Bordeaux - Châteaux, Rivers & Wine

Day 1 (Saturday): Arrival day in Castets-en-Dorthe: Bus transfer @ 2 pm from Bordeaux train station to barge in Castets. Boarding at 3 pm.
Day 2 (Sunday): Castets - Saint Macaire - La Réole round-trip by bike, 19-32 mi. (30-50 km) | Castets - Cadillac by boat
Day 3 (Monday): Loupiac - Entre-Deux-Mers/Graves - Sauternes - Cadillac round-trip by bike, 32 mi. (50 km) | Cadillac - Bordeaux by boat
Day 4 (Tuesday): Heart of Bordeaux by bike, 10 mi. (15 km)
Day 5 (Wednesday): Bordeaux to Lamarque by boat | Lamarque - Margaux (Medoc) round-trip by bike, 28 mi. (45 km) | Lamarque to Bourg by boat
Day 6 (Thursday): Bourg - Blaye round-trip by bike, 23 mi. (37 km) | Bourg - Libourne by boat
Day 7 (Friday): Libourne - Saint Émilion & Pomerol round-trip by bike, 16-28 miles (25-45 km)
Day 8 (Saturday): Disembarkation in Libourne and transfer back to Bordeaux leaves barge @ 9 am, arrive at train station around 10 am.

*All distances are approximate.

Day 1 (Saturday): Arrival day - Bus transfer @ 2 pm from Gare St Jean Train Station in Bordeaux to barge docking location in Castets. Boarding at 3 pm. Optional bike ride around Canal des Deux Mers.
Arrival in Castets-en-Dorthe at the docking location near the Canal des Deux Mers, located in the middle of the Garonne Valley. Embarkation begins at 3 pm. Your bikes will be delivered and you may choose to enjoy a short bike ride around Castets, exploring this flat and fertile region, aptly named "Little Holland" with its walnut trees, kiwi orchards, and vegetable fields. Following the bike path along the Canal des Deux Mers (Canal of Two Seas) that links the Atlantic to the Mediterranean, you will discover this lush rural countryside. In the evening, a welcome cocktail awaits you on board, followed by a tour presentation and dinner.

Day 2 (Sunday): Castets-en-Dorthe - Saint Macaire - La Réole - Canal de la Garonne round-trip by bike, 19-32 mi. (30-50 km) | Castets-en-Dorthe to Cadillac by boat
After a restful night on board, the first town you will discover by bike is the lovely Saint Macaire with its wonderful gate and walls. You will have an opportunity to visit the former residence of the writer Francois Mauriac, as well as enjoy your first wine tasting at a château. Riding along fields of corn and sunflowers, you reach La Réole, crossing the Garonne river on a bridge designed by Gustave Eiffel. The town has a rich history and is known for its visit from Richard Lionheart in 1190, who on the way to the Holy Land, dedicated the town hall to thank the locals for their loyalty to the English crown. Explore the town's two castles, an impressive church, and narrow cobblestone streets. Continuing on along the Canal de la Garonne, built during the Napolean era, you can either bike directly back to the boat or take a ride to Meihan-Sur-Garonne to discover the amazing scenery it offers.

Day 3 (Monday): Loupiac - Entre-Deux-Mers/Graves - Sauternes - Cadillac round-trip by bike, 32 mi. (50 km) | Cadillac - Bordeaux by boat
Today we will discover the Sauternes region, where sweet dessert wines are made. We start with a view from Sainte-Croix du Mont and then follow the route along the winding banks of the Ciron River, whose icy waters flow into the warmer waters of the Garonne. In the autumn, when the climate is warm and dry, the combination of the two different temperatures produces the mist that descends on the vineyards, promoting the perfect conditions for the famous Sauternes wine. You will pass the famous vineyards of Château d'Yquem, Château Guiraud, and Clos Haut Peyraguey. Wine tastings are offered here! Today's route will end in Cadillac, also known as the birthplace of Bordeaux wines. It is a fortified medieval village known as the Bastide in the Entre-Deux-Mers wine region in between the Garonne and Dordogne rivers. Once back on board, you will travel along the Garonne River towards the enchanting city of Bordeaux, reaching the region's most prestigious panorama: the Stone Bridge, Place de la Bourse, and Quai des Chartrons.

