Discover the chef and television star's French roots on this exclusive eight-day gourmet cruise through this wonderful region including Saint-Emilion, Cadillac, Blaye and Libourne
The Government has given the go-ahead for all river
cruises. For up-to-date advice on travel and COVID-19, see our
homepage.
With breathtaking scenery and glorious weather almost all year
round, the Atlantic coast of France is home to medieval landmarks
and magnificent vineyards. And on this eight-day luxury river
cruise along the Garonne, Dordogne and Gironde, you'll experience
the region's full flavour - with one of the UK's most popular
chefs, James Martin.
The chef, who hosts his own ITV show - Saturday Morning with James
Martin - says his early trips to the Bordeaux region are what
cemented his passion for food and set him on the path to a culinary
career. He worked as a trainee in the Michelin-starred Hostellerie
de Plaisance in Saint-Emilion, and is a regular visitor to this
beautiful part of France.
He'll share his love of the area during an exclusive talk, a French
classics cooking demonstration, an oyster-tasting (March 28
departure) or gourmet tour of Bordeaux (March 21 departure) before
designing and cooking a very special gala dinner designed by James
alongside Uniworld's French executive chefs. Also on this fabulous
foodie experience will be wine expert (and Saturday Kitchen
regular) Susy Atkins, who will take part in tastings of the
region's delicious wines with you and select the wines to pair with
your special gala dinner.
Setting off from Bordeaux, you'll discover the Unesco-listed
citadel in Blaye, where you can do yoga in the heart of the
fortress. And you'll travel through stunning wineries and
chateaux's in Saint-Emilion and Libourne, before returning to your
starting point.
You'll travel on the newest and most luxurious river cruise ship in
France, the S.S. Bon Voyage. It's uniquely designed to immerse
guests in French culture, art and wine, from its stunning
polished-wood lobby to the marble-bathroomed staterooms. On board,
you will find a choice of restaurants offering freshly-prepared,
five-star cuisine with all meals and unlimited drinks including
fine wines and spirits, an infinity pool and sun deck, fitness
centre and the luxury Serenity River Spa.
James Martin is one of the nation's favourite chefs
Before gracing UK televisions, James Martin travelled throughout
France working in the kitchens of French châteaux. At 21, he opened
the Hotel and Bistro du Vin in Winchester as Head Chef, where he
changed the menu daily. James' TV shows have included James
Martin: Home Comforts, British favourite Saturday
Kitchen and James Martin's French Adventure. He can
be found at James Martin Manchester and The Kitchen at Chewton
Glen.
Susy Atkins
Wine expert, journalist and author
Susy Atkins is one of the UK’s most popular, passionate and highly respected wine experts.
An award-winning broadcaster, journalist and author, Susy Atkins
has travelled the world writing, tasting and educating about wine
for more than 25 years. Susy's credits include being a wine expert
and presenter on BBC1's Saturday Kitchen, the resident
wine expert on Channel 4's Richard & Judy, a regular
contributor to Radio 4 and the author of 11 popular books,
including Wine Wisdom, How to Choose Wine and
How to Make Your Own Drinks.
Price includes
Travel with Uniworld, consistently ranked as the best river
cruise line
Return flights from a range of UK airports, or Eurostar or
self-drive
Seven night's all-inclusive on the new Super-Ship, S.S. Bon
Voyage in Classic stateroom
Oyster and wine tasting
Gala dinner cooked by James Martin
Cooking demonstration with James Martin
Exclusive talk and Q&A with James Martin
Wine tastings with Susy Atkins, including stunning wineries in
Libourne and Saint-Emilion
All meals on board, prepared using the finest and freshest
ingredients
Six days of immersive, flexible and specially curated
excursions
Arrive from the UK via flight, Eurostar or Uniworld's new
self-drive option. On arrival you will be greeted by a Uniworld
representative and transferred to the ship.
