Oenological cruise: At the heart of a prestigious wine region (port-to-port cruise)
From €
1035.00
Embark on an exceptional cruise where wine takes center stage and every stop tells a story. Between prestigious terroirs and enchanting landscapes, let our onboard sommelier guide you on an unforgettable sensory journey. Sail through the heart of the Médoc, with an exclusive visit to a classified grand cru estate, continue to Blaye and its majestic citadel, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and taste the wines of the Blaye coast. Finally, immerse yourself in the charm of Saint-Émilion, where a privileged encounter with a local winemaker will reveal the secrets of their exceptional wines. This oenological cruise is an invitation to discovery, sharing and celebrating the rich wine heritage of a legendary region. Get ready to raise your glass to unforgettable moments — each sip, a journey in itself.
Trip Code:
OGI_PP
Duration:
5
DAYS
DAY
1
BORDEAUX
Passengers are welcome to board our ship at 6:00 p.m. After comfortably settling into your cabin, we'll introduce our crew at a welcome cocktail.
DAY
2
BORDEAUX - CUSSAC-FORT-MEDOC - The Médoc
Morning spent cruising towards Cussac-Fort-Médoc. Onboard conference. You’ll sail along the Garonne River to the Bec d’Ambès, then follow the northern islands of Bouchaud and Patiras before arriving in Cussac-Fort-Médoc.
Arrival in late morning. In the afternoon, included excursion: the Médoc, between vineyards, estuary and ocean, with a tasting at a classified grand cru château. Between sea and river, this peninsula unfolds with vines growing between the eastern polders and the pine forests to the west. Enclosed between ocean and estuary, the mild and humid microclimate has long favored the development of vines. Visit to Château Giscours(1), a prestigious estate on Bordeaux’s Left Bank. Its rich heritage includes vines first planted in the 16th century. Vintage after vintage, this distinguished estate produces wines marked by finesse, elegance, and the distinctive character of the Margaux terroirs. The property spans 300 hectares, including 95 hectares of exceptional vineyard land, carefully planted with grape varieties best suited to the soil. A wine tasting naturally follows.
Return to Cussac-Fort-Médoc.
DAY
3
CUSSAC-FORT-MEDOC - BLAYE - The Blaye coast
Morning cruise on the Gironde Estuary, offering spectacular views of the shores and a deep dive into the region’s natural beauty. Where the Garonne and Dordogne rivers meet, the mingling waters create a unique landscape. Wide open stretches of water and lush riverbanks form a tranquil setting, punctuated by the vineyards that define this historic winemaking area. Onboard tasting of canelés, the iconic Bordeaux pastry. Legend has it that the canelé—originally known as “canaulé”—was created in the 18th century by the nuns of the Annonciades convent, who had a passion for baking. Today, the canelé is a proud part of Aquitaine’s culinary heritage.
In the afternoon, included excursion: Blaye’s citadel, underground passages, and a wine tasting. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the citadel of Blaye is a historical fortress overlooking the Gironde. Stroll its cobbled streets and enjoy picturesque views of stone buildings and charming squares. Admire the well-preserved military architecture, built in the 17th century by renowned military engineer Vauban. As you explore the tunnels once used by soldiers to move safely between defense lines during a siege, you’ll discover how the site evolved, with earlier constructions preserved and repurposed by Vauban. Then continue on to the Blaye coast, nestled on the right bank of the Gironde estuary. With its rolling hills, scenic villages, and rich heritage, this is also a land of vineyards. Here, winemakers produce generous red wines, primarily merlot-based, known for their roundness, fruitiness, and easy-drinking nature. The Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux wines express with elegance the limestone-clay soils from which they spring, offering a fine alternative to neighboring grands crus. Tasting at one of the region’s top local producers.
Return on board.
DAY
4
BLAYE - LIBOURNE - Saint-Emilion and its vineyard
Morning cruise towards Libourne. A wine professional will host a fun and informative quiz, with finalists selected for a blind tasting. The lucky winner will be crowned Bacchus of the cruise and awarded a gastronomic cruise(2) on the Rhine with Michelin two-star chef Marc Haeberlin.
In the afternoon, included excursion: Saint-Émilion, the medieval town and its vineyards, birthplace of world-renowned grands crus. This extraordinary medieval town, nestled in a vineyard landscape, has retained all the charm of its origins: golden-hued stone buildings, Roman-style tiled roofs, and winding streets offering breathtaking views over the surrounding vineyards. Then head into the Saint-Émilion vineyards. Located in the heart of the Libournais region, the vineyard stretches across sun-drenched hills, where vines grow alongside an exceptional heritage listed by UNESCO. This unique terroir—combining clay-limestone soils, gravel, and sand—produces deep, elegant, and complex wines, dominated by merlot. Renowned for their balance of power and finesse, Saint-Émilion wines embody the Bordeaux way of life, shaped by tradition, expertise, and passion.
Meet a local winemaker, and enjoy a guided tasting to conclude the visit.Return to the ship. Gala evening on board.
DAY
5
BORDEAUX
Enjoy one last buffet breakfast on board before disembarking at 10:00 a.m. End of our services.
For an optimal organization of the cruise, the organization of excursions can be modified according to the tide.
Note to coach : double-decker buses are not allowed on many roads in Gironde, including Libourne, Saint Emilion, Blaye and Cadillac.