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Exclusive Wine Cruise Taste of Bordeaux Aug 19-26, 2021

Hosted by Jody Bogle, Co-owner of Bogle Vineyards & Winery, Clarksburg CA

Jody is a 3rd generation winegrower who, along with her brothers, currently manages the day to day operations of Bogle Vineyards & Winery in California. Born and raised on the family farm in Clarksburg, Jody knows all about being a “farmer’s daughter.” She spent many a summer in her youth tying, weeding and pruning vines on the 1500 acres her family farms in the Sacramento River Delta. After earning an English degree and spending some time away as a teacher, Jody returned to the family business in 1997 after the death of her father, Chris Bogle, who along with her grandfather Warren, founded the winery in 1968. Upon returning, Jody began overseeing the newly opened tasting room, where today over 600 guests visit weekly. She has developed several departments at Bogle, including direct-to-consumer marketing, events and hospitality, as well as the extremely popular Bandwagon wine club. Jody also currently manages the international sales of Bogle wines in 40 different countries as well as working in various sales support roles across the domestic U.S.

Expertly Curated WINE EXPERIENCES

Immerse yourself in the many flavors of Europe on one of AmaWaterways unique Wine Cruises, which let you add a unique, epicurean dimension to one of our European itineraries. Like our standard river cruises, guests have the opportunity to join tours that highlight the famous sights in each port of call. These special itineraries, however, offer guests a perfect blend of wine-related experiences and excursions in grand capitals and charming towns. You’ll taste local cuisine, discover how wine is made and, of course, partake in tastings — all at no additional cost. Whether you have a seasoned appreciation for fine wine, or simply indulge in a sip here and there, this is a wonderful way to uncork the traditions of the local culture and learn about the region you’re visiting.

About the Wine Region – The Garonne, Dordogne and Gironde Estuary

In the corner of southwestern France, the Garonne and Dordogne rivers merge together to form the Gironde Estuary that naturally divides the famous Bordeaux region into the Left and Right banks. One of the largest controlled wine regions in France, Bordeaux is made up of several sub-regions each with its own strictly governed appellation, unique climate and terroir. Unlike most wines around the world, the quality of Bordeaux wine is determined by these factors rather than the grape varietal. Bordeaux is acclaimed for its legendary red blends, though white blends from this region also make a big impression. The Left and Right banks of the river have diﬀerent soil types that bring these exceptional blends to life.

Overview Taste of Bordeaux (Wine Cruise)

CRUISE FROM : Bordeaux to Bordeaux

Travel to France’s legendary wine capital, Bordeaux. Iconic châteaux, timeless vineyards and delicious wine tastings are plentiful as you visit Libourne, Blaye, Bourg, Pauillac and Cadillac. This trip is a must for anyone interested in the best of French culture, lifestyle, wine and food.

COUNTRIES: France

RIVERS: Dordogne, Garonne

Taste of Bordeaux (Wine Cruise) 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.

Bordeaux to Bordeaux

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Day 1

Bordeaux

EMBARKATION

Embark the ship for your Taste of Bordeaux cruise. (D)

Day 2

Bordeaux

Scenic cruising

Libourne

Saint-Émilion excursion and Grand Cru Classé wine tasting

OR Saint-Émilion Excursion

OR Château de Vayres

OR Saint-Émilion bike tour and wine tasting

Take in the romance of Bordeaux as you pass iconic sights on a scenic cruise. Later in the day, dock in 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 and then to Château Soutard for a Grand Cru Classé wine tasting. You can also choose to tour the magnificent Château Vayres, one of the most prestigious historic buildings of Aquitaine. (B,L,D)

Day 3

Libourne

Bastide town and market visit

OR Fronsac wine tasting

OR Château Boutinet hike with wine and tapas tasting

Blaye

Free Evening

Stroll through the colorful, open-air market, tasting some of the region’s specialties. You can also choose to enjoy a tasting of local wines from one of the beautiful wine estates in the Fronsac region. Or, you can get your heart pumping by venturing deeper into town by hiking through one of Libourne’s renowned vineyards. Later in the day, set sail for Blaye, where you’ll enjoy an evening at your leisure. (B,L,D)

Day 4

Blaye

Citadel visit

OR Blaye bike tour towards Les Etauliers

OR Blaye to Bourg bike tour

Bourg

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. Later in the day, you can choose to bike from Blaye to Bourg or towards Les Etauliers discovering beautiful châteaux through the idyllic French countryside. While in the ancient village of Bourg, take a walking tour and visit the Carriage Museum, which houses a wonderful collection of horse-drawn vehicles. Later in the day, 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

Pauillac

OR Lynch Bages Village visit & local specialties tasting

OR Soulac-sur-Mer excursion

After arriving in Cussac Fort Medoc, venture to Pauillac, a lovely village on the Left Bank of the Gironde Estuary. This is a 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. Alternately, you can visit Lynch Bages, a quaint wine estate and village, followed by a wine and local specialties tasting. Or, enjoy a coast drive 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

