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Enjoy a wide range of sightseeing experiences in the luxurious
comfort of an Amawaterways cruiseship with a small group
of fellow Travel Insiders. |
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The beauty of France and the
excellence of its food and wine need no introduction to most of
us.
But have you ever gone out into the French
countryside to explore and experience the wonderful reality of
the chateaus, the wines and wineries, and the historic towns and
cities?
Come experience and enjoy this for yourself in the warmth of
July 2016. |
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Detailed Day by
Day Itinerary for the
2016 Bordeaux and Beyond Cruise
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Wine and food galore being
enjoyed by some Travel Insiders at a dinner on a 2015 cruise.
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Tour
Itinerary Join with me and a small select group of fellow Travel Insiders
on this food and wine themed cruise/tour of France's famous Bordeaux
region in July 2016.
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Click the map image to open a larger size version in a
new window. |
Our tour combines 'must do' Paris sight-seeing
with opportunities to enjoy some of France's world-class cuisine and wines, and plenty of
flexible opportunities for you to ensure you see and do
exactly what you want.
Here are the details of what we’ll do each day during this
wonderful experience.
The tour is 14 days in length, and possibly longer if
you add extra touring before or after the main tour event,
or shorter if just doing the cruise alone. |
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After you've finished viewing
this daily detailed itinerary, please
click here to return to the
main Bordeaux and Beyond Tour page.
Daily Itinerary Details
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Tuesday 19 July (if doing the
pre-cruise Paris extension ) Leave the US |
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To arrive in Paris on 20 July you probably need to take an
overnight flight on 19 July. |
You can either make your own
arrangements to travel to Paris, or have us ask Amawaterways
to make them for you. If you are
doing the 'standard' pre-cruise extension, you will probably
leave the US today so as to arrive in Paris tomorrow.
But if you prefer to stay longer in Paris, or to do other
things first, you'll of course leave the US sooner. |
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Wednesday 20 July - Arrive
in Paris for the pre-cruise Paris Extension |
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Welcome to Paris! We probably don't need to tell
you what this picture shows. |
After arriving into Paris at some time today, you can check in to the
hotel for the next two nights and enjoy the rest of today at leisure as
it suits you.
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Thursday 21 July - A Day in
Paris OR perhaps fly to Bordeaux if no pre-cruise
extension |
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Some 800 yrs old, Notre Dame cathedral is one of the
many instantly recognizable Paris icons.
The Louvre is both the largest museum in France and the
most visited museum in the world.
 A
royal residence for 100 yrs until the French Revolution
in 1789, the Palace of Versailles and its grounds are
another 'must do' in Paris. This view is of the
'Hall of Mirrors'. |
If you're not doing the
pre-cruise Paris extension, you'll probably choose to fly to
Bordeaux today so as to join the ship tomorrow.
If you are enjoying the pre-cruise Paris extension, after
breakfast this morning you'll do a half day city sights tour
of Paris, allowing you the afternoon and evening to continue
exploring the city as you wish.
Perhaps go to the glorious Palace of Versailles in the
afternoon? Or visit the Louvre or any of the other
museums and attractions in Paris - whatever you wish.
Included
Meals - Breakfast
Special Features - City Sightseeing Tour
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Friday 22 July - From Paris to
Bordeaux. Join the Amadolce for the Cruise |
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The wonderful TGV whisks us from Paris to Bordeaux at
smooth speeds of up to 200 mph.
The Amadolce is waiting for us in Bordeaux.
Welcome to your 'traveling luxury hotel' for the next
week.
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If you're 'doing your own thing' you
should plan to arrive on the Amadolce sometime this
mid-afternoon.
If you're on the pre-cruise tour
extension, we have some free time in Paris this morning and
then we take a lovely high speed 'TGV' train from Paris to
Bordeaux (about 3 1/2 hours).
In Bordeaux, we transfer to the ship
and the start of our cruise.
In the early evening, there will be a
special Welcome Cocktail Reception on board the ship,
followed by a special Welcome Dinner.
Included Meals - Breakfast, then Dinner on the ship
Special Features -
TGV high speed train ride from
Paris to Bordeaux |
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Saturday 23 July
Cadillac (the place, not the car!) |
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A sidewalk cafe in Cadillac.
The 'noble rot' or Botrytis fungus on the Semillon
grapes. Together, this makes the distinctively
sweet flavored wines that are so prized around the
world.
