CLASSIC ITINERARY – BORDEAUX
Sunday, Day 1: Castet-en-Dorthe
Guests are met in Bordeaux** and transferred by private chauffeured minibus to Rosa. Following a champagne welcome, there is time for a stroll before returning for your first dinner on board.
Monday, Day 2: Castet-en-Dorthe to Meilhan-sur-Garonne
This morning is spent cruising the picturesque canal, following the River Garonne, to the port of Meilhan-sur-Garonne. In the afternoon, we visit the medieval town of Saint Emilion, a UNESCO World Heritage site and centre of the most famous of the Bordeaux appellations. Later, we stop at Château Beau-Sejour-Becot, producer of premier and grand crus wines, where we discover the secrets of the vine and, of course, enjoy a tasting. Dinner on board
Tuesday, Day 3 Meilhan-sur-Garonne to Lagruère
This morning we depart early and enjoy the colourful market of Casteljaloux. Afterwards, we cruise to the charming little village of Lagruère, during the cruise you can cycle or walk the tow path and enjoy the stunning countryside. Following lunch on board we tour the Garonne river aboard a traditional flat-bottomed boat, after which we visit the beautiful village of Le Mas d’Agenais, its 11th century church playing host to an ornate Romanesque doorway and an original masterpiece by Rembrandt. After this we take a short drive to an artisanal dairy farm at Ramier where we experience the entire cheese making process, culminating in a delicious tasting. Dinner, if the weather permits, is a gourmet barbecue beside the barge, overlooking the River Garonne.
Wednesday, Day 4 Lagruère to Buzet-sur-Baise
This morning we cruise along the tranquil Canal de Garonne to our mooring at Buzet-sur-Baise, a pastoral haven. After lunch on board we visit the Château de Duras, an architectural wonder, which has been both a fortress and a stately home over its 900-year history. We wander through its 35 rooms and museum before returning to the hotel barge. Dinner on board.
Thursday, Day 5 Buzet-sur-Baise to Serignac-sur-Garonne
After breakfast we cruise further along the canal to our mooring at Serignac-sur-Garonne. Lunch on board is followed by an informative guided tour of the sustainable wine co-operative of Buzet, with a tasting of course! Next, we visit the cork museum at Mezin to learn about the history of cork-making, before heading to the 13th century bastide village of Vianne. Dinner tonight is a gourmet affair at the “Auberge du Goujon qui frétille”, a delightful local restaurant with a highly inventive menu.
Friday, Day 6 Serignac-sur-Garonne to Boé
We start the day with a visit to the medieval town of Nerac and tread in the footsteps of King Henry IV and Queen Margot. The château was built in the 15th century but much was destroyed during the French Revolution and today only the impressive north wing remains. We then stop at the Lapeyrade estate for a cellar tasting of Armagnac, the oldest alcohol in France. In the afternoon, we cruise towards our final destination of Boé, crossing the Plan Canal d’Agen, one of the longest aqueducts in France which spans the River Garonne. Captain’s Farewell Dinner on board.
Saturday, Day 7 Boé
After breakfast, guests are transferred by private chauffeured minibus back to their choice of location in Bordeaux**.
This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change.
On alternate weeks the cruise is in the reverse direction.
** Other locations available for Private Charter bookings
