Experience the best of Bordeaux with Brian Carter Cellars

Delve into the city’s past on historical walking tours, explore local markets, and savor tastings at prestigious wineries and distilleries like Hennessy Maison.

Date

Apr 24 - May 1

Year

2025

Group Size

16 - 20

Tour Escort

Day 1 to Day 8

Delve into the city’s past on historical walking tours, explore local markets, and savor tastings at prestigious wineries and distilleries like Hennessy Maison. Get hands-on with a wine blending workshop, pedal through scenic vineyards on a bike tour, and master French cuisine in a cooking class. Round off your adventure with an exhilarating truffle hunting excursion. Join us for a journey that captures the heart and soul of this renowned French region, blending culture, gastronomy, and adventure into an unforgettable experience.

This exquisite tour package offers a comprehensive and luxurious experience, ensuring your comfort and immersion in the local culture from start to finish. Your stay includes accommodations in premier hotels, complete with daily breakfast and all taxes covered, allowing you to start each day refreshed and worry-free. Indulge in the local cuisine with either lunch or dinner provided daily, accompanied by a selection of fine wines to enhance your dining experience. Delve into the heart of the region with all tastings, experiences, and entrance fees included, ensuring you don’t miss out on any of the must-see attractions.

Travel in style and ease with local transportation arranged via Coach Bus or Train, designed to provide you with the most scenic and convenient routes. A French tour manager will accompany the group throughout the journey, offering support and insights to enrich your experience, while local guides will share their in-depth knowledge of each destination. To ensure you don’t miss a word of the fascinating commentary during guided tours, whisper devices will be provided. Additionally, the package includes airport transfers for a seamless and hassle-free travel experience, allowing you to focus on the adventure that awaits.

Trip Highlights

– Exclusive Bordeaux Walking Tour

– Indulge in culinary delights at Les Halles de Bacalan, a vibrant fresh market favored by food enthusiasts.

– Discover the rich heritage of wine at La Cité du Vin, a cultural hub and prestigious wine museum.

– Explore the renowned Médoc Wine Region on a guided tour, immersing yourself in the essence of winemaking.

– Experience the art of wine and cuisine with a Private Tasting and Cooking Class at Château Kirwan in Margaux.

– Delve into the world of Cognac with private visits and tastings at Hennessy Maison and Rémy Martin Maison.

– Uncover hidden treasures beneath Bordeaux with a private tour of Underground Monuments, including the unique Hermitage and Monolithic Church.

– Craft your own wine blend and indulge in a gourmet lunch at Château de Ferrand in Saint-Émilion.

– Explore scenic vineyards on a memorable Bike Tour through picturesque landscapes.

– Dine like royalty with a Private Dinner at Château Smith Haut Lafitte.

– Embark on a thrilling Truffle Hunting Experience and cooking class in Sainte-Croix-du-Mont.

– Delight your palate with a Private Tasting at the legendary Château d’Yquem in Sauternes.

What is included in the price?

– Hotels with daily breakfast and taxes.

– Lunch or dinner each day, including wine

– All tastings, experiences and entrance fees

– Local transportation via Coach Bus or Train.

– French tour manager traveling with the group through the tour to provide support.

– Local guides.

– Whisper devices through to facilitate guided commentary.

– Airport transfers.

Not included:

– Tips/Gratuities for guides, drivers, and tour managers (guidelines will be provided. Tips are appreciated but not mandatory.)

– International air.

– Travel/Cancellation Insurance (every traveler must either show proof of insurance or waive coverage.)

– Items of personal nature.

– Anything not included in the itinerary.

Day 1 – April 24
Bordeaux

Embark on your Bordeaux adventure with ease as your dedicated driver awaits you at the Bordeaux airport, ready to whisk you away to your hotel in the heart of the city. Indulge in a warm welcome with a delightful reception featuring local wines and cuisine upon arrival at the InterContinental Bordeaux – Le Grand Hotel. Check in seamlessly and prepare to immerse yourself in the charm and luxury of your accommodations.

Day 2 – April 25
Medoc Wine Tour

Be immersed in a mesmerizing Médoc Wine Tour, venturing into the renowned Médoc Wine region north of Bordeaux. Along the picturesque “route des châteaux,” indulge in scenic views of endlessly stretching vineyards..Experience a private tasting and cooking class at the enchanting Château Kirwan in Margaux, where history intertwines with modern charm. Learn the secrets of culinary mastery before savoring your creations paired with the estate’s finest vintages. Return to your hotel after a delectable lunch. Later, journey to the captivating Cognac region, where the spirit of Cognac meets rich history. Explore Maison Hennessy’s prestigious cooperage and savor their renowned Cognac. Then, delve into the heritage of Rémy Martin with a private visit, tasting, and Chef-prepared lunch. Conclude your day’s adventures and return to your hotel, leaving the evening free for personal exploration in Bordeaux.

