Experience Bordeaux and the Médoc with James Martin

Experience the best of the magnificent Médoc with one of Britain’s best-loved chefs and a taste of its amazing wines with expert Susy Atkins

New October 2021 departure just announced!

The Government has given the go-ahead for all river cruises. For up-to-date advice on travel and COVID-19, see our homepage.

Glorious châteaux, delicious wines, stunning scenery, a luxurious ship and the company of one of Britain's best-loved chefs - you have all the ingredients for the perfect river cruise.

The Bordeaux region is where it all began for James Martin as a trainee in the Michelin-starred Hostellerie de Plaisance, Saint-Émilion, and he's been coming back to this beautiful part of France ever since.

On this eight-night journey, you will try clarets, including tastings with wine expert Susy Atkins. You will also join James at an oyster tasting, hear about his life in a talk, learn how to cook French classics and enjoy a very special dinner designed by James himself. You'll also take in farmers' markets, go on guided tours and do yoga at Blaye's historic fortress.

What's more, your ship SS Bon Voyage is one of the newest and most luxurious ships operating in France. She has been uniquely designed to immerse guests in French culture, art and wine. On y va, alors?

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Reasons to book

Exclusive dinner cooked by James Martin

James and Uniworld's French executive chefs will create a special gala dinner with wine pairings, which is certain to be a highlight

Cooking demo, oyster tasting and Q&A

James will give a demo on the French classics, join you for an oyster and wine tasting and an exclusive talk about his life and love of food

Ultimate luxury all-inclusive

You ship combines the finest aspects of a floating five-star hotel, with Savoir beds, plunge pool, spa, choice of restaurants and fine wines

Wine tastings with Susy Atkins

You will be joined by Susy on tastings at incredible wineries in Saint-Emilion and Libourne and she will be on hand to answer any questions

Peace of mind

Uniworld is ABTA-bonded (Y6200) and your trip is ATOL-protected, so you can book this voyage with confidence as it’s 100% protected

Unforgettable excursions

From Bordeaux to Saint Emilion, bike tours to King Henry IV's former chateau, cheese and oyster tastings to exclusive wine visits

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Tour brochure

Your expert guides

James Martin

Television presenter and chef

James Martin is one of the nation's favourite chefs

Before gracing UK televisions, James Martin travelled throughout France working in the kitchens of French châteaux. At 21, he opened the Hotel and Bistro du Vin in Winchester as Head Chef, where he changed the menu daily. James' TV shows have included James Martin: Home Comforts, British favourite Saturday Kitchen and James Martin's French Adventure. He can be found at James Martin Manchester and The Kitchen at Chewton Glen.

Susy Atkins

Wine critic, journalist and author

Susy Atkins is a familiar face to most food and drink lovers, having made regular appearances as a wine expert and presenter on BBC One's flagship cookery show Saturday Kitchen. Her 11 books include Wine Wisdom, Wine Made Easy and the bestselling Girls' Guide to Wine. She has won the Glenfiddich Food & Drink award and the Prix du Champagne Lanson wine writing award, and is the wine editor of Delicious magazine and consultant editor of the South West Independent Gin & Artisan Spirit Guide.

Price includes

Travel with Uniworld, consistently ranked as the best river cruise line
Return flights from a range of UK airports, or Eurostar or self-drive
Seven night's all-inclusive on the new Super-Ship S.S. Bon Voyage, in Classic stateroom
Oyster and wine tasting
Gala dinner cooked by James Martin
Cooking demonstration with James Martin
Exclusive talk and Q&A with James Martin
Wine tastings with Susy Atkins, including stunning wineries in Libourne and Saint-Emilion
All meals on board, prepared using the finest and freshest ingredients
Six days of immersive, flexible and specially curated excursions
All gratuities included, both on ship and land

Availability

From

Sun, Sun, Oct 31, 2021

To

Sun, Sun, Nov 7, 2021

Duration

8 Days

Price per person

£2,249*

* Price based on two people sharing a cabin. Subject to availability. Single supplement applies. **Uniworld is ABTA-bonded (Y6200) and your trip is ATOL-protected (10975) . Holidays are operated by and subject to the booking conditions of Uniworld, a company wholly independent of Hearst UK. This offer is exclusive to a select group of media brands, including Hearst UK brands. Always check the FCO travel advice, as it includes the very latest information on safety, security, travel warnings and health.