Day 4 (Tuesday): Bordeaux, 10 mi. (15 km)
The guide will propose a city tour of Bordeaux to discover its architectural gems on two wheels. The short cycling tour, mainly on the new bike paths along the Garonne river, offers beautiful panoramic views of the waterfront city. In the afternoon, enjoy the UNESCO sites of Bordeaux during a walking or cycling tour. Its main attractions are the Cailhau Gate (royal entrance to the city), the Big Bell of Pey Berlan, the Golden Triangle, the Girondins column, the water mirror and Place de la Bourse. Visit historic squares, a hidden garden and quaint locations where you can stop for a tasting of Bordeaux’s renowned “canneles” and coffee or take some fresh oysters and white wine. Be sure to explore the town’s streets and shops where fine wines are still stored in underground cellars carved in stone, do some shopping along the pedestrian-friendly Rue Sainte Catherine, or visit the newly opened Cite du Vin.

Day 5 (Wednesday): Bordeaux to Lamarque by boat | Lamarque - Margaux (Médoc) round-trip by bike 28 mi. (45 km) | Lamarque to Bourg by boat
In the morning, the ship cruises from Bordeaux to Lamarque in the Gironde estuary, to start your cycling tour in the famous Médoc wine area. Later, as you wind your way through the vineyards, you will pass some of Margaux’s best wineries including the chateau Palmer, Issan, Lewis Brown, Rauzan Segla, Ferriere, and last but not least, Chateau Margaux. You can stop at one of these great wine estates for a visit or tasting (optional) and learn everything about classifications before returning to the boat. In the late afternoon, the ship will cruise the wide Gironde estuary to the jetty of Bourg, a picturesque little town near the conjunction of the Gironde and Dordogne rivers. The old city center overlooks the Gironde estuary.

Day 6 (Thursday): Bourg - Blaye Fortress and vineyards round-trip by bike, 23 mi. (37 km) | Bourg to Libourne by boat
Today’s cycling will take you through endless vineyards, fairytale chateaux, and elegant manor houses. Be enchanted by the ”douceur de vivre” (sweet life), so typical for this wine region. While the wine from this region may be lesser known than some ‘neighbors’ in the St. Emilion, Pomerol, and Medoc areas, the quality of the wines produced is second to none. Since the Middle Ages, countless numbers of pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela in Spain have passed through this region. In Blaye, you may cycle through or choose to take a tour of the impressive Vauban Fortress Citadel (UNESCO World Heritage Site) to admire the military masterwork of the architect of “Sun King’ Louis XIV. Return to Bourg via the ‘Corniche’, a scenic, quiet road along the Gironde estuary where you will pass beautiful riverside homes. You will also see a partially sunken ship from WWII near the caves where the French military would hide weapons and fuel. In the evening you will sail to the town of Libourne on the Dordogne river.

Day 7 (Friday): Libourne - Saint Émilion & Pomerol round-trip by bike, 16-28 miles (25-45 km)
Beginning in Libourne, today’s bike ride will take you through the famous Pomerol and Saint-Émilion wine areas. Pedaling the countryside, laced with vines, you will enjoy the unspoiled UNESCO World Heritage landscape of medieval villages and surrounding vineyards. Following picturesque back roads and paths, you will get a glimpse of Saint Émilion's most famous châteaux and cycle past some of the world’s most famous wine estates, producers of Angelus, Ausone, Cheval Blanc, and Petrus.  A true paradise for wine lovers! In Saint Émilion, a true highlight of the week, you may choose to tour an underground monolithic church, climb the King’s Tower for an incredible view of the village, or visit a winery shop for a tasting. Later in the day, you may choose to explore the town of Libourne and its city square, lined with buildings dating as far back as the 16th century, or enjoy the many cafes and pedestrian-only shopping street Rue Gambetta.

Day 8 (Saturday): Disembarkation in Libourne
Disembarkation after breakfast. Return bus transfer leaves barge @ 9 am and arrives at Gare St Jean train station in Bordeaux around 10 am.

