Embark on an enchanting Taste of Bordeaux: Cruising the Waterways of Southwest France itinerary, part of AmaWaterways’ new collaboration with Smithsonian Journeys. Explore Bordeaux’s picturesque wine regions, wandering through charming towns and historic sites, and savoring exquisite local wines and cuisine. Start in Bordeaux, exploring the city’s historic center before cruising along the Garonne River. Visit picturesque towns like Libourne and Saint Émilion, immersing yourself in their rich wine culture and scenic vineyards. Plus, enjoy specially curated tours that include a discovery of Bergerac's medieval allure, a tour of the historic Château Royal de Cazeneuve where Henry IV kept the Queen Margot captive for several years, and an exploration of the prehistoric petroglyphs of the Pair-non-Pair caves – all exclusively available on Taste of Bordeaux Smithsonian Journeys. You will also have the unique opportunity to engage with and learn from two Smithsonian Journeys Experts throughout your journey whose specialized expertise will further immerse you in the history, art or culture of the region.
Embark on an enchanting Taste of Bordeaux: Cruising the Waterways of Southwest France itinerary, part of AmaWaterways’ new collaboration with Smithsonian Journeys. Begin your journey in the heart of Basque Country, Bilbao. Home to the world-renowned Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao is a cultural hub for rich history and flavorful cuisine. Then enjoy two nights in the stunning seaside resort of San Sebastián before embarking on your river cruise journey in Bordeaux. Explore Bordeaux’s picturesque wine regions, wandering through charming towns and historic sites, and savoring exquisite local wines and cuisine. Start in Bordeaux, exploring the city’s historic center before cruising along the Garonne River. Visit picturesque towns like Libourne and Saint Émilion, immersing yourself in their rich wine culture and scenic vineyards. Plus, enjoy specially curated tours that include a discovery of Bergerac's medieval allure, a tour of the historic Château Royal de Cazeneuve where Henry IV kept the Queen Margot captive for several years, and an exploration of the prehistoric petroglyphs of the Pair-non-Pair caves – all exclusively available on Taste of Bordeaux Smithsonian Journeys. You will also have the unique opportunity to engage with and learn from two Smithsonian Journeys Experts throughout your journey whose specialized expertise will further immerse you in the history, art or culture of the region. After disembarking, you will venture into the UNESCO-designated Loire Valley, the all-important "Garden of France." Journey to Amboise, the final resting place of Leonardo da Vinci, before concluding your journey in the “City of Lights” which needs no introduction, Paris.
From romantic walks to red wine, Bordeaux is the cultural capital of all that is quintessentially French. Follow wine's journey from countryside to cask as you tour centuries-old vineyards and taste Bordeaux's finest vintages throughout your river cruise experience. Step into living history when you visit historic Roquetaillade Castle and Château Boutinet, delighting in their elegant décor and regal architecture. Then, contrast their grandeur with the pastoral gems including the historic village of Saint-Émilion and the seaside resort of Soulac-sur-Mer. Explore the cobblestone streets of Bordeaux and the rolling hills of the French countryside by foot or by bicycle, experiencing southern France according to your tastes. After indulging in Bordeaux's colorful culture and rich flavors, and capping off your journey with three nights exploring the romantic “City of Lights,” Paris, you and your palate will remember this journey for years to come.
Begin your journey in the heart of Spain, with our new-for-2026 land package in Madrid! Explore the magnificent architecture within this culture-rich cosmopolitan metropolis. Then enjoy two nights in the stunning seaside resort of San Sebastián before embarking on your river cruise journey in Bordeaux. From romantic walks to red wine, Bordeaux is the cultural capital of all that is quintessentially French. Follow wine's journey from countryside to cask as you tour centuries-old vineyards and taste Bordeaux's finest vintages throughout your river cruise experience. Step into living history when you visit historic Roquetaillade Castle and Château Boutinet, delighting in their elegant décor and regal architecture. Then, contrast their grandeur with the pastoral gems including the historic village of Saint-Émilion and the seaside resort of Soulac-sur-Mer. After indulging in Bordeaux's colorful culture and rich flavors, you and your palate will remember this journey for years to come.
Embark on an enchanting Taste of Bordeaux: Cruising the Waterways of Southwest France itinerary, part of AmaWaterways’ new collaboration with Smithsonian Journeys. Begin your journey in the heart of Spain, with our new-for-2026 land package in Madrid! Explore the magnificent architecture within this culture-rich cosmopolitan metropolis. Then enjoy two nights in the stunning seaside resort of San Sebastián before embarking on your river cruise journey in Bordeaux. Explore Bordeaux’s picturesque wine regions, wandering through charming towns and historic sites, and savoring exquisite local wines and cuisine. Start in Bordeaux, exploring the city’s historic center before cruising along the Garonne River. Visit picturesque towns like Libourne and Saint Émilion, immersing yourself in their rich wine culture and scenic vineyards. Plus, enjoy specially curated tours that include a discovery of Bergerac's medieval allure, a tour of the historic Château Royal de Cazeneuve where Henry IV kept the Queen Margot captive for several years, and an exploration of the prehistoric petroglyphs of the Pair-non-Pair caves – all exclusively available on Taste of Bordeaux Smithsonian Journeys. You will also have the unique opportunity to engage with and learn from two Smithsonian Journeys Experts throughout your journey whose specialized expertise will further immerse you in the history, art or culture of the region.
