Bordeaux River Cruising Cycling Tour
Tour de Vines has teamed up with the leading European river cruise specialist APT Luxury Touring & Cruising group to offer a unique Bordeaux River Cruising Cycling tour.
Combining the best of the wonderful APT luxury river cruises along with daily guided cycling around beautiful Bordeaux and the surrounding regions. Returning to the ship each day, the added cycling component is perfect for those seeking a bit more of an active holiday without sacrificing any comforts. Guests can also still partake in all that the APT luxury river cruises offer, including shore excursions, wine tastings and the wide range of ‘Freedom to Choose’ experiences.
Bordeaux is the ideal region to offer this combined tour experience. Luxury river cruises have been running along the Garonne and Dordogne for decades, and of course France is well known as a world class cycling destination, bringing the two together seems a long overdue idea!
You can see the detailed cycling river cruise itinerary with this online brochure, or read a snapshot below. Your Bordeaux river cruising cycling tour includes 2 local guides that are fluent in English and French, a support van never far away. High quality carbon road bikes are available for hire.
There are 2 dates for 2017:
6th July 2017 &
28th September 2017
To book call APT on 1300 336 932
Bordeaux River Cruising Cycling tour itinerary
Day 1. Arrive Bordeaux, Embark Ship:
Upon arrival into Bordeaux, transfer to your river ship. This evening, delight in a Welcome Reception.
Day 2. Bordeaux, Cadillac:
Disembark your ship and cycle along the Roger Lapebie cycle path and continue to Entre Deux Mers by a winding valley route. Pass through the 13th century bastide town of Creon, then reach La Sauve to visit the ruined Abbey and the historic 12th-century site of Maison du Vin in the old Tithe Barn, as well as the beautiful Château Vermont, whose spectacular vineyard produces some of France’s finest red wine. Upon reaching Cadillac, re-board your ship
Duration: 3 hours
Intensity: medium, a few slopes;
Cycling distance: 56 kilometres.
Day 3. Pauillac:
Enjoy a relaxing morning on board, then take a ride from Paulliac to Saint Viviene-de-Medoc, passing vineyards and quaint villages along the way. Enjoy cheese tasting, visit Château Laffite Rothschild, Château d’Armailhac or Château Pontet-Canet for some wine tastings before riding back to the ship for lunch Duration: 4-5 hours
Intensity: easy, slight gradient;
Cycling distance: 86 kilometres.
Day 4. Blaye, Bourg
A cycling free day, awake to stunning landscapes as you continue along the Dordogne River. Step ashore to discover the town of Blaye with a walk around the 17th-century citadel overlooking the Gironde, or travel to Cognac for a tour. Stop at Château de Cognac, a French cognac house founded in 1795, for a tour and a tasting. Alternatively, sail to the beautiful town of Bourg and take a walking tour to discover the delightful town centre, medieval ramparts and picturesque harbour. Return to the ship now docked in Bourg. Later, savour the freshest gourmet local produce as you dine on board.
Day 5. Bourg, Libourne, Saint-Émilion
Today’s ride flows along the Dordogne River from Bourg to Libourne. Follow uninhabited roads through lush farmland, and eventually arrive at the medieval castle of Château de Vayres, for a stop to wander its magnificent landscape gardens. A short ride to Libourne completes your journey
Duration: 2-3 hours
Intensity: medium, a few slopes;
Cycling distance: 45 kilometres.
Day 6. Libourne, Bordeaux
Duration: 5 hours
Intensity: medium, a few slopes;
Cycling distance: 104 kilometres.Day 7. Bordeaux
An optional cycling day. At the heart of the most extensive wine producing region in France lies the city of Bordeaux. Considered the region’s cultural gem, much of the city is now World Heritage-listed. In recent years, however, numerous historic sites have been revitalised with modern concepts. The best example of this is the stunning Miroir d’eau water mirror that you will be able to see outside the Place de la Bourse as part of your city tour. Other highlights include the tower of Pey-Berland and the Pont de Pierre stone bridge.
Day 8. Disembark Ship, Depart Bordeaux