Tastes of Bordeaux – A Wine Cruise

Bordeaux as a whole, rather than any particular points within it, is what you'll want to visit in order to understand why Victor Hugo described it as Versailles plus Antwerp, and why the painter Francisco de Goya, when exiled from his native Spain, chose it as his last home (he died here in 1828). The capital of southwest France and the region's largest city, Bordeaux remains synonymous with the wine trade: wine shippers have long maintained their headquarters along the banks of the Garonne, while buyers from around the world arrive for the huge biennial Vinexpo show (held in odd-number years).Bordeaux is, admittedly, a less exuberant city than many others in France, but lively and stylish elements are making a dent in its conservative veneer. The cleaned-up riverfront is said by some, after a bottle or two, to exude an elegance reminiscent of St. Petersburg, and that aura of 18th-century élan also permeates the historic downtown sector—“le vieux Bordeaux"—where fine shops invite exploration. To the south of the city center are old docklands undergoing renewal—one train station has now been transformed into a big multiplex movie theater—but the area is still a bit shady. To get a feel for the historic port of Bordeaux, take the 90-minute boat trip that leaves Quai Louis-XVIII every weekday afternoon, or the regular passenger ferry that plies the Garonne between Quai Richelieu and the Pont d'Aquitaine in summer. A nice time to stroll around the city center is the first Sunday of the month, when it's pedestrian-only and vehicles are banned.

Welcome to Bordeaux, the wine capital of France. Once nicknamed the Sleeping Beauty, the city has been revitalised and is now one of the most captivating destinations in the country. A World Heritage Site due to its inspiration on Paris’s architecture, there are more than 300 historic monuments in the centre. 

Upon arrival, transfer to your luxurious Scenic Space-Ship, where your friendly crew await to welcome you on board. Relax in your luxurious suite or join your fellow guests for a drink on the Sun Deck.

Bordeaux as a whole, rather than any particular points within it, is what you'll want to visit in order to understand why Victor Hugo described it as Versailles plus Antwerp, and why the painter Francisco de Goya, when exiled from his native Spain, chose it as his last home (he died here in 1828). The capital of southwest France and the region's largest city, Bordeaux remains synonymous with the wine trade: wine shippers have long maintained their headquarters along the banks of the Garonne, while buyers from around the world arrive for the huge biennial Vinexpo show (held in odd-number years).Bordeaux is, admittedly, a less exuberant city than many others in France, but lively and stylish elements are making a dent in its conservative veneer. The cleaned-up riverfront is said by some, after a bottle or two, to exude an elegance reminiscent of St. Petersburg, and that aura of 18th-century élan also permeates the historic downtown sector—“le vieux Bordeaux"—where fine shops invite exploration. To the south of the city center are old docklands undergoing renewal—one train station has now been transformed into a big multiplex movie theater—but the area is still a bit shady. To get a feel for the historic port of Bordeaux, take the 90-minute boat trip that leaves Quai Louis-XVIII every weekday afternoon, or the regular passenger ferry that plies the Garonne between Quai Richelieu and the Pont d'Aquitaine in summer. A nice time to stroll around the city center is the first Sunday of the month, when it's pedestrian-only and vehicles are banned.

Relax on board this morning, exploring everything your luxurious ship has to offer. Arrive in the 13th century city of Libourne at lunchtime. 

he first maritime port on the Dordogne River, Libourne has long been at the centre of the Bordeaux wine trade. A handsome city of grand public buildings and sunny market squares, it’s surrounded by the Libournais appellations including Saint-Émilion, considered the jewel in Bordeaux’s crown. This afternoon, enjoy a tour to this World Heritage-listed medieval village, renowned for its ancient architecture, well-preserved monuments and underground church. Saint-Émilion is also the birthplace of the macaron.

Libourne, France, is a historic town in the Bordeaux wine region, renowned for its vibrant market and beautiful architecture. Located along the Dordogne River, it features a charming blend of medieval and Renaissance buildings, including the striking Church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste. Libourne is a gateway to prestigious wine estates, including Pomerol and Saint-Émilion. The town's bustling market and scenic riverside setting offer a delightful experience for visitors interested in wine, history, and local culture.