Taste of Bordeaux (Smithsonian Journeys)
At A Glance
On our river cruises, you will enjoy an extensive lineup of included tours. In many cases, you will have a choice of excursions, such as standard tours, bike tours, hikes and Special Interest Tours. We always include a large variety of activities so that you can choose how you want to explore. No matter your preference, your days will be full of discovery and wonder.
Arrive in the wine capital of Bordeaux and embark your beautiful river cruise ship, docked on the Garonne River a stone’s throw from the city’s historic center. After time to get settled in your stateroom—and to explore Bordeaux on your own if time allows—kick off your journey with a welcome reception on board this evening. (Meals: D)
Day 2 | Libourne | Saint-Émilion Excursion |
|
| | OR Saint-Émilion vineyard bike tour |
|
Just north of Bordeaux, the Garonne converges with the Dordogne River, forming the Gironde Estuary. Follow the Dordogne during a relaxing morning on the water, cruising between vineyards and villages to Libourne, the gateway to some of Bordeaux’s most prestigious wine regions. Discover one of them on an excursion to the town of Saint Émilion, perched on a cliff overlooking an endless patchwork of vineyards. Here you’ll tour an unusual church carved out of a single piece of limestone, and then descend beneath the church to discover its catacombs and caves. If you seek a more active adventure, pedal through the vineyards of this UNESCO-designated region on a guided bike ride from Libourne to Saint Émilion. (Meals: B,L,D)
Day 3 | Libourne | Bergerac excursion – Smithsonian Journeys Exclusive |
|
| | OR Bastide town and market visit |
|
| | OR Ancient Watermill Visit and Breadmaking Workshop |
|
| | OR Château Boutinet hike with wine and tapas tasting |
|
Set out for the charming town of Bergerac, which traded hands between the English and French several times during the Middle Ages. On a walking tour along winding lanes lined with age-old half-timbered houses, stop in to see the Cloître des Récollets at the Maison du Vin and visit the Tobacco Museum, housed within a stunning 17th-century townhouse. Or stay in Libourne and delve into the town’s lively market, tasting the region’s specialties as you meander among open-air stalls stocked with everything from olives and herbal soaps to epicurean cheeses and local honey. Alternatively, visit an age-old watermill and learn about traditional breadmaking or enjoy a vineyard hike followed by a wine tasting and tapas. (Meals: B,L,D)
| | OR Blaye Chemin de Fer bike tour |
|
| | OR Pair-non-Pair Caves – Smithsonian Journeys Exclusive |
|
| Bourg | OR Bourg walking tour, Carriage Museum and WWII Petrol Cistern |
|
| | Exclusive Bourg wine festival |
|
Return west along the Dordogne toward Blaye, situated at the entrance to the Gironde Estuary. A renowned wine appellation in its own right, Blaye is known for its imposing 17th-century citadel, one of 12 designed by military engineer Vauban, now collectively a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tour the expansive cliff-top fortifications or take a guided bike ride along a former railway. Alternatively, set out for the Pair-non-Pair Caves to view some of the world’s oldest cave paintings, representations of horses, ibexes and mammoths that date back some 30,000 years. Instead, bike through the idyllic countryside to Bourg or travel there by road for a walking tour and a visit to the Carriage Museum and the World War II Petrol Cistern. As evening falls, meet local wine growers at a wine festival in this charming medieval village and enjoy the region’s wine as well as live French music and dancing. (B,L,D)
Day 5 | Cussac Fort Medoc | Cussac Fort, vineyards hike and wine tasting |
|
Across the estuary lies Cussac-Fort-Médoc, a lovely base from which to explore the famed Médoc region, renowned for producing some of the finest Bordeaux wines. The town is home to Fort Médoc, another of Vauban’s World Heritage-listed fortifications, which guards the western bank of the Gironde Estuary. Set off on a guided hike through this picturesque region, visiting the fort as well as the verdant vineyards that blanket this surrounding landscape. You’ll also have the chance to sample Grand Cru Classé wines accompanied by local specialties. (B,L,D)
Day 6 | Cadillac | Château Royal de Cazeneuve – Smithsonian Journeys Exclusive |
|
| | OR Roquetaillade Castle and Cadillac visit |
|
Cruise to Cadillac and meet the owner of the Chateau Royal de Cazeneuve, where Henri IV held Queen Margot captive. Tour the magnificent property, owned by only four families since its founding, and see the original furnishings within. Or visit the impressive Castle of Roquetaillade, an amazingly preserved masterpiece of medieval military architecture owned by the same noble family for 700 years. Choose to continue with a tour of the intriguing Cadillac Ducal Castle, a once-splendid chateau that served as a women’s prison until the mid-20th century. Or opt to bike through Cadillac on a guided bike tour. (B,L,D)
Day 7 | Bordeaux | UNESCO city tour and market tasting |
|
| | OR Bordeaux Cité du Vin (wine museum) visit |
|
| | OR City tour with Musee d’Aquitaine – Smithsonian Journeys Exclusive |
|
Glide back into the heart of Bordeaux, a capital of not only wine, but also art and culture. Discover the rich traditions and golden-hued neoclassical architecture of this UNESCO World Heritage Site on a city tour, then visit the indoor Les Halles de Bacalan market for a tasting of local delicacies. Choose to end your walking tour with one of three options; witness Les Bassins des Lumières, a spectacular sound and light show; visit the interactive La Cité du Vin, housed in a whimsical building designed to capture the liquidity of wine; or take a guided tour of the Musée d’Aquitaine, which traces the history of the region from prehistory and the Roman period, to the Atlantic slave trade, and through the modern era. Bike enthusiasts may wish to ride along the city’s amazing network of bicycle paths. (B,L,D)
Day 8 | Bordeaux | DISEMBARKATION |
|
After breakfast, disembark the ship and transfer to the airport for your flight home. (B)
Day 1 | Bilbao | Hotel check-in |
|
Check into your hotel for the beginning of your Basque Country land package.
