CRUISE BORDEAUX

The Great Wines of Southern France · October 28th 2026 - November 2nd 2026

This is an adventure that flows through as much history as it does wine!

Our journey will take us from the wine capital of the world, Bordeaux, on a cruise along the Garonne River and into the Gironde Estuary. Here we will visit Fort Médoc and the 17th Century architectural masterpiece – the Citadel of Blaye, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy a sample (or two) of the local wines along the way.

We will then sail along the Dordogne River to the breathtaking panorama of rolling vineyards and medieval streets in Saint-Émilion. Our journey will end back in Bordeaux for a final day of excursions and a last chance to sample the local produce.

We will travel with our own professional onboard soloists, a musical director, and an onboard string quartet.

Our vessel for this voyage will be the premium MS Cyrano de Bergerac—a beautiful home for our Aquitaine Adventure. This ship has been recently renovated, with comfortable, modern en-suite cabins and a stunning panorama lounge bar to host our evening entertainment and choir rehearsals.

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Itinerary

28 October 2026

Our cruise directors will be on-hand at the airport to assist with transfers down to the ship. Passengers can check in on board from 6:00 p.m. in Bordeaux. We will introduce the crew at 7:00 p.m., followed by a welcome cocktail and dinner. Performance: Our onboard soloists entertain

29 October 2026

This morning, we begin sailing up the Garonne and into the Gironde Estuary on our journey to Cussac–Fort-Médoc, a region internationally renowned for its red wine. Our excursion this afternoon will take us along the trail of the Grands Crus Wines of Médoc for a sample (or two!) before returning to the ship for dinner and the evening’s entertainment. Performance: Our onboard soloists entertain

30 October 2026

We will sail across the Gironde Estuary toward Blaye for today’s excursion: the UNESCO World Heritage Site Citadel of Blaye. One of the most impressive military fortifications in France, it was designed by the legendary French engineer Vauban in the 17th century.
On our guided tour, we will learn how this citadel—together with Fort Médoc on the opposite bank and Fort Paté in the middle of the estuary—once made the river impassable to enemy ships.
Following our tour, we will visit a nearby vineyard to see if the wine tastes better on this side of the estuary, before heading back to the ship. Dinner will be served on board, followed by our evening entertainment. Performance: Our onboard soloists entertain

31 October 2026

Today we cruise to Libourne, a beautiful town at the confluence of the Isle and Dordogne Rivers. From here, we take a coach to the UNESCO-listed, medieval town of Saint-Émilion.
Saint-Émilion is another world-famous wine region, known for producing some of the finest red wines under the Saint-Émilion Grand Cru classification. The town itself is set amidst rolling vineyards, stone houses, and breathtaking views.
Our walking tour will lead us through the medieval centre, where we will wander down cobbled streets lined with half-timbered houses. There will be time to sample the famous macarons of Saint-Émilion, and we will end our excursion with a wine tasting.
Performance: Our onboard soloists entertain

1 November 2026

This morning, we return to the wine capital of the world: Bordeaux. We will begin the day with a walking tour of the historic centre, followed by a visit to the world’s largest wine museum: Cité du Vin. After the tour (if anyone is still standing!), we will have a final opportunity to taste some of the region’s magnificent wines.
We return to the ship for lunch, followed by either free time or an optional excursion to Les Bassins des Lumières—a vast digital art space housed inside a former submarine base built by the occupying German forces during World War II. This immersive exhibition focuses on the works of famous artists such as Van Gogh, Monet, or Picasso, projecting their art onto the original water basins that once housed German U-boats, creating a spectacular visual effect.
After the exhibition, we return to the ship for dinner and our “Au revoir” concert. Performance: Our onboard soloists entertain

2 November 2026

We enjoy a final breakfast together on board before making our onward journeys home. Check-out is at 9:00 a.m. Performance: No concert tonight, we simply say au-revoir until next time!

What's included

All meals from dinner on on the first evening, through to breakfast on the final morning
Beer, wine and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
All listed excursions
Nightly entertainment
An onboard string quartet

What's not included

Personal travel insurance
Transfers to or from the ship
Any excursions listed as ‘optional’

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Fort Médoc & Citadel du Blaye

Fort Médoc and the Citadel of Blaye are historical fortifications built by famed military engineer, Vauban, in the late 17th century. Located on opposite banks of the Gironde Estuary, these UNESCO-listed sites stand as impressive defences once vital to protecting the city of Bordeaux. Fort Médoc, smaller in scale but equally fascinating, offers a glimpse into Vauban’s strategic genius with its well-preserved ramparts, powder magazines, and commanding bastions.

Across the estuary, the imposing Citadel du Blaye rises above the river, featuring an intricate network of moats, tunnels, and barracks. The citadel’s elevated position offers panoramic views of the Gironde, with the chance to explore quaint shops and restaurants housed within its walls. For travellers seeking both cultural enrichment and scenic surroundings, these two fortifications provide an immersive experience.