Libourne, France, is a historic town in the Bordeaux wine region, renowned for its vibrant market and beautiful architecture. Located along the Dordogne River, it features a charming blend of medieval and Renaissance buildings, including the striking Church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste. Libourne is a gateway to prestigious wine estates, including Pomerol and Saint-Émilion. The town's bustling market and scenic riverside setting offer a delightful experience for visitors interested in wine, history, and local culture.

Awake in Libourne and spend the morning discovering the rich history, gourmet produce and exquisite wines of the region. The Libournais appellations, also known as the Right Bank, produce some of the best – and most expensive – merlot and cabernet franc in the world thanks to their clay, limestone and gravel soils.  

Scenic Freechoice:
Discover more of Libourne on one of these Scenic Freechoice excursions:

Right Bank first sips – Introduction to Saint-Émilion wines: Drive through the rolling hills and lush vineyards to one of the picturesque châteaux around Saint-Émilion. Explore the property and the vines before a tasting of some of their exceptional wines.

Walking tour of Libourne: Join a guided tour of the historic centre of Libourne. Take in the fortified harbour, a 16th century townhouse and the Église Saint-Jean-Baptiste church with is grand 71-metre spire.

Excursion to a sturgeon farm: The Aquitane region of France is renowned for its high-quality caviar. Visit a local farm to learn about their sustainable production methods then enjoy a tasting.

Artisanal flour mill: Visit Le Moulin de Porchères, a 19th century flour mill where you can learn about traditional milling techniques and participate in hands-on breadmaking workshops. Experience a unique glimpse into France’s rural heritage.

Depart for Blaye this evening.

Blaye, France, is a picturesque town in the Gironde department, renowned for its historic Blaye Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage site with stunning views of the Gironde estuary. The town boasts charming streets, vibrant markets, and renowned vineyards producing exceptional wines, including Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux. Blaye’s blend of historical architecture, scenic river views, and local wine culture makes it an inviting destination for history enthusiasts and wine lovers alike.

Blaye, France, is a picturesque town in the Gironde department, renowned for its historic Blaye Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage site with stunning views of the Gironde estuary. The town boasts charming streets, vibrant markets, and renowned vineyards producing exceptional wines, including Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux. Blaye’s blend of historical architecture, scenic river views, and local wine culture makes it an inviting destination for history enthusiasts and wine lovers alike.

Awake in Blaye this morning. This tiny hamlet was originally founded as a fortification to protect the main town of Bordeaux further downstream. The citadel is now a World Heritage Site, with a maze of narrow cobblestone streets bustling with shops, cafes and wine bars. The surrounding Blaye wine region is one of the oldest in Bordeaux, producing intense, fruity reds and crisp, dry whites in its clay and limestone soils. 

Scenic Freechoice:
Explore Blaye your way this morning with one of these excursions:

Walking tour of Blaye: Stroll through the charming city of Blaye with a local guide. Learn its fascinating history as you admire the well-preserved centre inside the citadel walls.

Active walking tour of Blaye: Set out from the ship on an active two-hour walk through the citadel gaining an understanding of the defence system created by the famous architect Sébastien Vauban, before continuing onto the Château Marquis de Vauban, a beautiful 18th century estate on the edge of town. 

Cruise to Fort Médoc this evening in anticipation for your exclusive Scenic Enrich experience.

Scenic Enrich
Travel to the enchanting Château d'Agassac, one of the oldest winemaking establishments in the region. Be welcomed with a glass of wine or champagne, wander through its beautiful rooms, then enjoy an exclusive classical concert in Les Chais Room.

Set on the left bank of the Gironde River, Fort Médoc Pauillac is the heart of the Médoc wine region. This narrow peninsula stretches from the river to the Atlantic Ocean. With its gravelly soils and maritime climate, it produces some of the world’s best cabernet sauvignons as well as merlot, petit verdot, cabernet franc and malbec. 

