Châteaux, Rivers & Wine

  • From $2,999
  • |
  • 8 Days
  • |
  • 5 Guided Tours
  • |
  • 1 Country

Bourg, France

  • Sunlit vineyard with lush green leaves

The village of Bourg reclines along the Gironde, just beyond the confluence of the Garonne and Dordogne Rivers. Perched on a rocky slope and encircled by medieval walls, it has always had a clear view of ships, friend or foe, heading toward Bordeaux. The citadel in the Upper Town has long kept watch. Pleasant strolls unfold at every corner, from the picturesque alleyways that tumble down to the harbor to the ancient King’s Staircase that provided the royals with quick access to the water. With a rich architectural heritage, it is one of France’s official historic villages.

Blaye, France

  • Historic stone fortress with clock tower

A producer of fine red wines, the scenic town of Blaye rests on the Gironde River, just north of Bordeaux. Blaye boasts an extraordinary 17th-century citadel, dramatically set on a rock along the river. The sprawling fortress was built on the orders of King Louis XIV to protect Bordeaux, upstream on the Garonne River. Its ancient Gothic château contains the tomb of Charibert II, King of Aquitaine. Legend has it that the Frankish hero Roland, who served Charlemagne, is also buried here. The citadel, its city walls and two nearby forts comprise a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Shore Excursions

Shore excursions vary by each itinerary and are subject to change.

Horse riders near historic stone fortress

Blaye Walking Tour & Citadel

Explore Blaye’s scenic citadel complex, a grand fortress built on the orders of Louis XIV.

Included
Horse riders near historic stone fortress

Blaye Walking Tour & Citadel

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes      

One of King Louis XIV’s Most Important Fortresses

Explore Blaye’s scenic citadel complex, a grand fortress built on the orders of Louis XIV. Meet your knowledgeable guide and head to the extraordinary 17th-century citadel. Dramatically set on a rock beside the Gironde River, the fortress was designed by renowned engineer Vauban. Within its walls, you can admire the ruins of an ancient Gothic château. The château contains the tomb of Charibert II, King of Aquitaine, and legend has it that the Frankish hero Roland, who served Charlemagne, is also buried there. During your tour, you will have time to take in its beautiful setting on the estuary. The citadel of Blaye and the nearby forts of Paté and Médoc are collectively listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At the end of your tour, enjoy free time for independent exploration in Blaye.

* Easy - Walking portions are generally over easy surfaces with few steps or inclines. Total time walking or standing is normally not longer than 1.5 hours.
Professionals tasting whiskey in distillery lab

A Taste of Cognac: Camus

Walk through the historic town of Blaye and learn the history of Cognac during a Privileged Access visit to a distillery.

Privileged Access
Professionals tasting whiskey in distillery lab

A Taste of Cognac: Camus

Duration: 7 hours 30 minutes      

Witness the Blending of a Prized Brandy

Walk through the historic town of Blaye and learn the history of Cognac during a Privileged Access visit to a distillery. Blaye rests on the Gironde River and boasts an extraordinary 17th-century citadel. Within its walls, explore ancient ruins and take in its beautiful setting. Next, drive with your guide through the scenic countryside to the town of Cognac and Camus, where a historic distillery awaits. Enjoy a three-course lunch with wine followed by a private tour. Learn about the wine-growing family that has owned the business for five generations, and see the great oaken barrels where different Cognacs are aged to perfection. Join a master blender in a workshop, where you can learn the secrets of Cognac blending under his watchful eye. Then try creating your own personal blend and have your own “brand” inscribed in Camus’s record books. You will be able to take home a bottle of your own blend as a souvenir of your memorable visit.

* Easy - Walking portions are generally over easy surfaces with few steps or inclines. Total time walking or standing is normally not longer than 1.5 hours.
Vineyard with historic building and trees

Bourg and Gironde by E-Bike

Cycle through the scenic landscape of southwestern France’s wine country on a panoramic tour by e-bike.
Vineyard with historic building and trees

Bourg and Gironde by E-Bike

Duration: 3 hours      

Pedal Through Idyllic French Countryside

Cycle through the scenic landscape of southwestern France’s wine country on a panoramic tour by e-bike. At the pier, receive your helmet and a short briefing regarding your upcoming ride, then hop on your e-bike and follow your guide out of Bourg and along the Gironde estuary. Along the way, you will pass by vineyards, limestone cliffs and quarries, wine châteaux and more. You will make stops to learn more about the history, viticulture, various ecosystems and geology of the region. Admire views of the estuary as you pedal, and gain insight into the importance of Bayon-sur-Gironde’s Romanesque-style Church Notre-Dame, an important stop on the Camino de Santiago. Finish your tour with a downhill ride and enter Bourg through its medieval gate. Stop to enjoy refreshments and sweeping views of the Dordogne River at a local café, before cycling back to your ship.

* Moderate - Walking portions may be long and somewhat challenging with occasional step-ups, stairs and inclines. Total time walking or standing normally ranges from 1.5 to 3 hours.
Shore excursions vary by itinerary and are subject to change.