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Taste your way around Bordeaux with trips to historic vineyards, beautiful chateaux and local farmers' markets with top chef Monica Galetti

Set sail through one of France's prettiest regions and glide along three spectacular rivers, the Garonne, Dordogne and Gironde, on this historical and cultural journey.

You'll explore the country's breathtaking landscapes and captivating cultural treasures in Bordeaux, Fort Médoc, Cadillac, Blaye, Libourne and more. Wander through archaeological marvels, historic landmarks and magnificent vineyards where you'll be treated to tastings of the finest vintages.

Joining you on this special cruise is top chef Monica Galetti, who'll visit the enchanting farmers' market in Libourne with you, where you'll pick up some fresh ingredients for a live cooking demonstration in the evening. Pick up tips on making French small plates before a Q&A with Monica.

Other excursions to look forward to include a scenic drive from Blaye to Bourg along the Route de la Corniche Fleurie where you can marvel at the sights of Blaye Fortress and Lansac Windmill along the way.

Slow things down in Libourne and on your return to Bordeaux with multiple wine tastings, village tours, a farmers' market visit and Bordeaux heritage walking tour. This is a true showcase of the best Southwest France has to offer.

You'll be sailing along these majestic rivers on board the S.S. Bon Voyage, a luxury ship which truly captures the refined elegance of France in its decor, food, and accommodation. There are fabulous dining options available on the ship with traditional bistro fare served in La Brasserie, locally-inspired cuisines served in Le Grand Fromage and poolside service at Le Café du Soleil. The Soleil deck of the ship is incredibly comfortable, complete with a huge canopy, comfortable seating, and an infinity pool. The ship is designed for balmy Bordeaux summers with plenty of open-air seating and dining options.

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Your expert guide

Monica Galetti
Chef

Monica Galetti is a Samoan-born chef who trained in New Zealand and Britain alongside Chef Michel Roux Jr at the two Michelin-starred restaurant, Le Gavroche. Previously, Monica was the chef patron of her own restaurant, Mere, in the heart of Fitzrovia, which offered a relaxed and refined dining experience. She is a judge on MasterChef: The Professionals, presents the TV series Amazing Hotels, and is the author of three books: Monica's Kitchen, The Skills, and Monica at Home.

Price includes

  • Visit Libourne's lively farmers' market with Monica Galetti
  • Exclusive events with Monica Galetti including a live cooking demonstration and Q&A
  • Seven nights on the new Super-Ship S.S. Bon Voyage, in a Classic Stateroom
  • All meals on board, prepared using the finest and freshest ingredients
  • Captain's welcome and farewell reception and dinners
  • Six days of immersive, flexible and specially curated excursions
  • Visit Château Royal de Cazeneuve and Blaye Fortress
  • Enjoy a wine tasting in the Médoc region and a Saint-Émilion walking tour with wine tasting
  • Go on a walking tour of Bourg sur Gironde
  • Visit Cité du Vin museum
  • Onboard gratuities
  • Return flights from a range of UK airports, or Eurostar option

Availability

Call now to book 08082394833
Quote ref: UWBORDEAUXGALETTI
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Itinerary

  1. Day
    1
    Bordeaux
    Bordeaux, France

    Today you'll arrive at Bordeaux-Mérignac International Airport where you will be greeted by a Uniworld representative and transferred to the ship.

    Meals - Dinner
  2. Day
    2
    Cadillac
    Cadillac, France

    The French phrase 'la douceur de vivre' or 'the sweetness of life' will accurately describe your time in Cadillac, known for its delicious dessert wines.

    You'll visit Château Royal de Cazeneuve, once home to Henry IV and Queen Margot, where you'll meet the castle's current owner for a tour and a glass of Sauternes dessert wine in the reception hall. Alternatively, you can visit the nearby Château de Malromé to learn about the colourful life of Toulouse Lautrec.

    In the evening, a special Captain's Welcome Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you on board S.S. Bon Voyage.

    Meals - Breakfast, Dinner
  3. Day
    3
    Cussac Fort Médoc
    Cussac-Fort-M, France

    The legendary Médoc region is dotted with prestigious wine châteaux in an array of architectural styles, as well as miles of grapevines stretching towards the horizon.

    Today you'll take a wonderfully scenic drive along the historic Médoc wine route, followed by a wine tasting at a beautiful wine estate before tasting some fresh oysters, a regional delicacy.

    You'll also have the option of taking a peaceful cycle ride through some of the area's vineyards.

    Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  4. Day
    4
    Blaye, Bourg sur Gironde
    Bourg-sur-Gironde, France

    The Route de la Corniche Fleurie is one of France's most beautiful roads. You'll see it for yourself today on a 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.

    You'll also take a walking tour of Bourg sur Gironde, a fairytale village with a tumultuous and fascinating history waiting to be discovered.

    Meals - Breakfast, Dinner
  5. Day
    5
    Libourne
    Libourne, France

    With Libourne as your base, you'll travel to nearby breathtaking Saint-Émilion and immerse yourself more deeply in the region's history and wine culture.

    Wander this mediaeval town's cobblestone lanes lined with wine shops and bakeries, and stop to admire the amazing rock-hewn church that extends beneath the city's streets.

    There's another treasure awaiting you underground: a wine tasting in the atmospheric cellars of a Grand Cru estate.

    This evening, Monica Galetti will join you on board S.S. Bon Voyage for a drinks reception. Monica will host a Q&A where you can ask questions about her career and cooking. Monica will also be signing copies of her book; please note copies of her book will not be provided, you will have to bring yours with you.

    Meals - Breakfast, Dinner
  6. Day
    6
    Libourne
    Libourne, France

    France's rich agricultural heritage 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 with Monica Galetti?

    After sampling ingredients and perhaps buying some to take home, you'll head back to S.S. Bon Voyage where Monica will host a live cooking demo, showing you how to create small plates with the freshest of fresh Bordelaise ingredients.

    Meals - Breakfast, Dinner
  7. 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.

    You'll also visit the Cité du Vin museum, Bordeaux' excellent wine museum which educates visitors about the history of winemaking in the region with interactive exhibitions, sensory installations, videos, and, of course, wine tastings.

    In the evening, a special Captain's Farewell Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you back on board S.S. Bon Voyage.

    Meals - Breakfast, Dinner
  8. Day
    8
    Bordeaux
    Bordeaux, France

    Today you'll disembark the ship and transfer to Bordeaux-Mérignac International Airport for your flight home.

    Meals - Breakfast

Accommodation

SS Bon Voyage

5
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 SS Bon Voyage is a luxury river ship uniquely designed to immerse guests in French culture, art, and wine, from its stunning polished wood lobby to the staterooms with luxury marble bathrooms and Savoir beds. On board, you will find a choice of restaurants offering freshly prepared five-star cuisine and fine wines. There is nothing better than relaxing on the sundeck enjoying the ever-changing scenery or taking a dip in the only infinity pool on the world's rivers.

Brought to you by

Uniworld
This tour is operated solely by Uniworld
Uniworld is one of the world's outstanding luxury river cruise lines. 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.

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Availability

Call now to book 08082394833
Quote ref: UWBORDEAUXGALETTI