Chateaux, Rivers and Wine

By Viking River Cruises

8 nights/7 days

Bordeaux Saint-milion Bordeaux

Caressed by Atlantic breezes, the vineyards that cover the rolling hills along the rivers of Aquitaine have for centuries produced Frances most remarkable wines: Saint-milion, Pomerol, Sauternes, Mdoc and Margaux are but a handful of the appellations that make Bordeaux wines world-famous. At the regions heart, the city of Bordeaux stretches along the river bank, inviting visitors to savor its grand architecture, tempting cafs and superb museums. Celebrate joie de vivre in this land of wine and oysters, truffles and cognac, as you cruise the Dordogne, Garonne and Gironde Rivers

Detailed itinerary
DAY 1Bordeaux

Fly to Bordeaux. We meet you at the airport and take you to your ship*; the rest of the day is yours to relax or begin exploring Bordeaux a little bit on your own. Second only to Paris in French historic monuments, Bordeauxs beautifully preserved 18th-century urban areas make it a desirable film location and its graceful port on the Garonne River is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We remain docked overnight. (D)

DAY 2Pauillac

(Margaux)

Sail along the Gironde River this morning, docking at Pauillac in the Mdoc region before lunch. This afternoon, take a wine country tour featuring several wine-tasting opportunities, including the areas famous full-flavored Margaux. Relax on board this evening, or explore Pauillacs marina and the Plaza LafayettePauillac is where the Marquis de Lafayette set sail to the New World. Undisputed capital of the Mdoc wine region, Pauillac is home to Chteaux Lafite Rothschild, Latour and Mouton Rothschild, among others. You may also catch a glimpse of the lighthouse on the le de Patiras in the middle of the Gironde. (B, L, D)
DAY 3Blaye

Tour Guide Tidbit: Wines have been produced at the Chateau Lafite Rothschild since the 1600s!

(Cognac)

Early this morning we sail to Blaye, arriving during breakfast. Blaye boasts an extraordinary 17thcentury citadel dramatically set on a rock beside the river, which incorporates the ruins of an ancient Gothic chteau. The chteau contains the tomb of Charibert II, king of Aquitaineand legend has it that the Frankish hero Roland, who served Charlemagne, is also buried there. The citadel of Blaye, its city walls, and two other forts are collectively listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a guided tour of the citadel, then enjoy some free time in Blayeor you may choose to take an optional excursion to the charming medieval town of Cognac, birthplace of one of the worlds best-known types of brandy. We lift anchor late this afternoon and dine while sailing toward Libourne, where the Isle and Dordogne Rivers meet. (B, L, D)

With Viking you choose the pace for your shore excursions. Use the Quietvox audio system and join a tour with an expert local guide or strike out on your own with maps, directions and advice provided by the ship-board concierge.
DAY 4Libourne

(Saint-milion)

This mornings tour takes you to Saint-milion, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you see the towns superb medieval streets and buildings and taste some local vintages, like the robust red Pomerol varietals. Spend a pleasant afternoon exploring the towns boulevards, gardens and shopsor take an optional excursion to Bergerac in the Dordogne, which offers some of the finest wines in the Bordeaux region as well as truffles, a great French delicacyplus, see two very different statues of Edmond Rostands famous character Cyrano de Bergerac. We remain docked in Libourne until early morning, so you can take a stroll after dinner to see the Gothic church, clock tower and the Town Hall on the main square. (B, L, D)
DAY 5Cadillac

(Sauternes)

Enjoy scenic cruising along the idyllic Garonne River all morning, stopping after lunch at Cadillac. Disembark for your excursion to Sauternes. Learn how the areas sweet dessert wines are made and taste some examples during your tour. Return aboard for dinner. (B, L, D)

This is an itinerary designed for wine lovers! There are wine tasting opportunities every day. You can also sip a nice glass of a local vintage while enjoying a delicious lunch or dinner prepared with fresh, local ingredients.

DAY 6Cadillac

& Bordeaux

Take a walking tour of the working town of Cadillac this morning to see the ancient harbor, the fishing boats and the townspeople plying their trades. You will also see the elegant 16th-century chteau, complete with grand courtyard and moat, and the city walls with their iconic Clock Gate and Sea Gate. Return aboard for lunch as we begin sailing along the Garonne toward Bordeaux, where we arrive in the late afternoon. Dine aboard or go ashorewe remain docked overnight so you are free to explore the citys restaurants, bars and nightlife. (B, L, D)
DAY 7Bordeaux

This mornings tour of the city center shows you some of Bordeauxs highlights, including the Place des Quinconces, one of the largest squares in Europe; the neoclassical Grand Thtre de Bordeaux; and several spectacular churches. Your afternoon and evening are at leisure, giving you more time to appreciate the well-preserved architecture by Louis XV favorites Jacques Ange Gabriel and son and to taste the citys cuisine and wine appellationsperhaps pick up a few bottles to take home with you. Do not miss the Place de la Bourse, with its mirror-like reflecting poolimpressive by day but absolutely stunning at night. You also have the option of taking an afternoon excursion to Arcachon, a commune on the Atlantic coast, to see the Victorian-era villas, walk on the boardwalk and taste the oysters, a local delicacy. (B, L, D)
DAY 8Bordeaux

After a final onboard breakfast, disembark and we take you to the airport for your flight home.* Or, extend your journey with 3 nights in Paris. (B)
The following meals are included: B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner *Airport meet & greet transfers included when air is purchased from Viking River Cruises.

Price Guarantee
Once you have paid in full for your trip, you are safe from any additional charges. Airfare increases, currency fluctuations, increased fuel surcharges, new government taxesnone of these will apply to you.

ALL-INCLUSIVE PRICING

Daily Shore Excursions Accommodations Included Meals PLUS Port Charges Complimentary Beverages Internet Access

7 included guided tours 7 nights in your river-view stateroom All meals: 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches & 7 dinners Visit 3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites Included on all itineraries Wine, beer & soft drinks with onboard dinner and lunch service Free wi-fi, connection speed may vary

Air Taxes, Fees, Fuel Surcharges & Transfers Included with airfare