NEW! Iberia, France & England Explorer

Take a guided walk through historic Bordeaux, the heart of France’s wine-growing region. Set out on foot from your ship, beginning with a stroll along the riverfront. See the Place de la Bourse, where the world’s largest reflecting pool, the Miroir d’eau or “Water Mirror,” spreads out like glass amid stately buildings. Next, continue through historic streets to the Place du Parlement, and onward to view St Pierre Church, one of Bordeaux’s oldest. Nearby, take in the sight of the Cathédrale Saint André, a Gothic-Romanesque cathedral and the seat of the Archbishop of Bordeaux. Pass by Palais Rohan, Bordeaux’s City Hall, the civic heart of the city, and continue on to view the facade of the Grand Theatre, one of the finest examples of 18th-century Neoclassical architecture in Europe. After free time to explore more on your own, return to your ship.

Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the historic streets of Bordeaux, the heart of France’s wine-growing region. Set out on foot from your ship, beginning with a relaxed walk along the riverfront. See the Place de la Bourse, where the world’s largest reflecting pool, the Miroir d’eau or “Water Mirror,” spreads out like glass amid stately buildings. Next, head to the Place du Parlement and onward to Rue Saint-Catherine, the longest pedestrian street in Europe. See the historic buildings that line the street, then continue at a leisurely pace to view the facade of the Grand Theatre, one of the finest examples of 18th-century Neoclassical architecture in Europe. After time to explore more on your own, stroll back to your awaiting ship, passing through the Place des Quinconces to see the Monument aux Girondins, a memorial honoring the lives of those executed during the French Revolution.

Explore Bordeaux and visit the Cité du Vin museum to learn about local and international wines. Depart your ship and set out on a short drive by motor coach to Bordeaux’s old town, or Vieux Bordeaux. Upon arrival, you will embark on a short orientation tour that introduces you to the elegant architecture and cultural gems that you can explore at your own pace. After, you will head to the Cité du Vin museum, established in 2016 to detail the origins, development and science of wine through immersive experiences. Here, enjoy a self-guided audio tour across 20 themed sections, each designed to bring the global culture and history of wine to life. Ascend to the eighth floor of the museum to The Belvédère, where you will have a tasting of two wines of your choice from some of the world’s greatest vineyards as you enjoy views across the city. After, return to your ship.

Immerse yourself in Bordeaux’s wine culture during a visit to one of its traditional châteaux and a wine tasting. Board your motor coach at the pier and travel north along the Médoc, a narrow strip of vineyards bordered by the Atlantic and the Gironde estuary. As you follow the famed “Châteaux Road,” learn how climate and gravel-rich soils shaped the region, a leader in wine production. Pause outside Château Margaux to view its stately neoclassical facade, designed by architect Louis Combes—today, it is among the most recognizable buildings in Bordeaux. Continue to another local château for a guided visit of the estate. Explore the cellars with your guide and learn about key stages of winemaking, from harvest to aging, followed by a tasting of three wines from the estate accompanied by local snacks. After, return to your awaiting ship.

Call at one of Aquitania’s impressive châteaux and spend time exploring its rooms during a guided visit. Bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and Pyrenees Mountains, the Aquitania region, known today as Aquitaine, is home to one of the densest concentrations of historic châteaux in Europe. Board your motor coach and set out to learn about its rich past during a visit to one of these impressive estates. You may call at Château de Cazeneuve, once the residence of King Henri IV and Queen Margot—established as a fortress during the 13th century, it was renovated with Renaissance additions in the 17th century. Alternatively, you may visit Château de Roquetaillade. This carefully preserved estate has been owned by the same family for more than 600 years and has been continuously inhabited. At the end of your visit, enjoy a glass of wine and a sweet treat before returning to your ship.

Visit the village and vineyards of Saint-Émilion, a region shaped by wine production since Roman times. In 1999, Saint-Émilion and its surrounding vineyards were listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in recognition of the town’s close relationship with viticulture. Depart Bordeaux by motor coach and travel into the eastern Gironde countryside en route to this picturesque region. On arrival, set out for a narrated ride through renowned estates and vineyards dominated by the Merlot grape, including Château Angélus, Pavie and Ausone. Then, continue on foot to explore the upper village, where you will see fortified lanes, remnants of old town walls and rock-cut chapels that reflect early religious life here. Conclude at the Cordeliers Cloister, where you will enjoy a glass of local wine and a regional sweet treat before returning to your ship.