Compare Chateaux, Rivers & Wine by Viking River Cruises vs France Oysters and Wine Tour by Discovery Nomads
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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4.5 | Great
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| Duration | 8 days | 7 days |
| Price From | $ 1,899 | $ 1,635 |
| Price Per Day | $ 237 | $ 234 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | River cruise | Self-guided tour |
| Lodging Level | Premium | Premium |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
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| Meals Included |
7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches and 7 Dinners |
Complimentary breakfasts in some hotels. |
| Description |
Explore Bordeaux like never before Saint-Émilion, Pomerol, Sauternes, Médoc and Margaux are but a handful of the appellations that make Bordeaux wines world famous. At the heart of this legendary region, the city of Bordeaux invites visitors to savor its grand architecture, tempting cafés and superb museums. Celebrate joie de vivre in this land of wine and oysters, truffles and cognac, as you cruise the Dordogne, Garonne and Gironde Rivers. |
Try oysters and delicious sea food and wine while travelling from France to Spain on this Oysters and Wine Tour. See incredible sights such as the Eiffel Tower, the Notre Dame and relax on beautiful beaches of San Sebastian. |
Day 1: Bordeaux, France
Meals : D
Accommodation : UNESCO Pauillac Vineyards, France
Fly to Bordeaux. We meet you at the airport and take you to your ship*. The rest of the day is yours to relax or explore Bordeaux on your own. Second only to Paris in French historic monuments, Bordeaux’s thoughtfully preserved 18th-century urban areas make it a desirable film location, and its graceful port on the Garonne River is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We remain docked overnight.
Day 2: Pauillac (Margaux), France
Meals : B, L, D
Accommodation : Blaye Vauban Citadel, France
This morning you'll sail along the Gironde River, docking at Pauillac in the Médoc region before lunch. This afternoon, enjoy a wine country tour featuring several wine-tasting opportunities, including the area’s famous full-flavored Margaux. Travel through the rolling vineyard-laced hills to dinner at a château, accompanied by the château’s own wines. Relax aboard your ship this evening, or explore Pauillac’s marina and the Plaza Lafayette, where the Marquis de Lafayette set sail to the New World. Pauillac, the undisputed capital of the Médoc wine region, is home to Châteaux Lafite Rothschild, Latour and Mouton Rothschild, among others. Before returning to your ship, catch a glimpse of the Île de Patiras lighthouse in the middle of the Gironde.
Day 3: Blaye (Cognac), France
Meals : B, L, D
Accommodation : UNESCO
Early this morning we sail to Blaye and arrive during breakfast. Blaye boasts an extraordinary 17th-century citadel, dramatically set on a rock beside the river, incorporating the ruins of an ancient Gothic château that contains the tomb of Charibert II, king of Aquitaine. Legend has it that the Frankish hero Roland, who served Charlemagne, is also buried there. The citadel of Blaye, its city walls and two other forts are collectively listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a guided tour of the citadel, then enjoy some free time in Blaye. Or, you may choose to take an optional excursion to the charming medieval town of Cognac, birthplace of one of the world’s best-known types of brandy. Here, you will tour the family business of Camus, one of the most tradition-steeped Cognac houses in the area, and try your hand at blending. We lift anchor late this afternoon and dine while sailing toward Libourne, where the Isle and Dordogne Rivers meet. (B, L, D)
Day 4: Libourne (Saint-Émilion), France
Meals : B, L, D
Accommodation : UNESCO Cadillac Alley, France
Begin your day with a leisurely stroll to Libourne's picturesque city square, lined with buildings dating as far back as the 16th century, or take part in one of two optional excursions: an exploration of the Bergerac area in the Dordogne to learn more about truffles, a great French delicacy; or a wine tasting at a nearby château, of some local vintages from the Saint-Émilion and the Pomerol appellations. Later, take a tour to Saint-Émilion, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you see the town's superb medieval lanes and delightful views of the surrounding vineyards from the upper town. Spend a pleasant afternoon exploring the town's streets and shops.
Day 5: Cadillac (Sauternes), France
Meals : B, L, D
Accommodation : Bordeaux, France
Enjoy scenic morning cruising along the idyllic Garonne River, stopping after lunch at Cadillac. Disembark for your excursion to Sauternes. Learn how the area’s sweet dessert wines are made and taste some examples during your tour. Return aboard for dinner.
Day 6: Cadillac & Bordeaux, France
Meals : B, L, D
Accommodation : Bordeaux, France
We sail along the Garonne toward Bordeaux, enjoying a quiet morning. Tour the city center upon arrival and see some of Bordeaux’s highlights, including the Place des Quinconces, one of the largest squares in Europe; the neoclassical Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux; and several spectacular churches. We remain docked overnight so you can explore the city’s restaurants, bars and nightlife.
Day 7: Bordeaux, France
Meals : B, L, D
Accommodation : Bordeaux Palace Bourse, France
You have a full day at leisure, giving you more time to appreciate the well-preserved architecture of Jacques Ange Gabriel and son, and to taste the city’s cuisine and wine appellations. Perhaps pick up a few bottles to take home with you. You won't want to miss the Place de la Bourse, with its mirror-like reflecting pool, impressive by day but absolutely stunning at night. You also have the option of taking a full-day excursion to Arcachon, a commune on the Atlantic coast, to see the Victorian-era villas, walk on the boardwalk and taste the oysters, a local delicacy. Or, you have the option of participating in a market visit with the Viking Chef to see where the local chefs of Bordeaux find their fruit, vegetables, meats and fish.
Day 8: Bordeaux, France
Meals : B
After a final onboard breakfast, disembark and we take you to the airport for your flight home.* Or, extend your journey with 3 nights in Paris.
Day 1-3 Paris
Arrival at any time. Explore fascinating Paris, visit the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, take a walk through the creative Montmartre, visit Sacre Coeur Cathedral and in the evening you will have free time to explore the nightlife of the city.
Hotel: Mercure Paris Opera or similar.
Day 3 Bordeaux
Next head to Bordeaux to become masters of the grape in the red wine capital. Drink the best drops and hear tales of how these fiery reds came to be. Enjoy a wine tour to one of the wineries.
Hotel: Novotel Gambetta or similar.
Day 4 Bordeaux/Arcachon
Today you will have a day trip to the capital of Oysters - Arcachon. Experience the beauty of Arcachon and climb to the top of Europe's tallest sand dune, Pyla Dune (Dune du Pyla). Admire the town houses of Arcachon's Bay and enjoy Oysters and Wine Tasting.
Day 5-7 San Sebastian
Today travel to San Sebastian in Spain. This city is perfect for relaxing on the beach, shopping and a little party in the evening. Additionally you can travel to Biarritz on a half-day tour.
