The Best of Bordeaux
If you’re looking to make the most of your trip then this is the itinerary for you. During your 7 night tour you will explore the wine making regions of Saint Emilion, Médoc and Sauternes with your private guide and driver. You will notice how very different each of these regions are despite them all proudly wearing the prized crown of Bordeaux. You will also spend time in the beautiful city of Bordeaux where you will enjoy a private historical walking tour and/or a food tour showcasing the decadent specialties of the region. You will then head to the coast where you will board your private boat for a nautical adventure on the glorious Bassin d’Arcachon. And finally, not to be missed, is a day-trip to the wonderful region of Cognac where the world’s finest brandies await your arrival. Explore every corner of the region with this all-encompassing itinerary.
Duration:
8 days / 7 nights
Included in this itinerary
Four full-day private wine tours of Saint Emilion, Médoc, Sauternes and Cognac with private guide and driver
Full day tour on the coast including a private cruise and private transfers to/from Arcachon
Private historical walking tour and / or private food tour of the city
Private transfers upon arrival and departure
Tailor-made dining program
Day 1 - Arrival
Upon your arrival in Bordeaux, you will be welcomed by a member of our team. You will then be taken by private transfer to your accommodations amidst the vineyards of Bordeaux. The evening will be yours to relax and settle into your accommodations before enjoying a welcome dinner for you and your party.
Day 2 - Exploring the Médoc
Today will be all about Bordeaux’s famed left bank, more precisely the Médoc, which is home to 60 of the estates classified in 1855 for their exceptional quality. You will journey up the beautiful Route des Châteaux surrounded by vineyards and the stunning architecture of dozens of châteaux. Your guide will explain the history and nuances of this region and why the wines produced here are so very special. Your day will include private tours and tastings at two of the Médoc’s classified growths and lunch at a cozy brasserie featuring fantastic regional cuisine and exceptional local wines.
Day 3 - Discovering Saint-Emilion and Pomerol
Your second full day will be spent exploring Bordeaux’s right bank, home to the world-famous appellations of Saint-Emilion and Pomerol. With your guide, you will enjoy private tours and tastings at two very different châteaux where you will note the difference in the wines made in each appellation. You will enjoy several tastings at each winery, including a number of prized vintages. For lunch, you’ll head to the ancient village of Saint-Emilion where you will enjoy fine food and wine surrounded by centuries of history. You will have time to explore the storied streets of the village, its cloisters and even procure some local wines to take home.
Day 4 - A nautical adventure on the Bassin d’Arcachon
Today you will head to the coast for a day of nautical adventures. Your private boat and captain will be waiting for you at the jetty in the seaside town of Arcachon. Your boat will provide a unique vantage point from which you can take in everything the bay has to offer, from stunning sand banks and enormous sand dunes to the freshest seafood plucked straight from the deep blue waters of the bay. Onboard you will enjoy wine and local bites before disembarking at the village of l'Herbe to taste fresh oysters and shrimp from a prime position overlooking the bay. You’ll spend the rest of the day cruising through the quaint pastel-colored fishing villages, mooring at the sandbanks for a stroll on the pristine white sand and admiring the stunning Dune du Pyla, Europe's largest sand dune soaring 200 feet over the bay.
Day 5 - The city of Bordeaux
The emphasis of your day in the elegant city is for you to decide. For history lovers , a private historical walking tour will provide you with all the historical information and anecdotes you crave. For the gourmands, a private food tour is the perfect way to explore the city and savor the region’s delicacies. Or, if you are feeling adventurous, there’s nothing stopping you from doing both. Whatever your ideal day in the city might be, we will make it happen.
Day 6 - The golden wines of Sauternes
The appellation of Sauternes is known for producing what is arguably one of the world’s most unique wines. The vineyards of Sauternes are crisscrossed by the Ciron, a small tributary of the mighty Garonne river, which creates a very special micro-climate giving the wines of this region an exceptional aroma of candied fruit. You will enjoy a private tour of the vineyards and the facilities followed by tastings of some exceptional vintages spanning 20-30 years so you can experience the fascinating aging process of these golden wines. Between visits you can enjoy a Michelin-star experience or something more casual at a traditional bistro in the village of Sauternes.
Day 7 - Timeless traditions in Cognac
A short journey from Bordeaux you’ll find the wonderful world of Cognac, with its carefully guarded traditions, precious eaux de vie, and centuries-old chais oozing with authenticity and charm. Your private tours can include world-famous brands such a Rémy Martin, Hennessey and Courvoisier, or something more intimate at the small privately owned cognac houses which dot the landscape. Of course, your lunch will include wonderful local specialties and most likely a digestif to wash it all down.
Day 8- Departure
After a leisurely morning, your driver will take you to your chosen point of departure or onwards to your next experience in this beautiful region.
Please note that itinerary descriptions are for illustrative purposes only. Each itinerary is customized to your specific needs and priced accordingly.