10-day All-encompassing Bordeaux Vacation

An all-encompassing luxury Bordeaux wine vacation with ten days of fine wine, great food, and the true spirit of Bordeaux.

This experience brings together the best of the Left and Right Banks, combining world-famous appellations with relaxed days in the city, a seaside escape to Arcachon Bay, and a visit to Cognac, with an optional day in the castle region of France, La Dordogne.

You’ll get an exclusive insider look at the people behind the region’s exceptional wines, enjoy private château visits, and dine at fine restaurants, all at a comfortable pace with your private local guide and chauffeur.

All-inclusive package pricing

2 guests – $9,800 per person
4 guests – $8,600 per person
6 guests – $7,900 per person

Based on double occupancy in a 4-star hotel. Early-bird reservations receive an extra discount. Your final price depends on your hotel, dates and châteaux, and we will confirm it with you before you book.

Your Bordeaux Wine Tour at a Glance

Length:
11 nights, 10 days in Bordeaux, Cognac, Arcachon, and Saint-Émilion

Service:
Fully Supported, All-Inclusive Guided Tour

Appellations:
Médoc, Margaux, Pauillac, St-Estèphe, St-Julien, Graves, Pessac-Léognan, Sauternes, Fronsac, Pomerol, Saint-Émilion, Cognac, and Arcachon

Wine Tastings:
Bordeaux Red, White, Rosé, Crémant, and Cognac Brandies

Private Transportation:
Luxury Mercedes-Benz Van

10-Day Bordeaux Itinerary with Cognac & Arcachon

Arrival Day

Place du Palais Bordeaux

Transfer & Hotel Check-In

Your driver will greet you at the airport or train station and bring you to your hotel in central Bordeaux. Settle in, then stretch your legs on an easy walking tour of the historic center with your guide.

  • Airport or train station pickup and hotel check-in
  • Meet your guide on an easy walking sightseeing tour of historic Bordeaux
  • Optional: Private River Cruise with 3-course dinner
  • Optional: Relax at one of our favorite wine bars with select Bordeaux wines paired with local cheese & charcuterie

Day 1

Chartrons Market Sunday Bordeaux

Free Day Sightseeing & Wine Museum

Sundays in France are made for relaxing. Wander through Bordeaux’s elegant streets, shop in local boutiques, or settle into a café for a long lunch and people-watching.

  • Visit the open-air food market on the Chartrons district riverfront.
  • Tickets to the Cité du Vin (World Wine Museum) included.

Optional experiences:

  • Masterclass Wine Tasting with a local sommelier
  • French Cooking class with American Chefs

However you spend it, this easygoing day lets you enjoy Bordeaux at your own pace.

Day 2

Bordeaux Cabernet Grape

Upper Left Bank: Médoc & Margaux

We’ll drive up the ‘Route des Châteaux’ into the heart of Bordeaux’s Left Bank, to world-famous wines and the birthplace of Cabernet Sauvignon!

  • 10:00 am – Grand Cru Classé Château visit and blind tasting in St-Julien
  • Optional: First Growth Châteaux tour and wine tasting
  • 12:15 pm – Gourmet lunch at a local café or château restaurant
  • 2:00 pm – Third-Growth Château visit and tasting in Margaux
  • 5:30 pm – Return to Bordeaux for a free evening

This day is all about the Médoc, where we’ll take you behind the gates of famous châteaux, taste iconic wines, and share insider stories.

Day 3

Médoc Château

Upper Left Bank: St-Estèphe & Pauillac

There’s too much Médoc for just one day, so we’re heading back up the Route des Châteaux for more legendary estates, more Cabernet, and a few more of our favorite stories.

  • 10:00 am – Grand Cru Classé Château visit and blind tasting in St-Estèphe
  • 12:00 pm – Gourmet lunch at a local café or château restaurant in Pauillac
  • 2:00 pm – Second-Growth Château visit and tasting in Pauillac
  • Optional: Visit a local chocolaterie and see special vineyard-inspired chocolates
  • 5:30 pm – Return to Bordeaux for a free evening

Back to the Médoc for round two! Today we’ll explore different villages and different châteaux, and by now you’ll start tasting the little differences that make each one special.

