Splendours of Bordeaux & Aquitaine
A sumptuous wine tasting cruise along the Garonne & Gironde Rivers, from the grand city of Bordeaux to the Arcachon Basin aboard the MS Cyrano de Bergerac
- 19 September 2020
Join us as we sail through charming scenery on a relaxing cruise through the region of France famous for its ‘Art de Vivre’. Our weeklong trip combines the glories of the French landscape with the famous wine region of Bordeaux which produces the world’s highest concentration of fine wines.
The success of wine production in the Bordeaux area is attributed to its proximity to sea and rivers which give it a moderate climate with a low risk of severe frosts. While the majority of attention is focused on the top Bordeaux wines, 1855 Classified Growths and the best wines from the prestigious Right Bank appellations, there are 54 different Bordeaux appellations in total with a combined acreage of more than 296,596 acres. Throughout the entire Bordeaux region, close to 450 million bottles of wine are produced in most years. At its heart, sitting alongside the Garonne River, the city of Bordeaux is surrounded in nearly all directions by its world-famous vineyards.
We have timed our river cruise through this picturesque region during the late summer when temperatures are warm and tourist sites less crowded. There will be a variety of wine tasting opportunities during our cruise including Château Lanessan and Château Gruaud-Larose (Haut Medoc), Château de la Dauphine (Fronsac) and Château Myrat (Sauternes). There are also opportunities for further wine tasting at the historic Château Pape Clément and the beautiful Château Carbonnieux. Other highlights include the remarkable Citadel at Blaye, the Basin d’Arcachon, the charming city of Bordeaux and the Great Dune of Pilat, the highest sand dune in Europe.
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Cyrano de Bergerac
The MS Cyrano de Bergerac is a stylish and elegant vessel built to embody comfort and relaxation with attentive personal service for cruises in the Bordeaux region. The vessel can accommodate up to 174 passengers but for the purposes of these cruises we are limiting the passenger number to 150 to allow for more space on board and a convivial atmosphere. Original paintings throughout the ship and French design touches give the ship a unique character. The vessel is owned and operated by our associates CroisiEurope and we have chartered the ship for this fascinating voyage.
Itinerary
Day 1 London to Bordeaux, France.
Fly by scheduled flight or travel by train from London St Pancras via Paris. On arrival transfer to the MS Cyrano de Bergerac and embark. This evening meet your fellow travellers for the welcome drink and dinner on board.
Day 2 Bordeaux to Pauillac.
Enjoy a leisurely morning on board as we cruise along the Garonne and Gironde Rivers, arriving into the small town of Pauillac this afternoon. Pauillac is possibly the most famous of all the Bordeaux wine producing appellations with a total of 115 different chateaux producing wine. Pauillac wines are rich, full bodied and tannic. After lunch on board, there will be a choice of two fabulous wine estates to visit. The first choice is Château Lanessan, an estate which dates from 1793 and houses a famous cellar and a sophisticated horse museum with superb stables and a collection of horse-drawn carriages dating back to the “Belle Epoque”. Alternatively visit Château Gruaud-Larose, an estate with a long history in the St Julien appellation dating back to the days when the property was first owned by a knight known as Joseph Stanislas Gruaud. Today the Château produces an average of 18,000 cases of wine each year, offering a powerful Bordeaux wine in a traditional style. Each visit will include the estate’s cellars, followed by a wine tasting. The excursion to Château Lanessan also includes a visit to the Horse Museum. Afterwards we travel along the Route des Châteaux (Mouton-Rothschild, Lafite-Rothschild, Cos d’Estournel, Saint Estephe) with several photo opportunities en-route of these magnificent châteaux. Return to the ship in Pauillac and enjoy dinner on board this evening and an overnight mooring.
Day 3 Pauillac to Gironde Estuary & Blaye.
We set sail early this morning, cruising along the Gironde to the estuary. After lunch on board we will arrive in Blaye. The wine appellations in the Blaye area cover a total of 6000 hectares, with no fewer than 700 winegrowers. Red Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux are mainly Merlot based, deep-coloured wines with fruity aromas. Sauvignon Blanc, the star grape variety in White Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux wines, has lovely citrus acidity, and a long after taste. We will set off on our excursion along the Corniche, or cliff route, stopping in the village of Bourg, a charming city built on a rocky outcrop enclosed by Medieval ramparts. Here, we visit the superbly located Château Tayac, overlooking the river, for a wine tasting. Continue on to visit the Citadel at Blaye before returning to the MS Cyrano de Bergerac.
Day 4 Blaye to Libourne & Saint Emilion.
