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DESTINATION
Sail on two of France’s mighty rivers and the Gironde estuary. BORDEAUX - PAUILLAC - BLAYE - LIBOURNE - SAINT-EMILION - CADILLAC - COGNAC
9 days - 7 nights from NYC
* Starting from price per person in double occupancy
most US gateways available
4,895
$
Travel Dates: OCTOBER 26 to NOVEMBER 3, 2023
9 days, 7 nights including cruise, all breakfasts, lunches and dinners, drinks - all inclusive (most US gateways available).
Journey over nine days through the beautiful scenery of Bordeaux region, France and the valleys of the Médoc, Libourne and the Entre-deux-Mers. This cruise will take you into the heart of some of the most breathtaking scenery in France. Our itinerary will transport us through the famous Garonne and the beautiful Dordogne. Discover the largest area of AOC vineyard in the World, Pauillac and the Medoc, the medieval city of Blaye and its renowned wines, Saint-Emilion, the history of a medieval city. Visit the château de Roquetaillade Cadillac, and Cognac a historical city world famous for its fine liqueur. Since we'll be traveling aboard a luxurious riverboat, we'll need to unpack only once as we enjoy the unfolding views of the river from the comfort of our cabins. Come join us for this amazing Bordeaux discovery cruise!
YOUR VESSEL: Laidback elegance and relaxing comfort are paramount features of our cruises. Enjoy panoramic views of France as you walk the outdoor track on the Sun Deck; or, for a more intimate experience, relax in your private cabin. Gourmet meals with wine are available each day in the dining room. You can also enjoy coffee and tea, which are available all day. Each cabin and suite boasts a superior queen bed and other amenities, including a television and minibar. After a full day of touring, relax to live music in the ship's lounge provided by the New York Tenors and the sound of City Rhythm Orchestra.
INCLUDED FEATURES:
• Round-trip air transportation from New York (NYC). Most other U.S. gateways available. Fuel surcharges and air taxes are included (valid at time of printing).
• ALL-INCLUSIVE 5 STAR CRUISING LUXURY:
- Transfers from airport to the riverboat and from riverboat to the airport, with luggage handling for one checked bag per person. Services of a professional cruise director throughout the program.
- Luxurious accommodations for seven nights on a Scenic “Space Ship”
- Port charges.
- Daily gourmet meals onboard: a rich buffet breakfast, a festive lunch buffet and a multi-course dinner with free complimentary selection of wines, draught beers, tea & coffee throughout the day, house cocktails at the bar.
- Complimentary Wi-Fi Internet
- Private 5* butler service for all cabins
- Applicable entrance fees, admission charges according to itinerary.
- Onboard entertainment by the New York Tenors and the City Rhythm Orchestra
- Electronically-assisted bicycles
- Nordic walking sticks
Included Shore excursions:
• Deluxe air-conditioned motor coach transportation for all transfers, tours and guided excursions.
• Headsets during excursions
• Daily shore excursion program (outlined and included in the itinerary) during the cruise with local English-speaking guides.
- Discover the largest area of AOC vineyards in the world and learn and sample the great wines of Pauillac and the Médoc:
- The medieval city of Blaye and its renowned wines
- Saint-Emilion, the underground world of a medieval city
- The château de Roquetaillade
- The Sauterne wine country
- Cadillac, a listed historic monument
- Bordeaux, an amazing architectural and cultural city listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Cognac region.
Optional tour excursions:
• Optional 3-night PRE tour of Spain, including a full day tours of Bilbao and San Sebastian.
• Optional 2-night POST stay in Paris, including TGV High-Speed train from Bordeaux to Paris.
Note: Onboard currency is the Euro. Not Included: Crew Gratuity, wellness/spa, personal expenses etc. The ship’s captain reserves the right to modify the cruising itinerary to ensure the safe navigation of the vessel. This cruise is dependent on the sea and tides and arrival, departure and stop over times may be adjusted accordingly. This tour includes moderate to high physical activity. The itinerary blends some longer days with shorter days all with daily activities. Walking tours, as well as walking slightly longer distances, up stairs or on uneven walking surfaces should be expected.