Day 2 | Bilbao | Guernica excursion |
|
| | “A City of Contrasts” walking tour and introduction to tapas |
|
Travel to the Basque town of Guernica, infamously bombed by German and Italian air forces during the Spanish Civil War – and the subject of one of Picasso’s most renowned paintings. Immerse yourself in culture and visit the open-air market where you’ll find a variety of local specialties, from cheese to peppers to fish. Later in the day, take an informative walking tour through Bilbao and learn how to order Basque tapas, known locally as pintxos, and revered for their small size and big taste. (Meals: B)
Day 3 | Bilbao | Guggenheim Museum |
|
| San Sebastian | Hotel check-in |
|
Take a deep dive into the contemporary art within the world-famous Guggenheim Museum, a work of art itself. Designed by architect Frank Gehry, the museum features a daring and innovative façade and showcases work by such artists as Andy Warhol, German artist Anselm Kiefer, and Basque masters Eduardo Chillida and Jorge Oteiza. Later in the day, transfer to San Sebastián and check into your hotel. In the evening, take a stroll through Old Town, the second oldest neighborhood in the city, where distinctive architecture and pintxos bars beckon, made even more romantic by the evening light. (Meals: B)
Day 4 | San Sebastian | “City by the Bay of Biscay” tour |
|
Discover the charms of the “City by the Bay of Biscay.” Known in the Basque language as Donostia, San Sebastián was once a prominent fishing village and was burned to the ground in 1813 after being occupied by Napoleonic troops. However, by 1887, after rebuilding, the city flourished as a popular tourist destination and spa resort. Later in the day, enjoy some free time in the city renowned for holding the second highest number of Michelin stars per square meter. (Meals: B)
Day 5 | San Sebastian | Transfer to Bordeaux via Bayonne |
|
Check out of your hotel and transfer to Bordeaux via the French Basque town of Bayonne. Later, arrive in the wine capital of Bordeaux and embark your beautiful river cruise ship, docked on the Garonne River a stone’s throw from the city’s historic center. After time to get settled in your stateroom—and to explore Bordeaux on your own if time allows—kick off your journey with a welcome reception on board this evening. (Meals: D)
Day 6 | Libourne | Saint-Émilion Excursion |
|
| | OR Saint-Émilion vineyard bike tour |
|
Just north of Bordeaux, the Garonne converges with the Dordogne River, forming the Gironde Estuary. Follow the Dordogne during a relaxing morning on the water, cruising between vineyards and villages to Libourne, the gateway to some of Bordeaux’s most prestigious wine regions. Discover one of them on an excursion to the town of Saint Émilion, perched on a cliff overlooking an endless patchwork of vineyards. Here you’ll tour an unusual church carved out of a single piece of limestone, and then descend beneath the church to discover its catacombs and caves. If you seek a more active adventure, pedal through the vineyards of this UNESCO-designated region on a guided bike ride from Libourne to Saint Émilion. (Meals: B,L,D)
Day 7 | Libourne | Bergerac excursion – Smithsonian Journeys Exclusive |
|
| | OR Bastide town and market visit |
|
| | OR Ancient Watermill Visit and Breadmaking Workshop |
|
| | OR Château Boutinet hike with wine and tapas tasting |
|
Set out for the charming town of Bergerac, which traded hands between the English and French several times during the Middle Ages. On a walking tour along winding lanes lined with age-old half-timbered houses, stop in to see the Cloître des Récollets at the Maison du Vin and visit the Tobacco Museum, housed within a stunning 17th-century townhouse. Or stay in Libourne and delve into the town’s lively market, tasting the region’s specialties as you meander among open-air stalls stocked with everything from olives and herbal soaps to epicurean cheeses and local honey. Alternatively, visit an age-old watermill and learn about traditional breadmaking or enjoy a vineyard hike followed by a wine tasting and tapas. (Meals: B,L,D)
| | OR Blaye Chemin de Fer bike tour |
|
| | OR Pair-non-Pair Caves – Smithsonian Journeys Exclusive |
|
| Bourg | OR Bourg walking tour, Carriage Museum and WWII Petrol Cistern |
|
| | Exclusive Bourg wine festival |
|
