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Characterised by opulent chateaux, charming cities spliced by winding cobbled lanes, scenic beauty that flanks the Dordogne and of course, world-renowned wines from sprawling vineyards.
Depart on your scheduled flight to Bordeaux. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your ship. Take a moment to settle into your comfortable cabin and enjoy a welcome cocktail with the crew before dinner. The cruise will set sail to Pauillac.
You will dock at Pauillac, and begin a tour of the prestigious wine-growing region of Medoc. Favoured by a mild, humid microclimate, this region produces some of the world's most sought-after red wines. The trail will take you along the famous Chateaux Route, past rolling valleys, verdant fields and the wine estates and elegant castles of Saint Julien, Margaux, Lafite-Rothschild and Latour. With stops along the route, sample the region's exquisite wines and discover why they are revered by connoisseurs across the globe. Cruise the Gironde until you reach the estuary. Dock in Royan and enjoy a panoramic tour of the seaside city.
Enjoy the day at leisure in Royan or alternatively join an optional excursion to the seaside cities of Rochefort and La Rochelle. Leave by coach for Rochefort. Rochefort was originally chosen by Jean-Baptiste Colbert as a refuge, defence, and supply post for the French navy back in the mid-1660s. Its arsenal remained a naval base and dockyard until as late as 1926. The historic downtown area boasts lovely private mansions and beautiful homes where the legendary sailors and explorers lived. Visit the Corderie Royale, a historical rope-making factory. Built between 1666 and 1669, it was the first industrial building in France, and the factory provided ropes for the French Navy and its ships for over three centuries. Tour the main building and learn about the techniques used to produce the ropes used on the large sailing ships. Afterwards, head to La Rochelle. Stop for lunch in a local restaurant. The over 1,000-year-old city of La Rochelle is the capital of the Charente Maritime. It's tucked along the Bay of Biscay and contains some of the most beautiful natural and architectural heritage in the area. During a guided tour of the old town and port, learn about the Grosse-Horologe gate, Renaissance arcades, lovely half-timbered homes, finely sculpted facades of the private mansions, and the cathedral. Enjoy some free time before returning to the ship. At the end of our afternoon, return to Royan. Enjoy dinner and an evening of entertainment.
This morning enjoys an excursion to Saintes. Saintes has accumulated almost two thousand years of history, marked by its rich heritage and its Gallo-Roman and medieval ruins. Visit the Roman theatre, one of the oldest from the era, which is still the best preserved on the Atlantic Coast and highlights the importance that Saintes held at the time. The theatre can hold up to 15,000 attendees and was used as a showplace for battles between gladiators and wild animals for almost three centuries. Continue to the Saint-Europe Basilica. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site along the Way of St. James, it is one of the most important monuments in the city and its crypt has been described as fascinating and impressive on online tourist reviews describing its startling contrasts between the Roman and Gothic style architecture and as a must-see visit for anyone in Saintes. Return to the ship in time for lunch. This afternoon join an optional excursion to Talmont-sur-Gironde and Meschers-sur-Gironde. Visit a typical French seaside village with tons of charm which is officially listed as one the most beautiful villages in the country. Talmont-sur-Gironde is lined with cobblestone streets that take you to the white tower on the coastline, up to its beautiful Romanesque church, and over to the quaint port. The lovely, small houses dotting the streets are full of boutiques selling wares by local craftspeople. In Meschers-sur-Gironde, tour the cave dwellings suspended in the cliffs which harbour treasures from centuries long ago. After return on board and begin cruising up the Dordogne to Libourne.
This morning enjoy an excursion to Saint-Emilion. A guided tour of Saint-Emilion's underground monuments, discovers the rich history of this medieval city, including its enigmatic monolithic church. Continue to a vineyard where you will learn how the famous local wine is produced. Enjoy a tasting of local products at the end of the tour. Return to the ship in Libourne and spend the afternoon cruising to Bordeaux. In the evening leave by coach for a panoramic tour of the city of Bordeaux, where you'll be able to discover the main monuments, followed by a tour on foot of the old quarter of Bordeaux. Discover the impressive areas such as the Place des Quinconces and the Grand Theatre, as well as the intimate side streets, tucked around the Place Saint Pierre.
Cruise along the Garonne, getting a good glimpse of Bordeaux from the water as the ship continues to Cadillac. This morning visit the magnificent and prestigious Chateau de Roquetaillade. This castle has been the backdrop for several French films including Brotherhood of the Wolf (Le Pacte des Loups) and Fanfan la Tulipe. Explore the towers of this medieval chateau before heading to a wine cellar in the Sauternais to enjoy a tasting of the famous Sauternes wine. Afterwards, return to Cadillac for a guided tour of the city. Located on the right bank of the Garonne River, the city was founded in 1280 and still retains its original structure. Explore the port, its ramparts, and the main square and stroll the streets to admire the old homes and 15th-century church. Spend the afternoon cruising to Bordeaux and arrive during the evening. Tonight, enjoy the gala evening.
