Taste of Bordeaux Cruise with Tom & Kerry Eddy of Tom Eddy Winery, June 18-25, 2026

Day 1: Monday, June 15

ARRIVE BORDEAUX CITY

You will be met on arrival at Bordeaux Merignac Airport and transferred to your hotel. The 4 star Bayonne Etche-Ona is located in the heart of Bordeaux city, steps from the renowned Opera House and nearby the Ecole du Vin. This evening enjoy a welcome reception at Les 3 Pinardiers, a delightful and innovative wine bar. (R)

OVERNIGHT (3 nights): Best Western Premier Hotel Bordeaux Bayonne Etche-Ona or similar

KEY FOR INCLUDED MEALS: B = Breakfast   /   L = Lunch   /   D = Dinner   /   R = Reception

Day 2: Tuesday, June 16

GOURMET WALKING TOUR

The mornings join our guided walking tour of the best gourmet shops and attractions in Bordeaux city. Visit Jean d’Alos, the foremost “fromager-affineur” or matured cheese vendor in France. Learn about the history and ingredients that shape the famous Bordelaise cuisine of southwest France. This afternoon and evening are at leisure. TIP: Explore the Cite du Vin, the marvelous Bordeaux museum dedicated to wines around of the world. Tonight enjoy a private group dinner at a premier Bordeaux restaurant. (B,D) 

Day 3: Wednesday, June 17

COGNAC

After breakfast drive 90 minutes north to Cognac. The town gives its name to one of the world’s best-known types of brandy or eau de vie. Drinks must be made in certain areas around the town of Cognac and must be made according to strictly defined regulations to be granted the name Cognac. Cognac is a unique spirit in that it is double-distilled. This process can be viewed in one of the many “Grande Marque” Cognac houses which all have visitor centers. Most central in the town are Hennessy, Martell, Otard, Camus and Remy Martin. About 15 km (9 mi) east of Cognac is Jarnac, home to Courvoisier. A private cellar tour, tasting and luncheon will take place today. Dinner is at leisure tonight (B, L) 

Day 4: Thursday, June 18

MARGAUX / EMBARKATION

Following our 8:30am check out, depart Bordeaux city for the legendary vineyards and village of Margaux, where we will visit two Grand Cru Classe wineries. Enjoy a brief tour and 3 wine tasting at Château Ferrière, followed by lunch in the cellars at Château Durfort- Vivens. Arrive at our ship, AmaDolce, by approximately 4pm. Tonight’s Welcome Reception is hosted by the ship’s Captain. (B,L) 

Day 1: Thursday, June 18

EMBARKATION – BORDEAUX, FRANCE

Embark the ship for your Taste of Bordeaux cruise. (D)

Planning Your Travel: Transportation from the Bordeaux Airport (BOD) to the cruise ship is available through AmaWaterways on the day of embarkation only. The cost is $45* per person and should booked through Expanding Horizons at least 30 days prior to arrival.  

* Services and pricing are subject to change without notice.

Day 2: Friday, June 19

LIBOURNE

Welcome to Libourne, a gateway to one of Bordeaux’s most elite wine regions. Join an excursion to Saint Émilion, known for its celebrated vineyards, and while here, explore the monolithic church carved out of one piece of limestone rock, and then go under the church to discover its catacombs and caves. If you prefer a more active adventure, pedal through the vineyard-­rich countryside to Saint­-Émilion. (B,L,D)

Day 3: Saturday, June 20

LIBOURNE

 Stroll through the colorful, open-air market, tasting some of the region’s specialties. As a unique alternative, travel back in time to visit an ancient watermill and learn the tradition of breadmaking. Or, you can get your heart pumping by venturing deeper into town by hiking through one of Libourne’s renowned vineyards, accompanied by a tasting of local wine and tapas. (B,L,D) 

Day 4: Sunday, June 21

BLAYE – BOURG

Once in Blaye, you can join a tour of its 17th­century citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For a more active excursion, take a bike ride around Blaye along a former railway. Later in the day, you can choose to bike from Blaye through the idyllic French countryside to Bourg. Or, in the ancient village of Bourg, take a walking tour and visit the Carriage Museum, which houses a wonderful collection of horse-­drawn vehicles, and the World War II Petrol Cistern. Towards the evening, experience the hospitality of this charming medieval village with an exclusive wine festival. Meet the local wine growers and taste the fruits of their labors as well as enjoy live French music and dancing. (B,L,D)

Day 5: Monday, June 22

CUSSARC FORT MEDOC

Cussac-Fort-Medoc is a peaceful commune in southwestern France and your gateway to the famed Médoc region, renowned for producing some of the world’s finest Bordeaux wines. You will see some of the most beautiful and famous wine estates, including Château Latour, Château Mouton Rothschild, Château Lafite Rothschild and Château Pichon Longueville. You’ll then visit either Château Léoville Barton or Château Léoville Poyferré for a tasting of Grand Cru wines. More active guests can hike through the vineyards of Château Margaux and taste local specialties. Alternatively, or you may enjoy a drive along the coast to Soulac-sur-Mer where you’ll see unique sights, such as the Statue of Liberty and the Cordouan lighthouse known to be the oldest in France. (B,L,D) 

