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
   Sun, Oct 27, 2024

   BILBAO, SPAIN. Arrive in Bilbao and check-in to your hotel.
2. Day 2
   Mon, Oct 28, 2024

   BILBAO. Travel to the Basque town of Guernica, infamously bombed by German and Italian air forces during the Spanish Civil War ''' and the subject of one of Picasso'''s most renowned paintings. Immerse yourself in culture and visit the open-air market where you'''ll find a variety of local specialties, from cheese to peppers to fish. Later in the day, take an informative walking tour through Bilbao and learn how to order Basque tapas, known locally as pintxos, and revered for their small size and big taste. (B)
3. Day 3
   Tue, Oct 29, 2024

   BILBAO ''' SAN SEBASTIAN. Take a deep dive into the contemporary art within the world-famous Guggenheim Museum, a work of art itself. Designed by architect Frank Gehry, the museum features a daring and innovative fa''ade and showcases work by such artists as Andy Warhol, German artist Anselm Kiefer, and Basque masters Eduardo Chillida and Jorge Oteiza. Later in the day, transfer to San Sebasti''n and check into your hotel. In the evening, take a stroll through Old Town, the second oldest neighborhood in the city, where distinctive architecture and pintxos bars beckon, made even more romantic by the evening light. (B)
4. Day 4
   Wed, Oct 30, 2024

   SAN SEBASTIAN. Discover the charms of the '''City by the Bay of Biscay.''' Known in the Basque language as Donostia, San Sebasti''n was once a prominent fishing village and was burned to the ground in 1813 after being occupied by Napoleonic troops. However, by 1887, after rebuilding, the city flourished as a popular tourist destination and spa resort. Later in the day, enjoy some free time in the city renowned for holding the second highest number of Michelin stars per square meter. (B)
5. Day 5
   Thu, Oct 31, 2024

   SAN SEBASTIAN ''' ARCACHON, FRANCE ''' BORDEAUX ''' EMBARKATION. Check out of your hotel and transfer to Bordeaux via the French Basque town of Bayonne. Later, embark the ship in Bordeaux for your Taste of Bordeaux cruise. (B,D)
6. Day 6
   Fri, Nov 01, 2024

   BORDEAUX - LIBOURNE. Take in the romance of Bordeaux as you pass iconic sights on a scenic morning 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. 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
7. Day 7
   Sat, Nov 02, 2024

   LIBOURNE - BLAYE. Stroll through Libourne'''s colorful, open-air market, tasting some of the region'''s specialties. Or, you can get your heart pumping by venturing deeper into town on an invigorating bike tour or 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)
8. Day 8
   Sun, Nov 03, 2024

   BLAYE ''' BOURG. 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 from Blaye 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)
9. Day 9
   Mon, Nov 04, 2024

   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 Lynch Bages, a quaint wine estate and village, 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)
10. Day 10
    Tue, Nov 05, 2024

    CADILLAC. Visit the impressive Castle of Roquetaillade, an amazingly preserved masterpiece of medieval military architecture owned by the same noble family for 700 years. Next, 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. 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)
11. Day 11
    Wed, Nov 06, 2024

    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 immersive and interactive Bordeaux Wine Museum, housed in an awe-inspiring building. Bike enthusiasts will wish to join a tour along the city'''s amazing network of bicycle paths. (B,L,D)
12. Day 12
    Thu, Nov 07, 2024

    BORDEAX ''' DISEMBARKATION ''' TOURS ''' AMBOISE. Disembark the ship and transfer to Ch''teau before arriving in the Loire Valley, where you will check in to your Amboise hotel. (B)
13. Day 13
    Fri, Nov 08, 2024

    AMBOISE. Visit three of the Loire Valley'''s regal ch''teaux starting with the Ch''teau de Chenonceau, one of the most beautiful castles in France. This ch''teau has been referred to as the '''Women'''s Castle''' since it is the only castle in the region that has been built, inhabited and saved by women during the Renaissance. Ch''teau du Clos Luc'' was Leonardo da Vinci'''s last home where he completed some of his most famous works under the patronage of the King of France. The Ch''teau d'''Amboise, perched on a promontory overlooking the Loire River, was the first Renaissance ch''teau built in the Loire Valley and features extravagant residences, gardens and a Gothic chapel, where Leonardo da Vinci is buried. (B)
14. Day 14
    Sat, Nov 09, 2024

    AMBOISE ''' PARIS. Check out of your Amboise hotel and, en route to Paris, visit two more majestic ch''teaux. While Ch''teau de Chambord, located at the heart of Europe'''s largest enclosed wooded park, began as an unassuming hunting lodge, it is now the biggest ch''teau in the Loire Valley with 426 rooms, 77 staircases and 282 fireplaces. Next, either marvel at the residence of seven kings and ten queens of France at the famous Ch''teau de Blois where you'll discover the secrets of the French court, or enjoy free time. Afterwards, transfer by motorcoach to your hotel at Charles De Gaulle Airport. (B)
15. Day 15
    Sun, Nov 10, 2024

    DEPART PARIS. Bid farewell to Paris 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 packages
• 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 NH Collection Ri'' de 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

Ship Information

Cabins

Life on Board

Questions & Answers