Reserve your own private departure with

Bordeaux & Normandy

Q: When is the best time of year to travel to this destination?

We recommend traveling to Bordeaux and Normandy between April and October. July & August can be slightly hotter and busier months. The fall grape harvest, the timing of which varies year to year, can be an interesting and fun time to visit, although the dates are difficult to predict.

Q: What does the trip rate include?

Your trip rate covers accommodations, airport transfers, private transportation for day trips and excursions, guided tours with knowledgeable local guides, exclusive access and activities, emergency support services, meals, and rail travel as detailed in your itinerary. The trip rate does not include airfare.

Q: How far in advance should I plan?

The earlier you begin planning, the more flexibility you will have on dates and availability of accommodations and experiences, particularly if you are seeking to travel during peak times. We recommend contacting us as far in advance as possible before your desired departure date. While we can assist with last-minute travel planning, availability may be limited.

"France is a place where you can reinvent yourself." - Kenzo Takada

2 - 8

Guest limits

8 / 7

Days / Nights

$8,995

Starting Rate Per Person
(Minimum 2)

Embark on an enchanting journey through the heart of France on this exclusive Bordeaux and Normandy private departure, where old-world charm and poignant history await. During our journey, wander through the elegant streets of Bordeaux and the medieval villages of Saint-Émilion and Bayeux, indulge in world-famous wines along the Bordeaux Wine Route, and discover the moving stories of World War II as we visit the iconic D-Day sites of Normandy. This captivating itinerary weaves together gastronomy, culture, and history in an unforgettable adventure.

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Normandy France La Manche or English Channel

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"Wine makes daily living easier, less hurried, with fewer tensions and more tolerance." - Benjamin Franklin

DAY BY DAY ITINERARY

DAY 1. Arrive to Bordeaux

Land in Bordeaux Airport and transfer to accommodations in the heart of Bordeaux
DAY 2. Bordeaux

An open morning to explore at your own pace before joining a friendly local guide for a guided tour of the city’s landmarks followed by an introduction to the wines of the region at a tasting workshop
DAY 3. Medoc

Spend a full day in the prestigious Médoc region— enjoy cellar tours and tastings at two distinguished estates with a wine-paired lunch in between
DAY 4. Saint-Émilion

Discover the medieval village of Saint-Émilion and enjoy tours and tastings at two highly regarded wineries with a picnic lunch in between
DAY 5. Bordeaux to Normandy

Travel seamlessly through the French countryside to the medieval city of Bayeux, experiencing the perfect blend of rail and road
DAY 6. Bayeux

After a leisurely morning, venture into the pastoral landscape for a cheese and cider tour showcasing local artisan food producers
DAY 7. Normandy Beaches

Immerse in World War II history with a full-day D-Day tour with a knowledgeable local guide
DAY 8. Departure Paris

Transfer to Paris airport for return flights

Accommodations

Hotel Villa Lara

Situated in the heart of Bayeux’s historic and medieval center, the hotel is housed in an elegant 19th-century mansion that was once the residence of a wealthy French merchant. The building's historic character has been preserved and provides guests with a comfortable and elegant atmosphere while visiting Normandy. The hotel offers a bar and small fitness facility, while each room is equipped with modern amenities such as flat-screen TVs, Wi-Fi, minibar, and air conditioning, as well as upscale toiletries and a hair dryer.

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Hotel le Palais Gallien

This luxury boutique hotel in the heart of Bordeaux is housed in a restored 19th-century mansion that originally served as a private residence and was later transformed into the elegant hotel that it is today. The hotel offers a restaurant and bar, coffee shop, outdoor pool, full-service spa, fitness center, and courtyard with a lovely garden. Rooms and suites are individually designed and decorated with a mix of antique and contemporary furnishings. Each room features plush bedding, flat-screen TV, minibar, and coffee/tea makers while bathrooms have toiletries, bathrobe, slippers, and a hair dryer.

"From the perfection of the Norman coast to the sunsets of its picturesque countryside, Normandy remains forever etched in my memory." - Victor Hugo

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Bordeaux & Normandy Fun Facts

We need to thank the Dutch merchants for the Médoc

The Médoc has not always been the land of famous Châteaux and world-renowned wines. In fact for years, the Médoc was a swamp. In the 17th century, Dutch merchants were looking for large parts of land to plant vines and satisfy the large demand for claret wines. They started to drain the marshes and the Médoc we know today came to life. The soil turned out to be ideal for growing top quality grapes and producing celebrated wines.

Bordeaux is the largest AOC vineyard of France

With just under 125,000 hectares of vineyard and approximately 6000 Châteaux, Bordeaux is the largest protected designation of origin in France.

The most-photographed site in Bordeaux is the “Mirroir d'Eau”

The “Mirroir d’Eau” or water mirror is a large reflective pool designed by landscape artist Michel Corajoud and listed as a contemporary World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Not only does it offers magical reflective views of the 18th-century facades of the stunning Place de la Bourse, it is also a favorite amongst the Bordelais who enjoy putting their feet into the cool water on a hot summer day or evening.

