Cruises through beautiful Bordeaux

Let the river flow with French wine on a Scenic Tours Bordeaux River Cruise

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For fans of French wine and cuisine, there can be few experiences more deeply satisfying than sailing through the Bordeaux and Medoc regions on a five-star, boutique river ship.

This area is the holy grail of wine production – where the river sides are striped with vineyards and the wine tastings have an extra splash of je ne sais quoi.

Your ship makes a stately progress past sleepy villages, nodding sunflowers and hillsides striped with vineyards, as the Gironde slips through the chalky hills like a knife through foie gras.

During this serene journey, all that’s required of you is to sit back, relax and take in the ever-changing view of this famous wine region, whether with a Sauternes on the sundeck, a café au lait in the panoramic lounge, or afternoon patisseries on your private balcony – served, on Scenic Diamond, by your personal butler, no less.

And ashore, you’ll visit the gorgeous towns of France’s balmy south-west, tour the finest wineries for exquisite tastings, dine in a fabulous chateau, discover oyster farms and go shopping with a chef.

The pleasure of this gastronomic Bordeaux River Cruise is made all the more rewarding by the understated luxury of Scenic Diamond – the luxurious pinnacle of French river cruising, where 83 per cent of staterooms have a spacious private balcony.

From a tartelette in the relaxed River Café, to scallops in the elegant Crystal Dining Restaurant, to lobster al fresco amid spectacular scenery on The Riverview Terrace, the dining experiences are exceptional, with delicious new menus every day.

You’ll also be invited to enjoy fine dining in Portobellos, the ship’s Italian restaurant. And Diamond Deck guests have a seat reserved at Table la Rive, where a six-course tasting menu with wine-pairing is served.

All drinks – from house champagne to malt whisky, are included in your holiday price. And there are cocktails at sunset, as you drink in the spectacular landscapes of St Emilion, with your Scenic Sundowner experience.

With an incredible standard of service on board and the best crew-to-passenger ratio, you’ll feel thoroughly spoiled as you uncork this great wine region, with 17 flexible Scenic FreeChoice options across seven ports.

Savour a tasting of the prestigious Chateau Giraud dessert wines in Cadillac, and tour a castle built to protect Lord Charlemagne.

In magnificently medieval St Emilion, visit the catacombs of the cavernous Monolithic church, carved out of rock by a returning crusader.

Discover the fortified town of Cognac and sample the brandies at the famous Remy Martin cellars.

At Pauillac you’ll be treated to a fabulous dinner and classical music performance in the opulent Chateau Giscours – a wonderfully memorable evening.

Bordeaux itself sits on a perfect half-moon bend on the Gironde river, where wide quays curve around the river past Gothic churches, tree-lined roads, 18th century merchant mansions and the historic Quartier Saint-Pierre.

In the evening an illuminations cruise follows the Captain’s dinner, a wonderful way to round off a vintage wine voyage which is a tantalising feast for eyes and tastebuds. Àvotre santé!

Don’t leave it too long to live this fabulous, French gastronomic river cruise experience. The award-winning Scenic ships are well known as the ultimate in all-inclusive luxury and always fill up fast!

http://www.scenictours.co.uk/tour/bordeaux-river-cruise-bod.1-1516/