Day 3 – April 26
Cognac Spirit Tour

Discover the captivating history of Cognac, a city steeped in winemaking heritage dating back to the Middle Ages. Explore its dynamic waterfront setting on the River Charente, tracing its evolution from a center of wine cultivation to a global hub for the production of fine spirits. Begin your private visit and tasting at Hennessy Maison, where you’ll gain insight into the art of barrel making in their prestigious cooperage before indulging in samples of their renowned Cognac. Next, journey to Rémy Martin, a bastion of quality Cognac craftsmanship since 1724. Explore their distillery and cellar, learning about the intricacies of Cognac production from grape to glass. Delight in a Chef-prepared lunch featuring market-fresh ingredients, perfectly complemented by tastings of Rémy Martin’s exceptional Cognac. Conclude your tour and return to the hotel.

Day 4 – April 27
Bordeaux

Begin your day with a captivating Private Bordeaux Walking Tour from the iconic InterContinental Bordeaux – Le Grand Hotel at 2-5 Place de la Comedie, Bordeaux, France. Delve into the city’s rich history as it emerges from a transformative 20-year renovation program, reclaiming its former splendor. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2007, Bordeaux boasts stunning 18th-century architecture with roots dating back to the Gallo-Roman period. Explore waterfront marvels such as the Palais de la Bourse, The Triangle d’Or, the Grand Theatre, and exquisite private mansions. Indulge in delectable tastings at Les Halles de Bacalan, a culinary haven in the Bassins à Flots district, offering a vibrant showcase of local gastronomy.

Visit La Cité du Vin, a modern marvel and immersive wine museum, where you’ll embark on a sensory journey through the global culture of wine. Conclude your exploration with a breathtaking panoramic view of Bordeaux from the Belvedere, accompanied by a glass of fine wine. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon and evening, returning to the hotel by tramway, with dinner options aplenty within walking distance, curated by your guide or the Hotel Concierge for an unforgettable experience.

Day 5 – April 28
Saint Emilion & Medieval Village

Bid farewell to the luxurious InterContinental Bordeaux – Le Grand Hotel as you check out this morning and begin your journey to Les Sources de Caudalie. Explore the medieval charm of Saint-Émilion, a UNESCO-classified village adorned with ochre hues and surrounded by sprawling vineyards. Delight in a private tasting at a wine cellar, sampling esteemed wines from the Saint Emilion & Pomerol regions, guided by a local expert. Descend into the village’s underground monuments, including the fascinating monolithic church and catacombs. Experience a private wine blending workshop and lunch at Château de Ferrand, where you’ll craft your blend and indulge in gourmet cuisine. Later, settle into your new haven, Les Sources de Caudalie, before enjoying an evening at leisure with dinner of your choice.

Day 6 – April 29
Pessac-Leognan Excursion

Experience the scenic Pessac Leognan Vineyard on e-bikes, accompanied by a knowledgeable wine guide. Explore the prestigious region at your leisure, immersing yourself in the vineyards and gaining insight into the winemaking process. Enjoy a delicious lunch back at the hotel before unwinding in the afternoon at your leisure. Later, indulge in a Private Dinner at Château Smith Haut Lafitte, steeped in centuries of history and excellence. Delve into the estate’s rich heritage, witnessing modern winemaking techniques alongside age-old traditions. Admire the owners’ remarkable art collection and explore the working cooperage before savoring an exquisite dinner complemented by exceptional Château Smith Haut Lafitte wines.

Day 7 – April 30
Truffle Discovery and Sauternes Sweet Escape

Today will be an unforgettable journey, as you go on a Truffle hunt in Sainte-Croix-du-Mont, starting from Les Sources de Caudalie. Join your driver and guide for a day dedicated to truffles and Sauternes wine. Delve into the secrets of truffle cultivation in the quaint village of Sainte-Croix-du-Mont, beginning with a comprehensive presentation followed by a truffle hunt with the expertly trained dog “Figaro.” Indulge in a truffle tasting paired with local wine directly in the fields. Afterward, journey to Sauternes for a gourmet lunch at Lalique at Château Lafaurie Peyraguey, where Chef Jérôme Schilling crafts inspired cuisine rooted in seasonal and local ingredients. Savor a unique vegetarian ‘blend menu’ in seven sequences, perfectly complementing the terroirs of Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey. Then, experience the pinnacle of Sauternes wine with a private tasting at Château d’Yquem, the renowned first Classified Superior Growth of Sauternes and Barsac. Delight in the intense aromas and flavors of this exceptional wine before transferring back to the hotel. Enjoy some free time to relax, pack, and bid farewell to newfound friends.

Day 8 – May 1
Au revoir!

Conclude your stay at Les Sources de Caudalie with a leisurely morning before your departure. Later, depart for Bordeaux Airport via a comfortable transfer arranged with a dedicated driver, ensuring a seamless journey to your next destination.