Bordeaux, Vineyards & Chateaux – Connoisseur Collection

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- All transfers on arrival & departure days
- 7 nights cruise in a riverview stateroom on-board the River Royale
- All dining & unlimited beverages on-board including fine wine, beer, spirits, soft drinks, specialty coffee & tea & bottled water
- Captain's Welcome & Farewell Receptions
- Welcome & Farewell Gala Dinners
- 6 excursions, including “Choice Is Yours” options
- Assistance of an English-speaking local expert & experienced Uniworld Cruise Manager
- Guided "Go Active", "Do as the Locals Do" & "Gentle Walking" programs
- Visit 3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
- On-board local entertainment
- Cultural enrichment, including a Signature Lecture: “Aquitaine Three Rivers, One Ocean, & a Unique Land”
- Port charges & taxes

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Bordeaux (embark)

Arrive at Bordeaux–Mérignac International Airport, where you will be transferred to the ship.

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Cadillac, Bordeaux

FEATURED EXCURSIONS: Cadillac, châteaux & Sauternes vineyards with exclusive artisanal wine-pairing lunch at Château de Cazeneuve

You’re in for a treat as you embark on a fascinating study of Sauternes, the highly prized, golden-hued sweet wine that takes its name from the region. Visit one of the area’s finest estates for a wine tasting, & then be treated to a delectable wine-pairing lunch at Château de Cazeneuve, an 85-acre estate. Learn how easy (& fun) it is to pair a sweet wine with a whole new variety of dishes. Extend your celebration into the evening with the Captain’s Welcome Reception & Gala Dinner. Note: Sailing this stretch of the Garonne depends on the tides. If it is not possible to sail to Cadillac, you will be taken to your destination via motorcoach.

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Cruising the Garonne River & Gironde Estuary, Pauillac

FEATURED EXCURSIONS: Choice of Médoc city tour with exclusive wine tasting OR exclusive guided “Go Active” vineyard bike ride with wine tasting

Sail the Garonne River & the Gironde Estuary before heading to Pauillac, gateway to the storied Médoc wine route & the prestigious “châteaux road.” You’ll have a panoramic tour of the heart of the celebrated Haut-Médoc wine-growing region & taste wines at one of its estates. If you wish for a more active exploration of the region, take a guided bicycle ride through Pauillac & the lush landscapes of historic estates that have seemingly remained unchanged for centuries. Do all those beautiful vineyards make you yearn to sample their fruit? Luckily, this adventure includes a stop at Château Lynch-Bages for a wine tasting.

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Blaye, cruising the Gironde Estuary & Dordogne River, Libourne

FEATURED EXCURSIONS: Scenic drive along the Route de la Corniche Fleurie with Blaye Fortress

Sail across the peaceful waters of the estuary, where fishing huts rise above grassy marshlands edged by limestone cliffs, as you make your way to the town of Blaye. A visual feast awaits you on a storied road named for the many flowers that line it, Route de la Corniche Fleurie, which winds its way through picturesque hamlets filled with old stone houses. Stop in the medieval walled village of Bourg-sur-Gironde, with a rich historic & architectural heritage, before heading back to Blaye, where you’ll be guided through the imposing 17th-century Blaye Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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Libourne (Saint-Émilion)

FEATURED EXCURSIONS:Saint-Émilion walking discovery tour with wine tasting

Hilltop Saint-Émilion offers both exceptional architecture & historic vineyards. The Romans were the first to plant grapes here, & this was the first vineyard region to be protected by UNESCO because of its history. Saint-Émilion is entered by way of one of the seven gates that are part of the original medieval fortifications. Inside the walls, discover steep, narrow cobblestone streets, stores brimming with wine & wine tools, & the extraordinary 12th-century Monolithic Church, carved into a cliff—only the tower is above ground; the rest of the church is subterranean. After touring Saint-Émilion, you’ll visit the cellars of a premier Grand Cru estate where you’ll taste some of the world’s most highly rated wines.

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Libourne, cruising the Garonne River, Bordeaux

FEATURED EXCURSIONS:Libourne “Village Day” with farmers’ market, & exclusive “Bordeaux under the Stars” tour

How could you visit this rich agricultural land without delving into a farmers’ market? Libourne’s sprawling farmers’ market is a food lover’s paradise, with stands selling fresh produce, cheeses, charcuterie & more. Explore its bounty with a local expert & take a peek inside the workshops of talented local artisans. Cap the day off with the “Bordeaux under the Stars” tour via an open-top bus for a view of this extraordinarily beautiful city illuminated at night.

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Bordeaux

FEATURED EXCURSIONS: Choice of exclusive “Do as the Locals Do” Bordeaux walking tour OR exclusive guided “Go Active” bike ride through the Bordeaux backstreets

How to spend your last day in Bordeaux? You have two exclusive opportunities to see this magnificent place, whose seamless blend of classical & neoclassical architecture led to its being designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. “Do as the Locals Do” as you stroll the most graceful streets with your local expert, including luxury food halls, local delicacies such as canelés & chocolates, & popular wine bars. If you prefer a more active experience, join a guide for a bicycle ride through the city. Celebrate your last evening on-board with the festive Captain’s Farewell Reception & Gala Dinner.

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Bordeaux (disembark), transfer to the airport

Disembark the ship & transfer to Bordeaux–Mérignac International Airport for your flight home.