We set sail early this morning, join the river Dordogne and head for Libourne where we arrive in the early afternoon. After lunch on board, we set off by coach on our excursion to Saint-Emilion. Enjoy a guided visit of the underground monuments of Saint-Emilion village. We then visit an exceptional Troglodyte settlement – the cave of Emilion. Continue to Château de la Dauphine at Fronsac, for a tasting of their fabulous wines. Since the 18th century, the wines of Fronsac and Canon-Fronsac enjoyed the best of reputations in the Libourne region, and even rated higher than their neighbours in Saint-Emilion and Pomerol. We also visit the first floor of the château, which is truly majestic, built by 1750 in the classical style and set within beautiful gardens. We rejoin our vessel in Libourne and moor overnight.
Day 5 Libourne to Bordeaux.
Enjoy breakfast and lunch on board as we continue our cruise back to Bordeaux, where we arrive in the early afternoon. After lunch there will be a choice of included tours. Join a city tour which will include highlights such as the cathedrals of Saint Andre and Saint Michel followed by a visit to the world-class Cité du Vin with its imaginative and interactive approach to wine, as well as its extraordinary wine shop offering over 800 wines. Alternatively, join our tour to nearby Château Pape Clément, one of the oldest Grand Crus in the whole Bordeaux region. The vineyard was planted in the 13th century by Bertrand de Goth, who went on to become Pope Clement V. Return to the vessel for dinner and moor overnight in Bordeaux.
Day 6 Arcachon Basin or Pessac-Leognan Region.
After breakfast on board, we set off on our full day excursion to the centre of the Arcachon basin. We begin our tour by boarding local boats for a mini cruise of the Basin d’Arcachon, touring around Bird Island, ending at Le Canon where we visit an oyster farm. Here we learn about the farming and history of the oyster, after which we will enjoy an oyster tasting. Return to Arcachon for lunch and, for those who wish, the tour will continue with a visit to see the Great Dune of Pilat. Alternatively, take a more leisurely half day morning tour to the nearby Pessac-Léognan region, where we will visit the beautiful Château Carbonnieux. On arrival enjoy some free time to explore the winery which Basin Château Lafite Rothschild on the Route des Châteaux Great Bell of Bordeaux offers a permanent exhibition of classic cars, wine worker’s tools and a boutique selling the estate’s produce. Afterwards there will be a delicious cheese and wine pairing session before the drive back to the vessel for lunch and an afternoon at leisure in Bordeaux. Moor overnight.
Day 7 Cadillac.
After a leisurely morning of cruising and lunch on board, we will depart for a tour of Château de Roquetaillade where the dungeon tower dates from the 11th century, and the quarters of the Seigneurs from the 12th century. The “new castle” was refurbished by Viollet le Duc, initiator of the Gothic Revival Movement in France 1840-1870 and well-known for his interpretive restorations of Medieval buildings such as Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, and the ramparts of Carcassonne. We conclude with a visit to nearby Sauternes for a tasting of this delicious sweet wine at Château de Myrat, property of family De Pontac who have been involved in Bordeaux vines since 1533. Since 1960 it has produced the famous sweet white wine of Sauternes, ranked as a Grand Cru of Second Growth (Deuxième Cru) class in the original Bordeaux Wine Official classification of 1855. This evening join your fellow travellers on board for a farewell dinner as we cruise back to Bordeaux.
Day 8 Bordeaux to London.
Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the airport or train station for your return journey to London.
Dates and Prices
SPECIAL OFFER - SAVE £200 PER PERSON FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY
Prices per person based on double occupancy
| 19 to 26 September 2020 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
| Category 1 Main Deck Twin | £2595 | £2395 |
| Category 2 Middle Deck Twin | £2695 | £2495 |
| Category 3 Upper Deck Twin | £2795 | £2595 |
| Category 4 Main Deck Single Cabin | £2595 | £2395 |
| Category 5 Middle Deck Single Cabin | £2695 | £2495 |
| Category 6 Upper Deck Single Cabin | £2795 | £2595 |
Tour Reference Code: RCCY1900920
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air or train travel • Seven nights aboard the MS Cyrano de Bergerac on full board basis • All-inclusive drinks from 10am to 11pm daily (exclusions apply) • Shore excursions • Wine tastings as described • Cruise Director • Tour Manager • Guest Speaker • Transfers • Gratuities • Port taxes • Airport taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
NB. Please be advised that the order of the itinerary may change due to tidal conditions.