OR Roquetaillade and Cadillac visit

OR Sauternes wine tasting

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. Alternately, be treated to a Sauternes wine tasting where you’ll taste more of the highly sought-after sweet wines. 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 Cite du Vin visit

OR Bassins de Lumières show

Illuminations cruise

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. In the evening, enjoy a spectacular illumination cruise, gazing at the iconic structures of Bordeaux as they glow against the night sky. (B,L,D)

Day 8

Bordeaux

DISEMBARKATION

Disembark the ship and prepare for your flight home. (B)

Bordeaux to Bordeaux

Expand All

Day 1

Bordeaux

EMBARKATION

Embark the ship for your Taste of Bordeaux cruise. (D)

Day 2

Bordeaux

Scenic cruising

Libourne

Saint-Émilion excursion and Grand Cru Classé wine tasting

OR Saint-Émilion Excursion

OR Château de Vayres

OR Saint-Émilion bike tour and wine tasting

Day 3

Libourne

Bastide town and market visit

OR Fronsac wine tasting

OR Château Boutinet hike with wine and tapas tasting

Blaye

Free Evening

Day 4

Blaye

Citadel visit

OR Blaye bike tour towards Les Etauliers

OR Blaye to Bourg bike tour

Bourg

Bourg walking tour, Carriage Museum and WWII Petrol Cistern

Exclusive wine festival

Day 5

Cussac Fort Medoc

Medoc Grand Cru Classé wine tasting and scenic vineyard tour

Pauillac

OR Lynch Bages Village visit & local specialties tasting

OR Soulac-sur-Mer excursion

Day 6

Cadillac

Roquetaillade Castle with Sauternes wine tasting

OR Roquetaillade and Cadillac visit

OR Sauternes wine tasting

OR Cadillac bike tour

Day 7

Bordeaux

UNESCO city tour and market tasting

OR Bordeaux bike tour

Bordeaux Cite du Vin visit

OR Bassins de Lumières show

Illuminations cruise

Day 8

Bordeaux

DISEMBARKATION

Disembark the ship and prepare for your flight home. (B)

Included Features Taste of Bordeaux (Wine Cruise)

SPACIOUS STATEROOMS

7 nights luxury accommodation in an outside stateroom (most with French balconies)
Entertainment-On-Demand in all staterooms featuring free high-speed internet access, movies, a music library and English language TV stations
Desk and sitting area
Bottled water replenished daily

AN ARRAY OF AMENITIES

Wellness Activities with a dedicated Wellness Host leading various exercise classes as well as discussions on healthy eating and relaxation techniques, both on board and on shore.
Personalized service from a highly trained Cruise Manager during both cruise and land programs
Internet and Wi-Fi access
Sun deck whirlpool and walking track
Fitness room, massage services and hair
Main Lounge with panoramic views and bar
Daily entertainment including cultural performances

AWARD-WINNING DINING

All onboard dining in a variety of venues
Regionally inspired cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients
The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant
Welcome Cocktail, Welcome Dinner, La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Dinner, Captain's Cocktail and Gala Dinner
La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs exclusive dining experience
Unlimited fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
Unlimited sparkling wine and fresh juice with breakfast
Sip & Sail Cocktail Hour with complimentary wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks
Tapas, snacks and refreshments served daily in the Main Lounge

A WORLD OF EXPLORATION

Immersive tours in every destination
Gentle, regular, active and late-riser tour options
Bike tours and hikes
Special Interest Tours
Knowledgeable guides
Personal headset for easy exploration
Airport transfers with purchase of air from AmaWaterways

Dates & Prices Taste of Bordeaux (Wine Cruise)

Notes:

ImportantDates, prices & itineraries are subject to change.

Port Charges not included in cruise price$196 per person.

Single Supplement for Cruise50% of twin price; AA+ and Suite 100% of twin price.

Single Supplement for LandA single supplement charge will be applied to pre- and post-cruise hotel extensions. Please call for pricing details.

BeddingPlease select bedding configuration at the time of booking. The Options are: Option A: Two twin beds Option B: One large bed (larger than queen size).

Terms & Conditions:

All rates are per person for cruise only, based on double occupancy in an entry level category stateroom unless stated otherwise. Offer is valid on select sailings only and applicable to new bookings only. Unless explicitly stated that single supplement is waived, solo travelers in a double occupancy stateroom must pay an additional single supplement amount before receiving any discounts. Ask about Solo Traveler promotions. Offer is not combinable with any other promotions/discounts, limited to availability, capacity controlled and subject to change or termination without notice. Port charges, land programs and round-trip airfare are not included in cruise price. Other restrictions apply. Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute approval by the State of California. CST#2065452-20.

Ships Taste of Bordeaux (Wine Cruise)

AmaDolce

The custom-designed AmaDolce was introduced in 2009 and features spacious staterooms, most with French Balconies, Internet/WiFi access, walking track along our Sun Deck and guided bicycle tours at stops along the river.

Gallery Taste of Bordeaux (Wine Cruise)