ITINERARY
Day 1- OCTOBER 26, 2023: Depart the USA: Depart the U.S. on an overnight flight to France.
Day 2- OCTOBER 27, 2023: BORDEAUX: Welcome to France. A Jet Vacations representative will personally greet you and arrange your transfer to your river cruise ship in Bordeaux. After you've comfortably settled in your cabin, we'll introduce our crew during our welcome cocktail party. You'll have dinner on board, and enjoy an evening or entertainment. We will remain in port overnight. (Dinner)
Day 3- OCTOBER 28, 2023: BORDEAUX - PAUILLAC: We sail down the river Garonne and then join the river Gironde and Patiras island before arriving in Pauillac just in time for lunch on board. After lunch on board, our excursion this afternoon is to visit the Médoc - a renowned region where the most famous of all red wines in the world are cultivated. We also have the opportunity to see the “must see” châteaux Lafite-Rothschild, Latour and Mouton Rothschild. We return on board for dinner and an evening of entertainment. We moor for the night in Pauillac. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
Day 4- OCTOBER 29, 2023: PAUILLAC - GIRONDE ESTUARY - BLAYE: We set sail early this morning, cruising along the Gironde to the estuary. We have lunch on board, and arrive in Blaye. We set off on our excursion along the Corniche, or cliff route. We stop in the village of Bourg, a charming city built on a rocky outcrop enclosed by medieval ramparts. On the way back, travel through some of the world’s most famous vineyards. We return on board for dinner. We moor for the night in Blaye. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 5– OCTOBER 30, 2023: BLAYE – COGNAC: After breakfast onboard, walking tour of Blaye, where we will visit the citadel. Following lunch onboard, we will depart towards Cognac to discover Romanesque churches, typical sceneries of a “terroir” considered by many as the “French Tuscany”, traveling along the roads and quaysides, passing monuments and Cognac’s public gardens. Enjoy a guided visit of the chateau of Cognac, birthplace of French king, François I. A historic building dating from the 13th to 16th centuries, the chateau is a wonderful blend of the history of both Cognac and France. The visit is followed by a tasting session in cognac cellars where you will learn about the enthralling adventure of the “Liqueur of the Gods” with much information about vine growing and harvesting, wine production, distilling and more. Return to Blaye at the end of the day. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 6- OCTOBER 31, 2023: BLAYE - LIBOURNE - SAINT-EMILION: We set sail early this morning, taking breakfast as we cruise, heading towards Libourne. We join the river Dordogne and head for Libourne where we arrive in the early afternoon. After lunch on board, we set off by coach on our excursion to Saint-Emilion. We have a guided visit of the underground monuments of Saint- Emilion village as our guide introduces us to the history of the medieval city. We then visit an exceptional Troglodyte settlement - the cave of Emilion, and we have a tasting to conclude our visit. We rejoin our floating hotel in Libourne at the end of the afternoon. After dinner on board we have an evening’s entertainment provided by our crew before we moor for the night. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 7- NOVEMBER 01, 2023: LIBOURNE - CADILLAC: We have breakfast as we cruise this morning, heading for Cadillac. Lunch on board. Arrival in Cadillac. This afternoon we have guided visits to the château de Roquetaillade and to Cadillac. This middle age castle is also famous for the inside decoration dating from the XIXth century. We will then enjoy a stop in a Sauterne winery for a special tasting. We then return to Cadillac for a guided visit of the city featuring its castle, old mansions and church dating back to the XVth century. We return on board for dinner. The rest of the evening is free. We moor for the night in Cadillac. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 8- NOVEMBER 02, 2023: BORDEAUX: Early relaxing morning of cruising the Garonne bound for Bordeaux through the famous vineyards of Graves. Upon arrival, set off on a walking tour of Bordeaux. A city of art and architecture, Bordeaux is part of UNESCO’s world heritage sites. Visit the old city from the large avenues to the narrow streets of Saint Pierre district. Lunch onboard and free afternoon Captain’s Farewell dinner, followed by an evening of dancing. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 9- NOVEMBER 03, 2023: BORDEAUX: This Morning you will be transferred* by your Jet Vacations Representative to your homebound flight. (Breakfast)
3 NIGHTS PRE TOUR OF SPAIN
Day 1- OCTOBER 23, 2023: Depart the USA: Depart the U.S. on an overnight flight to Spain.