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Deckplan
Cyrano de Bergerac
The MS Cyrano de Bergerac is a stylish and elegant vessel built to embody comfort and relaxation with attentive personal service for cruises in the Bordeaux region. The vessel can accommodate up to 174 passengers but for the purposes of these cruises we are limiting the passenger number to 150 to allow for more space on board and a convivial atmosphere. Original paintings throughout the ship and French design touches give the ship a unique character. The vessel is owned and operated by our associates CroisiEurope and we have chartered the ship for this fascinating voyage.
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Ship Directory
Please find below further details pertaining to the vessel or click on the booklet to download.
We are delighted that you have chosen the MS Cyrano de Bergerac for your upcoming voyage.
We have chartered the MS Cyrano de Bergerac from our associates at CroisiEurope. Launched in May 2013, the MS Cyrano de Bergerac is a stylish and elegant vessel built to embody comfort and relaxation with attentive personal service for cruises in the Bordeaux region. The vessel can accommodate up to 174 passengers but we usually limit passenger numbers 150 to allow for more space onboard and a convivial atmosphere. Original paintings throughout the ship and French design touches give the ship a unique character. The atmosphere onboard is friendly and informal and within days you will have made new friends in the open-seating restaurant, on the shore excursions or whilst relaxing in the comfortable public areas.
We hope this information booklet answers any questions you have pertaining to the vessel and wish you a pleasant voyage.
VESSEL TECHNICAL DETAILS
Passengers: 174
Length: 110 metres
Width: 11.40 metres
Crew/Staff: 25
Year built: 2013
Registered: FranceAIR CONDITIONING
All cabins have individually controlled heating and air conditioning.
ALARM
An alarm will be sounded in the event of an emergency. Please follow the instructions provided on board for what to do in the event of an emergency.
ALL ABOARD
Your times for embarkation and disembarkation shall be provided by your Tour Manager or Cruise Director.
ANIMALS
No animals are allowed aboard the vessel.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
During your time on board, various announcements will be made by the ship’s crew and your Cruise Director. Please listen out for these announcements as they will be of importance or interest.
BAR/BEVERAGES
All-inclusive drinks are provided on board (excluding premium brands) between 10.00 am and 11.00 pm daily. You can buy pre-paid cards for the purchase of premium bar drinks by credit card (Visa, MasterCard) or cash (Euros) only. At the end of the cruise any unused credit will be refunded to you.
BEAUTY SALON
No salon is available onboard.
BICYCLES
No bicycles are available onboard.
CABIN DIMENSIONS & FACILITIES
The 87 outward-facing cabins all have large panoramic windows, with twin beds which can be made into doubles; (cabins 104, 106, 107, 112, 114, 115, 122, 124, 230, 232, 238, 240, 358, 360 & 388 have fixed double beds), telephones (cabin-to-cabin calls only), TV, safe, hair dryer, air-conditioning, shower and WC. Cabins 104, 106, 112, 114, 122, 124, 230, 232, 238, 240, 358, 360, 388 measure 8.55 square metres and all other cabins measure 12 square metres. Main Deck cabins have portholes (non-opening), Middle Deck cabins have large picture windows (can be opened partially) and Upper Deck cabins have large picture windows which can be opened fully.
CRUISE DIRECTOR
A Noble Caledonia Cruise Director and/or Tour Manager will accompany you on your voyage.
CURRENCY
The currency on board is the Euro. At any time during your voyage, passengers can buy pre-paid cards for the purchase of bar drinks on board. You may purchase the pre-paid cards by credit card (Visa, MasterCard) or cash (Euros) only. At the end of the cruise, any unused credit will be refunded to you. Any other services such as gifts from the shop, must be paid for at the time of purchase. Personal cheques or debit cards are not accepted.
DAILY PROGRAMME
Each evening the next day’s programme will be delivered to your cabin.
DRESS CODE
Comfortable and practical attire is recommended during the day for excursions and something dressier for the evening. More formal dress (smart/casual) is required only for the welcome & farewell dinners (black tie is not necessary).
ELECTRICITY
Electricity on board is 220v with 2-pin power outlets. In the bathroom there is a 110v socket which may be used for electric shavers only. We recommend you take an adaptor with you. In the interests of safety, please note that the use of electrical irons on board is strictly prohibited.
EMBARKATION/DISEMBARKATION
Embarkation is approximately 4.00 pm, unless advised otherwise. The official embarkation time will be advised in your final documentation. The official disembarkation time is between 8:30 am and 9.00 am, however your Cruise Director will provide detailed information prior to the end of the cruise. This will include departure transfer information.
EMERGENCY AND SAFETY PROCEDURES
Full details of the ship’s emergency and safety procedures will be provided following your embarkation. Please note there is no Doctor onboard the vessel.
