8 Days 3 mighty rivers, the Gironde estuary and the Arcachon basin Cruise - BOA_AIPP

DAY 1

BORDEAUX

Passengers are welcome to board between 6:00 p.m. After comfortably settling into your cabin, enjoy a welcome cocktail with the crew before dinner. Enjoy an evening of onboard entertainment.

DAY 2

BORDEAUX / PAUILLAC

We will cruise down the Garonne to the Gironde, passing alongside the islands of Cazeau and Patiras before reaching Pauillac.
DISCOVERY: Helicopter ride: Fly over the gorgeous Médoc! Experience a bird's eye view of the numerous châteaux and famous vineyards that give the region its reputation. It's a once in a lifetime experience! 
(Flight subject to favorable weather conditions. RESERVATIONS MUST BE MADE BEFORE THE CRUISE BEGINS AND ARE SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY).
In afternoon,
CLASSIC: Visit the Médoc (only available through pre-reservation with your travel agency before your departure) a renowned region where the most famous of all red wines in the world are cultivated. We also have the opportunity to see the “must see” châteaux Lafite-Rothschild, Latour and Mouton Rothschild.
DISCOVERY: Medoc: Biking, wine and cheese. Get ready to discover the history, architecture and out-of-the-way places in this exceptionally beautiful area. What better reward for the effort than a lovely glass of grand cru and some regional cheeses served in a prestigious château in the heart of Pauillac. We'll return on board for dinner and an evening of entertainment. We'll remain in port overnight.

DAY 3

PAUILLAC / GIRONDE ESTUARY / BLAYE

We start out early this morning, cruising along the Gironde to the estuary. We'll arrive in Blaye at 2:00 p.m. Excursions proposed:
CLASSIC: The Route de la Corniche Fleurie and the Blaye Citadel.
DISCOVERY: We'll leave on foot to visit the Blaye Citadel, built in the 17th century by Vauban in order to better protect the city of Bordeaux. We'll return on board for dinner and an evening of entertainment. We'll remain in port overnight.

DAY 4

LIBOURNE or BOURG (3) / SAINT-EMILION(1)

We'll begin to cruise early this morning, heading towards Libourne. We join the river Dordogne, arriving in the early afternoon. Excursion for both packages: Saint Emilion. We'll return to the ship in Libourne at the end of the afternoon. Tonight's entertainment will be provided by the crew.

DAY 5

LIBOURNE or BOURG / CADILLAC

We'll spend the morning cruising to Cadillac. Excursions proposed:
CLASSIC: Château de Roquetaillade and Cadillac.
DISCOVERY: You'll set out for a guided tour on foot of the hillsides in Cadillac. You'll cross the city, passing in front of the imposing Château des Ducs d'Épernon before hiking up the vineyard trails to some of the most beautiful points of view of the river found in the area. We'll return on board, and the rest of the evening is yours to do as you please. We'll remain in port overnight.

DAY 6

CADILLAC / BORDEAUX

Today we continue our cruise back to Bordeaux, arriving in the early afternoon:
CLASSIC: Guided tour of Bordeaux. 
DISCOVERY: We'll leave by bike from the Quai des Chartrons to see the locations and monuments in Bordeaux that have been listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites. Cycling along the Garonne to the Pont de Pierre, keep an eye out for the many amusing mascarons decorating the building facades. We return on board for dinner, and the rest of the evening is free.

DAY 7

BORDEAUX / THE ARCACHON BASIN(2) / BORDEAUX

Excursion both packages: The heart of Arcachon Bay (lunch included). We will begin the tour with a visit to the oyster farms and museum situated at Port de Larros. Discover French oyster farming and its history. We'll end our visiting with a tasty sampling. We will have lunch in a local restaurant. Then back on the road to Arcachon, for a boat trip through Arcachon Bay to admire the Ile aux Oiseaux, the iconic stilted cabins (cabanes tchanquées) and the oyster farms from the deck. We will then head to the Great Dune of Pilat, the highest sand dune in Europe. The view from the top is awe-inspiring. We'll return to Bordeaux at the end of the day. Tonight is our gala evening.

DAY 8

BORDEAUX

Enjoy breakfast before disembarking at 9:00 a.m.

Including: 

  • All meals from dinner the first day to breakfast on the final day
  • Drinks including water, wine, beer, fruit juices, and coffee served by CroisiEurope during meals on board, drinks served at the bar (excluding champagne and wines on the wine list)
  • Double-occupancy cabin with shower in private bathroom
  • Onboard entertainment
  • Assistance from our onboard multi-lingual host/hostess
  • The excursions mentioned in the program
  • Welcome cocktail
  • Gala dinner and evening
  • Travel assistance and repatriation insurance
  • All port fees.

Excluding: 

  • Drinks on the wine list, champagne at the bar, drinks served during excursions or transfers
  • Cancellation and baggage insurance
  • Personal expenses.

Formalities: 

Valid passport compulsory. Non-EU nationals are advised to consult their embassy or consulate. Please note: Your passport must be valid for six months beyond the last day of your travels.

 

NB: For the safety of our passengers, the captain and crew of the boat may decide to modify the navigational itinerary. The cruise schedule may vary according to tides and arrival times at ports of call may be subject to change. This excursion is subject to a minimum of 35 participants. Alcohol can damage your health. Please drink in moderation. Depending on docking availability, stopover in Libourne may be replaced by Bourg. In this event, order of excursions could be altered.