Barge Cruising in Bordeaux

This luxury barge cruise is the most delightful way to explore beautiful Bordeaux.

NZD $9,315

 

Tour Description

The Bordeaux region with its “special terroir” has been producing astonishing wine for around 2,000 years, though it may just be the stunning chateaux, eclectic markets or artistic past-times that you fall in love with. Cruising in summer and autumn, highlights include a tour of the famous Saint Emilion, visit to the impressive Chateau de Duras, cruise across the 1,900 foot Agen aqueduct, and wine, cheese and Armagnac tastings.

Alternatively, please enquire about a Gascony cruise in the spring and summer months (April to early July).

Your luxury European Waterways barge: Hotel Barge Rosa is an old Dutch ‘Clipper’ barge that was built early in the last century to carry different cargoes on the offshore waterways of Holland. The prettily decorated saloon is particularly welcoming and features attractive wood panelling, comfortable seating, dining area and a bar. The four cosy staterooms accommodating eight passengers have individually controlled air-conditioning, heating and full en suite facilities. Two state rooms have double beds, the other two staterooms have twin beds.

Outside there is a spacious sun deck with a dining area and parasols for enjoying an alfresco prepared by your chef. Comfortable loungers are also there to relax in as you take in the passing countryside on your sedate cruise along the Canal de Garonne. Bikes are available for your use if you wish to perhaps venture into the next village along the towpath. Rosa also featured in the successful television series, Rick Stein’s ‘French Odyssey’, and you are sure to enjoy your own personal ‘odyssey’ through this colourful, captivating part of southwest France.

 
 

HIGHLIGHTS AND INCLUSIONS

Bordeaux: Begin your journey in Bordeaux, one of France’s most famous wine regions. Explore this elegant city known for its stunning architecture, historic landmarks, and vibrant culture. Visit the Place de la Bourse, the Bordeaux Cathedral, and enjoy a stroll along the beautiful waterfront.

Barge Experience: Set sail on a luxurious barge through the picturesque waterways of the Bordeaux region. Enjoy the unique charm and intimacy of barge cruising, with comfortable accommodations and personalized service on board.

Wine Tasting: Discover the world-renowned wines of Bordeaux with guided tastings at some of the region’s prestigious vineyards and châteaux. Learn about the wine-making process, explore the vineyards, and savor exceptional Bordeaux wines paired with gourmet meals.

 

  • Day 1 : Bordeaux > Castets-en-Dorthe


    You will be 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.

    Day 2 : Castets-en-Dorthe > Meilhan-sur-Garonne


    This morning, visit the medieval town of Saint Emilion, a UNESCO World Heritage site and centre of the most famous of the Bordeaux appellations. Later, stop at Chateau Beau-Sejour-Becot, producer of premier and grand crus wines, where you will discover the secrets of the vine and, of course, enjoy a tasting. After lunch back on board, we’ll follow the Canal de Garonne, to the port of Meilhan-sur-Garonne, before dinner on board.

    Day 3 : Meilhan-sur-Garonne > Lagruere


    This morning enjoy a cruise to the charming little village of Lagruere. At this time, you can cycle or walk the tow path and enjoy the stunning countryside. Following lunch on board, tour the Garonne river aboard a traditional flat-bottomed boat, after which 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 take a short drive to an artisanal dairy farm 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.

    Day 4 : Lagruere > Buzet-sur-Baise


    This morning depart early and enjoy the colourful market of Lavardac, before heading to the 13th century bastide village of Vianne to see a skilled glassblower at work. A delectable lunch of regional specialties will be served at restaurant ‘Le Moulin des Saveurs’, before returning to the barge for a cruise along the tranquil Canal de Garonne to our mooring at Buzet-sur-Baise, a pastoral haven. Dinner on board.

    Day 5 : Buzet-sur-Baise > Serignac-sur-Garonne


    This morning, enjoy a leisurely cruise to Serignac-sur-Garonne with time to explore the towpath, or relax on the decktop. After lunch on board, visit the medieval town of Nerac and tread in the footsteps of King Henry IV and Queen Margot. The chateau 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. Dinner on board.

    Day 6 : Serignac-sur-Garonne > Boe


    We start the day with a morning cruise towards our final destination of Boe, crossing the Plan Canal d’Agen, one of the longest aqueducts in France which spans the River Garonne. After lunch, we enjoy a stroll through the historic town of Agen to enjoy the colourful decorated cathedral dedicated to Saint Caprasius, before a tour and tasting of biodynamic wines at the family-owned Domaine du Bois de Simon. Captain’s Farewell Dinner on board.

    Day 7 : Boe > Bordeaux


    After breakfast you will be transferred by private chauffeured minibus to your choice of location in Bordeaux.

    *This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. On alternate weeks, the cruise will be in the reverse direction.

  • Included

    • Cruise journey

    • 6-nights’ onboard the 4-star Rosa barge

    • All meals during your cruise

    • Open bar onboard available 24/7 with a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks

    • Arrival and departure transfers between Bordeaux and the barge on the Bordeaux route; or between Toulouse and the barge on the Gascony route

    • Excursions and entrance fees as per the itinerary

    • Use of the barge facilities including bicycles and hot tub

    Not Included

    • Gratuities

  • Booking and Payments

    • Deposit: A non-refundable deposit of 30% of the total tour cost is required to confirm your booking.

    • Final Payment: The balance must be paid in full 90 days before the departure date. Failure to do so may result in the cancellation of your booking.

    Cancellations and Refunds

    • Cancellation by Client:

    • More than 90 days before departure: Loss of deposit.

    • 30-90 days before departure: 65% of the total tour cost.

    • Less than 30 days before departure: 100% of the total tour cost.

    • Cancellation by Company: We reserve the right to cancel the tour due to unforeseen circumstances. In such cases, a full refund will be provided.

    • Changes to Itinerary

    • Flexibility Required: Weather and road conditions may necessitate changes to the planned route and itinerary. Flexibility is essential.

    • Substitutions: We reserve the right to substitute accommodations and services of similar standard when necessary.

    Travel Insurance

    • Mandatory: Comprehensive travel insurance covering medical expenses, personal injury, and emergency evacuation is mandatory for all participants.

    • Proof Required: Proof of insurance must be provided before the tour begins.

    Health and Safety

    • Fitness Level: A reasonable level of fitness is required for participation in the activities outlined in the tour itinerary.

    • Medical Conditions: Participants must disclose any pre-existing medical conditions at the time of booking.

    Liability

    • Responsibility: The company will not be held liable for any injury, loss, or damage to personal property that occurs during the tour.

    • Third-Party Services: The company is not responsible for the actions or omissions of third-party providers, such as airlines or accommodation services.

    Visas and Documentation

    • Passport Validity: Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the return date.

    • Visas: Obtaining necessary visas and travel documents is the responsibility of the participant.

    Conduct

    • Respect for Culture: Participants are expected to respect local customs and cultures.

    • Behavior: Disruptive or harmful behavior may result in the participant being asked to leave the tour, with no refund provided.

    Complaints

    • Immediate Reporting: Any complaints should be reported immediately to the tour leader to allow for a timely resolution.

    • Post-Tour Complaints: Complaints must be submitted in writing within 30 days of the tour's conclusion.

    By booking this tour, you agree to adhere to these terms and conditions.

 

Travellers photos