Excursion Bordeaux & medoc wine chateau tour at Bordeaux

Cruise line: Silversea
Difficulty:

Embrace the scenic splendour and flavours of Bordeaux and the Route des Châteaux during this full-day excursion to a Médoc wine château, and a city tour with lunch.


Medoc Wine Chateau Road and Vineyards

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 1.5-hour drive to the Medoc area. Upon arrival, continue along the famous Route des Châteaux, the Medoc wine château road, which is located between the Gironde Estuary and Landes Forest, and offers magnificent views of vine-covered land as far as the eye can see. Medoc vineyards are orderly and well-kept almost to the point of fanaticism, and the region's famous châteaux produce divine wines that include Moulis, Listrac, Saint Julien, Saint Estèphe, Pauillac, and Margaux (with the celebrated château of the same name).


Wine Estate Chateau Tour and Tasting

During your drive through this beautiful region, a guided visit is made to the cellars of a famous wine estate château, such as Giscours, Kirwan, Cantenac Brown, Lascombes, Rausan Gassies, or Prieuré Lichine, among others. Learn about the estate's winemaking techniques, then proceed for a tasting of two wines from the estate. Following your visit, re-board your coach and continue on to Bordeaux City.


Bordeaux City

Upon arrival in Bordeaux City, take a short, panoramic tour of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. This distinction recognizes the beauty and unity of style of Bordeaux's architectural heritage, which has developed harmoniously over the centuries and remained remarkably well-preserved. Discover some of the city's major highlights, including the WWII German submarine base and approximately 29.6-acre (about 12-hectare) L'Esplanade des Quinconces. One of Europe's largest squares, it features a column commemorating the French Revolution. Other sights include the Place de la Bourse, Riverfront, Cailhau Gate and Opera House, also known as the 'Grand Theatre', one of the most beautiful theatres in Europe.


Lunch, Old Bordeaux and Shopping

Next, proceed for lunch at a local French restaurant. After lunch, take an optional guided walking tour in Old Bordeaux, and some free time at your leisure in the pedestrian and shopping area. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately two-hour drive back to the pier.


Please note: This tour requires advance booking 15 days prior to the start of the cruise. Cancellations received after this deadline will incur penalty charges of up to 100%, which will be billed to your shipboard account.

This tour involves a moderate amount of walking, at times over cobblestone surfaces, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach, and stairs and steps at the wine estate château. Walking in Bordeaux City is at the discretion of each guest. This tour is suitable for guests with limited mobility, but is not wheelchair-accessible. Lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes and sun protection are recommended. The tour sequence may vary.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Le Verdon, Médoc Wine Château Road, Wine Estate Château Tour and Tasting, Bordeaux City, Lunch, Old Bordeaux, Shopping

Note

This tour requires advance booking 15 days prior to the start of the cruise. Cancellations received after this deadline will incur penalty charges of up to 100%, which will be billed to your shipboard account. This tour involves a moderate amount of walking, at times over cobblestone surfaces, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach, and stairs and steps at the wine estate château. Walking in Bordeaux City is at the discretion of each guest. This tour is suitable for guests with limited mobility, but is not wheelchair-accessible. Lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes and sun protection are recommended. The tour sequence may vary.