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.
Watch:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 new SS Bon Voyage is one of the world's finest river ships uniquely designed to immerse guests in French culture, art and wine, from its stunning polished wood lobby to the marble-bathroomed staterooms and Savoir Beds. On board, you will find a choice of restaurants offering freshly-prepared five-star cuisine with all meals and unlimited drinks including fines wines and spirits, a sun deck with stunning infinity pool, well-equipped fitness centre and the luxury Serenity River Spa.In your Classic Stateroom you will find hand-crafted Savoir Beds.
To view Uniworld’s supplier’s terms and conditions click here.