Disembark after breakfast for your airport transfer and return flight to the UK.
A visa is not required for your entry into France. Further advice should be sought from the applicable tourist authority for other nationalities and for general queries. We strongly advise you check your destinations' Tourist Board or Embassy for the most up-to-date guidelines regarding passport validity.
We strongly recommend that you and all members of your party are suitably insured as soon as you book your holiday. It is a condition of booking that you must have suitable travel insurance. It is important that you purchase travel insurance that suitably covers your participation in whatever activities you may undertake at the time that you make your booking. To assist you with this, we have arranged travel insurance in partnership with Holiday Extras. To arrange your travel insurance with Holiday Extras, please call 0800 781 4237 and quote 'WK830' for preferential rates. Please ensure you provide us with the name of your insurer, policy number and their 24-hour emergency contact number as soon as possible. Mercury Holidays will not be liable for any costs incurred by you due to your failure to take out suitable travel insurance from the date of booking
If booking more than 10 weeks before departure a deposit of £250pp will need to be paid at the time of booking with the full amount payable at 10 weeks prior to departure. The deposit applies to adults and children. If you are within 10 weeks of travel then the full balance of the holiday will be payable.
Your flight is to Bordeaux-Merignanc Airport with British Airways (BA), departing from London Gatwick South Terminal.
Each passenger is entitled to 23KG of hold luggage plus 1 item of hand luggage not exceeding (Max 23kg - 56cm/45cm/25cm) in size and 1 personal item such as a handbag, briefcase or laptop case.
Weight restrictions will be finalized on your final documentation. Should you wish to take additional luggage you will need to pay extra at check-in. Check-In should be at least 3 hours before departure.
IMPORTANT: Please note that final flight details will be confirmed on your final documentation which will be sent to you approximately 10 days before departure. A printed E-ticket is no longer required at check-in, all you need to do is present your passport to the staff at the desk and your boarding pass will be given to you.
It is your responsibility to check any health and vaccination requirements applicable to your booked arrangements. We can only provide general information about this. Health and hygiene facilities and disease risks vary from country to country. You should take health advice about your own needs as early as possible and in good time before your departure. Sources of information include; www.fco.gov.uk, http://travelhealthpro.org.uk/, www.hpa.org.uk, your General Practitioner or a specialist clinic.
This cruise is accessible to most people with an average level of fitness. It involves some climbing of steep steps, and getting on and off boats. This tour is not suitable for anyone with walking difficulties.
An English speaking Cruise Director will be on board your cruise to help with any queries that you may have. They will not accompany you on land, this will be your free time to explore each city at your leisure. Airport transfers will be with an English speaking driver
The currency in France is the Euro, We recommend that you exchange your currency before you leave the UK, however cash machines are available in all the major cities to withdraw money in the local currency.
You will need to take some extra money with you to cover any dinners where these are not mentioned on your itinerary and personal purchases, such as souvenirs, extra drinks and snacks. Approximately £200-£300 will be sufficient for the duration of the tour.
| Depart UK | Arrive UK | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Dates | |||
| 14 Jun 2023 | 20 Jun 2023 | £1969 | |
| 29 Jun 2023 | 05 Jul 2023 | £1969 | |
| 29 Jul 2023 | 04 Aug 2023 | £1899 | |
| 13 Aug 2023 | 19 Aug 2023 | £1949 | |
| 28 Aug 2023 | 03 Sep 2023 | £1859 | |
| 03 Oct 2023 | 09 Oct 2023 | £1899 | |
| 18 Oct 2023 | 24 Oct 2023 | £1699 | |
| 2024 Dates | |||
| 11 Apr 2024 | 17 Apr 2024 | £1599 | |
| 28 Apr 2024 | 04 May 2024 | £1699 | |
| 19 May 2024 | 25 May 2024 | £1799 | |
| 31 May 2024 | 06 Jun 2024 | £1999 | |
| 16 Jun 2024 | 22 Jun 2024 | £1999 | |
| 07 Jul 2024 | 13 Jul 2024 | £1999 | |
| 24 Jul 2024 | 30 Jul 2024 | £1999 | |
| 10 Aug 2024 | 16 Aug 2024 | £1999 | |
| 31 Aug 2024 | 06 Sep 2024 | £1999 | |
| 16 Sep 2024 | 22 Sep 2024 | £1899 | |
| 07 Oct 2024 | 13 Oct 2024 | £1899 | |
Treat yourself to a better vista! Cabin and Deck upgrades are available for an additional supplement. For prices and availability please call our Reservations Consultants or Book Online.
If you're travelling alone single cabins are available for a small supplement. For prices and availability please call our Reservations Consultants or Book Online.
The Captain and Croisieurope reserve the right to alter/modify an itinerary at any time, should safety or external circumstances make this necessary, changes are also subject to tides. Some of the highlights may only be seen on optional excursions at an additional cost, or by exploring independently.
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12 °C / 27 °C
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6 nights
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