Day 1 (Saturday): Arrival day in Libourne: Bus transfer @ 2 pm from Bordeaux train station to barge in Libourne. Boarding at 3 pm. Optional bike ride around Libourne, 7-10 mi. (10-15 km)
Day 2 (Sunday): Libourne - Saint Émilion & Pomerol round-trip by bike, 16-28 mi. (25-45 km) | Libourne - Bourg, by boat
Day 3 (Monday): Bourg -  Blaye round-trip by bike, 23 mi. (37 km)
Day 4 (Tuesday): Bourg - Lamarque by boat | Lamarque - Margaux (Médoc) round-trip by bike,  28 mi (45 km) | Lamarque - Bordeaux by boat
Day 5 (Wednesday): Heart of Bordeaux by bike, 10 mi. (15 km) | Bordeaux - Cadillac by boat
Day 6 (Thursday): Loupiac - Entre-Deux-Mers/Graves - Sauternes - Cadillac round-trip by bike, 32 mi. (50 km) | Cadillac - Castets-en-Dorthe by boat
Day 7 (Friday): Castets-en-Dorthe - Saint Macaire - La Réole - Canal de la Garonne round-trip by bike, 19-32 mi. (30-50 km)
Day 8 (Saturday): Disembarkation in Castets and transfer back to Bordeaux leaves barge @ 9 am, arrives at the train station around 10 am.

Day 1 (Saturday): Arrival day - Bus transfer @ 2 pm from Gare St Jean Train Station in Bordeaux to barge docking location in Libourne. Boarding at 3 pm. Optional bike ride around Libourne, 7-10 mi. (10-15 km)
Arrival in Libourne at the barge's docking location on the Dordogne river.  Embarkation begins at 3 pm. Your bikes will be presented and you may choose to enjoy a short bike ride around Libourne or explore the town on foot. Discover the picturesque city square, lined with buildings dating as far back as the 16th century, and enjoy the many cafes or the pedestrian-only shopping street Rue Gambetta. In the evening, a welcome cocktail awaits you on board, followed by a tour presentation and dinner.

Day 2 (Sunday): Libourne - Saint Émilion & Pomerol round-trip by bike, 16-28 mi. (25-45 km) | Libourne to Bourg, by boat
Beginning in Libourne, today’s bike ride will take you through the famous Pomerol and Saint-Émilion wine areas. Pedaling the countryside, crisscrossed with vines, you will enjoy the unspoiled UNESCO World Heritage landscape of medieval villages and surrounding vineyards. Following picturesque back roads and paths, you will get a glimpse of Saint Émilion's most famous châteaux and cycle past some of the world’s most famous wine estates, producers of Angelus, Ausone, Cheval Blanc, and Petrus.  A true paradise for wine lovers! In Saint Émilion, a true highlight of the week, you may choose to tour an underground monolithic church, climb the King’s Tower for an incredible view of the village, or visit a winery shop for a tasting. In the evening, the boat sails for Bourg, located at the conjunction of the Dordogne and the Garonne rivers.

Day 3 (Monday): Bourg -  Blaye and Fortress round-trip by bike, 23 mi. (37 km)
Today’s cycling will take you through endless vineyards, fairytale chateaux, and elegant manor houses. Be enchanted by the ”douceur de vivre” (sweet life), so typical for this wine region. While the wine from this region may be lesser known than some ‘neighbors’ in the St. Emilion, Pomerol, and Medoc areas, the quality of the wines produced is second to none. Since the Middle Ages, countless numbers of pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela in Spain have passed through this region. In Blaye, you may choose to take a tour of the impressive Vauban Fortress Citadel (UNESCO World Heritage Site) to admire the military masterwork of the architect of “Sun King’ Louis XIV. Return to Bourg via the ‘Corniche’, a scenic, quiet road along the Gironde estuary where you will pass beautiful riverside homes. You will also see a partially sunken ship from WWII near the caves where the French military would hide weapons and fuel.

