Enchanting Gironde, Garonne and Dordognes Cruise
Enchanting Gironde, Garonne and Dordognes Cruise
Enchanting Gironde, Garonne and Dordognes Cruise
8 Days Starting in Bordeaux, France and ending in Cadillac, France
Visiting: Bordeaux, Royan, La Rochelle
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 2
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Enchanting Gironde, Garonne and Dordognes Cruise" and explore the heart of France's wine country in unparalleled luxury. This river cruise offers a unique blend of cultural, historical, and gastronomic experiences. Visit the prestigious Medoc Region, renowned for its world-class red wines, and take guided tours of Royan, Rochefort, and La Rochelle. Discover the underground monuments of Saint-Emilion and savor local wines. Marvel at the medieval Château de Roquetaillade and enjoy a boat trip on the Bassin d'Arcachon, featuring Bird Island and oyster beds. Climb the Great Dune of Pilat for breathtaking views. Enjoy superior accommodation, full board meals, and onboard entertainment, all while cruising through picturesque landscapes.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Bordeaux Arrival & Embarkation - Cussac-Fort-Medoc (-/-/D)
Location: Bordeaux
Accommodation Name: Vessel
Meals Included: Dinner
Upon arrival in Bordeaux, find your own way to the port (transfer not included). Embarkation begins at 06:00 PM. Today you embark the vessel and get settled into your cabin. This evening, enjoy your welcome dinner with onboard entertainment as the Cruise sets sail at night.
Overnight on board
Day 2: Cussac-Fort-Medoc - The Medoc – Gironde Estuary - Royan (B/L/D)
Location: Royan
Accommodation Name: Vessel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
In the morning, our ship will set sail towards Cussac Fort Medoc. Morning you're invited to join us on excursions as planned: Tour through the Médoc vineyards (only on pre-booking before departure). Visit the prestigious earth that nurtures the most renowned red wines of the planet, tucked between an ocean and an estuary. We will cross through most of the famed names in the Médoc region Saint Julien, Haut-Médoc, etc. stopping along the celebrated wine route to have a tasting of some of the illustrious regional wines. * While we are on the road, well also get a glimpse of the famous label vineyards and domains such as Châteaux Lafite-Rothschild, Latour, and Mouton Rothschild.
Afternoon you're invited to join us on excursions as planned: Royan, guided tour on foot. You'll set out on foot with your guide to discover this Atlantic seaside resort known for its early- to mid-20th-century architecture and vibrant energy. Old villas, luxuriant gardens, quaint boutiques, and the beautiful harbor forge the city's charm. The impressive church was rebuilt in the 1950s using sleek lines and natural light as the focus. Enjoy some time on your own.
Overnight on board
Day 3: Royan - Rochefort – La Rochelle - Royan (B/L/D)
Location: La Rochelle
Accommodation Name: Vessel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
In the morning, our ship will set sail towards Rochefort, Morning you're invited to join us on excursions as planned: The seaside cities of Rochefort and La Rochelle. Well leave by coach for Rochefort. Rochefort was originally chosen by Jean-Baptiste Colbert as a refuge, defense, and supply post for the French Navy back in the mid-1660s. Its arsenal remained a naval base and dockyard until as late as 1926. The historic downtown area boasting lovely private mansions and beautiful homes—where the legendary sailors and explorers lived—still retains their air of adventure and glamor. Well visit the Corderie Royale, a historical rope-making factory. Built between 1666 and 1669, it was the first industrial building in France, and the factory provided ropes for the French Navy and its ships for over three centuries. Well tour the main building and learn about the techniques used to produce the ropes used on the large sailing ships.
 Afterwards, well head to La Rochelle. Well stop for lunch in a local restaurant. The over 1,000-year-old city of La Rochelle is the capital of the Charente Maritime. Its tucked along the Bay of Biscay and contains some of the most beautiful natural and architectural heritage in the area. During a guided tour of the old town and port, youll learn about the Grosse-Horloge gate, Renaissance arcades, lovely half-timbered homes, finely sculpted facades of the private mansions, and the cathedral. Enjoy some free time before returning to the ship. After we return on board, well spend the rest of our day cruising up the Dordogne to Libourne.
Overnight on Board
Day 4: Royan - Libourne - Bordeaux (B/L/D)
Location: Bordeaux
Accommodation Name: Vessel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
In the morning, our ship will set sail towards Libourne, Morning you're invited to join us on excursions as planned: We will take a guided tour of Saint Emilian's underground monuments, discovering the rich history of this medieval city, including its enigmatic monolithic church. Well then head to a vineyard where well learn about how the famous local wine is produced. Well return to the ship in Libourne and spend the afternoon cruising to Bordeaux.
Overnight on Board
Day 5: Bordeaux - Cadillac (B/L/D)
Location: Bordeaux
Accommodation Name: Vessel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We will cruise along the Garonne, getting a good glimpse of Bordeaux from the water as we continue to Cadillac. This morning, we offer an excursion: A visit to the magnificent and prestigious Château de Roquetaillade. This castle has been the backdrop for several French films including Brotherhood of the Wolf (Le Pacte des Loups) and Fanfan la Tulipe. Explore the towers and keeps in this medieval château and take time to learn about the architecture, interiors, and ambiance of French life almost 500 years ago. Well then head to a wine cellar in the Sauternais to enjoy a tasting of the famous Sauternes wine. * Afterwards, well return to Cadillac for a guided tour of the city. Located on the right bank of the Garonne River, the city was founded in 1280 and still retains its original structure. Well explore the port, its ramparts, and the main square and stroll the streets to admire the old homes and 15th-century churches. Well spend the afternoon cruising to Bordeaux, and well arrive during the evening.
