CroisiCruise: BIQ_PP
7 Days
Fine French cuisine at the foot of the Pyrenees and an escapade in the Gironde
Dive into the French Basque experience before a cruise on the Garonne and Gironde Rivers. Vacation in the heart of the famous seaside resort of Biarritz. Indulge in Basque culinary traditions and heritage—Espelette chili peppers, chocolate and ham in Bayonne, and Irouléguy wines. This trip will bring you to well-known pilgrimage points such as Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port - the last stage of the Way of St. James before the Pyrenees. Then, kick back and enjoy a delightful cruise while discovering the region surrounding Bordeaux.
THE CROISIEUROPE DIFFERENCE
- All meals included - DRINKS INCLUDED with meals and at the bar
- Refined French cuisine - Gala dinner and evening - Welcome cocktail
- Free Wi-Fi in lounge and bar
- Headsets are included for excursions
- Official welcome from the captain and crew
- Onboard activities
- All port fees included
- Prepaid Classic sightseeing package
CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS
- Discover southwestern France, its Basque Country, and the Gironde area through its vast landscape and way of life
- Excursions:
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- Spicy Espelette
- Bayonne and a visit to a salted-meat workshop
- Blaye and its Vauban citadel
- The medieval city of Saint-Émilion
- A CroisiEurope exclusive: Fly over the Médoc in a helicopter and enjoy a wine tasting
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Itinerary
Day 1: Biarritz
We'll welcome you at your four-star hotel (or similar accommodations) in Biarritz at 5:00 p.m., where you'll check in and enjoy a welcome cocktail. Dinner and evening in Biarritz.
Although once a whaling village, Biarritz is now an upscale seaside resort. The city's destiny changed forever when Napoléon III and his wife, Eugénie, came to take advantage of the ocean's health benefits. Enjoy some free time on the Atlantic coast by walking along the cliffs or even having a swim!
Day 2: Biarritz - French Basque Country - Biarritz
Breakfast will be served at the hotel. Set out on a full-day excursion to the French Basque Country. The tour will begin in Espelette, a small, colorful city decorated with its signature festoons—dried chili pepper strings. Mildly hot Espelette peppers are a cornerstone of French Basque cuisine. Take some time on your own to explore the city. There will be a traditional Basque lunch in Espelette. In the afternoon, tour Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port and indulge in a tasting of Irouléguy wine. A charming village in the heart of the Pyrenees, Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port was named one of the most beautiful villages in France in 2016. Its unique position as the last stop on the Way of St. James makes it popular with pilgrims and hikers. After a guided tour, head over to the Irouléguy wine cellars for a visit and tasting. At the end of the day, return to Biarritz. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 3: Biarritz - Bayonne - Bordeaux
Breakfast will be served at the hotel. This morning, join a guided tour of Bayonne and a salted-meat workshop. The guided tour of old Bayonne introduces you to the history of the French Basque Country and its culture. Strolling down the quaint, narrow streets, you'll learn about the city center's rich architectural heritage, including the cathedral, cloister, and fortifications. Then visit a salted-meat workshop to see how dried ham is made and taste a few of its products. Enjoy a traditional Basque meal at lunch in a local cider house. Have a glass of cider directly from the barrel! After your tour, leave by coach for Bordeaux, where you'll board the ship at 6 p.m. The crew will be introduced at a welcome cocktail.
Day 4: Bordeaux - Cussac-Fort-Medoc - The Medoc
Cruise down towards Cussac-Fort-Médoc. In the afternoon, join the excursions proposed: CLASSIC- Following the trail of the Grands Crus wines of Médoc, a renowned region where the most famous of all red wines in the world are cultivated. DISCOVERY-Helicopter flight over the Médoc and tasting(3). Return on board for dinner and an evening of entertainment.
(3) Subject to availability and favorable weather conditions
Day 5: Cussac-Fort-Medoc - Gironde Estuary - Blaye(2)
Start sailing early this morning towards Blaye, whose Citadel built by Vauban is not to be missed. Join the excursions proposed: CLASSIC-The Route de la Corniche Fleurie and the Blaye Citadel, journey through tradition and authenticity. DISCOVERY-Tour Blaye and its underground monuments on foot. After our tour, get to taste some regional products with an excellent glass of wine. Return on board and cruise on the Gironde all the way to the estuary. Enjoy an evening of dancing.
(2) Depending on the tide, the stopover in Blaye and Libourne may be replaced by Bourg.
Day 6: Blaye(2) - Libourne(2) - Saint-Emillion
Cruise to Libourne, a town rich with history and full of character located at the confluence with the Isle and the Dordogne Rivers. Upon arrival, join the excursions proposed: CLASSIC-Tour of Saint-Emilion. DISCOVERY-Libourne by bike and wine tasting. Return on board in Libourne. Tonight there will be a festive gala dinner and evening.
(2) Depending on the tide, the stopover in Blaye and Libourne may be replaced by Bourg.
Day 7: Libourne - Bordeaux
Cruise to Bordeaux this morning. Enjoy one last buffet breakfast on board before disembarking at 11:00a.m. End of our services.
NOTE: For optimal organization of the cruise, the organization of excursions can be modified according to the tide.
INCLUSIONS:
- Accommodation, including breakfast and dinner, in a fourt-star hotel in Biarritz from Day 1 to Day 3*
- Lunch on Day 2 and Day 3
- Full-day excursion to the French Basque Country
- Guided tour of Bayonne and a salted-meat workship
- Your cruise with all meals from dinner on Dya 3 to breakfast on the final day
- Onboard drinks included (except for drinks from our special lists)
- Double-occupancy cabin with climate control and shower in bathroom
- Assistance from our onboard multi-lingual host/hostess
- Welcome cocktail
- Gala dinner
- Onboard entertainment
- Travel assistance and repatriation insurance
- All port fees
- Prepaid classic sightseeing package
EXCLUSIONS:
- Drinks from our special lists, or drinks ordered during excursions or transfers
- Transfers/travel to and from departure/arrival points
- Cancellation and baggage insurance
- Optional excursions (must be reserved and paid for on board or at travel agency)
- Personal expenses
Trip prices and dates are correct at the time of the website going live, however all offers are subject to reconfirmation at the time of booking. Note prices usually display available discounted rates if any, (eg. Early Bird Deals if applicable). All featured tour itineraries and offers maybe subject to change due to seasonal variations without notice, or due to local conditions or other conditions. Please confirm all details at time of booking. Travel insurance is mandatory for all Innovative Travel bookings. All passports must be valid for 6 months prior to your return to your home country. Visas are the responsibility of the traveller. Special VIP meet and assist offers are valid for New Zealand passport holders, for other nationalities please check at the time of booking. For full terms and conditions, please refer to our Booking Conditions page.