Day 4

Graves Terroir

Lower Left Bank: Pessac, Graves & Sauternes

Bordeaux’s southern wine country, where the region’s oldest vineyards produce elegant reds alongside golden sweet wines.

  • 10:00 am – Grand Cru Classé de Graves Château unique visit and wine tasting
  • Optional: Enjoy a First-Growth wine tasting in a world-famous château’s cave
  • 12:30 pm – Refined lunch at a fine-dining château restaurant
  • 2:00 pm – Premier Cru Supérieur Château visit and iconic tasting
  • 6:00 pm – Return to Bordeaux for a free evening

This day trip blends world-class estates, premium wines, fine dining, history, and stunning scenery.

Day 5

La Place de la Bourse Bordeaux

Free Day To Explore Bordeaux

Take a break from the vineyards and enjoy a slower day in the city. Wander through Bordeaux’s elegant streets, shop in local boutiques, or settle into a café for a long lunch and people-watching.

Optional experiences:

  • Private River Boat Cruise with 3-course dinner
  • French Cooking class with American Chefs
  • Master Class with local sommelier

However you spend it, this easygoing day lets you enjoy Bordeaux at your own pace.

Day 6

Maison Cognac Martell

Village of Cognac

Head north through the vineyards of the Charente to the riverside town of Cognac, home of France’s most refined spirit. We’ll step inside historic cellars where barrels have rested for decades, taste rare blends you won’t find back home, and learn why the locals lovingly call the evaporating spirit “the angels’ share.”

  • 10:30 am – Private cellar tour and tasting at a famous Cognac house (Hennessy, Martell, Rémy Martin)
  • 12:30 pm – Gourmet lunch at a distillery restaurant or local bistro
  • 3:00 pm – Visit and tasting at a smaller, family-run Cognac maison
  • 6:00 pm – Return to Bordeaux for the evening

From the grand old houses to the small family cellars, it’s a day that turns a simple glass of Cognac into a story you’ll want to tell over dinner back home.

Optional: Swap Cognac for a day in Dordogne

Day 7

Arcachon Bay Bordeaux Beach Tour

Day Trip to Arcachon Bay

A beautiful day that blends wine and seaside charm. Visit the Atlantic Coast and spend the afternoon at Arcachon Bay, enjoying fresh seafood, coastal views, and an (optional) climb up the Dune du Pilat.

  • 10:00 am – Departure for the Atlantic Coast
  • Optional: 2h Private Boat Tour of the beautiful bay and oyster traps
  • 12:30 pm – Lunch on the waterfront with seafood and white wine
  • 2:30 pm – Visit the Dune du Pilat and explore the seaside town
  • 3:30 pm – Seaside coffee, wine, or cocktail at an exceptional restaurant
  • 5:30 pm – Return to Bordeaux

This day trip is perfect for travelers who love the oceanfront, fresh seafood, and a quaint village.

Optional: Swap Arcachon for a day in Dordogne

Day 8

bordeaux-fronsac-day-trip-chateaux-tour

Right Bank: Fronsac & Pomerol

The Right Bank offers softer, Merlot-driven wines and beautiful rolling countryside. Fronsac and Pomerol combine elegance, history, and authentic family estates.

  • 10:00 am – Tour & wine tasting at a family-run estate in Lalande-de-Pomerol
  • 12:00 pm –  Lunch with the winemaker at a the château
  • 2:00 pm – Unique cellar visit & wine tasting at a spectacular château in Fronsac
  • 4:00 pm – Vertical blind tasting at a world-class château in Pomerol
  • 5:30 pm – Return to Bordeaux for the evening

It’s a day for meeting the families behind the wine, and you’ll leave with new friends, a few favorite bottles, and a real taste of Bordeaux’s quieter side.

Day 9

Bordeaux-Wine-Vacations-Travel-StEmilion

Village of Saint-Émilion

Spend the day in Saint-Émilion, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Bordeaux’s most beautiful wine villages. Saint-Émilion’s cobblestone streets, medieval architecture, and limestone cellars make it a must-visit.

