An exclusive wine & food journey with
Bordeaux
Your date here
14
Guests
8 / 7
Days / Nights
13
Meals
Discover the rich history, culture, and gastronomic traditions of the acclaimed wine region of Bordeaux. Starting in the Old Town of Bordeaux, stroll the graceful streets, admire the 18th-century architecture, and explore the vibrant atmosphere of this thriving riverfront city. Venturing into the countryside, visit historic châteaux, taste their world-renowned wines, and learn about their history, production methods, and appellations. This immersive week-long journey will be an unforgettable experience for wine and food lovers alike.
Taste
wines from acclaimed appellations in Bordeaux, including Sauternes, Graves, and Medoc
Explore
the picturesque town of Saint-Emilion and the historical Chartrons district
Discover
the rich history and culture of Bordeaux, from Vieux Bordeaux to the Cité du Vin
Day 1
Arrival & Welcome Dinner
Land in the Bordeaux–Mérignac Airport where a private driver will be waiting in the Arrivals area to greet you and transport you to our accommodations located in the trendy Chartrons district of Bordeaux. Take time to get settled, relax, and explore the area. We’ll kick things off this evening, gathering for an aperitif and introductions followed by a Welcome Dinner showcasing the flavors of Bordeaux.
Day 2
Bordeaux
After breakfast, enjoy a free morning to explore the city at your own pace, taking in the pedestrian-friendly shopping areas or perhaps visiting the Musée des Beaux-Arts, one of the largest art museums in France. In the afternoon, join an expert local guide to discover the history and charm of Bordeaux, strolling through picturesque streets dating back to the 18th century. See the famous Place de la Bourse, with its stunning reflecting pool, and delve into the history of Bordeaux wine, learning about its commercial port and the unique negociant system that the city is renowned for. Our tour will end with an introductory tasting session of Bordeaux wines. The evening will be at leisure.
Day 3
Graves & Sauternes
This morning, head to the historic region of Graves— the oldest appellation in Bordeaux— where grapes have been cultivated since the Middle Ages. Enjoy an insider’s tour and tasting at Château Carbonnieux where we will learn about the terroir and the philosophy that has guided their approach to growing grapes and making white wine. For lunch, sit down to a traditional French meal paired with local wines. Then continue on through the vineyards and rolling hills to Sauternes for a visit and tasting at the famous Château d’Yquem. We’ll return to Bordeaux afterward for a free evening. Our Travel Director is happy to provide recommendations for dinner.
Day 4
Medoc
This morning, head north to the prestigious Médoc region, situated on the Left Bank of the Gironde estuary. Home to around 15,000 vineyards, Médoc is known to produce many of the finest wines in the world and is especially famous for its full-bodied red wines. Visit Château du Tertre and Château Cos d’Estournel, where we’ll tour the cellars, learn about their winemaking methods, and enjoy a tasting of their wines. Between the visits, sit down to a wine-paired lunch surrounded by the picturesque landscape of this fabled region. Return to Bordeaux for an open evening.
Day 5
Cité du Vin & Graves
AThis morning, visit the Cité du Vin, a modern interactive museum dedicated to the history and culture of wine. Through its exhibits, the museum provides insight into the science and art of wine-making. Following this, we will head back to the Graves wine-producing area for a traditional wine-paired lunch at a local restaurant and a tour and tasting at the Grand Cru Classé Château Smith Haut Lafitte. Return to Bordeaux at the end of the day and the evening will be at leisure.
Day 6
Saint-Émilion
Today we travel east to the medieval village of Saint-Émilion. This picturesque town is a UNESCO World Heritage site with an incredible history dating back to the Roman era. Our guided tour takes us through the cobblestone streets, past centuries-old limestone buildings, to the iconic monolithic church carved into the rock. Following the tour, we will enjoy some lunch before heading to the highly regarded Château Troplong Mondot for a tour and tasting. While there, learn about the unique terroir and winemaking techniques that produce some of the world's most sought-after wines before returning to Bordeaux for an open evening.
Day 7
Pessac-Léognan & Farewell Dinner
After breakfast, enjoy a free morning to do any last-minute shopping or sightseeing and enjoy Bordeaux at your own pace. In the afternoon, we’ll head to Pessac-Léognan appellation, where we’ll tour Château Pape Clement, one of the oldest wine-producing estates in Bordeaux. After a tasting session of their wines, we'll return to Bordeaux in the afternoon with some time to relax before gathering for a festive Farewell Dinner.
