Beautiful Bordeaux & The Dordogne Cruise (Rail & Cruise)

We meet at our departure office at London St Pancras and travel on the high-speed Eurostar service to Paris. On arrival in the French capital, we connect with our onward rail service southwards through the countryside to Bordeaux - the centre of one of the world's most famous wine regions and set on the banks of the Garonne. Here we transfer to our floating hotel for 6 nights, the MS Cyrano de Bergerac. After time to settle in, we are greeted with a welcome cocktail. Tonight's dinner is followed by an evening of entertainment on board.

• Dinner

This morning we cruise into the scenic Gironde Estuary, passing the scattering of traditional wooden fishing huts dotted around the attractive inlets, such as Cazeau Island and pretty Patiras Island. After taking in these charming scenes at a relaxed pace, we arrive in Pauillac, a sleepy port whose quayside is lined with grand stone houses. Following lunch on board we visit the renowned Médoc wine region on an included excursion. Here some of the world's most celebrated red wines are cultivated, grown in sloping vineyards overlooking the river.

The excursion follows the famous Châteaux Route, with views of the area's noted stately homes, including the spectacular château of Lafite- Rothschild which is owned by members of this wealthy and famous family since the 1800s. Back on board, this evening we enjoy a dinner of scrumptious French cuisine.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We spend a leisurely morning cruising further into the Gironde Estuary, passing the atmospheric marshlands and ancient Troglodyte dwellings that feature prominently around this stretch of the river. We also pass through Meschers-sur-Gironde, characterised by its brooding cliffs overlooking the river.

In the afternoon we arrive in Blaye, the starting point for an afternoon of possible excursions. Your first option is a trip along the Route de la Corniche, for a closer look at the idyllic and time-honoured landscapes that have been so well preserved here.

The journey passes along the superb, narrow cliff-top road overlooking the Dordogne. Flanked by lush vineyards, we'll enjoy some time to look around the idyllic walled village of Bourg - where rustic cottages are stacked almost on top of each other high on the hillsides. On our way back to Blaye, we make a short stop at the town's imposing citadel. Constructed in the late 17th century, the majestic fortress is now a UNESCO World Heritage site and affords a magnificent panorama over the river and estuary.

Your other choice is to take an excursion exploring underground Blaye. Spend time underneath the quaint streets as you discover the historical secrets stashed away below street level. Afterwards we enjoy a tasting of local specialties, all washed down with a glass of regional wine.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Early this morning we leave Blaye and continue our cruise, navigating the Gironde and joining the peaceful Dordogne River on our way to the attractive wine town of Libourne. Disembarking, we travel to St Emilion for a guided tour of this UNESCO listed city before visiting the Troglodyte cave St Emilion stayed in. We'll also see the largest monolithic church in Europe. We then call at a family-run vineyard, where we enjoy a tasting of some popular local wines before returning to Libourne.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we arrive in the marvellous walled town of Cadillac, with its rich history dating back to the 13th century. This afternoon we take a tour of Roquetaillade Chateau, a magnificent 12th-century listed monument. This castle is a great example of a medieval fortress that's adapted to changing styles over the centuries. Since its initial design, it has hosted kings, cardinals and other important figures, each one leaving their own indelible mark on the architecture and interiors.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Following a leisurely morning on board, this afternoon we arrive back in Bordeaux, a beautiful city brimming with 18th-century grandeur. With its broad boulevards and quaint Old Town, the UNESCO-protected city boasts an exciting diversity that's palpable in many of its attractions. We embark on a city tour for some deeper insight into Bordeaux's history. Alternatively you are free to explore at leisure. Back on board this evening, we enjoy a gala dinner.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After a final breakfast on board, this morning we disembark the ship and transfer to Bordeaux station. Here we take the train to Paris, and connect with the Eurostar service back to London.

• Breakfast