2020 Introduction to Bordeaux -small group tour, exclusively in English

Bordeaux is classified “City of Art and History” and has been inscribed on UNESCO World Heritage List as “an outstanding urban and architectural ensemble”. It is home to one of Europe’s biggest 18C architectural urban areas and stands out as one of the first French cities to have entered an era of urbanism and metropolitan big scale projects, with the Gabriel team; father and son, architects for King Louis XV, under the supervision of two Governors, first Nicolas-François Dupré de Saint-Maur then the Marquis de Tourny.
An introduction of Grands Crus Bordeaux Wines. Explore the UNESCO world heritage city of Bordeaux. Discover the famous wines from both the left and right banks. Special grands crus classés wines tasting. Drive along the scenic Route des Chateaux. Visit the enchanting village of Saint Emilion.

day 1 Bordeaux-Arrival

Pick up in Bordeaux (Airport/Train Station). Transfer to your centrally located hotel and check in and free to discover the lively city of Bordeaux!
For your first evening in Bordeaux you will enjoy a very special tasting experience that will be the perfect introduction to the Wines of Bordeaux. Reach one of Bordeaux’s centrally located wine bars and participate in a special “Grands Crus Classés Wines” commented tasting session. A mysterious hallway that opens up into an immense modern art deco room, strange machines made of stainless steel, a tall ceiling where, hung by their base, hundreds of wine glasses seemingly float, suspended in mid-air… Welcome to Max Bordeaux and its magical concept.
day 2 Medoc Wine Tour
9.30am Pick up at the Tourist Office of Bordeaux
A Full Day Including Visits to 3 Renowned Estates
The Medoc area covers approximately 5,700 hectares of declared vineyards, annually producing on average 300,000 hectolitres of wine. Of the grape varieties permitted, 50% of the viticultural area is planted with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, and to a lesser extent Petit Verdot and Malbec. Also allowed within the AOC regulations are the varieties Cabernet Franc and Carménère.
Taste Fabulous Wines, Guided by an Expert
This morning, head towards the famous Medoc wine region. On this full day tour, experience 3 visits and wine tasting sessions in Grands Crus Wineries that have been carefully selected for their exceptional setting and quality of wine. During these visits you will learn all there is to know about the history of the estates, the wine making process as well as the techniques used during the winemaking. The visits are followed by a wine tasting session. The wineries are usually located in Margaux, Saint Julien, Pauillac or the Haut Medoc appellations.
Stop along the famous Route des Chateaux for great photo opportunities
During the day you will inevitably drive along the D2 road or Route des Chateaux as it is known locally. It is along this route that some of the most famous Wineries such as Chateau Margaux, Chateau Palmer, Chateau Latour or Chateau Pichon Longueville are located. Depending on the timing of the tour, your driver/guide will certainly make a stop in front of one of these world renowned wineries so that you may have the opportunity to take some photos. Evening return to Bordeaux.
day 3 St Emilion
After Breakfast at your hotel. 9.30am Pick up at the Tourist Office of Bordeaux
Discover the Magic of the ‘Right Bank’ Wine Region
The wine region of Libournais encompasses much of what is referred to as the Right Bank. Named after its historical capital, the expression Right Bank typically refers to wines from the Pomerol and St-Emilion areas of the Libournais. There are several villages around the region that share the St-Émilion name, such as Montagne-St-Émilion and St-Georges-St Émilion that are named the satellite appellations. The area is bordered to the west by Pomerol. Merlot is the dominant grape in this area, followed by Cabernet Franc and a very small quantity of Malbec that is tending to disappear. The climate and damp, cool soils of the area make it difficult for Cabernet Sauvignon grapes to fully ripen and, as such, they are less often used.
A Mix of Incredible Wineries and the Enchanting Village of Saint Emilion
Today depart for the Saint Emilion wine region and enjoy a visit and wine tasting in a famous Classified growth Chateau of the Saint Emilion appellation or surrounding (Pomerol, Fronsac, Lalande de Pomerol). Then, arrive in the village and participate in another visit of a Classified Growth Chateau, followed by some free time for personal discovery and lunch. In the afternoon after a walking tour of the village, experience another visit and wine tasting session in a local winery of the Chateau of the Saint Emilion appellation or surrounding (Pomerol, Fronsac, Lalande de Pomerol…).
5.30pm return to Bordeaux.
This evening we have pre- booked dinner for you in a carefully selected local restaurant. The Bordeaux food scene has taken centre stage, and today, the city is cluttered with interesting new offerings like experimental modern bistros, elaborate sanctums of haute cuisine and cosy button-down gastronomic bars.

day 4 Bordeaux-Departure

Breakfast at your hotel and return transfer from your hotel in Bordeaux to the Airport or to the train station where your tour comes to an end.

Inclusions: accommodation in 4* or 3* Hotel sharing a double room, arrival/departure transfer, breakfast daily, expert English speaking driver/wine guide on tours: Medoc full day Wine Tour, Saint Emilion full day Wine Tour, all tasting fees in the Chateaus, one dinner (2 course meal) at a restaurant in Bordeaux, private tasting of 3 Grand Crus at a local wine bar, travel in recent, comfortable & fully equipped Mercedes Minivan, complimentary bottles of water in the minivan, WiFi on board the vehicles, maximum 19 participants (the majority of tours take place in 8 seater Mercedes minivans, on dates with high demand tours will be conducted in VIP Mercedes 19 seater minibus).

Exclusions: Meals, drinks unless mentioned in programme, personal insurance and expenses, entrance fees to monuments, museums, attractions other than mentioned in the programme, gratuities for the guides.