Itinerary
Upon your arrival in Bordeaux, your trip package will be waiting for you in your hotel once you have checked in. The port city, which has been the centre of the Bordeaux wine trade since the 8th century, and its historic centre is a UNESCO heritage site, with its 18th century stunning architectural facades, and the fully restored Port des Lunes. And let’s not forget the stunning Cité des Vins wine centre! We include a map of Bordeaux with some walking turs and sites to see to help in your explorations there. At the end of the afternoon, our Trip Manager is available to go over details and answer any questions you have.
We have designed a beautiful, but slightly shorter walk today, to allow you time for explorations of St Emilion itself. A transfer out of Bordeaux brings you to the Saint Martin church of tiny Montagne, perched high and overlooking lush courntryside and vineyards in the plains below. Descend through the village, passing shortly after yet another pretty church building, this time the Saint George de Montagne church. Descend gently towards the valley formed by the Barbanne stream, and then hit the vineyards of the region in earnest – in very gently rolling terrain and dotted with pretty chateaux and small manor houses. As you approach St Emilion, admire the iconic bell of Chateau Angelus. The winery is situated in a natural amphitheatre overlooked by the three Saint-Emilion churches. Enjoy the panorama from the terraced land by Chateau Ausone. On at last to St Emilion for explorations, including the incredible underground church and catacombs, entirely carved into the rock as well as the Romanesque church and the steep winding cobblestoned streets and houses.
A short transfer drops you on the banks of the Dordogne River in Castillon-la-Bataille. We recommend you take a moment to explore before starting your walk. Wander the charming streets of this little town with its unusual Baroque Church, the 13th century town gate, and very pretty 18th century city hall. We provide a self-guided walking tour to help. Then head out for your walk – the start of the day is less in concentrated vineyards, but meanders through fields and small hamlets, passing old stone buildings and great vistas, on the very flat terrain heading away from the river. The latter half of the walk brings you back into the region’s renowned chateaux. A climb near the end of the day gives you great views from the pretty church of Saint Laurent, and then past the monolithic cellars of Chateau Rochebelle. A final view (as you pass in front of Chateau Troplong-Mondot) and descend through the medieval Brunet Gates of St Emilion for another night.
After your bereakfast, it’s time to return to Bordeaux! We whisk you out of the vineyards, and back into the port city of Bordeaux. You’ll appreciate having some more time to visit the sites, squares and elegant architecture here. To enhance your continued explorations of this wonderful town, we have organised a gourmet walking tour of the city. Meet your guide and a small group of like-minded explorers (maximum 8 people), and set off by foot through the heart of the city, stopping to taste several different Bordeaux specialties: From the deliciously chewy canelés to – of course – the wines, passing via magret duck or and the smokily roasted coffee, this walk provides a real local experience.
After a final breakfast, there are easy train connections or flights out of Bordeaux for your further travels. Bon Voyage!
What's included
- 4 nights’ accommodation of the comfort level of your choice * CLASSIC, CLASSIC + or DELUXE
- Hotel taxes
- All breakfasts and 2 dinners (drinks not included with the dinners)
- Orientation by phone with our Trip Manager at the start of the trip
- Luggage transfers from hotel to hotel
- Transfers for the walks as described
- Detailed maps and step-by-step route notes
- Uploadable GPS file of the route to use on a free APP in your smartphone **
- Bordeaux Food Tour (in small group)
- Regional information and advice
- Phone call support 7 days a week
* Price based on double room occupancy – please contact us for details on single room supplements
** Can be used without international internet plan (offline)
Hotel Details
Classic Tour
1120 € / pers.
1 Night
Hotel Notre Dame – Bordeaux
2 Nights
Auberge de la Commanderie – Saint Emilion
1 Night
Hotel Notre Dame – Bordeaux
Classic + Tour
1670 € / pers.
1 Night
Hotel Majestic – Bordeaux
2 Nights
Le Logis de la Cadene – St Emilion
1 Night
Hotel Majestic – Bordeaux
Deluxe Tour
2890 € / pers.
1 Night
Le Palais Gallien – Bordeaux
2 Nights
Hotel de Pavie – Saint Emilion
1 Night
Le Palais Gallien – Bordeaux