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About Bordeaux

Long known as La Belle au Bois Dormant (Sleeping Beauty)modern Bordeaux is a good deal livelier than its nickname would suggest, although certainly no less beautiful. Home to a thriving arts and culture scene, not to mention its famous red wines, much of this historic city is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, whilst great strides have been made in recent years to transform the formerly dilapidated waterfront of the Garonne into one of the busiest quays in Europe.

Take a stroll along the river banks and immerse yourself in its eclectic combination of quirky shops, cafés and bars. Pull up a chair, order a glass of that renowned red and watch the world go by. Isn't that what holidays are about after all?

 

Shore excursions in Bordeaux

Please note: The shore excursions listed are typical for this port. The full programme of shore excursions available for your cruise will be displayed on Cruise Personaliser at least 12 weeks prior to departure.

Exclusive Dinner at Château La Dauphine

Activity mediumMeal included

Duration: 4½ hours

Visit a famous wine Château in the renowned Fronsac Vineyards for an exquisite and private dinner.

Fronsac and Canon Fronsac are 2 of the strongest Bordeaux appellations, located not far from Pomerol or Saint Emillion. It is undeniably one of Bordeaux’s most beautiful wine regions with its green valleys, fairytale castles, and panoramic views over vine-covered hills of its beautiful rivers.

The wines in Fronsac and Canon-Fronsac are delicious, rich, ripe and affordable. They drink well young, and offer some of the best value Bordeaux wines.

Following a leisurely drive of approximately 1 hour, you’ll reach the splendid Fronsac property of Château La Dauphine. This beautiful Château dates back to the 18th Century and overlooks the Dordogne River. Upon arrival, you’ll be treated to a private tour exploring the vineyards, the cellar and interior of the beautiful Château.

Afterwards, sit down and enjoy a convivial and delicious 3-course dinner accompanied by wines from the château in the main dining room. Three-course dinner Starter Southwestern salad with steaklet of duck, gizzard, foie gras. Main course Entrecote steak or duck's breast grilled on hot vine embers. Dessert Gourmet Coffee, 2 wines of the château, mineral water, coffee

Essential information

This tour will operate by coach and on foot and is dependent on reaching minimum numbers. The cancellation deadline is 1 month prior to the port call. Any cancellations made after this will be non-refundable. The minimum age for this excursion is 18 years old. Casual but elegant attire is recommended. High heels are not recommended for Ladies. Menu details are available on Cruise Personaliser.

Exclusive Dinner at Château La Dauphine

Illuminated Bordeaux Tour By Cabriolet Bus

Activity low

Duration: 1¼ hours

See Bordeaux lit up at night on a cabriolet bus tour, narrated by an expert guide.

Board a cabriolet bus and enjoy unobstructed views of Bordeaux’s main sights on your tour.

Enjoy an informative commentary from your onboard guide as you admire monuments and landmarks throughout the city. Your guide will take you on a long route to show you a diverse range of Bordeaux’s historical and modern-day attractions.

See Monument aux Girondins, commemorating political martyrs from the French Revolution, before passing by Place Gambetta, Cathédrale St-André and Hôtel de Ville, the historical city hall. Continue with a floodlit drive alongside the Garonne River, dotted with well known buildings and attractions including Quai Louis XVIII, Place des Quinconces, Place de la Bourse, La Grosse Cloche (Bordeaux’s famous clock tower) and Porte de Bourgogne.

As you cross over Pont de Pierre, admire the illuminated town and quays of Bordeaux. Arrive at Place de la Comédie, once the site of a Roman temple and today a place where locals meet. This plaza is home to Bordeaux's cultural symbol, the renowned Grand Théâtre — best viewed at night.

Essential information

This tour is operated by bus which has a retractable roof, and may be raised in poor weather conditions.

Illuminated Bordeaux Tour By Cabriolet Bus

Margaux Wine and Cheese Experience

Activity highRefreshments included

Duration: 4 hours

Become acquainted with the art of wine making and enjoy a wine and cheese tasting session.

Margaux is a renowned wine appellation of the Médoc vineyards. Located north of the city of Bordeaux, the village of Margaux has a number of prestigious chateaux clustered around it.

Margaux is famous for producing well-rounded, gently perfumed wines, predominantly from Cabernet-Sauvignon. Their distinctive flavours and profile are often attributed to the local soils. In Margaux, the soils have a high gravel content, which leads to excellent drainage and a low level of nutrients. Vines grow well in poor, loose, free-draining soil; the poorer the soil, the deeper the vines must go to find water and nourishment. This makes them physically stronger and also allows them to reflect the specific characteristics of the deeper soil.

You’ll make a stop at a renowned Margaux classified Château , where you’ll learn all about the famous Bordeaux wine and discover the components that create their unique taste. While discussing and sampling various wines with the other wine enthusiasts in your group, you’ll enjoy a plate of local cheeses, to complement the wines.

Essential information

This excursion operates by coach and on foot.TThis tour includes approximately 1½ hours of walking and standing, therefore, flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

Panoramic Bordeaux and Wine Tasting

Activity low

Duration: 3 hours

Discover Bordeaux and its wine region, take in the highlights and learn about the excellent wines this region has to offer.

Start your tour with a panoramic drive through the city of Bordeaux. You’ll be captivated by the historic buildings and charm of the city, recently listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

You‘ll see highlights of the city including the Chartrons riverfront where the wine industry began, the 18th century Place de la Bourse, the Cailhau Gate, the Big Bell and the Palais Rohan which is now the City Hall. Pass through Gambetta and Tourny Squares and the Grand Theatre built by Victor Louis in 1773.

Leaving the city you’ll make a stop at a wine estate to visit the cellars and to learn about the art of wine making and sample the famous wine before you return to the ship.

Essential information

This excursion operates by coach and on foot.This tour has very little walking, however there are approximately 5 steps to negotiate at the château and some steps on to and off the coach. Comfortable, non-slip shoes are recommended. The order of the sites visited may vary.

St Émilion, Vineyards and a Little Train

Activity mediumShopping

Duration: 4 hours

Immerse yourself in the French countryside and vineyards and enjoy a ride on a little train.

There can be no better place to start a visit to this attractive region than at Saint Émilion, home of the Merlot grape, which produces a delicious, rich wine.

Enjoy views of the vines on the hill, leading up to Saint Émilion's 13th Century town walls and moat. Explore the town with your guide to capture its highlights, including the ramparts, the Collegiale church and the marketplace.

Stroll around the streets of this charming medieval village, and you’ll see the Cadene gate and the King's Tower. To further enhance your tour, enjoy a little train ride through its vineyards, passing by famous wine estates uch as Château Trottevieille and Château Angelus.

Have your camera at the ready, for a short photo stop at Château Rochebelle, which offers great panoramic views of Saint Émilion village cloister, the vines and the valley of the Dordogne River.

Before returning to pier, you’ll have some free time to explore, shop for souvenirs or just sit and relax in one of the many street cafés and watch the world go by.

Essential information

This excursion operates by coach and by little train. There is approximately 1½ hours’ total walking on this tour. It is mainly flat in the upper part of Saint Émilion, and uneven and hilly in the lower part of the village. Flat, comfortable shoes are recommended. The little train ride is approximately 35 minutes. The order of sites visited may vary.

View all shore excursions

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