Bordeaux cruise Raymond Blanc
8 Days
In association with Uniworld
Check availability
Call now and book 08082587090 Quote ref: UW BORDEAUXBLANC
Check availability
Call now and book 08082587090
Quote ref: UW BORDEAUXBLANC
Email us
Sail the Garonne, Dordogne and Gironde in a stateroom on luxury SS Bon Voyage and enjoy multiple wine tastings and a cooking demo from Raymond Blanc

Uncover the proud legacy and heritage of Southwest France on this luxury cruise through Bordeaux and the Médoc wine region.

Set sail along three stunning rivers, the Garonne, Dordogne and Gironde, to explore breathtaking backdrops, world-renowned wines and unique cultural treasures in Bordeaux, Fort Médoc, Cadillac, Blaye, and Libourne.

Joining you on board for part of this cruise is the Michelin-starred French chef Raymond Blanc, who'll host a cooking demonstration and answer your questions in a Q&A session. He'll also join you for a trip to Libourne's lively farmers' market, where you can marvel at the sights and scents of the wonderfully fresh local produce sold here.

This cruise involves plenty of chances to taste wines from the region's magnificent vineyards, like a sampling of Sauternes at the Château Royal de Cazeneuve in Cadillac and a visit to the Cité du Vin museum in Bordeaux, where you'll learn more about the winemaking process.

As you travel around the region, you'll marvel at the beautiful landscapes of southwest France. A scenic drive from Blaye to Bourg along the Route de la Corniche Fleurie will allow you to spot historic monuments, like the Blaye Fortress and Lansac Windmill.

You'll also appreciate the delightful landscapes as you sail along the region's rivers on board luxury ship SS Bon Voyage. You'll be staying in one of the ship's stylish staterooms, and can spend your free time on the Soleil Deck - decorated in vibrant fabrics and with an infinity pool offering glorious views of the French countryside. Choose from a selection of excellent French wine on board, and enjoy passing the stunning Bordeaux vineyards whilst sipping on some of the finest wine these lands have to offer.

To read more about this trip:
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Download the brochure here

Reasons to book

Exclusive events with Raymond Blanc

Michelin-starred chef Raymond Blanc joins you for part of the cruise, to share his knowledge and passion for French cuisine

Wine tastings

Sample some of the region’s finest wines with visits to elegant and renowned wine estates

Floating Boutique Hotel

SS Bon Voyage is an elegant ship, which immerses guests in French culture, art and wine

Excellent excursions

Enjoy six days of immersive, flexible and specially curated excursions - such as those to Château de Malromé, Fort Médoc and Blaye

Savour Classic French Cuisine

Bordeaux is known for its cuisine as well as its wine; you'll discover local produce at Libourne’s farmers market, accompanied by Raymond

Beautiful scenery

Soak up some of France’s most idyllic countryside from the comfort of your ship as you sail along the Garronne and Dordogne rivers
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Tour brochure
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You'll be joined by

Raymond Blanc OBE
Chef & restaurateur
The Michelin-starred chef brought five-star French cuisine to the world - with his best-selling books, television programmes and fabulous restaurants

Raymond Blanc is an iconic French chef. His restaurant, Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons, remains the only UK country house hotel to have retained two Michelin stars for over 30 years, and is also home to the Raymond Blanc Cookery School.

His TV series include BBC Two's The Very Hungry Frenchman and his books include Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons: The Story of a Modern Classic.

Price includes

  • Welcome drinks, talk, Q&A and book signing with Raymond (a book is not included; please remember to bring a book with you if you would like to take advantage of the book signing)
  • Cooking demonstration from celebrated chef, Raymond Blanc
  • Visit Libourne farmer's market with Raymond Blanc
  • Go on a private owner's tour of Château Royal de Cazeneuve or learn about the colourful life of Toulouse Lautrec at Château de Malromé
  • Fresh Médoc & oysters tasting
  • Go on a bike tour through the Médoc vineyards or drive along the Médoc Châteaux route with private wine tasting
  • Bourg sur Gironde walking tour
  • Saint-Émilion walking tour with wine tasting
  • Visit the Cité du Vin museum
  • Return flights from a range of UK airports, or Eurostar or self-drive
  • Seven night's all-inclusive on SS Bon Voyage, in a Classic Stateroom
  • Enjoy a Captain's welcome and farewell reception and dinner
  • All meals on board - seven breakfasts, five lunches and seven dinners - prepared using the finest and freshest ingredients
  • Six days of immersive, flexible and specially curated excursions
  • Onboard gratuities
  • Price includes £1,000pp saving!

Availability

Call now to book 08082587090
Quote ref: UW BORDEAUXBLANC
Got any questions about this trip? Send us an enquiry

Itinerary

  1. Day
    1
    Arrive in Bordeaux
    Bordeaux, France

    Today you'll arrive in Bordeaux via your preferred means of transport, where you'll be met by your arrival transfer and board your home for the week, the stylish SS Bon Voyage. You'll then have some free time to settle into your elegant stateroom before dinner.