Normandy is the land of cheeses

If you are a cheese lover, Normandy is the place for you with approximately 40 different cheeses from the region. Neufchâtel is believed to be the oldest. Legend has it that during the Hundred Years War young Norman girls used this heart-shaped cheese to show their gratitude to the English soldiers. Another famous cheese is Camembert, which grew in popularity when local producers decided to contribute to the war effort by supplying camembert as part of soldiers' war ration during WWI.

Details

Included

Accommodations during program dates, including all taxes and fees
All activities and private excursions described in the itinerary along with services of local guides, entrance fees, and private transportation
Meals as detailed in your itinerary, including pre-arranged drink pairings
Private airport transfers with porterage on the first and last scheduled days of the program

Not Included

Airfare to/from arrival and departure cities
Travel insurance
Additional alcoholic beverages beyond what has been arranged by Experi to pair with the included major meals
Gratuities for drivers, local guides, porters, and included meals

Travel Insurance

Learn more about travel insurance and how it can help you prepare for the unexpected at https://experi.com/travelinsurance/

Travel Terms & Conditions

View our complete terms and conditions here at https://experi.com/agreement.

Reservation process

Step 1:

Complete the form above indicating:

the number of travelers in your group
your preferred travel dates
the best way to reach you

Step 2:

We will contact you to discuss your preferences.

Step 3:

Based on our conversation, we will check availability, confirm pricing, and provide you with a detailed proposal.

Step 4:

To confirm the services and accommodations for your private departure, a non-refundable 50% deposit of the total trip fee is required.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How a Private Departure Works:

What is the difference between a Private Departure and a Custom Program?

A Private Departure is a program that our destination specialists have meticulously crafted and curated to highlight the best of a particular destination. While we offer a few options to personalize your journey, the main framework of a Private Departure itinerary has been set. If you are seeking to make changes in the schedule or activities, a Custom Program may better suit your needs.

What is the process for reserving a Private Departure?

The first step is to complete the website form indicating the number of travelers in your group, your preferred travel dates, and the best way to reach you. Next we will connect with you to discuss your preferences. With these in mind, we will check availability, confirm pricing, and provide you with a detailed proposal. When you are ready to confirm arrangements, the final step is payment of a 50% non-refundable deposit. [Note: The deposit percentage amount may vary depending on the program.]

How far in advance should I plan?

When is final payment due? What is the cancellation policy?

Final payment is typically due 90 days prior to departure although this time frame may vary depending on the specific program. In general, trips canceled more than 90 days before departure incur a Cancellation Fee of the deposit amount. Trips canceled 90 days or less before departure incur a Cancellation Fee of the full program price. (For full details, see our Terms and Conditions at: https://experi.com/agreement/). We highly recommend travel insurance to safeguard against unexpected circumstances such as family/medical emergency.

Do I need travel insurance?

We highly recommend travel insurance to protect your investment in your trip and help safeguard against unforeseen personal events. A range of coverages are available. Please note that certain coverages (such as "Cancel For Any Reason" coverage, which offers the most flexibility) must be purchased within a short window of time following your initial reservation deposit. We do not sell travel insurance, but if you are looking for more information, visit our website at: https://experi.com/travelinsurance/.

Destination-Specific Information - Bordeaux & Normandy:

Who is this trip suitable for?

This trip appeals to wine lovers seeking to explore the world-renowned Bordeaux Châteaux and their vineyards as well as sample their iconic wines. History aficionados will be captivated by the WW2 stories of these two regions.

When is the best time of year to travel to this destination?

What does the trip rate include?

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Reserve your own private departure with

Bordeaux & Normandy

"France is a place where you can reinvent yourself." - Kenzo Takada

2 - 8

Guest limits

8 / 7

Days / Nights

$8,995

Starting Rate Per Person (Minimum 2)

"Wine makes daily living easier, less hurried, with fewer tensions and more tolerance." - Benjamin Franklin

DAY BY DAY ITINERARY

DAY 1. Arrive to Bordeaux

DAY 2. Bordeaux

DAY 3. Medoc

DAY 4. Saint-Émilion

DAY 5. Bordeaux to Normandy

DAY 6. Bayeux

DAY 7. Normandy Beaches

DAY 8. Departure Paris

Accommodations

Hotel Villa Lara

Hotel le Palais Gallien

"From the perfection of the Norman coast to the sunsets of its picturesque countryside, Normandy remains forever etched in my memory." - Victor Hugo

Get Started

Bordeaux & Normandy Fun Facts

We need to thank the Dutch merchants for the Médoc

Bordeaux is the largest AOC vineyard of France

The most-photographed site in Bordeaux is the “Mirroir d'Eau”

Normandy is the land of cheeses

Details

Included

Not Included

Travel Insurance

Travel Terms & Conditions

Reservation process

Step 1:

Step 2:

Step 3:

Step 4:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How a Private Departure Works:

Destination-Specific Information - Bordeaux & Normandy:

Experi

Connect

Contact

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Starting Rate Per Person
(Minimum 2)