Return west along the Dordogne toward Blaye, situated at the entrance to the Gironde Estuary. A renowned wine appellation in its own right, Blaye is known for its imposing 17th-century citadel, one of 12 designed by military engineer Vauban, now collectively a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tour the expansive cliff-top fortifications or take a guided bike ride along a former railway. Alternatively, set out for the Pair-non-Pair Caves to view some of the world’s oldest cave paintings, representations of horses, ibexes and mammoths that date back some 30,000 years. Instead, bike through the idyllic countryside to Bourg or travel there by road for a walking tour and a visit to the Carriage Museum and the World War II Petrol Cistern. As evening falls, meet local wine growers at a wine festival in this charming medieval village and enjoy the region’s wine as well as live French music and dancing. (B,L,D)
Day 9 | Cussac Fort Medoc | Cussac Fort, vineyards hike and wine tasting |
|
Across the estuary lies Cussac-Fort-Médoc, a lovely base from which to explore the famed Médoc region, renowned for producing some of the finest Bordeaux wines. The town is home to Fort Médoc, another of Vauban’s World Heritage-listed fortifications, which guards the western bank of the Gironde Estuary. Set off on a guided hike through this picturesque region, visiting the fort as well as the verdant vineyards that blanket this surrounding landscape. You’ll also have the chance to sample Grand Cru Classé wines accompanied by local specialties. (B,L,D)
Day 10 | Cadillac | Château Royal de Cazeneuve – Smithsonian Journeys Exclusive |
|
| | OR Roquetaillade Castle and Cadillac visit |
|
Cruise to Cadillac and meet the owner of the Chateau Royal de Cazeneuve, where Henri IV held Queen Margot captive. Tour the magnificent property, owned by only four families since its founding, and see the original furnishings within. Or visit the impressive Castle of Roquetaillade, an amazingly preserved masterpiece of medieval military architecture owned by the same noble family for 700 years. Choose to continue with a tour of the intriguing Cadillac Ducal Castle, a once-splendid chateau that served as a women’s prison until the mid-20th century. Or opt to bike through Cadillac on a guided bike tour. (B,L,D)
Day 11 | Bordeaux | UNESCO city tour and market tasting |
|
| | OR Bordeaux Cité du Vin (wine museum) visit |
|
| | OR City tour with Musee d’Aquitaine – Smithsonian Journeys Exclusive |
|
Glide back into the heart of Bordeaux, a capital of not only wine, but also art and culture. Discover the rich traditions and golden-hued neoclassical architecture of this UNESCO World Heritage Site on a city tour, then visit the indoor Les Halles de Bacalan market for a tasting of local delicacies. Choose to end your walking tour with one of three options; witness Les Bassins des Lumières, a spectacular sound and light show; visit the interactive La Cité du Vin, housed in a whimsical building designed to capture the liquidity of wine; or take a guided tour of the Musée d’Aquitaine, which traces the history of the region from prehistory and the Roman period, to the Atlantic slave trade, and through the modern era. Bike enthusiasts may wish to ride along the city’s amazing network of bicycle paths. (B,L,D)
Day 12 | Bordeaux | DISEMBARKATION |
|
| Loire Valley / Amboise | Hotel check-in |
|
Disembark the ship and transfer to Amboise, with a visit to Cognac en route for lunch and free time before arriving in the Loire Valley, where you will check in to your Amboise hotel. (Meals: B)
Day 13 | Amboise | Château de Chenonceau, Clos du Lucé and Château d’Amboise |
|
Visit three of the Loire Valley’s regal châteaux starting with the Château de Chenonceau, one of the most beautiful castles in France. This château has been referred to as the “Women’s Castle” since it is the only castle in the region that has been built, inhabited and saved by women during the Renaissance. Château du Clos Lucé was Leonardo da Vinci’s last home where he completed some of his most famous works under the patronage of the King of France. The Château d’Amboise, perched on a promontory overlooking the Loire River, was the first Renaissance château built in the Loire Valley and features extravagant residences, gardens and a Gothic chapel, where Leonardo da Vinci is buried. (B)
Day 14 | Amboise | Hotel check-out |
|
| Paris | Transfer to Paris; hotel check-in |
|
Check out of your Amboise hotel and, en route to Paris, visit two more majestic châteaux. While Château de Chambord, located at the heart of Europe’s largest enclosed wooded park, began as an unassuming hunting lodge, it is now the biggest château in the Loire Valley with 426 rooms, 77 staircases and 282 fireplaces. Next, either marvel at the residence of seven kings and ten queens of France at the famous Château de Blois where you'll discover the secrets of the French court or enjoy free time. Afterwards, transfer by motorcoach to your hotel at Charles De Gaulle Airport. (Meals: B)
Day 15 | Paris | Return flight home |
|
Bid farewell to Paris and prepare for your flight home. (B)
B,L,D – Indicates Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner are included on this day.
