Bordeaux Affair

Welcome to Bordeaux, a city of wine, history and spectacular architecture. On arrival, your friendly crew will welcome you aboard the luxurious Scenic Diamond for your seven night cruise.

Bordeaux as a whole, rather than any particular points within it, is what you'll want to visit in order to understand why Victor Hugo described it as Versailles plus Antwerp, and why the painter Francisco de Goya, when exiled from his native Spain, chose it as his last home (he died here in 1828). The capital of southwest France and the region's largest city, Bordeaux remains synonymous with the wine trade: wine shippers have long maintained their headquarters along the banks of the Garonne, while buyers from around the world arrive for the huge biennial Vinexpo show (held in odd-number years).Bordeaux is, admittedly, a less exuberant city than many others in France, but lively and stylish elements are making a dent in its conservative veneer. The cleaned-up riverfront is said by some, after a bottle or two, to exude an elegance reminiscent of St. Petersburg, and that aura of 18th-century élan also permeates the historic downtown sector—“le vieux Bordeaux"—where fine shops invite exploration. To the south of the city center are old docklands undergoing renewal—one train station has now been transformed into a big multiplex movie theater—but the area is still a bit shady. To get a feel for the historic port of Bordeaux, take the 90-minute boat trip that leaves Quai Louis-XVIII every weekday afternoon, or the regular passenger ferry that plies the Garonne between Quai Richelieu and the Pont d'Aquitaine in summer. A nice time to stroll around the city center is the first Sunday of the month, when it's pedestrian-only and vehicles are banned.

Enjoy a pleasant morning cruise on the Dordogne River to Libourne. While cruising, perhaps try your hand at a masterclass in French cuisine in Scenic Culinaire. Spend the afternoon in the nearby town of Saint-Émilion, an absolute visual feast and the jewel of this ancient wine growing region. You'll also get to explore the underground catacombs of the Monolithic Church - a true highlight.

Freechoice: Enjoy a guided tour of Libourne and view its quaint 16th century town-houses and Gothic church. Alternatively, visit the estate of Château Siaurac for a wine tasting, or explore the eclectic city of Bergerac. Perhaps join your on board culinary team for a cooking lesson in Scenic Culinaire this afternoon.

Discover the remarkable Blaye region today. Freechoice: Stroll through the town on a guided tour and observe the impressively preserved centre, or for those feeling more active, join an active walking tour of Blaye and its citadel that was established to protect the region from invasion. This afternoon you'll have the opportunity to enjoy a masterclass in Scenic Culinaire, or simply relax as we cruise towards Pauillac. Enrich Set in spectacular surrounds in the Médoc countryside, Château d'Agassac is truly enchanting. Soak in the ambience while live musicians perform classical masterpieces for your exclusive enjoyment.

Freechoice: This morning, immerse yourself in the scenic Médoc wine region and discover why it is regarded as the world's leading red wine producer, then sample the region's finest at one of its spectacular estates. Or, cycle throughout this beautiful region stopping along the way for a wine tasting. Freechoice: This afternoon, discover the Carriages Museum in the enchanting Bourg Castle, including a walk through the 16th century passageway to the guards rooms and see the immense WWII oil tanks. Alternatively, visit a local Château and learn its fascinating history while sampling some of the extraordinary wines produced on site, or join a 30 kilometre roundtrip cycle along the Captain's Road

Freechoice: Venture into the Sauternes region for a delicious wine tasting at the prestigious Château de Rayne Vigneau, or cycle through the rolling vineyards of Sauternes to taste the exquisite Grand Cru Classé wines of Château Lafaurie Peyraguey. Alternatively, take a walking tour of Cadillac including a visit to Château de Cadillac, a truly beautiful château that dates back to the 15th century.

Discover the World Heritage-listed city of Bordeaux with its idyllic boulevards and architecture. Freechoice: Shop with a Chef at a local food market before cooking up a storm during your exclusive cooking lesson in Scenic Culinaire (Please note: Most markets in France do not open on a Monday. If your visit falls on a Monday your on board chef will explain local produce in Scenic Culinaire and provide an extended Scenic Culinaire cooking demonstration.), or enjoy a guided tour of Bordeaux. Alternatively, for the more energetic, cycle the historic region of Bordeaux. Back on board, enjoy a tasting of fresh oysters delivered straight from the waters of Arcachon Bay.

Bordeaux as a whole, rather than any particular points within it, is what you'll want to visit in order to understand why Victor Hugo described it as Versailles plus Antwerp, and why the painter Francisco de Goya, when exiled from his native Spain, chose it as his last home (he died here in 1828). The capital of southwest France and the region's largest city, Bordeaux remains synonymous with the wine trade: wine shippers have long maintained their headquarters along the banks of the Garonne, while buyers from around the world arrive for the huge biennial Vinexpo show (held in odd-number years).Bordeaux is, admittedly, a less exuberant city than many others in France, but lively and stylish elements are making a dent in its conservative veneer. The cleaned-up riverfront is said by some, after a bottle or two, to exude an elegance reminiscent of St. Petersburg, and that aura of 18th-century élan also permeates the historic downtown sector—“le vieux Bordeaux"—where fine shops invite exploration. To the south of the city center are old docklands undergoing renewal—one train station has now been transformed into a big multiplex movie theater—but the area is still a bit shady. To get a feel for the historic port of Bordeaux, take the 90-minute boat trip that leaves Quai Louis-XVIII every weekday afternoon, or the regular passenger ferry that plies the Garonne between Quai Richelieu and the Pont d'Aquitaine in summer. A nice time to stroll around the city center is the first Sunday of the month, when it's pedestrian-only and vehicles are banned.

Disembark the Scenic Diamond after breakfast and transfer to Bordeaux airport with memories of a truly unforgettable journey. This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons such as high and low water. As such, the cruise may operate altered from that stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions.

Bordeaux as a whole, rather than any particular points within it, is what you'll want to visit in order to understand why Victor Hugo described it as Versailles plus Antwerp, and why the painter Francisco de Goya, when exiled from his native Spain, chose it as his last home (he died here in 1828). The capital of southwest France and the region's largest city, Bordeaux remains synonymous with the wine trade: wine shippers have long maintained their headquarters along the banks of the Garonne, while buyers from around the world arrive for the huge biennial Vinexpo show (held in odd-number years).Bordeaux is, admittedly, a less exuberant city than many others in France, but lively and stylish elements are making a dent in its conservative veneer. The cleaned-up riverfront is said by some, after a bottle or two, to exude an elegance reminiscent of St. Petersburg, and that aura of 18th-century élan also permeates the historic downtown sector—“le vieux Bordeaux"—where fine shops invite exploration. To the south of the city center are old docklands undergoing renewal—one train station has now been transformed into a big multiplex movie theater—but the area is still a bit shady. To get a feel for the historic port of Bordeaux, take the 90-minute boat trip that leaves Quai Louis-XVIII every weekday afternoon, or the regular passenger ferry that plies the Garonne between Quai Richelieu and the Pont d'Aquitaine in summer. A nice time to stroll around the city center is the first Sunday of the month, when it's pedestrian-only and vehicles are banned.