The Best of Bordeaux

If you’re looking to make the most of your time in Bordeaux then this is the itinerary for you. During your 7 day tour you will explore the winemaking regions of Saint Emilion and Pomerol, the most prestigious appellations of the Médoc including Margaux and Pauillac, along with Pessac-Léognan and Sauternes. You will enjoy immersive private experiences in each appellation, learning all about the varying terroirs and the characteristics of the wines from every corner of Bordeaux.

You will also spend time in the beautiful city of Bordeaux where you can enjoy a private historical tour and a food tour showcasing the delicious 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.

Explore every corner of the region with this all-encompassing itinerary.

Day 1 - Arrival in Bordeaux

Upon your arrival in Bordeaux, you will be welcomed by a member of our team at Bordeaux–Mérignac airport or Bordeaux Saint Jean train station. From there, 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 - The legendary Médoc

Today will be all about Bordeaux’s famous left bank, more precisely the Médoc, which is home to 60 of the 61 estates classified in 1855 for their exceptional quality, including four of the First Growths - Château Margaux, Château Lafite Rothschild, Château Mouton Rothschild and Château Latour. You will journey up the iconic Route des Châteaux surrounded by vineyards and the elegant architecture of dozens of Bordeaux’s most well-known châteaux. Your day will include immersive private experiences at two of the Médoc’s classified growths in Margaux, Pauillac, Saint-Julien or Saint-Estèphe. A private estate lunch, served with wines of the estate, will be planned for you as part of your day in the Médoc.

Day 3 - 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. Here you will enjoy private tours and special tastings at two very different châteaux where you will note the difference in the wines made in each appellation. Estates you might visit include Château Pavie, Château Figeac and Château Troplong Mondot. You will enjoy several tastings at each winery, including a number of prized vintages. For lunch, another private estate lunch will be planned for you. You will also have time to explore the ancient streets of the village, the cloisters and even procure some local wines to take home.

Day 4 - The Bassin d’Arcachon and Cap Ferret

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 beautiful 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 or Le Canon to taste fresh oysters 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 impressive Dune du Pilat, Europe's largest sand dune soaring 200 feet over the bay.

Day 5 - Red and whites of Pessac-Léognan

Just a stone’s throw from the city of Bordeaux, you’ll find the sub-region of Pessac-Léognan, hailed for producing the finest white wines of the region. The characteristics of the terroir in Pessac-Léognan allows this area to produce exceptional red and white wines, and the only white wines in the region capable of ageing. While Pessac-Léognan is one of the youngest appellations in Bordeaux, being established in 1987, it is home to some of the most historic estates including Château Haut Brion, Château La Mission Haut Brion, Château Carbonnieux and Château Smith Haut Lafitte.

Day 6 - 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 7 - 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. In Sauternes, we often organize private visits and tastings at Château d’Yquem where you will tour the vineyards and the facilities before tasting 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 8- Departure or head to Cognac

After a leisurely morning, your driver will take you to your point of departure.

Alternatively, 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. Here we organize private tours with world-famous names such as Rémy Martin, Hennessey and Courvoisier, as well as more intimate experiences at the small privately owned Cognac houses which dot the landscape.