourne, a gateway to one of Bordeaux’s most elite wine regions. Join an excursion to Saint Émilion, known for its celebrated vineyards, and while here, explore the monolithic church carved out of one piece of limestone rock, and then go under the church to discover its catacombs and caves. Afterwards, enjoy a Grand Cru Classé wine tasting at either Château de Ferrand or Château de Pressac. Alternately, you can enjoy an excursion to Saint-Émilion solely to discover more of the small historic town. If you prefer a more active adventure, pedal through the vineyard-rich countryside to Saint-Émilion.
DAY 3 – Libourne
Bastide town and market visit
OR Château Boutinet hike with wine and tapas tasting
Stroll through the colorful, open-air market, tasting some of the region’s specialties. Or, you can get your heart pumping by venturing deeper into town by hiking through one of Libourne’s renowned vineyards.
DAY 4 – Blaye
Citadel visit
OR Blaye Chemin de Fer bike tour
Blaye to Bourg bike tour
Bourg
OR Bourg walking tour, Carriage Museum, and WWII Petrol Cistern
Exclusive wine festival
Once in Blaye, you can join a tour of its 17th-century citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For a more active excursion, take a bike ride around Blaye along a former railway. Later in the day, you can choose to bike from Blaye through the idyllic French countryside to Bourg. Or, in the ancient village of Bourg, take a walking tour and visit the Carriage Museum, which houses a wonderful collection of horse-drawn vehicles, and the World War II Petrol Cistern. Towards the evening, experience the hospitality of this charming medieval village with an exclusive wine festival. Meet the local wine growers and taste the fruits of their labors as well as enjoy live French music and dancing. (B,L,D)
DAY 5 – Cussac Fort Medoc
Medoc Grand Cru Classé wine tasting and scenic vineyard tour
OR Margaux Vineyard hike and local specialties tasting
OR Soulac-sur-Mer excursion
Cussac-Fort-Medoc is a peaceful commune in southwestern France and your is 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. You’ll then visit either Château Gruaud Larose or Château Léoville Poyferré for a tasting of Grand Cru wines. More active guests can hike through the vineyards of Château Margaux and taste local specialties. Alternatively, you may enjoy a drive along the coast to Soulac-sur-Mer where you’ll see unique sights, such as the Statue of Liberty and the Cordouan lighthouse known to be the oldest in France. (B,L,D)
DAY 6 – Cadillac
Roquetaillade Castle with Sauternes wine tasting
Bordeaux
OR Roquetaillade and Cadillac visit
Cadillac
OR Cadillac bike tour
Visit the impressive Castle of Roquetaillade, an amazingly preserved masterpiece of medieval military architecture owned by the same noble family for 700 years and travel to the Sauternes wine region to either Chateau de Rayne Vigneau or Chateau Guiraud to taste the highly prized golden-hued sweet wines produced here. For those wishing to explore more of the history on the decadent castles, you can enjoy a visit to the Roquetaillade castle and Cadillac castle. Or, pedal through the charming town of Cadillac for a guided bike tour. (B,L,D)
DAY 7 – Bordeaux
UNESCO city tour and market tasting
OR Bordeaux bike tour
Bordeaux Cité du Vin (wine museum) visit
OR Bassins des Lumières
The breathtaking capital of the wine world, Bordeaux is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and classified as a “City of Art and History.” You’ll have an opportunity to experience much of the rich culture and architecture on a city tour followed by a visit to the famed indoor Les Halles de Bacalan market for a tasting of local specialties to please the palate. Bike enthusiasts will wish to join a tour along the city’s amazing network of bicycle paths. Depending on your interests, you have a choice from three excursions in the afternoon. Enjoy a visit to the immersive and interactive Bordeaux Wine Museum, housed in an awe-inspiring building. Alternately, be treated to a spectacular sound and light show, Les Bassins des Lumières. Or, explore the enriching city of Bordeaux at your own leisure.
DAY 8 – Bordeaux
DISEMBARKATION
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