River Cruise Itinerary

The Southern European climates and historic towns of both Bordeaux and Portugal are as complimentary as their palettes—expect bold reds and excellent dessert wines, from Sauternes to Port. You'll have the opportunity to meet local vintners at French chateaux and Douro River Valley quintas, partake in active outings as you hike or bike amongst the vines, and sample the culinary delights that so often go hand in hand with great winemaking regions. Discover how well fresh-shucked Médoc oysters pair with the region’s white wines and snack on the delicious candied almonds produced in the mountaintop village of Castello Rodrigo. Wine Roads of France & Portugal is a combination of Brilliant Bordeaux and Portugal, Spain & the Douro River Valley.

1. Day 1
   Bordeaux (Embark)

   Sun, Jun 29, 2025

   Arrive at Bordeaux-Mérignac International Airport. If your cruise package includes a group arrival transfer or if you have purchased a private arrival transfer, you will be greeted by a Uniworld representative and transferred to the ship.
   Meals: Dinner
2. Day 2
   Cussac Fort Médoc

   Mon, Jun 30, 2025

   The legendary Médoc region abounds with prestigious wine châteaux in a dizzying array of architectural styles, as well as miles of grapevines stretching to infinity. Take a scenic drive through the storied Médoc wine route, followed by a wine tasting at a beautiful wine estate.
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
3. Day 3
   Cadillac

   Tue, Jul 01, 2025

   The French phrase “la douceur de vivre” is an accurate description for your time in Cadillac, known for its deliciously flavored dessert wines. Visit Château Royal de Cazeneuve, site of Henry IV’s and Queen Margot’s tempestuous love. Meet the owner around a glass of Sauternes in the reception hall.
4. Day 4
   Blaye, Bourg sur Gironde

   Wed, Jul 02, 2025

   The Route de la Corniche Fleurie…could this be the most beautiful road you’ve ever traveled? Find out today on the drive to Blaye Fortress, passing through one impossibly picturesque hamlet after another. Once you arrive, you’ll discover the wonders of this historic fortress, a UNESCO-designated citadel that once protected Bordeaux from attacks by sea.
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
5. Day 5
   Libourne (Saint-Émilion)

   Thu, Jul 03, 2025

   With Libourne as your base, travel to nearby breathtaking Saint-Émilion and immerse yourself more deeply in the region’s history and wine culture. The medieval town of Saint-Émilion is an ideal place to linger. Wander its cobblestone lanes lined with wine shops and bakeries, and stop to admire the amazing rock-hewn church that extends beneath the city’s streets.
   Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
6. Day 6
   Libourne, Bordeaux

   Fri, Jul 04, 2025

   France’s rich agricultural tradition is the heart and soul of the region’s exquisite cuisine—and what better way to get a taste for the freshest vegetables, cheeses, breads and fruits than with a visit to Libourne’s lively farmers’ market?
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
7. Day 7
   Bordeaux

   Sat, Jul 05, 2025

   Discover Bordeaux’s many charms today, either on foot with a local expert or on two wheels—the locals’ preferred way to navigate the city’s charming backstreets. You have a wonderful selection of active opportunities to see this magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Site.
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
8. Day 8
   Bordeaux (Disembark), Fly to Portugal, Porto (Embark)

   Sun, Jul 06, 2025

   Disembark the ship and transfer to Bordeaux-Mérignac International Airport for your flight to Porto, where you’ll board the S.S. São Gabriel.
   Meals: Breakfast
9. Day 9
   Re?gua, Pinhão

   Mon, Jul 07, 2025

   Today is all about wine, which has been cultivated in the Douro River Valley since ancient Roman times. Get a crash course on the history of Port during your visit to the Douro Museum. Later, partake in a choice of excursions, including a tasting at a prestigious Port wine estate or a vineyard hike with a wine tasting at a local quinta.
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
10. Day 10
    Pinhão, Pocinho, Vega de Terrón

    Tue, Jul 08, 2025

    Go medieval today at Castelo Rodrigo, both the name of a hilltop castle as well as the village that surrounds it. The view from the top is incredible and the village is a charming place to ramble, relax and replenish. Alternatively, lace up your hiking boots and unleash your inner Indiana Jones with an up-close gander at some prehistoric carvings at an archaeological park.
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
11. Day 11
    Vega de Terrón (Salamanca), Barca d’Alva

    Wed, Jul 09, 2025

    Today, you can visit the historic university town of Salamanca—the “Golden City”—famous for its sand-colored buildings and abundance of churches. Feel the centuries fall away as your ship winds its way through the pristine, dramatic UNESCO-protected landscapes of the Douro River Valley.
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
12. Day 12
    Barca d’Alva, Régua

    Thu, Jul 10, 2025

    Discover the wonders of a special town right in the gateway of the Douro Valley, Lamego. Later, enjoy a Night Out with dinner at a local quinta.
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
13. Day 13
    Re?gua, Porto (Braga)

    Fri, Jul 11, 2025

    Discover the oldest town in Portugal today on a visit to Braga, where 2,000 years of history mingle with a youthful modern culture.
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
14. Day 14
    Porto

    Sat, Jul 12, 2025

    Portugal’s second city (after Lisbon), Porto gave its name to the nation’s most famous export, Port wine, and to the nation itself. Today, choose to explore Portugal on foot or by panoramic drive.
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
15. Day 15
    Porto (Disembark), Transfer to Lisbon

    Sun, Jul 13, 2025

    Disembark the ship and board a motorcoach, heading south through Portugal’s picturesque countryside to Lisbon where you will check in to your hotel.
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
16. Day 16
    Lisbon

    Mon, Jul 14, 2025

    Everything old is new again in the Portuguese capital. Get to know this hilly metropolis with a city tour that shows you all the top sights and treats you to an iconic, locally made pastry.
    Meals: Breakfast
17. Day 17
    Lisbon

    Tue, Jul 15, 2025

    Experience your own “Age of Discovery” with a full day to explore Lisbon however you wish. The city hosts remarkable museums and excellent shopping, and natives of Lisbon boast that they have the best food in the world.
    Meals: Breakfast
18. Day 18
    Lisbon (Depart)

    Wed, Jul 16, 2025

    If your cruise/tour package includes a group departure transfer or if you have purchased a private departure transfer, you will be transferred to Lisbon Portela Airport for your flight home.
    Meals: Breakfast

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