Overnight on Board
Day 6: Bordeaux - Archachon Bay - Bordeaux (B/L/D)
Location: Bordeaux
Accommodation Name: Vessel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
In the morning, our ship will set sail towards Libourne, Morning you're invited to join us on excursions as planned: To the center of Arcachon Bay. Departure by coach from Bordeaux for the Bassin d'Arcachon. We will start our tour with a boat trip on the Bassin d'Arcachon. You'll be able to see the Bird Island, the famous \"Cabanes tchanquées\" houses on stilts and the oyster beds. Free time in Arcachon. We will have lunch in a local restaurant. In the afternoon, we will go to the Great Dune of Pilat. Culminating at 107m, it is the highest sand dune in Europe. The view from the top is awe-inspiring. Return to Bordeaux at the end of the day.
Overnight on Board
Day 7: Bordeaux (B/-/-)
Location: Bordeaux
Accommodation Name: Vessel
Meals Included: Breakfast
After you have enjoyed breakfast on board, you will have until 9:00 am to disembark the river cruise in Bordeaux. Make your own way to the Munich airport for your flight back home.
Day 8: Bordeaux (B/-/-)
Location: Bordeaux
Accommodation Name: Vessel
Meals Included: Breakfast
After you have enjoyed breakfast on board, you will have until 9:00 am to disembark the river cruise in Bordeaux. Make your own way to the Munich airport for your flight back home.
What's Included
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06 nights accommodation on double sharing basis in listed superior Vessel or similar
Enjoy a comfortable stay in a superior vessel or similar accommodation for six nights on a double sharing basis.
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Full board meal plan while on board cruise
All meals are included while you are on board the cruise.
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Welcome and farewell reception with the captain
Participate in a welcome and farewell reception hosted by the captain.
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Gala dinner and Welcome cocktail
Enjoy a gala dinner and a welcome cocktail during your cruise.
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Services of an experienced English tour guide
Benefit from the services of an experienced English-speaking tour guide.
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Drinks included with meals and at the bar
Drinks are included with your meals and at the bar.
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Pauillac and the Châteaux du Medoc Route
Explore the Pauillac and the Châteaux du Medoc Route.
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Guided tour of Royan on foot Onboard entertainment
Take a guided walking tour of Royan and enjoy onboard entertainment.
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The seaside cities of Rochefort and La Rochelle
Visit the seaside cities of Rochefort and La Rochelle.
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Guided tour of Saint Emilion and wine tasting
Enjoy a guided tour of Saint Emilion and a wine tasting experience.
What's Not Included
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Items of personal nature, tips and gratuities
Expenses of a personal nature, tips, and gratuities are not included.
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Arrival and departure transfers
Transfers to and from the port are not included.
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Visa fees if applicable
Visa fees, if applicable, are not included.
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Items not mentioned as being included
Any items not specifically mentioned as included are excluded.
Mode of Transport
Travel in style aboard a cruise ship, with excursions by coach to various destinations including the Medoc vineyards, Rochefort, La Rochelle, and Arcachon Bay.
Accommodation
Enjoy 6 nights of superior accommodation on a double sharing basis aboard a luxurious vessel, complete with full board meal plans, welcome and farewell receptions, and onboard entertainment.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of accommodation is provided during the cruise?
You will enjoy 6 nights of superior accommodation on a double sharing basis aboard a luxurious vessel, complete with full board meal plans, welcome and farewell receptions, and onboard entertainment.
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Are meals included during the cruise?
Yes, a full board meal plan is included while you are on board the cruise. This includes all meals.
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What kind of excursions are included in the cruise?
The cruise includes various excursions such as a tour through the Médoc vineyards, a guided walking tour of Royan, visits to Rochefort and La Rochelle, a guided tour of Saint Emilion and wine tasting, a visit to the Château de Roquetaillade and Cadillac, and a day trip in the Arcachon Bay with lunch included.
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Is there any onboard entertainment provided?
Yes, there is onboard entertainment provided during the cruise.
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Are drinks included during the cruise?
Yes, drinks are included with your meals and at the bar.
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Is Wi-Fi available on the cruise ship?
Yes, free Wi-Fi is available onboard.
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Are there any additional fees or taxes I need to be aware of?
All passenger fees and port taxes are included in the cruise package.
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What is the policy on tips and gratuities?
Expenses of a personal nature, tips, and gratuities are not included in the cruise package.
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Are transfers to and from the port included?
No, arrival and departure transfers to and from the port are not included.
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Is there a minimum age requirement for this cruise?
The tour information does not specify a minimum age requirement.
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What languages are spoken by the tour guides?
The services of an experienced English-speaking tour guide are included.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Yes, but only in case it was previously agreed by both sides and arranged by us.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Our e-document package includes all local contact details, daily itinerary, airline e-ticket information, service vouchers, and travel tips which should be everything you require to go on your trip.
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If I need one, who is responsible to obtain my visa?
You are responsible for obtaining the proper travel documents for the destinations on your itinerary, including having a passport that is valid for at least 6 months before the date of departure and a visa if required. Please check the Visa section in the Know Before You Go document for the countries you will be visiting.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
No, not as standard. Solo travellers can book and occupy their own room for a supplement.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
We have been organizing unforgettable trips since 2001.
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Can I arrange flights via Indus Travels, too?
In some cases, yes. Indus Travels can provide flights from/to selected departure points in the USA. If you would like a quote inclusive of flights, please let us know and we'll be happy to check the details for you!
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
Changes to an existing reservation up to the Final Payment Date, whatever the cause, will incur a $100 per person amendment fee, potential loss of any supplier fees (such as non-refundable event tickets, park permits, and sea cruise reservations) plus any costs for replacement services. On/ after the Final Payment Date, the $100 change fee is no longer valid, instead cancellations terms apply.
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Low Deposit
Indus Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 45 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of indus travels charges.
Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.