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.

Drive into one of France’s most celebrated wine regions to enjoy a tour and lunch at a family-owned vineyard. Journey by mini-coach to the local market to handpick ingredients under the guidance of our Chef. Later this evening, you will dine on regional dishes prepared by our experienced culinary team, using produce from the market. As you and your fellow guests enjoy this delicious creation at The Kitchen Table, you will also observe the art of plating with each dish. From fresh market fare to cooking techniques and elegant presentation, experience firsthand how your ship’s world-class culinary staff brings distinct, local flavors from the market to your taste buds. It is an unforgettable, one-of-a-kind opportunity to shop, interact and dine with the masters.

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.

Dine on gourmet dishes at a prestigious estate in the renowned Medoc-Margaux appellation. Drive by motor coach through the French countryside to a historic château. You may call at Château du Tertre—dating back to the 12th century, it was once owned by Pierre Mitchell, Bordeaux’s first bottle maker. Its wines later gained acclaim, earning a place in the 1855 Médoc Classification. Restored in 1997 and now guided by the Helfrich family, the château has a reputation for exceptional Margaux wines. Alternatively, you may visit the 18th-century Château Kirwan, classified as a Troisième Grand Cru Classé in 1855 and owned by the Schÿler family since 1925. Upon arrival, you will have a welcome drink, followed by a guided visit of the cellars. After, you will enjoy a four-course gourmet dinner, expertly paired with the estate’s fine wines.

Enjoy a stroll through the vineyards of Margaux in the heart of Bordeaux’s wine region. Drive by motor coach along the famed Route des Châteaux, where the Médoc wine road stretches between the Gironde Estuary and the Landes Forest, offering spectacular views of vine-covered slopes. You will then set out on foot to explore the rolling hillsides of this world-renowned wine region, passing some of France’s prestigious châteaux, including Château Rauzan Ségla (owned by Chanel), Château Margaux and Château Palmer—all celebrated producers of exceptional Bordeaux wines. Pause at Château Giscours for a glass of wine before continuing to Château Marquis de Terme (or a similar estate), where you will enjoy a tasting of local wines (or fresh juice if you prefer) paired with a local sweet treat. After, rejoin your motor coach and 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.