Roquetaillade Castle - a classic style of castle and one
of the most beautiful in France. |
After a lovely morning cruising along
the Garonne river, we will arrive this afternoon in
Cadillac, a region renowned for its sensational white wines.
You have your choice of two
tours today. The first option is a visit to the Sauternes
wine region, where you’ll taste the highly sought-after
sweet wines made here.
As an alternative, you can
choose to see the historic Roquetaillade Castle, a fortress
which was initially built in the 10th century by Charlemagne
as his army advanced toward the Pyrenees.
This evening, the ship departs
for Pauillac.
Included
Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (all on the ship)
Special Features -
Choice of
two different tours |
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Sunday 24 July Pauillac |
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Pauillac is a nice town, and perhaps you might choose to
go into the town after dinner on the ship this evening.
Depending on the vintages, you're probably looking at
several thousand dollars to buy these five bottles of
wine - one each of Bordeaux's five best wines.
We
won't be tasting these, but we'll be enjoying other very
good Bordeaux wines in our several tastings. |
Today, you will enjoy a tour of
the lovely village town on the Left Bank of the Gironde
estuary known as Pauillac.
Situated in the famed Médoc AOC
(appellation d’origine contrôlée, a government controlled
destination of origin which signifies where grapes are
grown), Pauillac’s gravelly soils are renowned for producing
some of the world’s finest Bordeaux wines – especially those
made from the Merlot grape variety.
You’ll be able to dabble in
local blends this afternoon at an authentic Médoc wine
tasting.
Return to the ship for a
wonderful dinner, and then spend the evening as you please –
we will be docked in Pauillac overnight.
Included
Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (all on the ship)
Special Features -
Tour of
Pauillac, wine tasting |
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Monday 25 July Blaye and Bourg |
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The UNESCO World Heritage citadel in Blaye.
The vineyards come right down to the water in Blaye.
The medieval town of Bourg where we overnight.
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Take in the riverside scenery
this morning as we make our way from Pauillac to Blaye.
North of Bordeaux, this small
town is best known for its red wine and historic
significance. Today, you’ll be able to enjoy an excursion to
the city’s 17th century citadel – a UNESCO World Heritage
Site – which was built by famous military engineer Major
Vaubon.
From the top of this famous
fortress, you can admire fantastic views of the impressive
Gironde estuary.
Return to the ship for a
delicious lunch and prepare for an afternoon in Bourg.
Ideally situated at the confluence of the Dordogne and
Garonne, this historic village still lives inside medieval
walls. Built during Roman times and later fortified by the
English, it is filled with rich architectural tradition.
Here, you’ll be able to see the
home of legendary French corsair, Jean Bart. The ship will
remain overnight in Bourg.
Included
Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (all on the ship)
Special Feature -
Tour of Blaye and its World
Heritage Site, free time in Bourg |
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Tuesday 26 July Libourne |
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Libourne is located at the confluence of the L'Isle and
Dordogne rivers.
The small town of St Emilion, surrounded by vineyards.
One of the views in the Pomerol district.
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This afternoon, you’ll arrive in what
some consider to be the region's wine-making capital,
Libourne.
Two of Bordeaux’s most elite
wine regions are very close by – St. Émilion and Pomerol.
First, you will have the unique opportunity to savor
exquisite blends during a tasting at a cave in St. Émilion,
an old historic village known for its picturesque
architecture and historic vineyards that were first
introduced to the land by the Romans.
Afterwards, enjoy a panoramic tour of
the celebrated landscapes in Pomerol.
The ship moors overnight in Libourne.
Included
Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (all on the ship)
Special
Features -
Tour and
tasting in St Emilion, tour of Pomerol |
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Wednesday 27 July Cubzac |
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The Chateau D'Montaigne, dating to the 14th century.
The remains of the 'impregnable' doubled walled castle
in Cubzac.
After our Gala dinner this evening we go for a
night-time sightseeing cruise around Bordeaux.
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Start your adventure today with a
tour of the magnificent Château D’Montaigne, a stunning 14th
century castle which was the family residence of the
philosopher, Michel de Montaigne.
As an alternative you can visit
a well-preserved local bastide town which was fortified
during medieval times.
