River Cruise Itinerary

2 nights in Bilbao, 2 nights in San Sebastian, 7-night roundtrip Bordeaux cruise, 2 nights in the Loire Valley and 1 night in Paris

1. Day 1
   Thu, Nov 09, 2023

   EMBARKATION ''' BORDEAUX, FRANCE. Embark the ship for your Taste of Bordeaux cruise. (D)
2. Day 2
   Fri, Nov 10, 2023

   BORDEAUX ''' LIBOURNE, FRANCE. Take in the romance of Bordeaux as you pass iconic sights on a scenic cruise. Later in the day, dock in Libourne, a gateway to one of Bordeaux'''s most elite wine regions. Join an excursion to Saint ''milion, known for its celebrated vineyards, and while here, explore the monolithic church carved out of one piece of limestone rock, and then go under the church to discover its catacombs and caves. Afterwards, enjoy a Grand Cru Class'' wine tasting at either Ch''teau de Ferrand or Ch''teau de Pressac. Alternately, you can enjoy an excursion to Saint-''milion solely to discover more of the small historic town. If you prefer a more active adventure, pedal through the vineyard-rich countryside to Saint-''milion and then to Ch''teau Soutard for a Grand Cru Class'' wine tasting. You can also choose to tour the magnificent Ch''teau Vayres, one of the most prestigious historic buildings of Aquitaine. (B,L,D)
3. Day 3
   Sat, Nov 11, 2023

   LIBOURNE ''' BLAYE, FRANCE. Stroll through the colorful, open-air market, tasting some of the region'''s specialties. You can also choose to enjoy a tasting of local wines from one of the beautiful wine estates in the Fronsac region. Or, you can get your heart pumping by venturing deeper into town by hiking through one of Libourne'''s renowned vineyards. Later in the day, set sail for Blaye, where you'''ll enjoy an evening at your leisure. (B,L,D)
4. Day 4
   Sun, Nov 12, 2023

   BLAYE ''' BOURG, FRANCE. Once in Blaye, you can join a tour of its 17th-century citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For a more active excursion, take a bike ride around Blaye. Later in the day, you can choose to bike from Blaye to Bourg or towards Les Etauliers discovering beautiful ch''teaux through the idyllic French countryside. While in the ancient village of Bourg, take a walking tour and visit the Carriage Museum, which houses a wonderful collection of horse-drawn vehicles. Later in the day, experience the hospitality of this charming medieval village with an exclusive wine festival. Meet the local wine growers and taste the fruits of their labors as well as enjoy live French music and dancing. (B,L,D)
5. Day 5
   Mon, Nov 13, 2023

   CUSSAC-FORT MEDOC. Cussac-Fort Medoc, a lovely village on the bank of the Gironde Estuary, is gateway to the famed M''doc region, renowned for producing some of the world'''s finest Bordeaux wines. You will see some of the most beautiful and famous wine estates, including Ch''teau Latour, Ch''teau Mouton Rothschild, Ch''teau Lafite Rothschild and Ch''teau Pichon Longueville. You'''ll then visit either Ch''teau Gruaud Larose or Ch''teau L''oville Poyferr'' for a tasting of Grand Cru wines. Alternately, you can visit Margaux Vineyards, a quaint wine estate, followed by a wine and local specialties tasting. Or, enjoy a coast drive to Soulac-sur-Mer where you'''ll see unique sights, such as the Statue of Liberty and the Cordouan lighthouse known to be the oldest in France. (B,L,D)
6. Day 6
   Tue, Nov 14, 2023

   CADILLAC ''' BORDEAUX, FRANCE. Visit the impressive Castle of Roquetaillade, an amazingly preserved masterpiece of medieval military architecture owned by the same noble family for 700 years and travel to the Sauternes wine region to either Chateau de Rayne Vigneau or Chateau Guiraud to taste the highly prized golden-hued sweet wines produced here. For those wishing to explore more of the history on the decadent castles, you can enjoy a visit to the Roquetaillade castle and Cadillac castle. Alternately, be treated to a Sauternes wine tasting where you'''ll taste more of the highly sought-after sweet wines. Or, pedal through the charming town of Cadillac for a guided bike tour. (B,L,D)
7. Day 7
   Wed, Nov 15, 2023

   BORDEAUX. The breathtaking capital of the wine world, Bordeaux is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and classified as a '''City of Art and History.''' You'''ll have an opportunity to experience much of the rich culture and architecture on a city tour followed by a visit to the famed indoor Les Halles de Bacalan market for a tasting of local specialties to please the palate. Bike enthusiasts will wish to join a tour along the city'''s amazing network of bicycle paths. Depending on your interests, you have a choice from three excursions in the afternoon. Enjoy a visit to the immersive and interactive Bordeaux Wine Museum, housed in an awe-inspiring building. Alternately, be treated to a spectacular sound and light show, Les Bassins des Lumi''res. Or, explore the enriching city of Bordeaux at your own leisure. In the evening, enjoy a spectacular illumination cruise, gazing at the iconic structures of Bordeaux as they glow against the night sky. (B,L,D)
8. Day 8
   Thu, Nov 16, 2023

   BORDEAUX ''' DISEMBARKATION. Disembark the ship and prepare for your flight home. (B)

Inclusions

• SPACIOUS STATEROOMS
• 7 nights luxury accommodation in an outside stateroom (most with French balconies)
• Entertainment-On-Demand in all staterooms featuring free high-speed internet access, movies, a music library and English language TV stations
• Desk and sitting area
• Bottled water replenished daily
• AN ARRAY OF AMENITIES
• Wellness Activities with a dedicated Wellness Host leading various exercise classes as well as discussions on healthy eating and relaxation techniques, both on board and on shore.
• Personalized service from a highly trained Cruise Manager during both cruise and land programs
• Internet and Wi-Fi access
• Sun deck whirlpool and walking track
• Fitness room, massage services and hair
• Main Lounge with panoramic views and bar
• Daily entertainment including cultural performances
• AWARD-WINNING DINING
• All onboard dining in a variety of venues
• Regionally inspired cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients
• The Chef'''s Table specialty restaurant
• Welcome Cocktail, Welcome Dinner, La Cha''ne des R''tisseurs Dinner, Captain's Cocktail and Gala Dinner
• La Cha''ne des R''tisseurs exclusive dining experience
• Unlimited fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
• Unlimited sparkling wine and fresh juice with breakfast
• Sip & Sail Cocktail Hour with complimentary wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks
• Tapas, snacks and refreshments served daily in the Main Lounge
• A WORLD OF EXPLORATION
• Immersive tours in every destination
• Gentle, regular, active and late-riser tour options
• Bike tours and hikes
• Special Interest Tours
• Knowledgeable guides
• Personal headset for easy exploration
• Airport transfers with purchase of air from AmaWaterways
• Land Program
• 2 nights hotel Hesperia Bilbao (orsimilar), including city tour, Guggenheim Museum,Mercado de la Ribera, Guernica and daily breakfast
• Transfer from Bilbao to San Sebastian
• 2 nights hotel in San Sebastian at the NH Collection Ar''nzazu (or similar), including city tourand daily breakfast
• Transfer from San Sebastian to ship in Bordeauxwith stop in Bayonne
• Transfer from Bordeaux to Tours via motorcoach
• 2 nights Ch''teau in the Loire Valley, including city tour,ch''teaux visits and daily breakfast
• 1 night hotel in Paris at the Pullman Charles deGaulle (or similar), including daily breakfast

Health and Safety Protocols for AmaWaterways

Ship Information

Cabins

Life on Board

Questions & Answers