Visit beautiful chateaux and sample delicious wines on this cruise of Bordeaux with top chef Raymond Blanc

Bordeaux is one of France's prettiest regions - see the scenic landscapes, sip world-famous wines and explore famous cultural sights on this tailor-made trip along the Dordogne, Garonne and Gironde rivers.

Joining you for part of the cruise will be Michelin-starred French chef Raymond Blanc. Raymond will hold a Q&A session and give a cooking demonstration, plus he will accompany your group to the vibrant farmers' market in Libourne, where you can soak up the wonderful scents and sights of the fresh produce sold here.

You will have a lot of opportunities to sample wines from this region's celebrated vinyards, including a tasting of Sauternes at the Château Royal de Cazeneuve in Cadillac and a trip to the Cité du Vin museum in Bordeaux, where you'll discover more about the winemaking process.

Take in the scenery on a drive from Blaye to Bourg along the Route de la Corniche Fleurie, where you will spy historic monuments like the Blaye Fortress and Lansac Windmill.

Your base for this week will be the S.S. Bon Voyage, an elegant ship with décor inspired by the sophistication of France. There are a number of superb dining options on board, from bistro fare in La Brasserie to locally-inspired dishes in Le Grand Fromage. You'll stay in one of the stylish staterooms and spend your free time on the Soleil Deck which has an infinity pool with glorious views of the French countryside.

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You'll be joined by

Raymond Blanc OBE
Chef & restaurateur
The Michelin-starred chef brought five-star French cuisine to the world - with his best-selling books, television programmes and fabulous restaurants

Raymond Blanc is an iconic French chef. His restaurant, Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons, remains the only UK country house hotel to have retained two Michelin stars for over 30 years, and is also home to the Raymond Blanc Cookery School.

His TV series include BBC Two's The Very Hungry Frenchman and his books include Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons: The Story of a Modern Classic.

Price includes

  • Welcome drinks, talk, Q&A and book signing with Raymond (a book is not included; please remember to take a book with you if you would like to take advantage of the book signing)
  • Cooking demonstration from celebrated chef, Raymond Blanc
  • Visit Libourne farmer's market with Raymond Blanc
  • Go on a private owner's tour of Château Royal de Cazeneuve or learn about the colourful life of Toulouse Lautrec at Château de Malromé
  • Fresh Médoc & oysters tasting
  • Go on a bike tour through the Médoc vineyards or drive along the Médoc Châteaux route with private wine tasting
  • Bourg sur Gironde walking tour
  • Saint-Émilion walking tour with wine tasting
  • Visit the Cité du Vin museum
  • Return flights from a range of UK airports, or Eurostar or self-drive
  • Seven night's all-inclusive on SS Bon Voyage, in a Classic Stateroom
  • Enjoy a Captain's welcome and farewell reception and dinner
  • All meals on board - seven breakfasts, five lunches and seven dinners - prepared using the finest and freshest ingredients
  • Six days of immersive, flexible and specially curated excursions
  • Onboard gratuities
  • Price includes £1,000pp saving!

Availability

From
Sun, Sun, Oct 20, 2024
To
Sun, Sun, Oct 27, 2024
Duration
8 Days
Price per person
£3,049*
Sold out

* From price is per person, based on two people sharing a classic stateroom cabin, subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement £1,561pp. Deposit 15%. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. £1,000pp saving included in price and is capacity controlled. Offers are not valid in conjunction with any other offers or promotions. In the case of unforeseen circumstances, expert(s) may be substituted, and any expert-led events may be subject to change. Expert(s) will not join you for your full trip duration unless otherwise stated. Travel insurance is not included and should be taken out at time of booking. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of Uniworld River Cruises Limited.

Call now to book 0808 258 2486
Quote ref: UW BORDEAUXBLANC
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Itinerary

  1. Day
    1
    Arrive in Bordeaux
    Bordeaux, France

    Today you'll arrive in Bordeaux via your preferred means of transport, where you'll be met by your arrival transfer and board your home for the week, the stylish SS Bon Voyage. You'll then have some free time to settle into your elegant stateroom before dinner.

    Meals - Dinner
  2. Day
    2
    Cadillac
    Cadillac, France

    Today's stop is Cadillac, a picturesque town known for its deliciously flavoured dessert wines, and where the phrase 'la douceur de vivre' really comes to life.

    You'll visit Château Royal de Cazeneuve, the site of Henry IV's and Queen Margot's tempestuous love, and meet the Château owner for a glass of Sauternes in the reception hall. Alternatively, you can choose to learn about the colourful life of Toulouse Lautrec at Château de Malromé.

    In the evening, a special Captain's Welcome Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you.

    Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  3. Day
    3
    Cussac Fort Médoc
    Cussac-Fort-M, France

    Today you'll sail into the legendary Médoc region, which is home to many prestigious wine châteaux in a dizzying array of architectural styles, as well as miles of vineyards seemingly stretching to infinity across the hills.

    Take a scenic drive or cycle along the storied Médoc wine route, followed by a wine tasting at a beautiful wine estate. You'll also have the chance to taste some incredibly fresh oysters, straight from the Médoc salt marshes.

    Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  4. Day
    4
    Blaye, Bourg sur Gironde
    Bourg-sur-Gironde, France

    The Route de la Corniche Fleurie could be the most beautiful road in Europe. You'll see it for yourself today on the drive to Blaye Fortress, passing through one impossibly picturesque hamlet after another.

    Once you arrive, you'll discover the wonders of this historic fortress, a UNESCO-designated citadel that once protected Bordeaux from attacks by sea.

    Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  5. Day
    5
    Libourne, Saint-Émilion
    Libourne, France

    With Libourne as your base, you'll travel to nearby Saint-Émilion and immerse yourself more deeply in the region's history and wine culture.

    The mediaeval town of Saint-Émilion is an ideal place to linger. Wander its cobblestone lanes lined with wine shops and bakeries, and stop to admire the amazing rock-hewn church that extends beneath the city's streets. Another treasure awaiting you underground? A wine tasting in the cellars of a Grand Cru estate.

    Raymond Blanc will join you on board SS Bon Voyage this evening, for welcome drinks, a talk about his career, a Q&A and a book** signing.

    Meals - Breakfast, Dinner
  6. Day
    6
    Libourne, Bordeaux
    Libourne, France

    France's rich agricultural tradition is the heart and soul of the region's exquisite cuisine-and what better way to get a taste for the freshest vegetables, cheeses, breads and fruits than with a visit to Libourne's lively farmers' market?

    Raymond Blanc will join you today as you explore the farmers' market, giving his insight into the delightfully fresh and flavoursome produce that's sold here.

    This evening, you'll get to taste some mouthwatering French dishes created by Raymond, as he hosts a live cooking demonstration. Not only will you taste some incredible plates from this Michelin-starred chef, you'll also pick up some tips on French cooking to elevate your own kitchen skills.

    Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  7. Day
    7
    Bordeaux
    Bordeaux, France

    Discover Bordeaux's many charms today, either on foot with a local expert or on two wheels-the locals' preferred way to navigate the city's quaint backstreets and the historic monuments of this magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Site.

    You'll visit the city's Cité du Vin museum, where you'll learn more about the region's wine heritage with engaging, educational exhibitions.

    In the evening, a special Captain's Farewell Dinner will be prepared for you.

    Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  8. Day
    8
    Departure
    Bordeaux, France

    Today you'll disembark the ship and transfer to the train station or airport as your Bordeaux adventure draws to a close.

    Meals - Breakfast

Accommodation

SS Bon Voyage

5
Cruise ship

Sailing with Uniworld is like cruising in a five-star hotel – you’ll enjoy industry- leading service throughout your journey through the beautiful countryside.

The SS Bon Voyage is a luxury river ship uniquely designed to immerse guests in French culture, art, and wine, from its stunning polished wood lobby to the staterooms with luxury marble bathrooms and Savoir beds. On board, you will find a choice of restaurants offering freshly prepared five-star cuisine and fine wines. There is nothing better than relaxing on the sundeck enjoying the ever-changing scenery or taking a dip in the only infinity pool on the world's rivers.

Brought to you by

Uniworld
This tour is operated solely by Uniworld
Uniworld is one of the world's outstanding luxury river cruise lines. The company’s European fleet features luxurious ships with an average capacity of 130 guests, the highest staff-to-guest ratio in the river cruise industry, enticing shore excursions, world-class gourmet cuisine, impeccable hospitality, and numerous other all-inclusive benefits.

To view Uniworld’s supplier’s terms and conditions click here.

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Availability

From
Sun, Sun, Oct 20, 2024
To
Sun, Sun, Oct 27, 2024
Duration
8 Days
Price per person
£3,049*
Sold out

* From price is per person, based on two people sharing a classic stateroom cabin, subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement £1,561pp. Deposit 15%. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. £1,000pp saving included in price and is capacity controlled. Offers are not valid in conjunction with any other offers or promotions. In the case of unforeseen circumstances, expert(s) may be substituted, and any expert-led events may be subject to change. Expert(s) will not join you for your full trip duration unless otherwise stated. Travel insurance is not included and should be taken out at time of booking. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of Uniworld River Cruises Limited.

Call now to book 0808 258 2486
Quote ref: UW BORDEAUXBLANC