7 Nights Taste of Bordeaux: Bordeaux roundtrip

Type of Vessel

The 144-passenger AmaDolce made her debut in 2009. Relax in spacious, elegantly appointed staterooms, ranging in size from 170-225 sq. ft., or in a single stateroom of 140 sq. ft. You can always indulge even more in one of the suites at 255 sq. ft. Most staterooms have a French balcony.

Itinerary

Day 1 | Bordeaux, France -Embarkation: Welcome to Bordeaux, where you'll board your luxurious river cruise. Meet your fellow passengers this evening.

Day 2 | Cadillac, France: Visit the impressive Castle of Roquetaillade, an amazingly preserved masterpiece of medieval military architecture owned by the same noble family for 700 years. Afterwards, travel to the Sauternes wine region to either Chateau de Rayne Vigneau or Chateau Guiraud to taste the highly prized golden-hued sweet wines produced here.

Day 3 | Pauillac, France: Pauillac, a lovely village on the Left Bank of the Gironde Estuary, is the gateway to the famed Medoc region renowned for producing some of the world's finest Bordeaux wines. You will see some of the most beautiful and famous wine estates, including Chateau Latour, Chateau Mouton Rothschild, Chateau Lafite Rothschild and Chateau Pichon Longueville. You'll then visit either Chateau Gruaud Larose or Chateau Leoville Poyferre for a tasting of Grand Cru wines.

Day 4 | Blaye, France & Bourg, France: Once in Blaye, you can join a tour of its 17th-century citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For a more active excursion, take a bike ride from Blaye through the idyllic French countryside. Alternatively, visit a prehistoric cave, Pair non Pair, offering one of the best examples of art made by prehistoric man. During the afternoon, you can cruise to Bourg or join a bike tour along Santiago's path - a famous pilgrimage route - to Bourg. While in the ancient village of Bourg, visit the Carriage Museum, which houses a wonderful collection of horse-drawn vehicles and then explore the underground passageways that lead you to the immense oil tanks from the Second World War. Later in the day, experience the hospitality of this charming medieval village with an exclusive wine festival complete with live French music, dancing, wine and hors d'oeuvres.

Day 5 | Libourne, France: Libourne provides a gateway to one of Bordeaux's most elite wine regions, Saint-Emilion, known for its picturesque architecture, monuments and celebrated vineyards. Join an excursion to historic Saint Emilion, and while here, explore the monolithic church carved out of one piece of limestone rock, and then go under the church to discover its catacombs and caves. Afterwards, enjoy a wine tasting at either Chateau de Ferrand or Chateau de Pressac. Prefer a more active adventure, pedal through the vineyard-rich countryside to Saint-Emilion and then to Chateau Soutard for a Grand Cru Classe wine tasting.

Day 6 | Libourne, France: Tour the magnificent Chateau Vayres, one of the most prestigious historic buildings of Aquitaine, or spend time discovering the Bastide town of Libourne and then stroll through its colorful open-air market tasting some of the region's specialties. For a more active exploration of the countryside, enjoy a hike followed by a wine tasting. Later in the day, you can visit Fronsac, where you can taste some of the regional wines at a grand wine cellar; or if you missed the countryside hike in the morning, you can do it in the afternoon, followed by a wine tasting.

Day 7 | Bordeaux, France: The breathtaking capital of the wine world, Bordeaux is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and classified as a "City of Art and History." You'll have an opportunity to experience much of the rich culture and architecture on a city tour followed by a visit to the Bordeaux Wine Museum, housed in an awe-inspiring building. Bike enthusiasts will wish to join a tour along the city's amazing network of bicycle paths.

Day 8 | Bordeaux, France - Disembarkation: Your cruise comes to an end as you prepare for your homeward flight.

Guest Services

Amenities include personalized service from Cruise Manager during cruise and land programs and complimentary Wi Fi access.

Food and Dining

AmaWaterways was invited to be a member of La Chaine des Rotisseurs -a prestigious international culinary society -and with good reason. The expert chefs craft menus that feature exquisite, locally-inspired cuisine as well as traditional Western offerings. This is the only river cruise line that has The Chef's Table, an intimate specialty restaurant where you can watch the chef prepare a lavish dinner right in front of you. Each meal is specially paired with premium local reds and whites from Europe's renowned wine regions, with new selections each night. There's also sparkling wine and fresh juice with breakfast, menu service during lunch, as well as delicious tapas and snacks in the Main Lounge between meals.

Onboard Activities/Events

Soak up some rays or take a dip in the refreshing pool with a swim-up bar as you pass by centuries-old castles, charming villages and other breathtaking scenery.
Whether you'd like to dress up for the captain's special dinner or a night out on the town, you can complete your look by getting your hair styled in the salon.
Whether it's traditional Bavarian music, a local quartet or contemporary piano favorites, you will enjoy an eclectic schedule of onboard entertainment every night.

Shore Excursions

Every year, the staff seek out new opportunities for guests to experience local culture in a unique way. These tours are specially designed to give small groups the chance to be even more immersed in a destination.
The beauty of Europe doesn't just lie in its architecture and landmarks -there are also breathtaking things to be seen when you venture out into nature. That's why we've designed special hikes that will take you a bit off the beaten path in some very beautiful destinations. Here are some examples of hiking opportunities.
This is the first river cruise line to carry an entire fleet of complimentary bicycles on board, so you can experience biking alongside enchanting riverside pathways and in city centers. Whether you feel like joining one of the exclusive guided bike tours, or want to go discover on your own, there are many ways for you to explore on two wheels during your cruise.

Staterooms or Cabins

Most of the staterooms on this fleet feature not just one, but two private balconies -a French balcony and a full outside balcony. Together, they provide a unique panoramic view of the beautiful sights along the river and maximize the natural light coming in. With twin balconies, you can enjoy the river however you like.
All staterooms feature in-room temperature control, a deluxe hotel-style bedding, spacious bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads, large wardrobe with a full-length mirror, hairdryer, safety deposit box, telephone, flat screen TV, On Demand system that provides complimentary TV as well as movies and music, mini fridge, complimentary bottled water replenished daily, and a desk and chair.
Suites feature added enhancements, including a larger sitting area and an expansive bathroom complete with a bathtub and separate shower.

Spa

After a marvelous day of immersive shore excursions, return to the ship and treat yourself to a bit of pampering with a soothing massage.

Fitness

Are you looking for a way to stay fit on vacation? Hit the treadmill or lift some weights while cruising from one destination to the next.