Name: Oenological cruise: At the heart of a prestigious wine region (port-to-port cruise)
Brand: CroisiEurope

CroisiEurope

Known for its river cruises, CroisiEurope also offers ocean voyages on two small ships. Guests boarding the 130-passenger La Belle des Oceans (formerly Silversea's Silver Discoverer) can follow in Napoleon's footsteps, visit the hilltop villages of Balagne, and enjoy dinner at a traditional inn. Meanwhile, the 197-guest La Belle de l'Adriatique offers itineraries that take in local traditions.

Cruise Itinerary

Days 1-2

Bordeaux

Ships dock close to the centre, making it easy to explore on foot. The UNESCO-listed old town is packed with neoclassical buildings, lively cafés and riverside walks. Landmarks like Place de la Bourse, the water mirror and the gothic cathedral are all within easy reach.Bordeaux is also home to La Cité du Vin, a futuristic wine museum with interactive exhibits and a panoramic tasting area. You can also hop on a tram to explore the Chartrons district, once home to wine merchants and full of vintage shop and galleries.Cruise excursions might include vineyard visits, bike tours or food tastings. Some itineraries even offer evening moorings here so you can enjoy dinner in town or take a night-time stroll along the Garonne.

Days 2-3

Cussac-Fort-Médoc

The village is named after the 17th-century Fort Médoc, a stone fortress designed by Vauban to protect the river route to Bordeaux. Some cruise excursions include a guided tour of the site, with time to walk the grounds and learn about the fort’s military past.Other trips head inland for wine tastings and château visits. This is classic Médoc territory, with gravel soils and Cabernet Sauvignon-heavy blends, making great alternatives to Pauillac.

Days 3-4

Blaye

Ships dock just below the ramparts, so you can walk straight up into the fortress for panoramic views of the estuary and countryside. Inside the walls, you’ll find a small village, art galleries and a few shops.Excursions often include guided walks around the citadel and visits to nearby vineyards. This part of the Gironde is known for its Côtes de Blaye wines, less famous than neighbouring regions but often great value.Some cruises include the option to cross the estuary by ferry to Bourg or explore the Route de la Corniche, a scenic riverside road lined with limestone cliffs and wine cellars.

Day 4

Libourne

Cruise ships dock right in town, making it an easy starting point for excursions into the surrounding countryside. Most visitors head straight for Saint-Émilion, just 20 minutes away, but Libourne itself is worth a stroll, with its central square, old arcades and riverside market.Expect guided trips to nearby châteaux and vineyards, where Merlot is the star of the show. Many tours include tastings and walks through the vines. There’s often free time too, with the option to explore Libourne’s boutiques and cafés.

Days 4-5

Bourg

Ships dock in the lower town, and it’s a short uphill walk to the old centre. The town’s history stretches back to Roman times, and it became a key stronghold in the Middle Ages. Today, you’ll find a handful of wine bars, bakeries and craft shops tucked among its narrow streets.Some tours focus on Bourg’s role in the local wine trade, while others link it with nearby Blaye or offer tastings in the surrounding hills.

Days 1-2

Bordeaux

Ships dock close to the centre, making it easy to explore on foot. The UNESCO-listed old town is packed with neoclassical buildings, lively cafés and riverside walks. Landmarks like Place de la Bourse, the water mirror and the gothic cathedral are all within easy reach.Bordeaux is also home to La Cité du Vin, a futuristic wine museum with interactive exhibits and a panoramic tasting area. You can also hop on a tram to explore the Chartrons district, once home to wine merchants and full of vintage shop and galleries.Cruise excursions might include vineyard visits, bike tours or food tastings. Some itineraries even offer evening moorings here so you can enjoy dinner in town or take a night-time stroll along the Garonne.

Days 2-3

Cussac-Fort-Médoc

The village is named after the 17th-century Fort Médoc, a stone fortress designed by Vauban to protect the river route to Bordeaux. Some cruise excursions include a guided tour of the site, with time to walk the grounds and learn about the fort’s military past.Other trips head inland for wine tastings and château visits. This is classic Médoc territory, with gravel soils and Cabernet Sauvignon-heavy blends, making great alternatives to Pauillac.

Days 3-4

Blaye

Ships dock just below the ramparts, so you can walk straight up into the fortress for panoramic views of the estuary and countryside. Inside the walls, you’ll find a small village, art galleries and a few shops.Excursions often include guided walks around the citadel and visits to nearby vineyards. This part of the Gironde is known for its Côtes de Blaye wines, less famous than neighbouring regions but often great value.Some cruises include the option to cross the estuary by ferry to Bourg or explore the Route de la Corniche, a scenic riverside road lined with limestone cliffs and wine cellars.

Day 4

Libourne

Cruise ships dock right in town, making it an easy starting point for excursions into the surrounding countryside. Most visitors head straight for Saint-Émilion, just 20 minutes away, but Libourne itself is worth a stroll, with its central square, old arcades and riverside market.Expect guided trips to nearby châteaux and vineyards, where Merlot is the star of the show. Many tours include tastings and walks through the vines. There’s often free time too, with the option to explore Libourne’s boutiques and cafés.

Days 4-5

Bourg

Ships dock in the lower town, and it’s a short uphill walk to the old centre. The town’s history stretches back to Roman times, and it became a key stronghold in the Middle Ages. Today, you’ll find a handful of wine bars, bakeries and craft shops tucked among its narrow streets.Some tours focus on Bourg’s role in the local wine trade, while others link it with nearby Blaye or offer tastings in the surrounding hills.

MS Cyrano de Bergerac

Every shade of blue, from night blue on the walls to the soft blue on the leather sofas, dress every space of the ship. The colour orange brings a touch of pep to the lounge / bar.