Meals -
Dinner
Day
2
Blaye and Bourg
Blaye, France
Drive along the beautiful Route de la Corniche Fleurie to Blaye
Fortress. Explore this Unesco World Heritage site and enjoy a yoga
sessio in the heart of the citadel. Tonight you will enjoy an
exclusive Q&A session with James as he discusses his life and
love of food - from his French roots and culinary adventures to his
presenting career.
Meals -
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day
3
Fort Medoc and Pauillac
Pauillac, France
This morning as you sail to the Médoc, James will give a private
cooking demonstration on the French Classics on the top deck of the
Café Du Soleil? When you reach the legendary Médoc region, he will
also join you to experience the local produce with an exclusive
oyster tasting session.
After a day of sightseeing and wine tasting at a beautiful wine
estate you will enjoy a exclusive gala dinner, designed and
prepared by James alongside Uniworld's French executive chefs.
Meals -
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day
4
Cadillac and Libourne
Cadillac, France
The French phrase "la douceur de vivre" is an accurate
description for your time in Cadillac, known for its deliciously
flavoured dessert wines. Visit Château Royal de Cazeneuve, site of
Henry IV's and Queen Margot's tempestuous love. Meet the owner
around a glass of Sauternes in the reception hall. Later today Susy
Atkins will host a small get together where you can get to know
your guest over a glass of fine wine.
Meals -
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day
5
Saint-Emilion
Saint Emilion, France
Wander its cobblestone lanes of Saint Emilion which are lined
with wine shops and bakeries, and stop to admire the amazing
rock-hewn church that extends beneath the city's streets. Susy will
accompany you on an unforgettable tour and wine tasting at Château
Beauséjour Bécot, a perfect way to immerse yourself in the regions
rich wine culture.
Meals -
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day
6
Libourne
Libourne, France
France's rich agricultural tradition is the heart and soul of
the region's exquisite cuisine-and what better way to get a taste
for the freshest vegetables, cheeses, breads and fruits than with a
visit to Libourne's lively farmers' market? Later today feel
inspired as Susy Atkins gives an incredible insight into her career
and hosts a fantastic wine tasting on board.
Meals -
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day
7
Bordeaux
Bordeaux, France
Discover Bordeaux's many charms today, either on foot with a
local expert or on two wheels-the locals' preferred way to navigate
the city's charming backstreets. You have a wonderful selection of
active opportunities to see this magnificent UNESCO World Heritage
Site. Later on this afternoon enjoy an opportunity to take part in
an interactive tour to the La Cité du Vin.
Meals -
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day
8
Return home from Bordeaux
Bordeaux, France
Your culinary journey has come to an end. Disembark the ship to
begin your journey home. If you have travelled by plane or train
your transfer will be waiting to drop you to the airport. Or opt
for the self-drive option.
Meals -
Breakfast
Accommodation
SS Bon Voyage
5
Cruise ship
Sailing with Uniworld is like cruising in a five-star hotel – you’ll enjoy industry- leading service throughout your
journey through the beautiful countryside.
The SS Bon Voyage is a luxury river ship uniquely designed to
immerse guests in French culture, art, and wine, from its stunning
polished wood lobby to the staterooms with luxury marble bathrooms
and Savoir beds. On board, you will find a choice of restaurants
offering freshly prepared five-star cuisine and fine wines. There
is nothing better than relaxing on the sundeck enjoying the
ever-changing scenery or taking a dip in the only infinity pool on
the world's rivers.
Brought to you by
Uniworld
This tour is operated solely by Uniworld
Uniworld is one of the world's outstanding luxury river cruise lines. The company’s European fleet features luxurious ships with an average capacity of 130 guests, the highest staff-to-guest ratio in the river cruise industry, enticing shore excursions, world-class gourmet cuisine, impeccable hospitality, and numerous other all-inclusive benefits.
To view Uniworld’s supplier’s terms and conditions click here.