Scenic Freechoice:
This morning, taste local wines on one of these excursions:

Route des Châteaux – Médoc wine discovery: Enjoy a panoramic drive along the famed Route des Châteaux then visit one of the region’s most prestigious estates. During a guided wine tasting, learn about Bordeaux’s winemaking traditions.

Route des Châteaux – Médoc wine discovery by bike: Set out to discover the spectacular Médoc countryside by e-bike, admiring the beautiful châteaux that line the road. Then sample some of the region’s finest wines at a prestigious estate.

Back on board your Scenic Space-Ship, enjoy lunch as you cruise towards Bourg. Set on a rocky outcrop, this ancient commune was founded in the fourth century, and its fortifications protected the river for centuries. The surrounding Côtes de Bourg wine region has vineyards dating back to Roman times. Its unique microclimate, with less rain and warmer temperatures, produces exceptional reds, particularly malbec.

Scenic Freechoice:
Explore your way with a choice from these Scenic Freechoice experiences:

Bourg with Carriages Museum: Take a walking tour of this lovely medieval village, exploring the main square, citadel and the Carriages Museum, which has an interesting collection of horse-drawn vehicles on display.

Guided cycling along the Captain’s Road: This 30-kilometre round trip cycling tour will take you along the Captain’s Road, named for the WWI officers who purchased homes along the waterfront. Ride along the clifftops, through the vineyards and past charming villages.

Estuary vineyards tasting tour: Visit a family wine estate in the Côtes de Bourg with spectacular views over the Gironde estuary. Learn about sustainable viticulture and taste the estate’s exceptional wines.

This evening, begin the loop back to the town of Bordeaux.

Pauillac, France, is a scenic village in the Bordeaux wine region, renowned for its prestigious vineyards and charming riverfront. Located on the Gironde estuary, it is famed for its high-quality red wines, including those from renowned châteaux like Lafite Rothschild and Mouton Rothschild. The village features historic buildings, vibrant markets, and stunning views of the estuary. Pauillac’s blend of rich winemaking heritage and picturesque landscapes makes it a delightful destination for wine enthusiasts and travellers seeking a taste of Bordeaux’s elegance.

Bordeaux as a whole, rather than any particular points within it, is what you'll want to visit in order to understand why Victor Hugo described it as Versailles plus Antwerp, and why the painter Francisco de Goya, when exiled from his native Spain, chose it as his last home (he died here in 1828). The capital of southwest France and the region's largest city, Bordeaux remains synonymous with the wine trade: wine shippers have long maintained their headquarters along the banks of the Garonne, while buyers from around the world arrive for the huge biennial Vinexpo show (held in odd-number years).Bordeaux is, admittedly, a less exuberant city than many others in France, but lively and stylish elements are making a dent in its conservative veneer. The cleaned-up riverfront is said by some, after a bottle or two, to exude an elegance reminiscent of St. Petersburg, and that aura of 18th-century élan also permeates the historic downtown sector—“le vieux Bordeaux"—where fine shops invite exploration. To the south of the city center are old docklands undergoing renewal—one train station has now been transformed into a big multiplex movie theater—but the area is still a bit shady. To get a feel for the historic port of Bordeaux, take the 90-minute boat trip that leaves Quai Louis-XVIII every weekday afternoon, or the regular passenger ferry that plies the Garonne between Quai Richelieu and the Pont d'Aquitaine in summer. A nice time to stroll around the city center is the first Sunday of the month, when it's pedestrian-only and vehicles are banned.

