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Taste of Bordeaux Wine Cruise

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Pre-Cruise: March 19th to March 23rd, 2023

Cruise: March 23rd to March 30th, 2023

Post-Cruise: March 30th to April 2nd, 2023

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DESCRIPTION

Travel to France’s legendary wine capital, Bordeaux. Iconic châteaux, timeless vineyards and delicious wine tastings are plentiful as you visit Libourne, Blaye, Bourg, Pauillac and Cadillac. This trip is a must for anyone interested in the best of French culture, lifestyle, wine and food.

COUNTRIES: FRANCE

RIVERS: GARONNE, DORDOGNE

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LAND PACKAGES

Optional:
4 Night Spanish Basque Package (Pre-Cruise)

USD: $1200 DBL / $1760 SGL CAD: C$1584 DBL / C$2323 SGL

03/19/23 - 03/23/23


3 Nights Loire Valley/Paris CDG package (Post-Cruise)

USD: $1380 DBL / $1800 SGL CAD: C$1822 DBL / C$2376 SGL

03/30/23 - 04/02/23


Above rates do not include Intra-Air flight segments. Please reference our brochure for the latest prices.

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CRUISE

Image by Pierre Blaché

ITINERARY

DAY 1 - EMBARKATION – BORDEAUX, FRANCE

Embark the ship for your Taste of Bordeaux cruise. (D)

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ITINERARY

DAY 2 - BORDEAUX - LIBOURNE

Take in the romance of Bordeaux as you pass iconic sights on a scenic morning cruise. Later in the day, dock in Libourne, a gateway to one of Bordeaux’s most elite wine regions. Join an excursion to Saint Émilion, known for its celebrated vineyards, 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 Grand Cru Classé wine tasting at either Château de Ferrand or Château de Pressac. Alternately, you can enjoy an excursion to Saint-Émilion solely to discover more of the small historic town. If you prefer a more active adventure, pedal through the vineyard-rich countryside to Saint-Émilion and then to Château Soutard for a Grand Cru Classé wine tasting. You can also choose to tour the magnificent Château Vayres, one of the most prestigious historic buildings of Aquitaine. (B,L,D)

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ITINERARY

DAY 3 - LIBOURNE - BLAYE

Stroll through the colorful, open-air market, tasting some of the region’s specialties. You can also choose to enjoy a tasting of local wines from one of the beautiful wine estates in the Fronsac region. Or, you can get your heart pumping by venturing deeper into town by hiking through one of Libourne’s renowned vineyards. Later in the day, set sail for Blaye, where you’ll enjoy an evening at your leisure. (B,L,D)

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ITINERARY

DAY 4 - BLAYE – BOURG

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 around Blaye. Later in the day, you can choose to bike from Blaye through the idyllic French countryside to Bourg. While in the ancient village of Bourg, take a walking tour and visit the Carriage Museum, which houses a wonderful collection of horse-drawn vehicles. Later in the day, experience the hospitality of this charming medieval village with an exclusive wine festival. Meet the local wine growers and taste the fruits of their labors as well as enjoy live French music and dancing. (B,L,D)

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ITINERARY

Day 5 - PAUILLAC

Pauillac, a lovely village on the Left Bank of the Gironde Estuary, is gateway to the famed Médoc 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 Château Latour, Château Mouton Rothschild, Château Lafite Rothschild and Château Pichon Longueville. You’ll then visit either Château Gruaud Larose or Château Léoville Poyferré for a tasting of Grand Cru wines. Alternately, you can visit Lynch Bages, a quaint wine estate and village, followed by a wine and local specialties tasting. Or, enjoy a coast drive to Soulac-sur-Mer where you’ll see unique sights, such as the Statue of Liberty and the Cordouan lighthouse known to be the oldest in France. (B,L,D)

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ITINERARY

DAY 6 - CADILLAC

Visit the impressive Castle of Roquetaillade, an amazingly preserved masterpiece of medieval military architecture owned by the same noble family for 700 years and 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. For those wishing to explore more of the history on the decadent castles, you can enjoy a visit to the Roquetaillade castle and Cadillac castle. Or, pedal through the charming town of Cadillac for a guided bike tour. (B,L,D)

Image by Clovis Wood Photography

ITINERARY

DAY 7 - BORDEAUX

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 famed indoor Les Halles de Bacalan market for a tasting of local specialties to please the palate. Bike enthusiasts will wish to join a tour along the city’s amazing network of bicycle paths. Depending on your interests, you have a choice from three excursions in the afternoon. Enjoy a visit to the immersive and interactive Bordeaux Wine Museum, housed in an awe-inspiring building. Alternately, be treated to a spectacular sound and light show, Les Bassins des Lumières. Or, explore the enriching city of Bordeaux at your own leisure. In the evening, enjoy a spectacular illumination cruise, gazing at the iconic structures of Bordeaux as they glow against the night sky. (B,L,D)

Image by Juan Di Nella

ITINERARY

DAY 8 - BORDEAUX – DISEMBARKATION

Disembark the ship and prepare for your flight home. (B)

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TRIP NOTES

NUMBER OF DAYS: 7-17

CRUISE BEGINS/ENDS:

Bordeaux, France - Bordeaux, France

PASSPORT REQUIRED:

Yes

CRUISE DATE:

March 23rd to 30th, 2023

GROUP SIZE:

50 passengers

DEPOSIT PER PERSON:

$400 per person / subject to change without notice.   

