Bordeaux Shore Excursion: Private Bordeaux and St-Emilion Tour

Discover the captivating charm of Bordeaux and the picturesque village of Saint-Emilion on this private shore excursion. Explore Bordeaux’s iconic landmarks, then venture to Saint-Emilion to savor renowned Merlot-based wines at pre-booked vineyard tastings. With a small group of up to eight participants, this personalized experience promises to immerse you in the region’s rich winemaking heritage and medieval splendor. But the true allure lies in what awaits beyond the guided tour – an opportunity to truly connect with the essence of this renowned French destination.

Key Points

• This private tour offers a guided walk through the UNESCO-listed cities of Bordeaux and Saint-Emilion, showcasing their historic landmarks and renowned wine regions.

• The tour includes pre-booked wine tastings at select vineyards in Saint-Emilion, allowing participants to sample the region’s renowned Merlot-based wines.

• The small group size of up to eight people ensures a personalized experience with high guide attention and flexibility throughout the tour.

• Round-trip transportation from the Bordeaux cruise port is included, providing a seamless and comprehensive excursion.

• Positive customer feedback highlights the knowledgeable guides, memorable winery visits, and the combination of walking tours and wine tastings.

Tour Overview

This shore excursion offers a private tour of Bordeaux and Saint-Emilion, both UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Explore these historic cities with a small group of up to eight people, ensuring personalized attention from your guide.

The tour includes a guided walking tour of Bordeaux, showcasing key landmarks like the St. Andrew’s Cathedral and Grand Theatre, as well as a visit to the charming town of Saint-Emilion with pre-booked wine tastings at select vineyards.

With round-trip transportation from the cruise port included, this comprehensive shore excursion allows you to make the most of your time in the Bordeaux region.

Bordeaux Walking Highlights

The guided walking tour of Bordeaux showcases the city’s most iconic landmarks.

Guests will start at the grand St. Andrew’s Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece dating back to the 11th century.

Next, they’ll explore the opulent Grand Theatre, a stunning 18th-century opera house.

The tour then leads to the Pey Berland Tower, offering panoramic views over the city.

The final stop is the expansive Place des Quinconces, one of the largest public squares in Europe.

Throughout the 2-hour experience, the knowledgeable guide provides fascinating historical context and insights, bringing Bordeaux’s rich heritage to life.

Exploring Saint-Emilion

After the captivating tour of Bordeaux, the excursion ventures to the charming village of Saint-Emilion, another UNESCO World Heritage site.

The 3-hour visit includes pre-booked wine tastings at one or two selected wineries. Visitors can explore the medieval town’s narrow streets, historic monuments, and panoramic viewpoints.

The guided walking tour provides insights into Saint-Emilion’s rich winemaking heritage and unique limestone architecture. Guests have the opportunity to savor the region’s renowned Merlot-based wines during the tastings, gaining a deeper appreciation for the local terroir.

The well-planned itinerary ensures a memorable experience in this picturesque and culturally significant destination.

Guided Winery Tastings

A key highlight of the Bordeaux shore excursion is the guided winery tastings in Saint-Emilion.

On this tour, visitors get the chance to sample the renowned wines of the region at one or two selected vineyards. The knowledgeable guides lead the tastings, providing insight into the winemaking process and the unique terroir of Saint-Emilion.

Guests can expect to sample high-quality wines and learn about the subtle flavors and aromas that distinguish the appellation’s prestigious vintages.

The winery visits are pre-booked, ensuring a seamless experience and allowing ample time to appreciate the charming village and its world-famous vineyards.

For wine enthusiasts, this tasting opportunity is a wonderful way to take in the rich viticultural heritage of Bordeaux.

Personalized Group Size

One of the key advantages of the Bordeaux shore excursion is its small-group format. Capped at just eight participants, this tour ensures a personalized experience with ample attention from the guide. The intimate group size allows for more flexibility, easier navigation, and the ability to ask questions and interact closely with the expert guide. This contrasts with larger, impersonal group tours that can feel crowded and overwhelming. The small-group format creates an engaging and memorable experience, tailored to the needs and interests of each traveler.

Group Size	Personalized Attention	Flexibility	Interaction
8 max	High	Increased	Enhanced
Larger	Limited	Restricted	Reduced
Private	Maximal	Optimized	Exceptional
Crowded	Minimal	Constrained	Impersonal

Included and Excluded

The Bordeaux shore excursion thoughtfully includes a variety of essential elements to provide travelers with a well-rounded experience.

The tour includes a private guide to lead the way, a panoramic tour of historic Bordeaux, and a walking tour of the charming town of Saint-Emilion. Travelers will also receive one bottle of water per person and gratuities are covered.

However, the tour doesn’t include food and drinks, unless specified, or the wine tasting fees which range from €25 to €45 per person. Plus, infant seats are available upon request but not included in the tour price.

Meeting and Pickup

The meeting and pickup logistics for the Bordeaux shore excursion are straightforward. Guests will depart from the Bordeaux Cruise Port, where the guide waits as close to the ship as possible.

However, pickup isn’t available at the Le Verdon cruise port. The tour starts promptly at 9:30 am, so guests are advised to arrive on time.

The small group size of eight ensures personalized attention throughout the day’s activities, which include a guided walking tour of Bordeaux and a visit to the charming town of Saint-Emilion with pre-booked wine tastings at one or two selected wineries.

Customer Feedback

Customers have provided largely positive feedback on the Bordeaux shore excursion, with an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 based on 9 reviews.

Reviewers consistently praise the knowledgeable guides, who provide memorable winery visits and well-planned itineraries. Highlights include the guided walking tours of historic Bordeaux and charming Saint-Emilion, as well as the pre-booked wine tastings at select châteaux.

Some customers suggest allocating more time to explore Bordeaux and clearer communication of daily plans, but overall, the tour offers an immersive experience of the region’s UNESCO-listed landmarks and renowned wineries.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can We Make Unscheduled Stops During the Tour?

The tour generally follows a set itinerary, but the guide may accommodate unscheduled stops if time permits and all travelers agree. However, the tour duration and activities included are fixed, so additional stops could impact the overall schedule.

Is There an Option for a Longer or Shorter Tour Duration?

The tour’s duration is fixed at approximately 5 hours. However, travelers can discuss with the guide to adjust the time spent in each location, though unscheduled stops are generally not possible within the set itinerary.

Are There Any Age Restrictions or Special Requirements for Participants?

There are no specific age restrictions, but the tour may not be suitable for young children. Participants should be able to walk comfortably for extended periods. Infant car seats are available upon request.

Can We Customize the Winery Visits to Our Preferences?

The tour offers some flexibility in customizing the winery visits. Guests can discuss their preferences with the guide, who will work to accommodate them within the tour’s schedule and structure.

How Do We Pay for the Optional Wine Tasting Fees?

The optional wine tasting fees, which range from €25 to €45 per person, are paid directly to the selected wineries during the tour. These fees are not included in the overall tour price.

Recap

This private shore excursion offers an immersive experience exploring the charm of Bordeaux and the picturesque village of Saint-Emilion. With a small group, travelers can enjoy guided tours of iconic landmarks, indulge in renowned Merlot-based wine tastings, and discover the rich winemaking heritage, all while receiving personalized attention from a knowledgeable guide. The comprehensive itinerary and intimate group size make this tour an excellent choice for those seeking a memorable and tailored Bordeaux adventure.