Arrive in the wine capital of Bordeaux and embark your beautiful river cruise ship, docked on the Garonne River a stone’s throw from the city’s historic center. After time to get settled in your stateroom—and to explore Bordeaux on your own if time allows—kick off your journey with a welcome reception on board this evening. (Meals: D)
Day 2 | Libourne | Saint-Émilion Excursion |
|
| | OR Saint-Émilion vineyard bike tour |
|
Just north of Bordeaux, the Garonne converges with the Dordogne River, forming the Gironde Estuary. Follow the Dordogne during a relaxing morning on the water, cruising between vineyards and villages to Libourne, the gateway to some of Bordeaux’s most prestigious wine regions. Discover one of them on an excursion to the town of Saint Émilion, perched on a cliff overlooking an endless patchwork of vineyards. Here you’ll tour an unusual church carved out of a single piece of limestone, and then descend beneath the church to discover its catacombs and caves. If you seek a more active adventure, pedal through the vineyards of this UNESCO-designated region on a guided bike ride from Libourne to Saint Émilion. (Meals: B,L,D)
Day 3 | Libourne | Bergerac excursion – Smithsonian Journeys Exclusive |
|
| | OR Bastide town and market visit |
|
| | OR Ancient Watermill Visit and Breadmaking Workshop |
|
| | OR Château Boutinet hike with wine and tapas tasting |
|
Set out for the charming town of Bergerac, which traded hands between the English and French several times during the Middle Ages. On a walking tour along winding lanes lined with age-old half-timbered houses, stop in to see the Cloître des Récollets at the Maison du Vin and visit the Tobacco Museum, housed within a stunning 17th-century townhouse. Or stay in Libourne and delve into the town’s lively market, tasting the region’s specialties as you meander among open-air stalls stocked with everything from olives and herbal soaps to epicurean cheeses and local honey. Alternatively, visit an age-old watermill and learn about traditional breadmaking or enjoy a vineyard hike followed by a wine tasting and tapas. (Meals: B,L,D)
| | OR Blaye Chemin de Fer bike tour |
|
| | OR Pair-non-Pair Caves – Smithsonian Journeys Exclusive |
|
| Bourg | OR Bourg walking tour, Carriage Museum and WWII Petrol Cistern |
|
| | Exclusive Bourg wine festival |
|
Return west along the Dordogne toward Blaye, situated at the entrance to the Gironde Estuary. A renowned wine appellation in its own right, Blaye is known for its imposing 17th-century citadel, one of 12 designed by military engineer Vauban, now collectively a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tour the expansive cliff-top fortifications or take a guided bike ride along a former railway. Alternatively, set out for the Pair-non-Pair Caves to view some of the world’s oldest cave paintings, representations of horses, ibexes and mammoths that date back some 30,000 years. Instead, bike through the idyllic countryside to Bourg or travel there by road for a walking tour and a visit to the Carriage Museum and the World War II Petrol Cistern. As evening falls, meet local wine growers at a wine festival in this charming medieval village and enjoy the region’s wine as well as live French music and dancing. (B,L,D)
Day 5 | Cussac Fort Medoc | Cussac Fort, vineyards hike and wine tasting |
|
Across the estuary lies Cussac-Fort-Médoc, a lovely base from which to explore the famed Médoc region, renowned for producing some of the finest Bordeaux wines. The town is home to Fort Médoc, another of Vauban’s World Heritage-listed fortifications, which guards the western bank of the Gironde Estuary. Set off on a guided hike through this picturesque region, visiting the fort as well as the verdant vineyards that blanket this surrounding landscape. You’ll also have the chance to sample Grand Cru Classé wines accompanied by local specialties. (B,L,D)
Day 6 | Cadillac | Château Royal de Cazeneuve – Smithsonian Journeys Exclusive |
|
| | OR Roquetaillade Castle and Cadillac visit |
|
Cruise to Cadillac and meet the owner of the Chateau Royal de Cazeneuve, where Henri IV held Queen Margot captive. Tour the magnificent property, owned by only four families since its founding, and see the original furnishings within. Or visit the impressive Castle of Roquetaillade, an amazingly preserved masterpiece of medieval military architecture owned by the same noble family for 700 years. Choose to continue with a tour of the intriguing Cadillac Ducal Castle, a once-splendid chateau that served as a women’s prison until the mid-20th century. Or opt to bike through Cadillac on a guided bike tour. (B,L,D)
Day 7 | Bordeaux | UNESCO city tour and market tasting |
|
| | OR Bordeaux Cité du Vin (wine museum) visit |
|
| | OR City tour with Musee d’Aquitaine – Smithsonian Journeys Exclusive |
|
Glide back into the heart of Bordeaux, a capital of not only wine, but also art and culture. Discover the rich traditions and golden-hued neoclassical architecture of this UNESCO World Heritage Site on a city tour, then visit the indoor Les Halles de Bacalan market for a tasting of local delicacies. Choose to end your walking tour with one of three options; witness Les Bassins des Lumières, a spectacular sound and light show; visit the interactive La Cité du Vin, housed in a whimsical building designed to capture the liquidity of wine; or take a guided tour of the Musée d’Aquitaine, which traces the history of the region from prehistory and the Roman period, to the Atlantic slave trade, and through the modern era. Bike enthusiasts may wish to ride along the city’s amazing network of bicycle paths. (B,L,D)