FIRE SAFETY
On your cabin door is a deck plan displaying your closest (and all other) emergency exits. Emergency exits are marked in green and fire extinguishers fitted in all corridors.
FIRST AID
There is no doctor on board, however, a number of crew are fully trained and certified to provide First Aid. Further medical assistance can be sought from one of the hospitals along the river in the event of emergency.
FITNESS ROOM
None available onboard.
GIFT SHOP
A small gift shop selling various practical and souvenir items is available by reception.
HAIRDRESSER
None available onboard.
HOT TUB/SWIMMING POOL
None available onboard.
HOUSEKEEPING
Your cabin will be cleaned once a day and you will be provided with a ‘turn down’ service at night.
KEYS TO CABIN
Each cabin will receive their own cabin key. Before leaving the ship we kindly ask all passengers to swap the cabin key with a shore pass which will be provided to you by the ship’s reception desk. After your return to the ship, please return your shore pass back to reception in exchange for your cabin key.
LAUNDRY
There is no laundry or dry cleaning services onboard. Please ensure you pack accordingly.
LIBRARY
There is no library onboard.
LIFT
There is a lift on board serving the Main, Middle & Upper Decks.
LOST PROPERTY
Lost property can be handed in to the ship’s reception. Please ensure you have all of your belongings with you before you return home. Should you leave items on board the ship we are only able to return them to you at your own cost.
MEALS
Meals are taken in the ship’s restaurant on the Middle Deck. The open seating restaurant serves local dishes in addition to an international menu, and tables seat four to six guests. Breakfast and afternoon tea are buffet-style, lunch and dinners are served. Wine/beer and soft drinks are included with lunch and dinner. Please note that due to galley restrictions, Croisi Europe is unable to offer a choice at each course, so menus for lunch and dinner are “set” with no choice at courses. Certain dietary requests can be catered for (on request). Please provide any such requests in writing to Noble Caledonia at the time of your reservation and please reiterate these requests to the ship’s Hotel Manager and Cruise Director upon your embarkation.
MOSQUITOES
Please ensure you take the appropriate precautions to guard against mosquito bites.
NEWSPAPERS
Newspapers are not available onboard.
OPERATIONAL CHANGES
Despite our meticulous planning efforts, there may be times when changes must be made to the daily programme due to circumstances beyond our control such as heavy river traffic or fluctuating water levels. The ship’s Captain and crew will do their utmost to find the best and safest solution. Any changes to the day’s schedule will be communicated as soon as possible.
PAYMENTS ONBOARD
At any time during your voyage, passengers can buy pre-paid cards for the purchase of bar drinks on board. You may purchase the pre-paid cards by credit card (Visa, MasterCard) or cash (Euros) only. At the end of the cruise, any unused credit will be refunded to you. Any other services such as gifts from the shop, must be paid for at the time of purchase. Personal cheques or debit cards are not accepted. Regrettably, the ship is not able to offer a money-changing service on board as this would be contravening official regulations.
POST
The vessel’s gift shop sells postcards and stamps for you to purchase (subject to availability) and, items can be posted on your behalf by the ship’s crew (although as they are unable to do so each day, this could take longer than if you were to post yourself). Please note that neither the ship nor Noble Caledonia can be held responsible for items of post that are not successfully delivered on your behalf.
QUESTIONNAIRES
A questionnaire will be provided to all passengers towards the end of their sailing. We would be grateful for you to complete and return this.
QUIETVOX/AUDIO SYSTEM
Noble Caledonia has arranged for all passengers to have access to a ‘Quietvox’ audio system for shore excursions. Further details shall be provided to you following your embarkation.
RECEPTION
Reception is staffed throughout the day. A member of crew can be contacted 24 hours a day.
ROOM SERVICE
Room (cabin) service is not available on board.
SAFE
All cabins are fitted with a safe and we recommend you place your valuables inside the safe whenever you are away from your room. Please remember to remove all items from your safe prior to you departing the vessel at the end of the cruise.
SAFETY
Please take careful note of all safety instructions provided to you by the Master and crew of the vessel. Full safety instructions and a safety video are available to you in your cabin.
SMOKING
Smoking within your cabin or any of the vessel’s public areas is strictly prohibited. Designated smoking areas are provided and can be advised by the ship’s reception upon embarkation.
SUN DECK
The ship has a Sun Deck which is available for guests to enjoy. There may be times, for example at periods of inclement weather or low bridges (when sailing), whereby it is necessary to close the Sun Deck. Please listen carefully to the Captain and Crew for instruction. Please also note that the Sun Deck and its steps may become slippery if the weather is cool or dew forms.
