Nestled in the heart of Bordeaux’s renowned wine region, the medieval town of Saint Emilion is a captivating UNESCO World Heritage site. On this half-day tour, travelers can explore its picturesque streets, marvel at its charming architecture, and savor the flavors of its acclaimed wines. Led by an expert sommelier, the experience promises an immersive journey through the cultural and oenological riches of this captivating region. With visits to local wineries, tastings, and a delightful lunch, it’s an opportunity to delve deeper into the history and traditions that have made Saint Emilion a revered destination for wine enthusiasts worldwide.
Key Points
- Guided half-day tour exploring the medieval town of Saint Emilion, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its winemaking heritage.
- Visits to two local wine estates, including a family-run winery and a prestigious Grand Cru, with guided tastings led by a certified sommelier.
- Immersive walking tour through the historic streets of Saint Emilion, providing insights into the town’s rich architecture and cultural significance.
- Stunning views of the surrounding vineyards from elevated vantage points, complementing the exploration of the region’s oenological treasures.
- Personalized tour experience with flexibility to adjust the focus and duration, as well as the selection of wine estates and lunch options.
Tour Overview
This half-day tour offers visitors a chance to discover the picturesque medieval town of Saint Emilion, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its winemaking.
You’ll explore the historic streets, taking in the charming architecture and stunning views over the vineyards. Along the way, a certified sommelier guide will share their expert insights into the region’s world-famous wines.
The tour includes visits to two local estates – a family-run winery and a prestigious Grand Cru. At each stop, you’ll have the opportunity to taste the distinct offerings.
To round out the experience, a delightful lunch is included, allowing you to fully learn about the flavors of Saint Emilion.
Inclusions
The tour package includes an air-conditioned vehicle to transport visitors comfortably throughout the day. Plus, a certified sommelier guide accompanies the group, providing expert insights into the local winemaking traditions and leading the tastings at two carefully selected estates – a family-run winery and a prestigious Grand Cru.
Wine tastings at two estates, providing a comprehensive understanding of the region’s renowned wines.
A delicious lunch, allowing participants to savor the local cuisine and continue their exploration of the area.
Knowledgeable commentary from the sommelier guide, enriching the overall experience.
The opportunity to explore the historic town of Saint Emilion on a guided walking tour.
Stunning views over the picturesque vineyards, capturing the essence of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Highlights
During the tour, visitors can discover the charming medieval town of Saint Emilion, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its winemaking heritage.
The sommelier guide leads a walking tour through the historic streets, providing insights into the town’s rich history and architecture.
From the town’s elevated vantage points, guests are treated to stunning views over the surrounding vineyards, capturing the essence of this picturesque region.
The expert guide also shares their extensive knowledge of Bordeaux wines, offering a deeper appreciation for the region’s renowned vintages.
Whether it’s admiring the town’s medieval landmarks or learning about the intricacies of the local winemaking, the tour highlights the best of Saint Emilion’s cultural and oenological treasures.
Customization
For those seeking a more personalized experience, the tour offers the option to customize the itinerary to suit individual preferences.
Whether you’re particularly interested in exploring the medieval architecture, delving deeper into the region’s rich winemaking history, or tailoring the wine tastings to your specific palate, the private nature of the tour allows for a flexible and customized experience.
The certified sommelier guide is happy to work with you to:
- Adjust the focus and duration of the walking tour
- Modify the wine estates visited, including boutique or Grand Cru options
- Incorporate additional activities such as a visit to the catacombs or a panoramic viewpoint
- Personalize the lunch menu to accommodate dietary restrictions or preferences
- Extend the tour duration to explore the region further
Suitability
This half-day tour is best suited for travelers seeking an immersive yet manageable exploration of the picturesque Saint Emilion region.
However, it may not be suitable for those with certain physical limitations. The walking tour through the historic medieval town involves navigating cobblestone streets and uneven terrain, which could be challenging for individuals with back problems, heart conditions, or mobility issues.
Plus, the tour isn’t recommended for families with small children, as the pace and content are geared more towards adults.
Booking
How does one book this half-day tour to Saint Emilion? Customers can expect confirmation within 48 hours, subject to availability, for this private tour with the option to customize the itinerary.
Plus, pickup is available outside the Bordeaux city area for an additional fee, with the tour starting at 9:00 am.
The booking process is simple and straightforward:
- Contact the tour provider to check availability and pricing
- Provide your desired tour date, pickup location, and any customization requests
- Complete the booking process and secure your spot
- Receive confirmation within 48 hours, subject to availability
- Arrange any additional transportation or accessibility needs with the provider
This private tour to the UNESCO-listed Saint Emilion offers a convenient and personalized way to explore the picturesque medieval town and renowned winemaking region.
Pickup
Pickup for the half-day tour to Saint Emilion is available outside the Bordeaux city area for an additional fee.
Travelers not staying in central Bordeaux can arrange to be picked up from their accommodation for the start of the tour. The pickup time is 9:00 am, so guests should be ready and waiting at their specified location.
The tour includes transportation in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey to the picturesque medieval town of Saint Emilion.
It’s worth noting that this pickup service is subject to availability, so booking in advance is recommended to secure the desired pickup location and time.
Duration
The duration of the half-day tour to Saint Emilion covers approximately 5 hours, allowing visitors ample time to thoroughly explore the historic town and renowned winemaking region. The tour begins at 9:00 am and concludes around 2:00 pm, providing a well-paced itinerary to maximize the experience.
Allowing 1-2 hours for the walking tour of the medieval town, including iconic landmarks like the Monolithic Church.
Dedicating 1-1.5 hours for wine tastings at two esteemed estates, where a certified sommelier guide shares expert insights.
Incorporating a leisurely lunch break to savor the local cuisine and ambiance.
Leaving time for scenic views over the picturesque vineyards.
Ensuring a comfortable pace that’s not too rushed, catering to travelers of various fitness levels.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Maximum Group Size for the Tour?
The tour is a private tour, so the group size is flexible and can be customized based on the traveler’s preferences. The maximum group size is not specified in the provided information.
Are Vegetarian/Special Dietary Options Available for Lunch?
The tour provider offers vegetarian and other special dietary options for the lunch included in the tour. Guests with specific dietary needs should inform the provider at the time of booking to ensure their requirements are accommodated.
Is There an Option to Visit the Underground Catacombs?
Yes, there is an option to visit the underground catacombs in Saint Emilion. The catacombs are an extensive network of tunnels and galleries beneath the medieval town that were used for wine storage and production.
Can We Extend the Tour Duration for an Additional Fee?
Yes, the tour duration can be extended for an additional fee. Travelers can inquire about extending the tour with the tour operator when booking. Extended tours may provide more time to explore Saint Emilion or visit additional wineries.
Is It Possible to Add a Wine-Tasting Class to the Itinerary?
Yes, it’s possible to add a wine-tasting class to the Saint Emilion tour itinerary. For an additional fee, the sommelier guide can provide a more in-depth wine tasting experience and education session during the tour.
Recap
Discover the captivating medieval town of Saint Emilion, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its winemaking.
Explore the historic streets, charming architecture, and stunning vineyard views on a half-day tour with an expert sommelier guide.
Visit two local estates, a family-run winery and a prestigious Grand Cru, for wine tastings, and enjoy a delightful lunch featuring local cuisine as you learn about the cultural and oenological treasures of this captivating region.