Day 8 | Bordeaux | DISEMBARKATION |
|
After breakfast, disembark the ship and transfer to the airport for your flight home. (B)
Arrive in the wine capital of Bordeaux and embark your beautiful river cruise ship, docked on the Garonne River a stone’s throw from the city’s historic center. After time to get settled in your stateroom—and to explore Bordeaux on your own if time allows—kick off your journey with a welcome reception on board this evening. (Meals: D)
Day 2 | Libourne | Saint-Émilion Excursion |
|
| | OR Saint-Émilion vineyard bike tour |
|
Just north of Bordeaux, the Garonne converges with the Dordogne River, forming the Gironde Estuary. Follow the Dordogne during a relaxing morning on the water, cruising between vineyards and villages to Libourne, the gateway to some of Bordeaux’s most prestigious wine regions. Discover one of them on an excursion to the town of Saint Émilion, perched on a cliff overlooking an endless patchwork of vineyards. Here you’ll tour an unusual church carved out of a single piece of limestone, and then descend beneath the church to discover its catacombs and caves. If you seek a more active adventure, pedal through the vineyards of this UNESCO-designated region on a guided bike ride from Libourne to Saint Émilion. (Meals: B,L,D)
Day 3 | Libourne | Bergerac excursion – Smithsonian Journeys Exclusive |
|
| | OR Bastide town and market visit |
|
| | OR Ancient Watermill Visit and Breadmaking Workshop |
|
| | OR Château Boutinet hike with wine and tapas tasting |
|
Set out for the charming town of Bergerac, which traded hands between the English and French several times during the Middle Ages. On a walking tour along winding lanes lined with age-old half-timbered houses, stop in to see the Cloître des Récollets at the Maison du Vin and visit the Tobacco Museum, housed within a stunning 17th-century townhouse. Or stay in Libourne and delve into the town’s lively market, tasting the region’s specialties as you meander among open-air stalls stocked with everything from olives and herbal soaps to epicurean cheeses and local honey. Alternatively, visit an age-old watermill and learn about traditional breadmaking or enjoy a vineyard hike followed by a wine tasting and tapas. (Meals: B,L,D)
| | OR Blaye Chemin de Fer bike tour |
|
| | OR Pair-non-Pair Caves – Smithsonian Journeys Exclusive |
|
| Bourg | OR Bourg walking tour, Carriage Museum and WWII Petrol Cistern |
|
| | Exclusive Bourg wine festival |
|
Return west along the Dordogne toward Blaye, situated at the entrance to the Gironde Estuary. A renowned wine appellation in its own right, Blaye is known for its imposing 17th-century citadel, one of 12 designed by military engineer Vauban, now collectively a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tour the expansive cliff-top fortifications or take a guided bike ride along a former railway. Alternatively, set out for the Pair-non-Pair Caves to view some of the world’s oldest cave paintings, representations of horses, ibexes and mammoths that date back some 30,000 years. Instead, bike through the idyllic countryside to Bourg or travel there by road for a walking tour and a visit to the Carriage Museum and the World War II Petrol Cistern. As evening falls, meet local wine growers at a wine festival in this charming medieval village and enjoy the region’s wine as well as live French music and dancing. (B,L,D)
Day 5 | Cussac Fort Medoc | Cussac Fort, vineyards hike and wine tasting |
|
Across the estuary lies Cussac-Fort-Médoc, a lovely base from which to explore the famed Médoc region, renowned for producing some of the finest Bordeaux wines. The town is home to Fort Médoc, another of Vauban’s World Heritage-listed fortifications, which guards the western bank of the Gironde Estuary. Set off on a guided hike through this picturesque region, visiting the fort as well as the verdant vineyards that blanket this surrounding landscape. You’ll also have the chance to sample Grand Cru Classé wines accompanied by local specialties. (B,L,D)
Day 6 | Cadillac | Château Royal de Cazeneuve – Smithsonian Journeys Exclusive |
|
| | OR Roquetaillade Castle and Cadillac visit |
|
Cruise to Cadillac and meet the owner of the Chateau Royal de Cazeneuve, where Henri IV held Queen Margot captive. Tour the magnificent property, owned by only four families since its founding, and see the original furnishings within. Or visit the impressive Castle of Roquetaillade, an amazingly preserved masterpiece of medieval military architecture owned by the same noble family for 700 years. Choose to continue with a tour of the intriguing Cadillac Ducal Castle, a once-splendid chateau that served as a women’s prison until the mid-20th century. Or opt to bike through Cadillac on a guided bike tour. (B,L,D)
Day 7 | Bordeaux | UNESCO city tour and market tasting |
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| | OR Bordeaux Cité du Vin (wine museum) visit |
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| | OR City tour with Musee d’Aquitaine – Smithsonian Journeys Exclusive |