Call now to book 08082394833

Quote ref: HEARST JAMES MARTIN

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Itinerary

Day
1

Arrive in Bordeaux

Bordeaux, France

Arrive from the UK via flight, Eurostar or Uniworld's new self-drive option. On arrival you will be greeted by a Uniworld representative and transferred to the ship.

Meals - Dinner
Day
2

Blaye and Bourg

Blaye, France

Drive along the beautiful Route de la Corniche Fleurie to Blaye Fortress. Explore this Unesco World Heritage site and enjoy a yoga sessio in the heart of the citadel. Tonight you will enjoy an exclusive Q&A session with James as he discusses his life and love of food - from his French roots and culinary adventures to his presenting career.

Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day
3

Fort Medoc and Pauillac

Pauillac, France

This morning as you sail to the Médoc, James will give a private cooking demonstration on the French Classics on the top deck of the Café Du Soleil? When you reach the legendary Médoc region, he will also join you to experience the local produce with an exclusive oyster tasting session.
After a day of sightseeing and wine tasting at a beautiful wine estate you will enjoy a exclusive gala dinner, designed and prepared by James alongside Uniworld's French executive chefs.

Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day
4

Cadillac and Libourne

Cadillac, France

The French phrase "la douceur de vivre" is an accurate description for your time in Cadillac, known for its deliciously flavoured 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. Later today Susy Atkins will host a small get together where you can get to know your guest over a glass of fine wine.

Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day
5

Saint-Emilion

Saint Emilion, France

Wander its cobblestone lanes of Saint Emilion which are lined with wine shops and bakeries, and stop to admire the amazing rock-hewn church that extends beneath the city's streets. Susy will accompany you on an unforgettable tour and wine tasting at Château Beauséjour Bécot, a perfect way to immerse yourself in the regions rich wine culture.

Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day
6

Libourne

Libourne, France

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? Later today feel inspired as Susy Atkins gives an incredible insight into her career and hosts a fantastic wine tasting on board.

Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day
7

Bordeaux

Bordeaux, France

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. Later on this afternoon enjoy an opportunity to take part in an interactive tour to the La Cité du Vin.

Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day
8

Return home from Bordeaux

Bordeaux, France

Your culinary journey has come to an end. Disembark the ship to begin your journey home. If you have travelled by plane or train your transfer will be waiting to drop you to the airport. Or opt for the self-drive option.

Meals - Breakfast

Accommodation

SS Bon Voyage

Cruise ship

Sailing with Uniworld is like cruising in a five-star hotel – you’ll enjoy industry- leading service throughout your journey through the beautiful countryside. The new SS Bon Voyage is one of the world's finest river ships uniquely designed to immerse guests in French culture, art and wine, from its stunning polished wood lobby to the marble-bathroomed staterooms and Savoir Beds. On board, you will find a choice of restaurants offering freshly-prepared five-star cuisine with all meals and unlimited drinks including fines wines and spirits, a sun deck with stunning infinity pool, well-equipped fitness centre and the luxury Serenity River Spa.In your Classic Stateroom you will find hand-crafted Savoir Beds.

Brought to you by

Uniworld

This tour is operated solely by Uniworld

Award-winning Uniworld offers itineraries in spectacular destinations throughout Europe, Russia, Egypt, and Asia. The company’s European fleet features luxurious ships with an average capacity of 130 guests, the highest staff-to-guest ratio in the river cruise industry, enticing shore excursions, world-class gourmet cuisine, impeccable hospitality, and numerous other all-inclusive benefits.

To view Uniworld’s supplier’s terms and conditions click here.

This tour is protected by the following:

Availability

From

Sun, Sun, Oct 31, 2021

To

Sun, Sun, Nov 7, 2021

Duration

8 Days

Price per person

£2,249*

* Price based on two people sharing a cabin. Subject to availability. Single supplement applies. **Uniworld is ABTA-bonded (Y6200) and your trip is ATOL-protected (10975) . Holidays are operated by and subject to the booking conditions of Uniworld, a company wholly independent of Hearst UK. This offer is exclusive to a select group of media brands, including Hearst UK brands. Always check the FCO travel advice, as it includes the very latest information on safety, security, travel warnings and health.

Call now to book 08082394833

Quote ref: HEARST JAMES MARTIN