We also offer an optional tour for
guests to explore the flavors of Bergerac, a wine-growing
region in the southern part of the Dordogne department that
is home to 13 AOCs.
Return to the ship for lunch as we
cruise to Cubzac. This old town near the Dordogne once
served as a watchtower during the Middle Ages and contains
many historic treasures.
While here, you’ll taste wines from
the Côtes de Bourg region.
We sail to Bordeaux this evening
where we will dock and indulge in a spectacular Farewell
Dinner with your Captain.
Later on, take in the brightly-lit
sights on an illuminations cruise of this magical city.
Included
Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Farewell Reception and Gala Dinner
(all on the ship)
Special Features -
Choice of two morning
tours, plus an optional third tour. Wine tasting. |
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Thursday 28 July Bordeaux |
A scene in downtown central Bordeaux - modern trams and
historic buildings.
A cellar full of maturing Cognac. |
Today you’ll see the elegant port
city of Bordeaux on foot.
The breathtaking capital of the wine
world is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and, with over 360
historic monuments within its borders, it is also classified
as a “City of Art and History.” You’ll have an opportunity
to experience much of the rich culture and architecture
here, including a tasting at the wine museum.
An optional tour will also be
available for those who wish to see Cognac, a place
best-known for its unique, double-distilled spirit and six
prominent AOCs.
Tonight, the ship will stay in
Bordeaux.
Included
Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (all on the ship)
Special Features -
Walking tour of Bordeaux and its
World Heritage Site. Optional tour to Cognac. |
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Friday 29 July Cruise
Ends - Optional Extension to Loire Valley |
An impressive town square in Tours.
Gothic architecture and outdoor restaurants in Tours.
Amboise, on the side of the Loire river.
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Disembark your ship in Bordeaux and
continue your journey to Tours, France.
Experience this charming city in the
Loire Valley, which offers the best of French lifestyle with
medieval streets teeming with art, history, lovely gardens
and tasty cuisine. You’ll have free time to stop at a lively
restaurant or market for lunch on your own, and then take a
walking tour.
Transfer to your hotel in Amboise to
check in this afternoon and then have dinner.
Included
Meals - Breakfast on the ship, Dinner at the hotel
Special Features -
Walking tour of Tours |
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Saturday 30 July Amboise |
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The Chateau d'Amboise from the Loire river.
One of the works done by da Vinci while living at
Chateau du Close Luce.
The best known and most distinctive of the Loire
valley's chateaus, Chenonceau, now lovingly restored.
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This morning, you’ll tour the
spectacular Renaissance style Château d’Amboise.
Its extravagant residences, gardens,
and Gothic chapel belonged to several French kings in the
past.
You’ll also discover Château du Close
Luce, Leonardo da Vinci’s last home. This is where he
completed some of his most famous works, like The Mona Lisa,
The Virgin and Child with Saint Anne, and the Saint John the
Baptist.
You’ll have free time to use as you
please and have lunch, followed by an afternoon tour of the
stunning, river-crossing chateau and village Chenonceaux.
Included
Meals - Breakfast
Special Features -
Tour of two fabulous chateaus and
Leonardo da Vinci's last home |
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Sunday 31 July Two Chateaus then
back to Paris |
Chambord is the largest of the castles/chateaus in the
Loire valley.
The Chateau de Blois is where Joan of Arc was blessed by
the Archbishop of Reims before doing battle with the
English in 1492.
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Check out of our hotel this morning
before you visit the astoundingly massive Château de
Chambord.
Located at the heart of Europe’s
largest enclosed wooded park, its 156 meter façade, 426
rooms, 77 staircases and 282 fireplaces make this the
largest castle in Loire Valley.
Next, marvel at the residence of
seven kings and ten queens of France during your tour of the
famous Château de Blois.
Enjoy free time for lunch this
afternoon, and then transfer by bus to your hotel, located
near Charles De Gaulle Airport.
Included Meals - Breakfast
Special Features - Two more
stunning chateaus |
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Monday 1 Aug Extension ends |
We hope you've enjoyed your cruise and tour.
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Our main tour comes to an end today. What will you
do next?
Answer - whatever you wish! Let
us know if we can
help you create the experience you most desire.
Included Meals - Breakfast |
For More Information
Please return to the main
page for more information about our
2016 Bordeaux and Beyond Cruise/Tour.
And here's a link to jump you directly down to the
booking form.
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 More
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