Private Bordeaux City & Saint‑Émilion Picnic Wine Shore Excursion
Enjoy a full‑day private shore excursion that blends a panoramic tour of Bordeaux City with a wine tasting and picnic at a Saint‑Émilion château, followed by a guided visit of the UNESCO‑listed medieval village.
Pick up at your cruise ship in Bordeaux or Bassens
In the morning, your English‑speaking driver/guide will meet you directly at your cruise ship in Bordeaux or Bassens Cruise Port. After presenting the itinerary and answering any questions, board your premium air‑conditioned vehicle and set off for a panoramic tour of Bordeaux.
Commented panoramic tour of Bordeaux
Sit back and enjoy a narrated drive through Bordeaux, a “City of Art and History” and UNESCO World Heritage site known for its elegant 18th‑century architecture. With the on‑board PA system in our minivans, you can hear your guide clearly wherever you are seated. Discover major landmarks such as Place des Quinconces, the Monument to the Girondins, and broad boulevards lined with classical façades.
The Golden Triangle & riverfront highlights
Continue into the heart of Bordeaux’s “Golden Triangle,” defined by its grand avenues and beautiful squares. See Place de la Comédie, framed by the Grand Théâtre and Grand Hôtel, then follow the riverfront to admire Place de la Bourse and its famous water mirror. Other notable sights along the way may include the Cathedral of Saint‑André, Pey‑Berland Tower, and the lively Rue Sainte‑Catherine shopping street.
Drive to the Saint‑Émilion wine region
After your city tour, leave Bordeaux and head toward the Saint‑Émilion wine region on the right bank of the Dordogne. During the 45‑minute drive, your guide will introduce Bordeaux grape varieties, appellations, blending practices, and the historic links between Bordeaux wines and international trade.
Wine tour & picnic at a Saint‑Émilion château
On arrival at a carefully selected château, enjoy a guided visit of the vineyards and cellars followed by a tasting of the estate’s wines. Then pick up your picnic basket, prepared with local produce, and savor a relaxed picnic in a scenic spot on the estate grounds, accompanied by the château’s wine. If you wish, you can purchase additional bottles on site to take home or back to the ship.
Visit the medieval village of Saint‑Émilion
In the afternoon, continue to the village of Saint‑Émilion, renowned both for its wines and its medieval charm. Stroll through steep cobbled streets as your guide shares the story of the hermit Émilion, the early monks, and the development of winemaking in the area. See key sites such as the cloister and the monolithic church carved into the rock, and, if you wish, your guide can help arrange a private visit of the underground monuments (subject to availability and additional fees).
Return to your cruise ship
After some free time to explore Saint‑Émilion, browse wine shops, or enjoy a coffee on a terrace, your driver/guide will take you back to Bordeaux or Bassens Cruise Port. You’ll be dropped off at your ship at the end of a day that combines city highlights, fine wines, and the tranquil countryside of Bordeaux’s right bank.