    Meals - Dinner
  2. Day
    2
    Cadillac
    Cadillac, France

    Today's stop is Cadillac, a picturesque town known for its deliciously flavoured dessert wines, and where the phrase 'la douceur de vivre' really comes to life.

    You'll visit Château Royal de Cazeneuve, the site of Henry IV's and Queen Margot's tempestuous love, and meet the Château owner for a glass of Sauternes in the reception hall. Alternatively, you can choose to learn about the colourful life of Toulouse Lautrec at Château de Malromé.

    In the evening, a special Captain's Welcome Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you.

    Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  3. Day
    3
    Cussac Fort Médoc
    Cussac-Fort-M, France

    Today you'll sail into the legendary Médoc region, which is home to many prestigious wine châteaux in a dizzying array of architectural styles, as well as miles of vineyards seemingly stretching to infinity across the hills.

    Take a scenic drive or cycle along the storied Médoc wine route, followed by a wine tasting at a beautiful wine estate. You'll also have the chance to taste some incredibly fresh oysters, straight from the Médoc salt marshes.

    Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  4. Day
    4
    Blaye, Bourg sur Gironde
    Bourg-sur-Gironde, France

    The Route de la Corniche Fleurie could be the most beautiful road in Europe. You'll see it for yourself today on the drive to Blaye Fortress, passing through one impossibly picturesque hamlet after another.

    Once you arrive, you'll discover the wonders of this historic fortress, a UNESCO-designated citadel that once protected Bordeaux from attacks by sea.

    Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  5. Day
    5
    Libourne, Saint-Émilion
    Libourne, France

    With Libourne as your base, you'll travel to nearby Saint-Émilion and immerse yourself more deeply in the region's history and wine culture.

    The mediaeval town of Saint-Émilion is an ideal place to linger. Wander its cobblestone lanes lined with wine shops and bakeries, and stop to admire the amazing rock-hewn church that extends beneath the city's streets. Another treasure awaiting you underground? A wine tasting in the cellars of a Grand Cru estate.

    Raymond Blanc will join you on board SS Bon Voyage this evening, for welcome drinks, a talk about his career, a Q&A and a book** signing.

    Meals - Breakfast, Dinner
  6. Day
    6
    Libourne, Bordeaux
    Libourne, France

    France's rich agricultural tradition is the heart and soul of the region's exquisite cuisine-and what better way to get a taste for the freshest vegetables, cheeses, breads and fruits than with a visit to Libourne's lively farmers' market?

    Raymond Blanc will join you today as you explore the farmers' market, giving his insight into the delightfully fresh and flavoursome produce that's sold here.

    This evening, you'll get to taste some mouthwatering French dishes created by Raymond, as he hosts a live cooking demonstration. Not only will you taste some incredible plates from this Michelin-starred chef, you'll also pick up some tips on French cooking to elevate your own kitchen skills.

    Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  7. Day
    7
    Bordeaux
    Bordeaux, France

    Discover Bordeaux's many charms today, either on foot with a local expert or on two wheels-the locals' preferred way to navigate the city's quaint backstreets and the historic monuments of this magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Site.

    You'll visit the city's Cité du Vin museum, where you'll learn more about the region's wine heritage with engaging, educational exhibitions.

    In the evening, a special Captain's Farewell Dinner will be prepared for you.

    Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  8. Day
    8
    Departure
    Bordeaux, France

    Today you'll disembark the ship and transfer to the train station or airport as your Bordeaux adventure draws to a close.

    Meals - Breakfast

Accommodation

SS Bon Voyage

5
Cruise ship

Sailing with Uniworld is like cruising in a five-star hotel – you’ll enjoy industry- leading service throughout your journey through the beautiful countryside.

The SS Bon Voyage is a luxury river ship uniquely designed to immerse guests in French culture, art, and wine, from its stunning polished wood lobby to the staterooms with luxury marble bathrooms and Savoir beds. On board, you will find a choice of restaurants offering freshly prepared five-star cuisine and fine wines. There is nothing better than relaxing on the sundeck enjoying the ever-changing scenery or taking a dip in the only infinity pool on the world's rivers.

Brought to you by

Uniworld
This tour is operated solely by Uniworld
Uniworld is one of the world's outstanding luxury river cruise lines. The company’s European fleet features luxurious ships with an average capacity of 130 guests, the highest staff-to-guest ratio in the river cruise industry, enticing shore excursions, world-class gourmet cuisine, impeccable hospitality, and numerous other all-inclusive benefits.

To view Uniworld’s supplier’s terms and conditions click here.

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Availability

Call now to book 08082587090
Quote ref: UW BORDEAUXBLANC
Email us