Day 4 (Tuesday): Bourg to Lamarque by boat | Lamarque - Margaux (Médoc) round-trip by bike,  28 mi (45 km) | Lamarque to Bordeaux by boat
In the morning, you will enjoy breakfast while sailing the wide Gironde estuary to the jetty of Lamarque. Later, as you bike your way through the vineyards, you will pass some of Margaux’s best wineries including the Chateau Palmer, Issan, Lewis Brown, Rauzan Segla, Ferriere, and last but not least, Chateau Margaux. You will have the opportunity to stop at one of these great wine estates for a visit or tasting (optional). In the late afternoon, the MS Bordeaux will sail along the Garonne River towards the enchanting city of Bordeaux. The ship will berth for the night in the city center where you will see the region’s most prestigious panorama: the Stone Bridge, Place de la Bourse, and Quai des Chartrons.

Day 5 (Wednesday): Heart of Bordeaux, 10 mi. (15 km) | Bordeaux- Cadillac by boat
The guide will propose a city tour of Bordeaux to discover its architectural gems on two wheels. The short cycling tour, mainly on the new bike paths along the Garonne River, offers beautiful panoramic views of the waterfront city. In the afternoon, enjoy the UNESCO sites of Bordeaux during a walking or cycling tour. Its main attractions are the Cailhau Gate (royal entrance to the city), the Big Bell of Pey Berlan, and the Golden Triangle, the Girondins column, the water mirror and Place de la Bourse. Visit historic squares, a hidden garden, and quaint locations where you can stop for a tasting of Bordeaux’s renowned “cannels” and coffee or take some fresh oysters and white wine. Be sure to explore the town’s streets and shops where fine wines are still stored in underground cellars carved in stone, do some shopping along the pedestrian-friendly Rue Sainte Catherine, or visit the newly opened Cite du Vin. After dinner, the boat will cruise along the Garonne River to Cadillac.

Day 6 (Thursday): Loupiac - Entre-Deux-Mers/Graves - Sauternes - Cadillac round-trip by bike, 32 mi. (50 km) | Cadillac to Castets-en-Dorthe by boat
Today we will discover the Sauternes region, where sweet dessert wines are made. We start with a view from Sainte-Croix du Mont and then follow the route along the winding banks of the Ciron River, whose icy waters flow into the warmer waters of the Garonne. In the autumn, when the climate is warm and dry, the combination of the two different temperatures produces the mist that descends on the vineyards, promoting the perfect conditions for the famous Sauternes wine. You will pass the famous vineyards of Château d'Yquem, Château Guiraud, and Clos Haut Peyraguey. Wine tastings are offered here! Today's route will end in Cadillac, also known as the birthplace of Bordeaux wines. It is a fortified medieval village known as the Bastide in the Entre-Deux-Mers wine region in between the Garonne and Dordogne rivers. In the evening, cruise further upstream to the scenic village of Castets-en-Dorthe, the end of the navigable part of the Garonne River.

Day 7 (Friday): Castets-en-Dorthe - Saint Macaire - La Réole - Canal de la Garonne round-trip by bike, 19 - 32 mi. (30-50 km)
After a restful night on board, the first town you will discover by bike is the lovely Saint Macaire with its wonderful gate and walls. You will have an opportunity to visit the former residence of the writer Francois Mauriac, as well as enjoy your first wine tasting at a château. Riding along fields of corn and sunflowers, you reach La Réole, crossing the Garonne river on a bridge designed by Gustave Eiffel. The town has a rich history and is known for its visit from Richard Lionheart in 1190, who on the way to the Holy Land, dedicated the town hall to thank the locals for their loyalty to the English crown. Explore the town's two castles, an impressive church, and narrow cobblestone streets. Continuing on along the Canal de la Garonne, built during the Napolean era, you can either bike directly back to the boat or take a ride to Meihan-Sur-Garonne to discover the amazing scenery it offers. Enjoy your last dinner on board here in Castets-en-Dorthe.

Day 8 (Saturday): Disembarkation in Castets and transfer back to Bordeaux
Disembarkation after breakfast. Return bus transfer leaves barge @ 9 am and arrives at Gare St Jean train station in Bordeaux around 10 am.

**Important**: The Garonne and Dordogne Rivers are part of a tidal river system that results in changing water levels (daily changes of up to 6 meters / 20 ft.) in the region. Every effort is made to follow the scheduled itinerary, however, based on tides it may be amended or modified as required.