Overview
Finish:Bordeaux, France
Travel Period
What's Included
- Step aboard your luxurious ship and begin your enchanting journey through the heart of Bordeaux. As the river carries you forward, enjoy the gentle rhythms of life along the water and the promise of the adventures to come.
- Arrive in Libourne, a picturesque gateway to Bordeaux’s most celebrated vineyards. Wander through sun-drenched villages, explore limestone-carved churches, or pedal through the lush, vineyard-clad countryside.
- Take a guided visit to Bergerac, a charming town in southwestern France known for its medieval streets and wine culture, as part of your Smithsonian Journeys Exclusive tours. Visit the Maison du Vin and Tobacco Museum, or wander Libourne’s bustling market sampling local specialties. Alternatively, discover a historic watermill and traditional breadmaking, or hike a vineyard with wine tasting and tapas.
- Step into the grandeur of Blaye’s citadel, then cycle past riverbanks and medieval villages in the golden light of the afternoon. Alternatively, set out for the Pair-non-Pair Caves to view some of the world’s oldest cave paintings as part of your Smithsonian Journeys Exclusive experience. End your day surrounded by live French music and the warmth of local winemakers sharing their craft.
- Cruise through the rolling vineyards of the Médoc region, where world-class wines and refined landscapes captivate the senses. Whether strolling through historic estates or hiking the sunlit vines, savor the elegance of Bordeaux’s finest terroir.
- As part of your Smithsonian Journeys Exclusive, cruise to Cadillac and tour the Château Royal de Cazeneuve–held by only four families since its founding–meeting the owner and seeing the original furnishings where Henri IV once held Queen Margot captive. Continue on to marvel at Cadillac’s castles, where centuries of history are etched into stone walls and grand halls. Pedal through quaint streets or explore opulent châteaux, and let the region’s rich heritage unfold around you.
- Return to the cosmopolitan allure of Bordeaux, a city alive with history, culture, and culinary delights. Stroll through iconic markets, explore world-class museums, or ride along scenic paths while the city’s architecture and ambiance unfold around you.
- Disembark and begin your journey home
Dates & Pricing
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