TELEPHONE
A telephone is available within your cabin.
VISITORS
Visitors are not permitted aboard the vessel. The ship’s operators reserve the right to deny boarding to any persons.
WATER
Complimentary water is available during breakfast, lunch and dinner. Any additional water you may require can be purchased onboard.
WI-FI
Wireless internet connection is available without charge within the ship’s lounge. There may be times when internet connection is slow or not available.
PLEASE NOTE: These details should be used as a guideline only. Information is subject to change.
V.3 December 2018
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Deck plans
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Deckplan
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Deckplan
Travelling with You
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David Hunter
David went to Germany in 1968 for three months’ work experience abroad in the wine cellars of H Sichel Söhne, and ended up staying with the company for 25 years! After finishing his apprenticeship at Maison Sichel Bordeaux, he returned to London where he was later became the company’s purchasing director. This involved frequent trips to both Germany and to key wine producing regions in France, focusing in particular on Bordeaux, Burgundy and the Rhône where on the commercial side he purchased wines both in bulk and in bottle for the Sichel portfolio. This also included buying classed growth clarets “en primeur” or “futures”. Latterly this also involved visits to Oporto and Jerez.
David has just retired from the Wine and Spirit Education Trust after 20 years’ service. A holder of the Diploma qualification, David has lectured regularly to Diploma students in his specialist subjects of Bordeaux, France in general and Germany as well as fortified wines.
David Hunter will be on the following tour dates: 19 to 26 September 2020
Tour Extensions
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Renowned as one of France’s foremost seaports from the 14th to 17th centuries, La Rochelle offers a beautiful heritage with arcaded walkways, half-timbered houses, stately residences and a fabulous collection of lighthouses – all rich reminders of its prestigious seafaring history. Our visit will include a trip to nearby Ile de Ré, a peaceful and exquisite corner of France’s Atlantic Coast with picturesque harbour villages, golden beaches and a rare tranquility.
Ars en Re on the Ile de Ré
The Itinerary
Day 1 London Gatwick to La Rochelle, France.
Fly by scheduled flight with Easyjet from London to Nantes, and on arrival transfer to our centrally located hotel for a two night stay (please be advised this is approximately a 2 hour drive.) The harbour area is a lovely place for an evening stroll with many restaurants to choose from.
Day 2 Ile de Ré.
After breakfast at the hotel, depart for a full day visit to nearby Ile de Ré. We will take a scenic drive to our first stop, the picturesque harbour village of Ars-en-Ré. On arrival enjoy some free time here to explore. We will continue on to the island’s capital, St-Martin-de-Ré for lunch in a local restaurant followed by time at leisure to explore the pretty streets or relax in one of the local cafés and watch the world go by. Return to La Rochelle in the late afternoon and the remainder of the evening is at leisure.
Day 3 La Rochelle to Bordeaux.
After breakfast at the hotel enjoy some time at leisure to explore at your own pace. The old town, just behind the harbour, is extensive and very well preserved and dates mostly from the 17th and 18th centuries. Also worth visiting are the Towers of La Rochelle, the Cathédrale St Louis in Place de Verdun, and the Maritime Museum. La Rochelle’s main shopping streets and the surrounding area has many fine buildings with houses constructed in the local light stone. Later this afternoon we will transfer to Bordeaux and embark the MS Cyrano de Bergerac (approx. 3 hours’ drive).
Prices per person based on double occupancy
17 to 19 September 2020 Category Price Twin £645 Single £895 Price Includes: Two nights hotel accommodation on bed & breakfast basis, full day tour to Ile de Ré including lunch, transfer from airport to hotel and from hotel to ship.
Not Included: Travel insurance, meals other than those stated.
Please note that train travel is not available in conjunction with the extensions.
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If you would like to spend some more time in Bordeaux after your cruise, we are offering a two night post-cruise extension staying at the renowned 18th century Hotel de Seze. Bordeaux is a grand city with many magnificent 18th and 19th century buildings as well as the cathedrals of Saint Andre and Saint Michel which were recently selected as World Heritage listed monuments by UNESCO. During the extension, your time will be at leisure to explore this beautiful city at your own pace.
Bordeaux
Prices per person based on double occupancy
26 to 28 September 2020 Category Price Twin £445 Single £745 Price Includes: Two nights hotel accommodation on bed & breakfast basis, transfer from ship to hotel and from hotel to airport.
Not Included: Travel insurance, meals other than those stated.
Please note that train travel is not available in conjunction with the extensions.
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Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000