Day 8
Bordeaux to Cognac
Depart Bordeaux after a relaxing morning and travel north toward the historic town of Cognac. Stop along the way for a delicious lunch, arriving in Cognac in the afternoon. Check into our historic accommodations in a former Cognac trading house and have the rest of the day to explore the charming narrow cobbled streets and riverfront promenade of Cognac.
Day 9
Cognac & Balsamic Vinegar
After a leisurely morning, we will head into the Charente countryside to a family-run Cognac House where we’ll learn the secrets of making Cognac and discover the art of aging this renowned eaux-de-vie. This insightful tour will be followed by a lunch expertly paired with Cognac. In the afternoon, we will visit a local producer of Balsamic Vinegar. Here we will be able to sample the vinegar paired with some oysters before returning to Cognac for a free evening.
Day 10
Cognac Hennessy
After breakfast, we'll have a free morning to take full advantage of the hotel's amenities or stroll around town and visit the colorful local market. In the afternoon, we'll visit the famous Hennessy where we'll learn about the history and production of Cognac and enjoy a tasting of cognacs. This evening, enjoy a special dinner at the hotel's Michelin-starred Les Foudres restaurant, which is located in an impressive barrel cellar and features meticulously crafted cuisine.
Accommodations
Hotel Mondrian Bordeaux Les Carmes
Located in the historic Chartrons district, this refined establishment is housed in a restored 19th-century wine cellar. The hotel offers a restaurant and bar, swimming pool, spa, fitness center, and a lovely terrace. Rooms and suites are designed with warmth and coziness in mind, with natural materials and earthy colors. Each room features plush bedding, flat-screen TV, minibar, and coffee/tea makers while bathrooms have toiletries, bathrobe, slippers, and a hair dryer.
Hotel Le Chais Monnet (Cognac Extension)
Located in the heart of Cognac in a historic building that was once a warehouse for aging cognac, this unique property was carefully restored to preserve its historical charm and character while offering a blend of contemporary luxury with traditional French elegance. The hotel boasts 2 restaurants, a bar, an outdoor pool and fitness center, complimentary bikes, a spa, fitness center, terrace and garden, and free WiFi. Rooms feature high ceilings, wooden beams, and large windows with views of the gardens or the town. In-room amenities include a minibar, coffee and tea facilities, hair dryer, slippers, and toiletries.
The Fine Print
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Details
Dates
Flight Information
Activity Level
This trip has been designed to include daily exploratory walks that range from one to three hours. Each day, whether touring a city or winery, guests should be prepared to be on their feet for multiple continuous hours. Guests should feel comfortable strolling along cobbled surfaces, walking up and down stairs, and sauntering down uneven nature paths. Europe tends to have Old World infrastructure (narrow cobblestone streets, lack of elevators, etc.), which can leave some areas inaccessible. Typically, our more invigorating walks are included as optional activities. If your mobility is limited in any way, or if you have questions, please contact our Guest Services team at guestservices@experi.com.
Note: Group maximum is based on double occupancy. The itinerary is subject to change or substitution at any time. You can learn more at experi.com/agreement.
Included
- Seven nights accommodations, including all taxes and fees
- Meals as listed on the itinerary: 7 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 2 dinners, plus wine pairings with most major meals
- All private excursions described in the itinerary along with services of local speakers, guides, entrance fees, and transportation
- Gratuities for travel director, local guides, drivers, porters, and included meals
- Full guiding services of a dedicated Travel Director
- Private airport transfers with porterage on the first and last scheduled days of the program
Not Included
- Pre-and post-trip accommodations and associated expenses
- Air and land transportation to/from host cities
- All types of personal insurance
- Personal expenses
- Additional alcoholic beverages beyond what has been arranged by Experi to pair with the included major meals
Rates*
Classic: $TBD
Deluxe: $TBD
Junior Suite: $TBD
Single Occupancy: $TBD
Extension Rates From*
Classic: $TBD
Single Occupancy: $TBD
*Rates are per person, double occupancy in US Dollars.
Deposits
Travel Insurance
Travel Terms & Conditions
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