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Glide back into the heart of Bordeaux, a capital of not only wine, but also art and culture. Discover the rich traditions and golden-hued neoclassical architecture of this UNESCO World Heritage Site on a city tour, then visit the indoor Les Halles de Bacalan market for a tasting of local delicacies. Choose to end your walking tour with one of three options; witness Les Bassins des Lumières, a spectacular sound and light show; visit the interactive La Cité du Vin, housed in a whimsical building designed to capture the liquidity of wine; or take a guided tour of the Musée d’Aquitaine, which traces the history of the region from prehistory and the Roman period, to the Atlantic slave trade, and through the modern era. Bike enthusiasts may wish to ride along the city’s amazing network of bicycle paths. (B,L,D)
Day 8 | Bordeaux | DISEMBARKATION |
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After breakfast, disembark the ship and transfer to the airport for your flight home. (B)
Day 1 | Madrid | Hotel check-in |
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Check into your hotel for the beginning of your land package in beautiful Spain.
Begin your day in this spectacular Spanish city with a panoramic tour that takes you past some of the city’s most iconic symbols, including the Alcalá Gate and Cibeles Fountain. Drive down Castellana Avenue to see Picasso’s Tower and the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. Then, embark on a walking tour to see the Royal Palace and stroll through Madrid’s Old Town to Mayor’s Square, brimming with shops, taverns and restaurants, which you will have free time to explore. (Meals: B)
Day 3 | Madrid | Hotel check-out |
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| | Transfer to San Sebastián |
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| San Sebastian | Hotel check-in |
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Check out of your Madrid hotel and enjoy an included motorcoach transfer to San Sebastián, where you will have some time to settle into your new hotel. In the evening, take a stroll through Old Town, the second oldest neighborhood in the city, where distinctive architecture and pintxos bars beckon, made even more romantic by the evening light. (B)
Day 4 | San Sebastian | “City by the Bay of Biscay” tour |
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Discover the charms of the “City by the Bay of Biscay.” Known in the Basque language as Donostia, San Sebastián was once a prominent fishing village and was burned to the ground in 1813 after being occupied by Napoleonic troops. However, by 1887, after rebuilding, the city flourished as a popular tourist destination and spa resort. Later in the day, enjoy some free time in the city renowned for holding the second highest number of Michelin stars per square meter. (Meals: B)
Day 5 | San Sebastian | Transfer to Bordeaux via Bayonne |
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Check out of your hotel and transfer to Bordeaux via the French Basque town of Bayonne. Later, arrive in the wine capital of Bordeaux and embark your beautiful river cruise ship, docked on the Garonne River a stone’s throw from the city’s historic center. After time to get settled in your stateroom—and to explore Bordeaux on your own if time allows—kick off your journey with a welcome reception on board this evening. (Meals: D)
Day 6 | Libourne | Saint-Émilion Excursion |
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| | OR Saint-Émilion vineyard bike tour |
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Just north of Bordeaux, the Garonne converges with the Dordogne River, forming the Gironde Estuary. Follow the Dordogne during a relaxing morning on the water, cruising between vineyards and villages to Libourne, the gateway to some of Bordeaux’s most prestigious wine regions. Discover one of them on an excursion to the town of Saint Émilion, perched on a cliff overlooking an endless patchwork of vineyards. Here you’ll tour an unusual church carved out of a single piece of limestone, and then descend beneath the church to discover its catacombs and caves. If you seek a more active adventure, pedal through the vineyards of this UNESCO-designated region on a guided bike ride from Libourne to Saint Émilion. (Meals: B,L,D)
Day 7 | Libourne | Bergerac excursion – Smithsonian Journeys Exclusive |
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| | OR Bastide town and market visit |
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| | OR Ancient Watermill Visit and Breadmaking Workshop |
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| | OR Château Boutinet hike with wine and tapas tasting |
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Set out for the charming town of Bergerac, which traded hands between the English and French several times during the Middle Ages. On a walking tour along winding lanes lined with age-old half-timbered houses, stop in to see the Cloître des Récollets at the Maison du Vin and visit the Tobacco Museum, housed within a stunning 17th-century townhouse. Or stay in Libourne and delve into the town’s lively market, tasting the region’s specialties as you meander among open-air stalls stocked with everything from olives and herbal soaps to epicurean cheeses and local honey. Alternatively, visit an age-old watermill and learn about traditional breadmaking or enjoy a vineyard hike followed by a wine tasting and tapas. (Meals: B,L,D)
| | OR Blaye Chemin de Fer bike tour |
