For travelers seeking an immersive and personalized exploration of Bordeaux, the Bordeaux Shore Excursion offers a captivating experience. This private tour provides a unique opportunity to discover the iconic landmarks of Bordeaux and the charming town of Saint-Emilion, known for its exceptional wines and historic charm. With a small group size and expert guidance, participants can expect a tailored journey that delves into the rich wine culture of this UNESCO World Heritage region. But the true allure lies in the chance to indulge in a guided tasting at a prestigious Grand Cru Classé winery, revealing the nuances that make Bordeaux wines so renowned worldwide.
Key Points
- Explore Bordeaux and Saint-Émilion, two UNESCO World Heritage sites, on a private shore excursion with a maximum group size of 8 for personalized attention.
- Tour includes a walking tour of Bordeaux’s iconic landmarks, a visit to a Grand Cru Classé winery, and 3 hours of exploration in the picturesque town of Saint-Émilion.
- Gain in-depth insights about Bordeaux’s rich history and architecture from a knowledgeable guide during the walking tour.
- Immerse in the world of Bordeaux’s celebrated wine culture with a guided tour and structured wine tasting at a prestigious Grand Cru Classé château.
- The excursion offers a comprehensive and personalized experience, with inclusions such as pickup, drop-off, and gratuities, but excludes food, drinks, and wine tasting fees.
Tour Overview
This private shore excursion offers visitors an opportunity to explore the renowned wine regions of Bordeaux and Saint Emilion. With a maximum group size of 8 people, the tour provides personalized attention as guests discover the UNESCO World Heritage sites and savor the flavors of the region’s renowned wines.
Travelers can expect a walking tour of Bordeaux, including iconic landmarks like the St. Andrew’s Cathedral and Grand Theatre, followed by a visit to a Grand Cru Classé winery in Saint Emilion.
The tour has received 9 reviews with an overall rating of 4.5 stars, highlighting the knowledgeable guides and well-planned itinerary.
Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or simply looking to learn about the rich history and culture of the region, this private Bordeaux and Saint Emilion tour isn’t to be missed.
Itinerary Details
The tour begins at 9:30 am with pickup from the Bordeaux Cruise Port, where the private guide will meet guests as close to the ship as possible.
Travelers will then embark on a 2-hour walking tour of Bordeaux, exploring iconic landmarks such as St. Andrew’s Cathedral, the Grand Theatre, Pey Berland Tower, and the expansive Place des Quinconces.
After the Bordeaux tour, the group will head to the picturesque village of Saint Emilion, where they’ll have 3 hours to enjoy a delicious lunch and explore the charming streets and wine merchants.
The highlight of the Saint Emilion visit will be a tour and wine tasting at a renowned Grand Cru Classé chateau, where guests can explore the wine cellars and vat house.
Bordeaux Exploration
The 2-hour walking tour of Bordeaux allows guests to discover the city’s iconic landmarks, including the grand St. Andrew’s Cathedral, the impressive Grand Theatre, and the towering Pey Berland Tower.
The guide will lead the group through the charming streets, sharing stories and insights about Bordeaux’s rich history and architecture.
Highlights include the stunning Place des Quinconces, one of the largest public squares in Europe, and the vibrant riverfront promenade.
With its blend of historic charm and modern sophistication, Bordeaux offers a delightful exploration for cruise passengers seeking to experience the best of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Saint Emilion Visit
Departing Bordeaux, the tour continues on to the picturesque UNESCO-listed town of Saint Emilion, where guests spend 3 hours exploring the historic streets and visiting a prestigious Grand Cru Classé winery.
In this charming medieval village, they’ll wander the narrow lanes, admire the Monolithic Church, and discover the fascinating history that has earned Saint Emilion its World Heritage site designation.
The highlight of the visit is a guided tour and wine tasting at a renowned château, where guests will learn about the region’s renowned winemaking traditions while sampling some of its finest vintages.
With ample free time for lunch and further exploration, the Saint Emilion portion of the tour provides an immersive taste of Bordeaux’s celebrated wine culture.
