Classic Garonne & The Dordogne Cruise

London to Bordeaux

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 MS Princesse d'Aquitaine. After time to settle in, we are greeted with a welcome cocktail. Tonight's dinner is followed by an evening of entertainment on board.

Pauillac and the Medoc

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, you are free to explore Pauillac and its broad boulevards lined with inviting cafés at your leisure. Alternatively, you could choose to 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.

Blaye

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, where you are free to explore this delightful town at your own pace. Perhaps take in the ruins of the 12th century castle or join the optional 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.

To Libourne and St Emilon

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. Here you are free to discover the market town's historic core.You may choose to admire the central square, dominated by classic merchant houses and crowned by the sandstone Town Hall. Otherwise, perhaps take the chance to visit medieval St Emilion on an optional tour. With its narrow cobbled streets and collection of ancient buildings, St Emilion has UNESCO World Heritage status, and the excursion takes in the town's many highlights during a guided tour - before visiting the exceptional Troglodyte cave of St Emilion himself and 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.

Cadillac

Today we arrive in the marvellous walled town of Cadillac, with its rich history dating back to the 13th century. This afternoon, why not take the optional guided tour of the Roquetaillade Chateau, a magnificent 12th-century listed monument? Instead, you might like to discover Cadillac's patchwork of winding streets and wealth of medieval fortifications - its gates and ramparts are all listed historic monuments - at your leisure.

Bordeaux

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.

Return to London

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.

Please note

Please note that while every departure of this tour will feature the same excursions, the order may differ from that shown above.

Optional shore excursions are not included in the price of your tour and are payable on board ship.