The Taste of Bordeaux River Cruise - Amawaterways

taste Bordeaux's finest vintage wines

an unforgettable river cruise

Set off on a 12-night Discover the Canaries cruise aboard Royal Caribbean’s Independence of the Seas, and explore some of the most beautiful destinations in Europe. Departing from Southampton, this adventure will take you to the sun-soaked Canary Islands, with stops in Gran Canaria and Tenerife, where you’ll discover volcanic landscapes, stunning beaches, and vibrant local culture. You’ll also visit Lisbon, the historic capital of Portugal, known for its charming streets, iconic trams, and delicious cuisine. Whether you’re seeking adventure or relaxation, this cruise offers the perfect mix of both.

Aboard Independence of the Seas, you’ll enjoy a wide range of world-class entertainment, diverse dining options, and activities for all ages. From the exhilarating FlowRider surf simulator to relaxing spa treatments, there’s something for everyone. With spacious staterooms, spectacular ocean views, and Royal Caribbean’s renowned service, your journey will be just as exciting as your time spent ashore. Whether you’re exploring vibrant ports or enjoying relaxing days at sea, this cruise promises an unforgettable holiday experience.

All the things you need to know

Day 1, BORDEAUX. Embark the ship for your Taste of Bordeaux cruise.

Day 2, BORDEAUX ­ LIBOURNE. Welcome to 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 vineyard­rich countryside to Saint­Émilion.

Day 3, LIBOURNE. Stroll through the colorful, open­air market, tasting some of the region’s specialties. Or, you can get your heart pumping by venturing deeper into town by hiking through one of Libourne’s renowned vineyards.

Day 4, BLAYE ­ BOURG. Once in Blaye, you can join a tour of its 17th­century citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For a more active excursion, take a bike ride around Blaye along a former railway. Later in the day, you can choose to bike from Blaye through the idyllic French countryside to Bourg. Or, in the ancient village of Bourg, take a walking tour and visit the Carriage Museum, which houses a wonderful collection of horse­drawn vehicles, and the World War II Petrol Cistern. Towards the evening, 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.

Day 5, CUSSAC FORT MEDOC. Cussac­Fort­Medoc is a peaceful commune in southwestern France and your is 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 Léoville Barton or Château Léoville Poyferré for a tasting of Grand Cru wines. More active guests can hike through the vineyards of Château Margaux and taste local specialties. Alternatively, you may enjoy a drive along the coast to Soulac­sur­Mer where you’ll see unique sights, such as the Statue of Liberty and the Cordouan lighthouse known to be the oldest in France

Day 6, CADILLAC. 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 Château de Rayne Vigneau or Château Guiraud to taste the highly prized golden­hued 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. Or, pedal through the charming town of Cadillac for a guided bike tour.

Day 7, BORDEAUX. 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 awe­inspiring 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.

Day 8, BORDEAUX. Disembark the ship and prepare for your flight home.

Onboard AmaWaterways, 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. A large variety of activities are always included, so that you can choose how you want to explore. No matter your preference, your days will be full of discovery and wonder.

  • Saint-Émilion excursion and Grand Cru Classé wine tasting
  • Exclusive Wine Festival 
  • Margaux Vineyard hike and local specialties tasting
  • Bordeaux bike tour
  • Roquetaillade Castle with Sauternes wine tasting
  • Bourg walking tour, Carriage Museum, and WWII Petrol Cistern

 

  • As a member of La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs and Tables et Auberges de France, AmaWaterways crafts exquisite, regionally inspired cuisine with locally sourced ingredients. Complimentary hand-selected wines and local beers are also served with every lunch and dinner on board.
  • Spacious and uncrowded, our award-winning fleet offers elegantly appointed staterooms and suites and welcomes fewer guests than many traditional river cruise ships.
  • Dedicated Wellness Hosts for complimentary small-group fitness classes on board your ship.
  • Exceptional Cruise Managers and crew consistently elevate your onboard experience, surprising you with thoughtful details and anticipating your needs before you even ask.
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi available on board.
  • Easy-to-use myAmaCruise app
 

Gallery

Let's Chat

We are here to help. Our travel experts will organise and book your dream holiday.
call us today or complete our online enquiry form to start your next adventure.

Let's Chat

We are here to help. Our travel experts will organise and book your dream holiday.
call us today or complete our online enquiry form to start your next adventure.