Bordeaux as a whole, rather than any particular points within it, is what you'll want to visit in order to understand why Victor Hugo described it as Versailles plus Antwerp, and why the painter Francisco de Goya, when exiled from his native Spain, chose it as his last home (he died here in 1828). The capital of southwest France and the region's largest city, Bordeaux remains synonymous with the wine trade: wine shippers have long maintained their headquarters along the banks of the Garonne, while buyers from around the world arrive for the huge biennial Vinexpo show (held in odd-number years).Bordeaux is, admittedly, a less exuberant city than many others in France, but lively and stylish elements are making a dent in its conservative veneer. The cleaned-up riverfront is said by some, after a bottle or two, to exude an elegance reminiscent of St. Petersburg, and that aura of 18th-century élan also permeates the historic downtown sector—“le vieux Bordeaux"—where fine shops invite exploration. To the south of the city center are old docklands undergoing renewal—one train station has now been transformed into a big multiplex movie theater—but the area is still a bit shady. To get a feel for the historic port of Bordeaux, take the 90-minute boat trip that leaves Quai Louis-XVIII every weekday afternoon, or the regular passenger ferry that plies the Garonne between Quai Richelieu and the Pont d'Aquitaine in summer. A nice time to stroll around the city center is the first Sunday of the month, when it's pedestrian-only and vehicles are banned.

After spending the night docked in Bordeaux, leave early this morning for the short cruise south to Cadillac, a small appellation known for its sweet white wines. Dating back to the 13th century, it was once a fortified settlement and is the birthplace of Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac, the founder of Detroit and namesake of the luxury car brand.

Scenic Freechoice:
Make your selection from this afternoon’s Scenic Freechoice experiences:

Sauternes Gold – Sweet wines & châteaux tour: Drive through the beautiful Sauternes region, where vines grow on low lying hills and in small valleys. Visit a local estate to learn about the winemaking process and climate that produces these distinctive sweet whites, before enjoying a tasting.

Sauternes Gold – Sweet wines & châteaux tour by bike: Cycle through the rolling vineyards of Sauternes to visit a local estate. Learn the history of the winemakers and how they make their wines, then taste some of the best.

Walking tour of Cadillac: Enjoy a guided walking tour of this charming, fortified town, admiring architecture dating back to the 16th century. Visit the marketplace and Château Cadillac while hearing interesting stories from your guide.

Return to Bordeaux this evening.

Cadillac, France, is a charming town in the Gironde department, known for its historic architecture and vineyards. Famous for its production of sweet white wines, especially Cadillac Côtes de Bordeaux, the town features a well-preserved 18th-century château and picturesque streets. Set along the Garonne River, Cadillac offers scenic views and a rich heritage, blending historical charm with local wine culture. Its vibrant markets and serene atmosphere make it a pleasant destination for those exploring the Bordeaux wine region.

Bordeaux as a whole, rather than any particular points within it, is what you'll want to visit in order to understand why Victor Hugo described it as Versailles plus Antwerp, and why the painter Francisco de Goya, when exiled from his native Spain, chose it as his last home (he died here in 1828). The capital of southwest France and the region's largest city, Bordeaux remains synonymous with the wine trade: wine shippers have long maintained their headquarters along the banks of the Garonne, while buyers from around the world arrive for the huge biennial Vinexpo show (held in odd-number years).Bordeaux is, admittedly, a less exuberant city than many others in France, but lively and stylish elements are making a dent in its conservative veneer. The cleaned-up riverfront is said by some, after a bottle or two, to exude an elegance reminiscent of St. Petersburg, and that aura of 18th-century élan also permeates the historic downtown sector—“le vieux Bordeaux"—where fine shops invite exploration. To the south of the city center are old docklands undergoing renewal—one train station has now been transformed into a big multiplex movie theater—but the area is still a bit shady. To get a feel for the historic port of Bordeaux, take the 90-minute boat trip that leaves Quai Louis-XVIII every weekday afternoon, or the regular passenger ferry that plies the Garonne between Quai Richelieu and the Pont d'Aquitaine in summer. A nice time to stroll around the city center is the first Sunday of the month, when it's pedestrian-only and vehicles are banned.