Wine Tasting Experience
Guests enjoy the celebrated winemaking traditions of Bordeaux during a guided tour and tasting at a renowned Grand Cru Classé château in Saint Emilion.
The visit begins with a stroll through the estate’s picturesque vineyards, where an expert guide shares insights into the region’s unique terroir and grape varietals.
Next, visitors descend into the château’s ancient cellars to witness the intricate aging process.
The highlight is a structured wine tasting, allowing guests to sample the estate’s award-winning vintages and appreciate the nuances that make Bordeaux wines so revered worldwide.
This exclusive experience offers a deep dive into the art of winemaking that elevates the day’s discoveries.
Inclusions and Exclusions
This tour’s inclusions cover a private guide, walking tours, one bottle of water per person, pickup and drop-off at the cruise terminal, and gratuities.
However, the tour excludes food, drinks (unless specified), and wine tasting fees, which range from €25 to €45 per person.
Guests can expect a personalized experience with a knowledgeable guide leading the way through the UNESCO-listed sites of Bordeaux and Saint-Émilion.
While the wine tastings aren’t included in the tour price, they offer a fantastic opportunity to sample some of the region’s renowned grand cru wines and learn about the winemaking process.
With these details in mind, travelers can plan accordingly to make the most of this comprehensive Bordeaux shore excursion.
Transportation and Accessibility
The tour guide will meet participants as close to the ship as possible, though pickup isn’t available at the Le Verdon cruise port. The experience isn’t wheelchair accessible, requiring a moderate level of physical fitness from guests.
However, infant seats can be provided upon request, though pets aren’t allowed on the tour.
Getting to and from the destinations is all taken care of, with the guide handling transportation logistics. This ensures guests can focus on seeing the guided walking tours of Bordeaux and Saint-Émilion without worrying about how they’ll get around.
The seamless transportation and accessibility details allow for a stress-free, enjoyable private shore excursion experience.
Customer Feedback
Overwhelmingly, reviewers have praised the knowledgeable guides who led engaging walking tours and coordinated enjoyable winery visits as part of this private Bordeaux and Saint-Émilion excursion.
Guests highlighted the tour’s well-planned itineraries, allowing them to make the most of their time in these UNESCO World Heritage sites.
However, some have suggested maximizing the time spent in Saint-Émilion, perhaps by exploring the charming town’s numerous wine merchants for free samples.
Plus, a few participants expressed a desire for clearer communication of the daily schedule to better manage expectations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Tour Be Customized to Our Preferences?
The tour can likely be customized to meet your preferences. The private nature of the excursion allows for flexibility in the itinerary and activities. It’s best to discuss any specific requests with the tour operator.
Is There an Option to Visit Multiple Wineries in Saint Emilion?
Yes, the tour can be customized to visit multiple wineries in Saint Emilion. The standard itinerary includes one wine tasting, but the private nature of the tour allows flexibility to accommodate preferences and explore additional wine producers in the region.
Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
No, customers can’t bring their own food and drinks on this tour. The tour includes one bottle of water per person, but all other food and drinks must be purchased separately, including wine tasting fees at the château.
Is There a Minimum Number of Participants Required for the Tour?
The tour doesn’t have a minimum number of participants. It’s a private tour, so you can book it even if it’s just you and your party. The group size is limited to 8 people for personalized attention.
Do You Offer Any Discounts or Promotions for This Tour?
The tour doesn’t offer any discounts or promotions. However, the small group size of 8 or fewer provides personalized attention and a more intimate experience. Customers can expect a well-planned itinerary exploring UNESCO-listed sites in Bordeaux and Saint-Émilion.
Recap
This captivating Bordeaux shore excursion offers an intimate and personalized exploration of the region’s historic charm and renowned winemaking.
Visitors will discover the iconic landmarks of Bordeaux before delving into the enchanting town of Saint-Emilion, where they’ll savor a guided tour and tasting at a prestigious Grand Cru Classé winery.
With a small group size, this tour provides a unique and immersive experience in the UNESCO-listed wine country.