Day 6: Tuesday, June 23

CADILLAC

Visit the impressive Castle of Roquetaillade, an amazingly preserved masterpiece of medieval military architecture owned by the same noble family for 700 years and travel to the Sauternes wine region to either Chateau de Rayne Vigneau or Chateau Guiraud to taste the highly prized golden-hued sweet wines produced here. For those wishing to explore more of the history on the decadent castles, you can enjoy a visit to the Roquetaillade castle and Cadillac castle. Or, pedal through the charming town of Cadillac for a guided bike tour. (B,L,D) 

Day 7: Wednesday, June 24

BORDEAUX CITY

The breathtaking capital of the wine world, Bordeaux is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and classified as a “City of Art and History.” You’ll have an opportunity to experience much of the rich culture and architecture on a city tour followed by a visit to the famed indoor Les Halles de Bacalan market for a tasting of local specialties to please the palate. Bike enthusiasts will wish to join a tour along the city’s amazing network of bicycle paths. In the afternoon, be treated to a spectacular sound and light show, Les Bassins des Lumières. Alternatively, you can enjoy a visit to the immersive and interactive Bordeaux Wine Museum, housed in an awe-­inspiring building. (B,L,D)

Day 8: Thursday, June 25

BORDEAUX – DISEMBARKATION

Disembark the ship and prepare for your onward flight or journey. (B)

Planning Your Travel: Transportation to the Bordeaux Airport (BOD) for onward flights can be arranged on board your cruise ship with the cruise manager. Cost is $45* per person.

*Services and pricing are subject to change without notice. 

Day 1: Thursday, June 25

BORDEAUX TO SAN SEBASTIAN

Depart the AmaDolce this morning for San Sebastian. Cross the Spanish border for the beginning of your Basque Country post-cruise tour. Arrive in San Sebastián, the lovely Spanish city on the Bay of Biscay. Known in the Basque language as Donostia, San Sebastián was once a prominent fishing village and was burned to the ground in 1813 after being occupied by Napoleonic troops. However, by 1887, after rebuilding, the city flourished as a popular tourist destination and spa resort. This afternoon, enjoy a guided walking tour through the Old Town — the second oldest neighborhood in the city — where distinctive architecture and pintxos (Basque tapas) bars beckon. Take a short walk this evening to the Hotel Maria Cristiana for a cocktail followed by dinner. (B,D)

OVERNIGHT: Hotel Abba San Sebastian **** (2 nights) (or similar)  

Day 2: Friday, June 26

SAN SEBASTIAN

This morning enjoy a walking tour of the local market to learn about the defining ingredients of Basque cuisines. Mercado de La Bretxa is now undoubtedly one of the most emblematic features of San Sebastian’s old town. The name of the market stems from local history. Back in the 18^th and early 19^th centuries, invading troops gained access to the city through a breach (‘bretxa’ in Basque) in the walls where the market now stands. The market itself dates back to 1870 and has evolved greatly since then. What started out as a traditional marketplace is now a fully-fledged shopping center combining the essence of its origins with modern shops and eateries. Later in the day exploring this amazing city renowned for holding the second highest number of Michelin stars per capita than anywhere on the planet. (B) 

Day 3: Saturday, June 27

SAN SEBASTIAN TO BILBAO

Depart San Sebastian for Bilbao this morning. En route, visit the Talleri Txakoli Winery. Txakoli (pronounced [tʃakoˈli]) or chacolí (pronounced [tʃakoˈli]) is a slightly sparkling, very dry white wine with high acidity and low alcohol content produced in the Spanish Basque Country. Afternoon arrival into Bilbao. Later in the day, take an informative walking tour through Bilbao and learn how to order Basque tapas, known locally as pintxos, and revered for their small size and big taste. (B) 

OVERNIGHT: Hotel Vincci Consulado **** (2 nights) (or similar)

Day 4: Sunday, June 28

BILBAO SIGHTSEEING

Take a deep dive into the contemporary art within the world-famous Guggenheim Museum, a work of art itself. Designed by architect Frank Gehry, the museum features a daring and innovative façade and showcases work by such artists as Andy Warhol, German artist Anselm Kiefer, and Basque masters Eduardo Chillida and Jorge Oteiza. This evening, take a short stroll through Bilbao to the wonderful Serantes Restaurant for your Farewell Dinner. Serantes Restaurant is considered one of the best seafood restaurants nationally and is identified as a bastion of traditional Basque cuisine in the center of Bilbao. (B,D) 

Day 5: Monday, June 29

DEPART BILBAO

You will be transferred to Bilbao Airport (airport code BIO) for your onward flight home. (B)