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CHÂTEAUX, RIVERS & WINE 8 day cruise with 7 guided tours DAY 1 Bordeaux, France Arrive in Bordeaux and embark your ship. The rest of the day is yours to relax or explore Bordeaux on your own. Second only to Paris in French historic monuments, Bordeaux's thoughtfully preserved 18th-century urban areas make it a desirable film location, and its graceful port on the Garonne River is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We remain docked overnight. (D) DAY 2 Bordeaux & Cadillac, France Tour the city centre this morning and see some of Bordeaux's highlights, including the Place des Quinconces, one of the largest squares in Europe; the neoclassical Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux; and several spectacular churches. Visit the Musée d'Aquitaine for a guided tour of the collections that highlight the region's triangular trade route and Bordeaux's position in it. Later this afternoon, we sail upstream along the Garonne River to Cadillac, a small town with a towering castle that gave its name to the American car brand. (B, L, D) DAY 3 Cadillac (Sauternes), France Begin your day with a tour of Cadillac then head across the river for your excursion to Sauternes where you will learn how the area's sweet dessert wines are made, and taste some examples during your tour. (B, L, D) DAY 4 Libourne (Saint-Émilion), France Disembark this morning for a leisurely stroll to Libourne's picturesque city square, lined with buildings dating as far back as the 16th century; or take part in one of two optional excursions: an exploration of the Bergerac area in the Dordogne to learn more about truffles, a great French delicacy; or a wine tasting at a nearby château, of some local vintages from the Saint- Émilion and Pomerol appellations. Later, take a tour to Saint-Émilion, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you see the town's superb medieval lanes and delightful views of the surrounding vineyards from the upper town. Spend a pleasant afternoon exploring the town's streets and shops. (B, L, D) DAY 5 Blaye & Bourg, France Blaye boasts an extraordinary 17th-century citadel, dramatically set on a rock beside the river, incorporating the ruins of an ancient Gothic château that contains the tomb of Charibert II, king of Aquitaine. Legend has it that the Frankish hero Roland, who served Charlemagne, is also buried here. The citadel of Blaye, its city walls and two other forts are collectively listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a guided tour of the citadel, then enjoy some free time in Blaye. A Taste of Cognac: Camus Learn the history of Cognac and sample the cherished brandy during a Privileged Access visit to a distillery in its namesake town. Return aboard for lunch, and later take an afternoon stroll through the historic village of Bourg. (B, L, D) DAY 6 Pauillac (Margaux), France We sail downstream this morning, passing islands and gentle slopes, arriving in Pauillac in the early afternoon. Enjoy a wine country tour featuring several wine-tasting opportunities, including the area's famous full-flavoured Margaux. Travel through the rolling vineyard-laced hills to dinner at a château, accompanied by the château's own wines. Relax aboard your ship this evening, or explore Pauillac's marina and the Plaza Lafayette, where the Marquis de Lafayette set sail to the New World. Pauillac, the undisputed capital of the Médoc wine region, is home to Châteaux Lafite Rothschild, Latour and Mouton Rothschild, among others. Before returning to your ship, catch a glimpse of the Île de Patiras lighthouse in the middle of the Gironde. (B, L, D) DAY 7 Bordeaux, France Relax aboard your ship this morning as we make our way back to Bordeaux. You have the afternoon at leisure, giving you more time to appreciate the well-preserved architecture of Jacques Ange Gabriel and son, and to taste the city's cuisine and wine appellations. Perhaps pick up a few bottles to take home with you. You won't want to miss the Place de la Bourse, with its mirror-like reflecting pool, impressive by day but absolutely stunning at night. Arcachon: A Day on the Bay Travel to the Atlantic coast and the elegant resort town of Arcachon to experience the daily life of the oyster farmer. (B, L, D) DAY 8 Bordeaux, France After a final onboard breakfast, disembark and we take you to the airport for your flight home. Or, extend your journey with three nights in the Loire Valley. (B) Key Example of Optional Shore Excursion T O U R T H E V I N E YA R D S 132 For complete itinerary details and videos, visit vikingcruises.com.au