Saint Emilion

Saint-Émilion, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Bordeaux’s wine region, enchants visitors with its rich history, remarkable architecture, and renowned vintages. The town’s historic centre, full of winding cobbled streets, reveals centuries of heritage in every stone. A highlight is the astonishing underground monolithic church, Église Monolithe, carved into the limestone hillside, boasting a vast subterranean nave. Surrounding vineyards, producing prestigious Grand Cru wines, stretch across rolling hills, inviting tastings at local châteaux to discover the region’s intricate terroir. Whether you’re savouring a glass of full-bodied red, exploring the hidden depths of the cathedral, or admiring the medieval streetscapes, Saint-Émilion’s blend of cultural treasures, scenic beauty, and culinary delights ensures an unforgettable experience.

Bordeaux

The historic heart of Bordeaux is a captivating showcase of 18th-century architecture, grand boulevards, and lively public squares. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it boasts elegant mansions, imposing civic buildings, and an abundance of cafés and boutiques. Stroll along the quays of the Garonne River and admire the sweeping views of the Pont de Pierre, commissioned by Napoleon. Stop by the Place de la Bourse and its famed Miroir d’Eau, where the stunning reflection of the palace-like façade delights visitors day and night. Explore the narrow lanes of the Saint-Pierre district, once home to mediaeval merchants, and discover hidden gems at every turn.

Cité du Vin

The Cité du Vin stands as Bordeaux’s modern beacon of wine culture, offering an immersive exploration of vineyards, history, and tasting traditions from across the globe. Its striking architectural design, inspired by the swirl of wine in a glass, immediately catches the eye. Inside, interactive exhibits guide visitors through centuries of viticulture, explaining how geography, climate, and innovation have shaped the world of wine. The multisensory experiences include tasting sessions, curated presentations, and even simulated boat journeys that evoke the routes once used to transport wine. A highlight for many is the panoramic viewing deck, where a glass of Bordeaux can be enjoyed against the city’s skyline. This museum adds a contemporary edge to Bordeaux’s enduring love affair with wine.

Bassins des Lumières

Housed in a former Second World War German submarine base, the Bassins des Lumières offers a dazzling fusion of art and technology in a truly unique setting. Step into vast concrete chambers filled with water, where famous masterpieces are projected onto walls, floors, and reflective surfaces. These large-scale, immersive exhibitions bring new life to the works of renowned painters such as Van Gogh, Monet, and Klimt. Accompanying music and movement elevate the experience, allowing visitors to wander through an ever-changing kaleidoscope of colour and light.

Aerial view, Blaye Citadel, UNESCO world heritage site in Gironde, France

1 - Fort Médoc & Citadel du Blaye

Saint Emilion et son vignoble en été

2 - Saint Emilion

Bordeaux aerial panoramic view, France

3 - Bordeaux

Cite Du Vin

4 - Cité du Vin

Bordeaux , Aquitaine France - 11 11 2021 : Les Bassins de Lumières immersive exhibition retraces the fascination of Bonnard and Dufy for the Mediterranean

5 - Bassins des Lumières

MS Cyrano de Bergerac

At a Glance

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Bordeaux and beyond as you cruise the Garonne and Dordogne, discovering storied fortresses, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and world-famous vineyards. Begin in vibrant Bordeaux, renowned for its exceptional wines, then sail to Cussac–Fort-Médoc for the Grands Crus Wines of Médoc. Explore the Citadel of Blaye, crafted by Vauban, before continuing to medieval Saint-Émilion for panoramic vistas and Grand Cru tastings. Return to Bordeaux for cultural immersion, including the Cité du Vin and Bassins des Lumières. Throughout, enjoy onboard music by soloists and a string quartet aboard the premium MS Cyrano de Bergerac.

Excursions

The excursions include:

Fort Médoc: A 17th-century Vauban fortress in the world-famous Médoc wine region, followed by a visit to a Chateau for a wine tasting.
Citadel of Blaye: A UNESCO World Heritage fortress perched above the Gironde Estuary, designed by Vauban in the 17th century to defend Bordeaux, followed by a wine tasting.
Saint-Émilion: A medieval hilltop town beloved for its Grand Cru reds, cobbled streets, and charming macaron shops, all set amid rolling vineyards and breathtaking landscapes.
Bordeaux Historic Centre: Europe’s “wine capital,” where elegant boulevards, 18th-century architecture, and café-lined squares invite exploration and cultural immersion.
Cité du Vin: The world’s largest wine museum, offering interactive exhibits celebrating global wine traditions and a panoramic tasting area overlooking the city.
Bassins des Lumières (Optional): An immersive digital art experience in a former WWII submarine base