Saint-Emilion’s renowned wine estates and medieval village offer a captivating exploration for visitors. Venture on a full-day guided tour from Bordeaux, where you’ll sample rich, full-bodied Merlot and Cabernet Franc blends at two prestigious wineries. Discover the charming cobblestone streets, Romanesque churches, and underground monuments that earned Saint-Emilion UNESCO World Heritage status. Indulge in a delectable buffet lunch featuring regional specialties, savoring the local cuisine and continuing the immersive experience in this picturesque wine-producing town. With transportation and accessibility covered, there’s no reason not to embark on this extraordinary journey.
Key Points
- Guided full-day tour from Bordeaux to the renowned wine region of Saint-Emilion, including visits to two prestigious wineries for wine tastings.
- Exploration of the charming medieval village of Saint-Emilion, with its underground monuments, Romanesque churches, and historic landmarks.
- Opportunity to savor a delectable buffet lunch featuring regional specialties, providing a chance to refuel and continue exploring the area.
- Led by a professional guide with a maximum group size of 25 travelers, ensuring a personalized and informative experience.
- Not suitable for those with mobility issues, heart conditions, or pregnant women due to the nature of the tour.
Overview of the Tour
This full-day guided wine tasting tour from Bordeaux to Saint-Emilion typically includes visits to two renowned wine estates, where guests can sample local varietals.
Travelers will also have the opportunity to explore the medieval village of Saint-Emilion and its underground monuments.
The tour lasts approximately 9 hours and includes a buffet lunch.
Guests will be transported to and from Bordeaux in an air-conditioned vehicle.
The tour is led by a professional guide and has a maximum group size of 25 travelers.
However, it’s not suitable for those with mobility issues, heart conditions, or pregnant women.
Wine Tasting Experiences
The tour provides guests with the opportunity to sample a variety of local wine varietals from two renowned wineries in the Saint-Emilion region.
At each estate, knowledgeable staff guide visitors through tastings, sharing insights into the unique terroir and winemaking practices that shape the distinct flavors of the region’s renowned wines.
Travelers can expect to savor the rich, full-bodied Merlot and Cabernet Franc blends that Saint-Emilion is famous for, as well as learn about the centuries-old traditions that have made this area a world-class wine destination.
The tastings offer a deep dive into the complex and nuanced world of Bordeaux viticulture.
Medieval Village Exploration
Exploring Saint-Emilion’s medieval village provides travelers with a captivating glimpse into the region’s rich history and well-preserved architectural wonders.
Wandering through the charming cobblestone streets, visitors can admire the striking Romanesque churches, historic monasteries, and stunning limestone buildings that have stood the test of time.
One of the highlights is the iconic Monolithic Church, an impressive underground church carved directly into the hillside.
Travelers can also explore the Saint-Emilion Cloister and the iconic King’s Tower, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding vineyards.
Underground Monuments Visit
After exploring the charming medieval village, visitors delve underground to discover Saint-Emilion’s remarkable network of subterranean monuments that have stood the test of time.
Beneath the quaint streets lies a maze of ancient catacombs, rock-hewn churches, and striking monolithic churches. Highlights include the Monolithic Church, an impressive underground church carved directly into the limestone bedrock, and the Cloister of the Collegiate Church, a series of interconnected chambers and passageways that date back to the 12th century.
These underground wonders offer a unique glimpse into Saint-Emilion’s rich history and serve as a captivating complement to the town’s aboveground medieval charm.
Buffet Lunch Included
Following the underground monument exploration, visitors can look forward to a delectable buffet lunch that’s included as part of the tour. This hearty meal provides a chance to refuel and savor the local cuisine after the morning’s activities.
The buffet features an array of regional specialties, allowing travelers to sample the flavors of the Bordeaux region. From fresh salads and charcuterie to hot entrees and decadent desserts, the lunch offers something to please every palate.
This dining experience is a welcome respite, giving participants the energy to continue exploring the picturesque village of Saint-Emilion and its renowned wine estates in the afternoon.
Transportation and Accessibility
This full-day tour from Bordeaux to Saint-Emilion provides roundtrip coach transport, ensuring a hassle-free and convenient experience for participants.
However, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and may not be suitable for travelers with back problems, pregnant individuals, or those with heart conditions.
The tour has a maximum group size of 25 travelers, allowing for personalized attention from the professional guide.
Confirmation is provided at the time of booking, and the tour departs from a central meeting point in Bordeaux.
With a duration of approximately 9 hours, this guided wine tasting and sightseeing experience offers an immersive exploration of the renowned Saint-Emilion region.
Meeting Point and Schedule
The tour departs from 12 Cr du 30 Juillet, 33000 Bordeaux, France at 9:15 AM, providing a convenient starting point for participants.
The full-day excursion explores the renowned St-Emilion region, visiting two esteemed wine estates and the medieval village.
Travelers can expect to return to the original meeting point at the end of the tour, which lasts approximately 9 hours. This schedule allows ample time to savor the wine tastings, enjoy the buffet lunch, and discover the underground monuments of St-Emilion.
The tour operates with a maximum group size of 25 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience led by a knowledgeable professional guide.
Customer Reviews
Travelers have overwhelmingly praised this Saint-Emilion wine tasting tour, awarding it an impressive 4.5 out of 5 rating based on 52 reviews. The tour seems to deliver an exceptional experience, with many noting the knowledgeable and engaging guide, the delightful wine tastings, and the charming medieval village of Saint-Emilion. Here’s a closer look at what reviewers are saying:
| Rating | Number of Reviews |
|---|---|
| 5 stars | 37 |
| 4 stars | 12 |
| 3 stars | 3 |
Guests consistently highlight the tour’s excellent value, the high quality of the wines sampled, and the enjoyable buffet lunch. This Saint-Emilion adventure appears to be a fantastic way to take in the region’s renowned winemaking heritage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Photography Allowed During the Wine Tastings?
Photography is generally allowed during wine tastings, but it’s best to check with the winery staff beforehand. They may have specific policies or request that visitors avoid disrupting the tasting experience.
Can the Wine Tastings Be Customized to Personal Preferences?
While the wine tastings are generally pre-selected, the tour operator may be able to accommodate personal preferences with advance notice. Guests should inquire about customization options when booking the tour.
Are There Any Additional Fees or Costs Not Included in the Tour?
The tour’s inclusions cover the main costs, but there may be additional fees for optional activities or purchases at the vineyards. It’s best to check with the tour provider about any extra expenses not listed in the tour details.
What Happens in Case of Inclement Weather During the Tour?
In case of inclement weather, the tour operator will adjust the itinerary as needed to ensure the safety and enjoyment of travelers. They’ll provide indoor activities or modify the tour to accommodate the weather conditions.
Can I Purchase Wine Directly From the Estates Visited?
Yes, you can purchase wine directly from the estates visited during the tour. The tour includes wine tastings, allowing you to sample and purchase wines from the local vineyards if you wish.
Recap
This immersive full-day tour offers a delightful blend of wine tasting and cultural exploration in the renowned Bordeaux region.
Visitors can savor the rich, full-bodied wines at two prestigious wineries while also discovering the charming medieval town of Saint-Emilion, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The tour includes a buffet lunch featuring regional specialties, providing a complete gastronomic and oenological experience in this picturesque wine-producing destination.
