Enjoy this relaxing cruise through one of Europe's most famous
wine regions. From the handsome city of Bordeaux, we navigate the
Garonne and Dordogne, two of France's most scenic rivers, enjoying
the unique landscapes lining their banks. And with 5-Star
accommodation as well as all inclusive excursions, food and drink
on board, it's the perfect way to explore.
We meet at our dedicated departure office at London St Pancras
International and travel on the high-speed Eurostar service to
Paris. On arrival in the French capital, we connect with our onward
rail service and continue southwards through the countryside to
Bordeaux - the centre of one of the world's most famous wine
regions, set on the banks of the Garonne. Here we transfer to our
floating hotel for six nights, the 5-Star 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.
This morning we cruise into the scenic Gironde Estuary, passing
the scattering of authentic, traditional wooden fishermen's 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 fine, grand stone houses. Following lunch on board we
visit the renowned Médoc wine region on an optional 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. Back on board this evening we enjoy
entertainment after 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, which is
characterised by its dramatic, brooding cliffs overlooking the
river.
In the afternoon we arrive in Blaye, the starting point for our
excursion to the idyllic walled village of Bourg - where the rustic
cottages are stacked almost on top of each other high on the
hillsides. The journey to the village is a beautiful one, passing
along the superb, narrow cliff -top road overlooking the Dordogne,
flanked by lush vineyards.
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. We remain moored
in Blaye overnight.
Early this morning we leave Blaye and continue our cruise,
navigating the Gironde and joining the peaceful Dordogne River as
we make 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 exceptional Troglodyte cave
of St Emilion himself, as well as the largest monolithic church in
Europe. The excursion also calls at a family-run vineyard, where we
enjoy a tasting of the popular local wine before returning to
Libourne.
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 the Roquetaillade Chateau, a magnificent
12th-century listed monument.
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
UNESCOprotected city boasts a diversity that makes it exciting to
visit. You are free to explore this lively city's many attractions
at leisure, or perhaps take the optional city tour for a deeper
insight into Bordeaux and its history. Back on board this evening,
we enjoy a gala dinner and dancing.
After a final breakfast on board, this morning we disembark the
ship and transfer to Bordeaux station. Here we take the train to
Paris, where we connect with the Eurostar service back to
London St Pancras International.
Provisional departure and return times, where available, can be
found together with our dates and prices by clicking on the 'Prices
& Availability' button. We write to all booked customers
approximately 10 weeks prior to the start of their tour to advise
the exact departure and return time for their particular group.
An escorted experience and all travel
arrangements
The services of a professional UK Tour Manager from start to
finish
Exclusive meeting point at our dedicated Departure Office in St
Pancras
Standard Class rail travel throughout
Comfortable accommodation
6-night cruise aboard the MS Cyrano de Bergerac
Delicious meals included
17 meals including 6 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 6 dinners
including 1 Gala dinner
All inclusive selection of complimentary beers, wines spirits
and soft drinks
Exciting excursions and free time to
explore
Excursion through the Médoc wine region
Visit to Bourg and a tour of St Emilion
Libourne wine tasting
Excursion to Roquetaillade Chateau
Guided city tour of Bordeaux
Enhancing your tour
Upgrade to a cabin on the Middle Deck from
£145 per person
Upgrade to a cabin on the Upper Deck from
£185 per person
Upgrade your Eurostar journey to Standard Premier Class for the
discounted price of £75 per person each way (was
£95 per person each way)
Luggage transport available from as little as
£200 per person
What our customers think
81%
of travellers would recommend this tour
Tour Rating
based on 16 verified reviews
Mrs A Cantwell
The meals were all good and Well presented. The meal service was good and fast,we both enjoyed the meals and there was very little we did not like. The excursions were very interesting and i Would recommend the cruise to a Friends.
Mr M Crockett
There were a couple of factors that were not worthy of excellent. The Ambassador hotel provided an inappropriate breakfast box. Cereal in our room overnight would have been better. The seat on Eurostar outbound was not at a window so the only view was through a small part of a window over the left shoulder. This I felt was not good enough for a tour by GREAT RAIL JOURNEYS.
We didn't think Libourne matched the rest of the places visited.
Overall, it's a very nice holiday but thought the excursions were expensive; especially the Citadel at Blaye which accounted for half of that particular excursion but was within a 2-3 min walk from the mooring site.
The holiday was fun, relaxed, comfortable.. A great group of travelling companions. The unexpected "Indian Summer" weather was perfect for cruising the rivers and estuary. The cabin was small but perfectly adequate as you don't spend long I there. The crew were friendly, especially the purser and entertainment manager.
Mr G Mills
Transfers between gare du nord and Montparnasse were a shambles
Dr D Latham
Organisation, travel, tour manager and ship were all excellent. Weather could have been better (beyond your control!) and scenically it was noot the best river cruise we have experienced. However, Bordeaux was magnificent and several of the smal towns we visited were very interesting and well worth seeing. Overall a very enjoyable trip.
Mrs J Ritchie
We loved it! Our tour manager Bob Whitworth was exceptional.
He managed the train part of our tour very well.The river cruise was amazing.We had friendly and efficient crew;excellent food;abundant good wine and other drinks included in the package;good entertainment and above all a good atmosphere.
The cruise part of the holiday was excellent as usual. However, the Eurostar part of the experience is now nearly as bad as travelling by air. The incredibly early time to check in now (at least one and a quarter to one and a half hours (to be safe and get in) has made the whole thing very unpleasant. Even when we arrived back on the Wednesday evening St Pancras was a vision of hell with one fighting one's way through the mobs of people to even get to the railway end of the concourse to go home.
Mr P Weekes
The cruise itself was very good. The staff on the boat were helpful and charming & the food was of high quality despite the lack of choice.