FINAL PAYMENT DUE:

December 23rd, 2022

LAST DAY TO CANCEL:

December 23rd, 2022

INTERPRETERS: 

Heart Cruises will provide ASL (American Sign Language) Interpreters for this trip.

SHIP INFORMATION:

Ship Name: AmaDolce

Built in: Netherlands

Guest Capacity: 144

Staterooms: 73

Max Beam: 38 ft

Max Length: 360 ft

Ship Crew: 45

WHAT'S INCLUDED:

  • ASL Interpreters on shore excursions

  • 7 nights luxury accommodation in an outside stateroom (most with French balconies)

  • Computer for internet access

  • Entertainment-On-Demand in all staterooms featuring free high-speed internet access, movies, a music library and English language TV stations

  • Desk and sitting area

  • Bottled water replenished daily

 

AN ARRAY OF AMENITIES

  • Wellness Activities with a dedicated Wellness Host leading various exercise classes as well as discussions on healthy eating and relaxation techniques, both on board and on shore.

  • Personalized service from a highly trained Cruise Manager during both cruise and land programs

  • Internet and Wi-Fi access

  • Sun deck whirlpool and walking track

  • Fitness room, massage services and hair salon

  • Main Lounge with panoramic views and bar

  • Daily entertainment including cultural performances

 

AWARD-WINNING DINING

  • All onboard dining in a variety of venues

  • Regionally inspired cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients

  • The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant

  • Welcome Cocktail, Welcome Dinner, La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Dinner, Captain's Cocktail and Gala Dinner

  • La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs exclusive dining experience

  • Unlimited fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner

  • Unlimited sparkling wine and fresh juice with breakfast

  • Sip & Sail Cocktail Hour with complimentary wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks

  • Tapas, sandwiches, snacks and refreshments served daily in the Main Lounge

 

A WORLD OF EXPLORATION

  • Immersive tours in every destination

  • Gentle, regular, active and late-riser tour options

  • Bike tours and hikes

  • Special Interest Tours

  • Knowledgeable guides

  • Personal headset for easy exploration

  • Airport transfers with purchase of air from AmaWaterways

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED:

  • Airfare

  • Gratuities

  • Boutique, casino, spa, photos and bingo

  • Internet access, phone, fax and other incidentals

  • Medical attention

  • Travel insurance

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STATEROOM PRICES

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Suite
Violin Deck
French Balcony, 255 sq. ft.

Starting at $6198 per person plus taxes/port fees

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Category A+
Violin Deck
French Balcony, 225 sq. ft.

Starting at $5898 per person plus taxes/port fees

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Category A
Violin Deck
French Balcony, 170 sq. ft.

Starting at $4898 per person plus taxes/port fees

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Category B
Violin & Cello Deck
French Balcony, 170 sq. ft.

Starting at $4798 per person plus taxes/port fees

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Category C
Violin & Cello Deck
French Balcony, 170 sq. ft.

Starting at $4498 per person plus taxes/port fees

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Category D
Piano Deck
Fixed Windows, 170 sq. ft.

Starting at $3698 per person plus taxes/port fees

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Category E
Piano Deck
Fixed Windows, 170 sq. ft.

Starting at $3399 per person plus taxes/port fees

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TRAVEL INSURANCE

Heart Cruises, LLC  recommends that you purchase a travel protection plan to protect yourself and your trip investment from the unexpected. Now more than ever it’s extremely important to think about the unexpected. It is important to purchase the travel protection within 15 days of your initial invoice date in order to receive the most coverage. Consider travel protection for Trip Cancellation/Trip Interruption, Emergency Medical and Emergency Evacuation/Repatriation, Trip Delay, Baggage Delay and more

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CANCELLATION POLICY

In the unfortunate event a participant must cancel travel, notice must be made to Heart Cruises during standard business hours or via email, which must include writing stating clearly and correctly each guest’s name, ship name, start and end date of the cruise and a brief statement of the reason for cancellation. Other forms of notice are not sufficient. Cancellations received within 24 hours of vacation start date will be deemed as trip interruption, cannot be cancelled and are 100% non-refundable. The effective date of the cancellation is the date AmaWaterways receives cancellation notice. A change in sailing date, name changes, the substitution of a participant or a reduction in the number of guests in a stateroom are treated as a cancellation in that all applicable cancellation charges apply. A reduction in occupancy is subject to a single supplement charge. Cancellation charges for bookings within charter and part-charter agreements are as per the charter contract. All other cancellation charges are per-person, based on the cancellation date, as seen in the chart below.

You acknowledge that your cancellation will cause us and the Carrier difficulty in selling a replacement cruise or cruise & land reservation and thus the cancellation fees described below apply regardless of whether your cruise or cruise & land reservation is resold. You agree that any losses sustained by us and/or the Carrier in the event of cancellation would be very difficult or impossible to quantify, and the cancellation fees are fair and reasonable as liquidated damages.

More than 121 days prior to departure

$400 (Europe & Asia)

120-90 days prior to departure

$4,800 (Seven River Journey Through Europe)

89-60 days prior to departure

35% of cruise and land price

59-30 days prior to departure

50% of cruise and land price

29-7 days prior to departure

80% of cruise and land price

6 days prior to departure

100% of cruise and land price

Inside of 24 hours

100% of cruise and land price

 itineraries and prices are subject to change without notice.

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