Day 2- OCTOBER 24, 2023: BILBAO: Welcome to Spain. A Jet Vacations representative will personally greet you and arrange your transfer to your hotel in Bilbao by deluxe coach. Check into your Hotel for your 3-night post stay. Tonight enjoy a welcome diner with the other group members. (Dinner)
Day 3- OCTOBER 25, 2023: BILBAO: After breakfast, meet your private guide and then start with a morning visit of the Guggenheim Museum. It is a great chance to enjoy one of the most representative building of contemporary architecture. Discover the contrasts between yesterday and today. After spending your lunch time on your own, your guide will take you on a walking tour through the city. Firstly, entering the 7 Calles or Old Town, you will discover the traditional architecture and atmosphere: narrow streets, many shops, bars, restaurants and a lot of life. There, apart from seeing the most important buildings such as the Cathedral of Santiago or the local market, the Mercado de la Ribera, your guide will discuss about the origins of Bilbao as a port, the maritime trade with Flanders, the great industrialization, and about the importance of the river. Walk back to your hotel in Bilbao – check-in and rest of the evening at leisure. (Breakfast)
Day 4- OCTOBER 26, 2023: SAN SEBASTIAN: After breakfast, set on a scenery drive through the Basque countryside towards San Sebastian. Travel through rugged landscapes and small local mountain villages, which holds the essence of rural lifestyle. Upon arrival, meet your guide and then set off to a light lunch in the area’s famed pintxos bars to immerse yourself in the atmosphere. Learn about the pintxos scene and, of course, sample some of the treats yourself. Much like regular tapas, pintxo dishes on the city menus change daily; expect a dainty but delicious treat — perhaps olives and artisan cheese pierced by a cocktail stick — paired with a drink in each bar. Spend the afternoon ambling at a leisurely pace, exploring the tangle of narrow lanes that make up Parte Vieja, San Sebastián’s handsome Old Town. Sandwiched between La Concha beach and the banks of the Urumea River, the Old Town hub is home to a treasure trove of the city’s finest sights. Wander past a farmers' market to soak up the colorful hubbub of day-to-day activity, and pose for photos in front of San Sebastián Town Hall. Pass churches with remarkable Baroque facades, and hear the history behind sights such as Plaza de la Constitución, an 18th-century square that was partially destroyed by a fire a century after it was built. After two hours exploring the city and its legendary pintxos bars, make your way to your hotel. (Breakfast – Light Lunch)
Day 5- OCTOBER 27, 2023: SAN SEBASTIAN - BORDEAUX: After breakfast, transfer to Bordeaux to meet up with your river ship for your Bordeaux cruise. (Breakfast)
2 NIGHTS POST PARIS STAY
Day 9- NOVEMBER 03, 2023: Depart to your Post tour of Paris: After breakfast, transfer to Bordeaux TGV station for your High-Speed train trip to Paris. A Jet Vacations representative will personally greet you and arrange your transfer to your hotel in Paris. Time at leisure to explore the City of Light on your own. Lunch and dinner on your own. Overnight at your hotel in Paris. (Breakfast)
Day 10- NOVEMBER 04, 2023: Paris: Breakfast at the hotel. Spend your day at leisure exploring Paris arrondissements. Lunch and dinner on your own. Overnight at your hotel in Paris. (Breakfast)
Day 1- NOVEMBER 05, 2023: PARIS – DEPARTURE DAY: Depart to the CDG airport on your own for your homebound flight. (Breakfast)
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