  • 10:00 am – Private tour and wine tasting at a world-class château in St-Émilion
  • 12:00 pm – Lunch at the château restaurant or favorite village bistro
  • 2:00 pm – Guided tour of the underground grotto and medieval church
  • Optional: Vertical wine tasting with a local merchant
  • 3:30 pm – Private walking tour of Saint-Émilion’s cobblestone streets
  • 5:00 pm – Experience the limestone cellars of a Grand Cru Classé estate in the village
  • 6:30 pm – Return to Bordeaux for a free evening

By the time the sun sets over the vineyards, Saint-Émilion will feel less like a postcard and more like a place you know.

Day 10

The-Monk-Emilion-St-Emilion-France-Bordeaux

Free Day in Saint-Émilion

Enjoy a slow, unscheduled day in one of the prettiest wine villages in France. Linger over breakfast, wander the cobblestone lanes before the day visitors arrive, and stop wherever something catches your eye. A glass of wine on a sunny terrace counts as a perfectly good plan.

Optional experiences:

  • Climb the Tour du Roy for sweeping views over the rooftops and vineyards
  • Taste the village’s famous macarons, made here for centuries
  • Explore the vineyards by e-bike or the little tourist train
    Browse the village wine shops and ship a few favorite bottles home
  • Enjoy a long lunch or a relaxed dinner at one of our favorite village restaurants

However you spend it, this quiet day lets you soak up Saint-Émilion the way the locals do, one stroll and one glass at a time.

Departure Day

Airport Bordeaux

Transfer to Airport or Train Station

Enjoy a relaxed last breakfast and a final stroll through the city. Your driver will collect you and your luggage at a time that suits your flight or train, and bring you to Bordeaux airport or Saint-Jean station.

  • Breakfast at your hotel
  • Private transfer timed to your departure
  • Optional: wine shipping home, arranged before you leave

You leave with new favorite wines, great stories and friends in Bordeaux.

Bon voyage et à bientôt!

Where you'll stay in historic Bordeaux

Your price includes a hand-picked 4-star hotel in central Bordeaux, within walking distance of the best restaurants and shops. Prefer a 5-star hotel or a stay among the vines in Saint-Émilion? We can upgrade to one of our favorites.

4-star Included

Queen-sized deluxe

Hôtel De Sèze

Classic Bordeaux elegance, with antique artwork and custom leather furniture inspired by the city’s 18th-century heritage. Rooms are soundproofed and air-conditioned, and Le Spa de Sèze is there when you want to unwind.

5-star Upgrade

King-sized deluxe with terrace

Le Boutique Hôtel

A family-owned 18th-century mansion in the historic center, with original stone walls and parquet floors. Its wellness area adds a heated pool, sauna and steam room.

Tell us your preferred bed size and bath style when you plan your trip, and we will request them for you.

Optional: Stay in the village of Saint-Émilion

Wake up among the vines, then have the cobblestone streets almost to yourself once the day visitors head home.

4-star Village Villa

King-sized prestige

La Villa des Vignes

A beautiful hotel inside the old park of Château Villemaurine, at the top of the medieval village. It’s a small, quiet hotel with only eleven rooms and suites, so it feels more like staying at a friend’s elegant country home than at a hotel.

5-star Château

King-sized vineyard views

Château Grand Barrail

A five-star château hotel set within a three-acre park on the outskirts of Saint-Émilion, surrounded by some of the world’s most famous wine-producing vineyards.

What’s included:

  • 11 nights in a 4-star or 5-star hotel, breakfast included
  • 12+ private château, estate, and maison visits, entrance fees included
  • A day trip to the village of Cognac (or Dordogne)
  • A day trip to the village of Arcachon
  • Select wine tastings at every visit
  • 7 gourmet lunches with wine
  • Tickets to La Cité du Vin Wine Museum
  • Your private wine guide and host
  • Private Mercedes-Benz van for all excursions
  • Airport or train station transfers on arrival and departure
  • Trip planning and all reservations
  • Local concierge support throughout your stay

What’s not included:

  • Flights
  • Travel & Health Insurance

We are your local guides. Who better to show you around breathtaking Bordeaux than local expats who have fallen in love with this region?