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| | OR Pair-non-Pair Caves – Smithsonian Journeys Exclusive |
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| Bourg | OR Bourg walking tour, Carriage Museum and WWII Petrol Cistern |
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| | Exclusive Bourg wine festival |
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Return west along the Dordogne toward Blaye, situated at the entrance to the Gironde Estuary. A renowned wine appellation in its own right, Blaye is known for its imposing 17th-century citadel, one of 12 designed by military engineer Vauban, now collectively a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tour the expansive cliff-top fortifications or take a guided bike ride along a former railway. Alternatively, set out for the Pair-non-Pair Caves to view some of the world’s oldest cave paintings, representations of horses, ibexes and mammoths that date back some 30,000 years. Instead, bike through the idyllic countryside to Bourg or travel there by road for a walking tour and a visit to the Carriage Museum and the World War II Petrol Cistern. As evening falls, meet local wine growers at a wine festival in this charming medieval village and enjoy the region’s wine as well as live French music and dancing. (B,L,D)
Day 9 | Cussac Fort Medoc | Cussac Fort, vineyards hike and wine tasting |
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Across the estuary lies Cussac-Fort-Médoc, a lovely base from which to explore the famed Médoc region, renowned for producing some of the finest Bordeaux wines. The town is home to Fort Médoc, another of Vauban’s World Heritage-listed fortifications, which guards the western bank of the Gironde Estuary. Set off on a guided hike through this picturesque region, visiting the fort as well as the verdant vineyards that blanket this surrounding landscape. You’ll also have the chance to sample Grand Cru Classé wines accompanied by local specialties. (B,L,D)
Day 10 | Cadillac | Château Royal de Cazeneuve – Smithsonian Journeys Exclusive |
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| | OR Roquetaillade Castle and Cadillac visit |
|
Cruise to Cadillac and meet the owner of the Chateau Royal de Cazeneuve, where Henri IV held Queen Margot captive. Tour the magnificent property, owned by only four families since its founding, and see the original furnishings within. Or visit the impressive Castle of Roquetaillade, an amazingly preserved masterpiece of medieval military architecture owned by the same noble family for 700 years. Choose to continue with a tour of the intriguing Cadillac Ducal Castle, a once-splendid chateau that served as a women’s prison until the mid-20th century. Or opt to bike through Cadillac on a guided bike tour. (B,L,D)
Day 11 | Bordeaux | UNESCO city tour and market tasting |
|
| | OR Bordeaux Cité du Vin (wine museum) visit |
|
| | OR City tour with Musee d’Aquitaine – Smithsonian Journeys Exclusive |
|
Glide back into the heart of Bordeaux, a capital of not only wine, but also art and culture. Discover the rich traditions and golden-hued neoclassical architecture of this UNESCO World Heritage Site on a city tour, then visit the indoor Les Halles de Bacalan market for a tasting of local delicacies. Choose to end your walking tour with one of three options; witness Les Bassins des Lumières, a spectacular sound and light show; visit the interactive La Cité du Vin, housed in a whimsical building designed to capture the liquidity of wine; or take a guided tour of the Musée d’Aquitaine, which traces the history of the region from prehistory and the Roman period, to the Atlantic slave trade, and through the modern era. Bike enthusiasts may wish to ride along the city’s amazing network of bicycle paths. (B,L,D)
Day 12 | Bordeaux | DISEMBARKATION |
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| Paris | Check into your hotel |
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Disembark the ship and transfer by train to beautiful Paris, where you will check into your hotel. (Meals: B)
Day 13 | Paris | “City of Light” tour |
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Enjoy taking in the signature sights of Paris during your guided city tour, including the awe-inspiring Arc de Triomphe and iconic Eiffel Tower. You will also see Champs Élysées with its cinemas, sidewalk cafes and luxury specialty shops. (Meals: B)
Day 14 | Paris | Evening Montmartre and illuminations tour |
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Revel in the freedom of a full day at your leisure to discover more of this romantic city, such as the world-renowned Louvre Museum or Musée d’Orsay. Perhaps go shopping in the Faubourg Saint-Honoré district or simply relax and spend the day like a local – by scoping out a local café for a café au lait, toasted baguette or croissant. In the evening, visit Montmartre, long known as the city’s premier artist’s enclave. During the mid to late 1800s, artists began calling Montmartre home. Pissarro and Jongkind were two of the first to live there, followed by other notable artists, including Edgar Dega, Henri Matisse, Toulouse-Lautrec, Pierre-August Renoir and Pablo Picasso. You will also be taken on an evening illumination tour, discovering why Paris is renowned as the “City of Light.” (Meals: B)
Day 15 | Paris | Return flight home |
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Bid farewell to Paris and prepare for your flight home. (Meals: B)