Bordeaux and Southwest France

Sea air and wine enjoyment

As the world capital of wine and French art de vivre, Bordeaux offers you the charm and full splendor of one of the most harmonious architectural complexes of the 18th century in all of Europe. Surrounding the city is a high-quality wine region waiting to be explored, with the vineyards of the Médoc Peninsula to the north and Saint-Emilion to the east. The Atlantic coast tempts with the seaside resort of Arcachon, oyster farming, and the largest sand dune in Europe.

29.09. - 07.10.2027

Double Room

13 in stock

2,435 €

Single Room

6 in stock

2,865 €

Travel Features

Premium travel

France

Bordeaux

Itinerary

Day 1 | Arrival in the Loire Valley (approx. 725 km)

Departure in the morning. The start of the journey is in the garden of France! Orléans opens the series of castles along the Loire. You will spend the night at the 4-star Hôtel Novotel Orléans Centre Gare (local category). Dinner at the hotel.

Day 2 | Atlantic Coast and Île de Ré

(approx. 401 km)

After breakfast, you leave the Loire Valley and head to the Atlantic coast. You will reach Île de Ré via a bridge, one of the most charming islands on France's west coast. White houses with colorful shutters, small harbors, salt gardens, and extensive beaches give the island its unique charm. Île de Ré consists of only ten villages that have preserved their original yet elegant character. Enjoy the maritime atmosphere and the fresh Atlantic air before returning to the mainland. In La Rochelle, you will be warmly welcomed at the 4-star Best Western Plus Masqhotel (local category). Dinner at a restaurant near the hotel.

Day 3 | La Rochelle and Cognac (approx. 226 km)

The view extends beyond the old harbor to the Atlantic. Seagulls circle over the fishing boats. During a guided tour, you will discover La Rochelle. The city's landmarks are the mighty medieval towers at the Old Port, where cafés, restaurants, and small shops line the quays. Next, you will head to Cognac. The charming town on the banks of the Charente is inseparably linked to the world-famous brandy that bears its name. You will visit a distillery and taste the product. Finally, you will reach the charming wine city of Bordeaux and check in for the next five nights at the 4-star Hôtel Mercure Bordeaux Château Chartrons (local category). Dinner at the hotel.

Day 4 | Bordeaux and Médoc (approx. 144 km)

In the morning, you will experience the highlights of Bordeaux on a city tour. Let yourself be enchanted by this historic and dynamic city, which offers a rich cultural heritage and numerous historical and modern sights. Elegant facades and the famous Place de la Bourse shape the cityscape along the Garonne. In the historic districts, you will discover winding alleys, small boutiques, cafés, and numerous testimonies of the long trading history. In the afternoon, you will travel to Médoc. The drive takes you through the wine-growing region along picturesque villages and famous wine châteaux. The wineries have names that make the eyes of every wine lover shine: Margaux, Mouton-Rothschild, Pichon-Longueville. You will be a guest at Château Maucaillou, where you will first visit the wine museum and then taste the fine wines. The day ends enjoyably at a restaurant in Bordeaux.

Day 5 | Dune du Pilat and Arcachon Bay

(approx. 145 km)

Today, you will experience one of the most impressive natural landscapes of the French Atlantic coast. First, you will visit the famous Dune du Pilat. The massive sand dune rises over 100 m high between the Atlantic Ocean and the extensive pine forests of the region. Between the ocean and the pine forests lies the seaside resort of Arcachon, a fashionable bathing place and also a breeding ground for the famous oysters. You will enjoy lunch and then explore the bay aboard a boat, passing by the bird island with its typical stilt houses. Back on land, you will visit an oyster farmer and taste the fresh delicacy from the sea. The evening in Bordeaux is at your leisure. Perhaps you will take the opportunity for a walk through the illuminated old town or have an individual dinner in one of the many restaurants.

Day 6 | Bordeaux on your own

Today is entirely yours. Take the opportunity to explore Bordeaux at your own pace. Perhaps you will be drawn back to the historic old town with its elegant buildings, lively squares, and small shops. Take a walk along the Garonne, browse through boutiques, or settle down in a street café and watch French city life. Bordeaux also has a lot to offer culturally. Numerous museums and exhibitions invite you to visit. Individual dinner.

Day 7 | Wine and cultural experiences in Bordeaux & Saint-Émilion (approx. 90 km)

The “Cité des Civilisations du Vin,” the wine culture center in a glass tower on the banks of the Garonne, takes you on a worldwide journey through wine culture. Next, you will head to Saint-Émilion. Famous for its great wines, the town nestles beautifully in the landscape and also holds architectural treasures. After your city tour, you will travel to a wine château outside the city, where you will be expected for a wine cellar tour and tasting. Afterwards, return to Bordeaux. Dinner at the hotel and overnight stay.

Day 8 | Lascaux IV Cave (approx. 631 km)

Today, you will begin the first part of your journey home. On the way, you will visit the Lascaux cave. It enchants with some of the oldest known artworks in human history. The impressive replica of the cave “Lascaux II” was surpassed in late 2016 by the opening of “Lascaux I.” After the visit, you will travel to Mâcon, where you will spend the last night of this trip at the 4-star Hôtel Mercure Mâcon Bord de Saône. Dinner at a nearby restaurant.

Day 9 | Journey home (approx. 566 km)

With many beautiful impressions in your travel luggage, you will begin your journey home after breakfast.

Inclusions

Travel in a modern coach with 5-star comfort and leg rests
8x overnight stays including breakfast buffet in 4-star hotels as per travel description
1x dinner at the hotel in Hôtel Novotel Orléans Centre Gare
1x dinner at a restaurant near the Best Western Plus Masquhotel in La Rochelle
2x dinners at Hôtel Mercure Bordeaux Château Chartrons
1x dinner at a restaurant in
Bordeaux
1x lunch at a restaurant in
Arcachon
1x dinner at Hôtel Mercure Mâcon Bord de Saône in Mâcon
City tour in La Rochelle
Visit to a Cognac distillery including tasting in Cognac (French language)
Full-day tour guide for the excursion
"Bordeaux and Médoc"
Visit to the Château
Maucaillou winery with wine tasting (1 glass)
Full-day tour guide for the excursion
"Pilat Dune and Arcachon Bay"
Boat trip from/to Arcachon to Bird Island (without stop)
Visit to the oyster farm Le Huîtres Fleurs d`Ecume and tasting in La
Teste de Buch
Full-day tour guide for the excursion
"Wine and Cultural Experiences in Bordeaux & Saint-Émilion"
Entry with audio guide in German and tasting at the Cité du Vin in Bordeaux
Entry to the underground monuments as part of the city tour in Saint-
Émilion
Visit to the wine castle Haut-Goujon with tasting
Entry to Lascaux IV with German guided tour in the cave and German audio guide for the exhibition areas
Local tax
1 free drink per travel day
(except for the 6th day)
Audio guides for the entire duration of the trip
Continuous BOHR travel accompaniment