Having the local perspective enhances your experience, providing insider knowledge and opportunities that only a local resident can offer.

From greeting guests when they arrive to personally handling reservations and transportation, to curating excursions, to problem-solving (e.g., unexpected cancellations and other unforeseen issues), your concierge is here to help make your trip unforgettable.

For more info, head to our About Us Page

Tour highlights

  • Explore Bordeaux’s most famous appellations, including Médoc, Margaux, Graves, Sauternes, Saint-Émilion, Fronsac, and Pomerol.
  • Enjoy private château visits and tastings led by winemakers and experts at Grand Cru Classé and family-run estates.
  • Visit Cognac, home of France’s finest brandy, with guided distillery tours and rare tastings.
  • Savor fine dining and gourmet lunches at vineyards and fine restaurants throughout the trip.
  • Spend a free day in Bordeaux, with included tickets to La Cité du Vin Wine Museum and time to explore the Chartrons market.
  • Travel the Route des Châteaux, the legendary road through the Médoc lined with world-famous estates.
  • Experience the elegance of Sauternes, where noble rot turns grapes into golden, honeyed wines.
  • Walk the medieval streets of Saint-Émilion, tour its underground church, and enjoy panoramic views over the vineyards.
  • Learn from passionate winemakers, distillers, and chefs who share the secrets behind their craft.
  • Relax in comfort with private transportation, a local guide, and 5-star accommodations for a seamless Bordeaux stay.

Start Planning Your Bordeaux Vacation

Craft your wine adventure effortlessly. Fill out our form or book a complimentary 20-minute phone call with a Bordeaux local, and get ready for an unforgettable journey through Bordeaux’s wine country.

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Speak with a Bordeaux Expert

Hi, I’m Daniel. I’m an American who moved to Bordeaux in 2013, married a Bordelaise, and fell in love with this city. I’d love to tell you all about it and design your dream vacation.

FAQs

Can I customize an itinerary?

Yes. In fact, every Bordeaux Wine Vacation is customized based on your interests, preferred wine styles, and pace of travel. We combine our experience and local partnerships to create an itinerary that’s unique to you.

We love to visit a mix of world-famous, prestigious châteaux and family-run estates.

Some of our favorites are: Château Beychevelle, Château Léoville-Poyferré, Château Smith Haut Lafitte, Château de la Rivière, Château La Mission Haut Brion, Château Haut Bailly, Château Valandraud, Couvent des Jacobins, Château Fleur Cardinale, Château Carbonnieux, Château D’Yquem, etc.

A Bordeaux château visit typically includes a warm welcome, a guided tour of the vineyard and cellars, and a seated tasting of the estate’s wines. You’ll learn how the grapes are grown, harvested, and aged, often hearing stories about the château’s history and winemaking philosophy. Visits usually last about an hour and a half, offering an authentic glimpse into both the craft and culture behind Bordeaux wines.

The Left Bank (Médoc, Graves, Pessac-Léognan) is known for Cabernet Sauvignon-based blends, while the Right Bank (Saint-Émilion, Pomerol, Fronsac) focuses on Merlot. Both sides offer world-class wines, landscapes, and history.

Most Bordeaux Wine Vacations day trips include visits to 2 or 3 châteaux, allowing time for guided tours, tastings, and a leisurely gourmet lunch. Longer itineraries feature a balance of vineyard visits and cultural experiences.

Yes. Not only are we English-speaking, we’re a small group of international globetrotters fluent in English, and passionate about Bordeaux’s history, culture, and wine traditions.

Smart-casual clothing is best for Bordeaux wine tours. Comfortable shoes are recommended for walking through vineyards and estates. During warmer months, bring a hat and sunglasses; in cooler months, a light jacket or sweater is ideal. Wine cellars stay at a constant 55 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. Bordeaux is a coastal city, so a small travel umbrella or light rain jacket is never a bad idea.

We aren’t a large agency with staff that’s out of touch. We’re a small group of local Bordeaux enthusiasts offering private, all-inclusive itineraries curated just for you. We focus on authentic, personalized experiences and handle every detail, so you can enjoy Bordeaux with confidence and ease.

FAQ Page