Bordeaux as a whole, rather than any particular points within it, is what you'll want to visit in order to understand why Victor Hugo described it as Versailles plus Antwerp, and why the painter Francisco de Goya, when exiled from his native Spain, chose it as his last home (he died here in 1828). The capital of southwest France and the region's largest city, Bordeaux remains synonymous with the wine trade: wine shippers have long maintained their headquarters along the banks of the Garonne, while buyers from around the world arrive for the huge biennial Vinexpo show (held in odd-number years).Bordeaux is, admittedly, a less exuberant city than many others in France, but lively and stylish elements are making a dent in its conservative veneer. The cleaned-up riverfront is said by some, after a bottle or two, to exude an elegance reminiscent of St. Petersburg, and that aura of 18th-century élan also permeates the historic downtown sector—“le vieux Bordeaux"—where fine shops invite exploration. To the south of the city center are old docklands undergoing renewal—one train station has now been transformed into a big multiplex movie theater—but the area is still a bit shady. To get a feel for the historic port of Bordeaux, take the 90-minute boat trip that leaves Quai Louis-XVIII every weekday afternoon, or the regular passenger ferry that plies the Garonne between Quai Richelieu and the Pont d'Aquitaine in summer. A nice time to stroll around the city center is the first Sunday of the month, when it's pedestrian-only and vehicles are banned.

Wake in Bordeaux. France’s sixth largest city is filled with fascinating museums, breathtaking historic monuments and buzzing wine bars. Its modern revitalisation has made it one of the country’s most exciting and innovative destinations. Known as the City of Wine, the first vines were planted here by the Romans more than 2,000 years ago. 

Scenic Freechoice:
Spend this morning at your preferred pace with one of the following Scenic Freechoice experiences:

Guided tour of Bordeaux: Discover the highlights of the city by coach and on foot, with a local guide sharing facts about its history, culture and modern way of life. Afterwards, enjoy some free time to explore on your own.

Shop with a Chef & Scenic Culinaire: Accompany a Scenic chef to the local food market to taste fresh produce and purchase ingredients. Return to the ship for an interactive cooking demonstration in Scenic Culinaire, making delicious French dishes using what you’ve just purchased.

Cycling tour of Bordeaux: Set out on a three-hour cycling tour of Bordeaux, crossing beautiful bridges, passing historic buildings, travelling through lush gardens and stopping to taste local delicacies.

World of Wine – Cité du Vin Tour: Take a local tram to the Cité du Vin Museum for an interactive journey of wine discovery. With multiple different themed areas, you’ll learn about wine across the ages and around the world.

Back on board this afternoon, enjoy a wine and chocolate pairing to taste more of the exquisite vintages of Bordeaux.

Bordeaux as a whole, rather than any particular points within it, is what you'll want to visit in order to understand why Victor Hugo described it as Versailles plus Antwerp, and why the painter Francisco de Goya, when exiled from his native Spain, chose it as his last home (he died here in 1828). The capital of southwest France and the region's largest city, Bordeaux remains synonymous with the wine trade: wine shippers have long maintained their headquarters along the banks of the Garonne, while buyers from around the world arrive for the huge biennial Vinexpo show (held in odd-number years).Bordeaux is, admittedly, a less exuberant city than many others in France, but lively and stylish elements are making a dent in its conservative veneer. The cleaned-up riverfront is said by some, after a bottle or two, to exude an elegance reminiscent of St. Petersburg, and that aura of 18th-century élan also permeates the historic downtown sector—“le vieux Bordeaux"—where fine shops invite exploration. To the south of the city center are old docklands undergoing renewal—one train station has now been transformed into a big multiplex movie theater—but the area is still a bit shady. To get a feel for the historic port of Bordeaux, take the 90-minute boat trip that leaves Quai Louis-XVIII every weekday afternoon, or the regular passenger ferry that plies the Garonne between Quai Richelieu and the Pont d'Aquitaine in summer. A nice time to stroll around the city center is the first Sunday of the month, when it's pedestrian-only and vehicles are banned.

Your journey concludes this morning. Farewell your fellow guests and Scenic crew, taking with you lifelong memories of the bounty of Bordeaux.

This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons such as high and low water. Please refer to our terms and conditions.