Luxury Wine & Gastronomy: Bordeaux & Dordogne
10-Day | From $11,295 pp
Let your senses guide you around the world-renowned Bordeaux wine regions and Dordogne delicacies on a luxury wine and fine dining travel experience. This all-encompassing tour covers the must-see locations and must-do five-star experiences in Bordeaux and the Dordogne region.
See historic architecture, impressive medieval fortresses, and historic villages through private explorations of many châteaux, estates, family-run wine producers, brandy house, chocolate makers, and local fine dining. Days are filled with many wine tastings, showcasing the best this region has to offer, complemented by the region’s exquisite cuisine in our favorite restaurants. Wander through Europe’s longest pedestrian shopping street, and unwind in a quaint café, all while soaking in the exquisite French architecture and the vibrant “joie-de-vivre.”
This vacation promises unforgettable memories, complete with all transportation and guidance provided by your personal tour guide.
Tour Details
Length: 10 days, 10 nights
Dates: You choose! Pick any dates from April to November
Service: Fully Supported, All-Inclusive Guided Tour
Appellations: Bordeaux, St-Émilion, Cognac, Dordogne, Sarlat, Rocamadour, etc.
Gourmet Tastings: World-Class meals all paired with delicious wines, crémant, rosé, sometimes even brandy.
Private Transportation: From the moment you arrive to when you get dropped off at the airport you’ll be riding in style in your own chauffered 9-Seater Mercedes-Benz Van.
Ten-Day Luxury Bordeaux & Dordogne Itinerary
Bordeaux & Dordogne Like A Local With Your Personal, Friendly Wine Guide and Host!
Day 1
Arrival:
Bordeaux Sightseeing & River Cruise
Transportation from the Airport or Train Station to your Hotel in Bordeaux Center
After you’re settled into your hotel, take a stroll on a Private Walking Tour of the historic town center of Bordeaux, showing you monuments dating back centuries and explaining the incredible transformation of this city over the centuries.
We’ll finish the sightseeing tour with a visit to one of our favorite wine shops in town, for a few glasses of some interesting Bordeaux wines.
Evening River Cruise Experience with Bordeaux Wine Tasting, paired with Cheese and Charcuterie.
Day 2
Left Bank Reds:
Médoc & Margaux
Spend a day exploring the renowned wine regions of Bordeaux’s Left Bank, home to iconic vineyards and the birthplace of Cabernet Sauvignon. Begin your morning with a Grand Cru Classé château tour and tasting in Margaux at 10:00 am, followed by a gourmet bistro lunch at 12:15 pm.
In the afternoon, visit a Cinquièmes Cru château in Saint-Julien at 2:00 pm to experience the elegance and balance of its wines. Conclude your trip with a visit to a local chocolatier at 4:00 pm before returning to Bordeaux at 5:30 pm.
Day 3
Pessac & Arcachon
Start your day at 10:30 am with a visit to a Grand Cru château in Pessac, featuring a remarkable tasting room and cellar. At noon, enjoy lunch at a standout restaurant known for its exceptional flavors and ambiance.
After lunch, head to the stunning Arcachon Bay for an afternoon by the sea. Stroll along the boardwalk, sample local delicacies, and pair them with crisp, refreshing white wines. For those seeking adventure, climbing the Dune du Pilat—the tallest sand dune in Europe—is an optional highlight worth every step. End your day with an optional Michelin-starred dinner overlooking the ocean before returning to Bordeaux, full of coastal charm and memorable flavors.
Day 4
Bordeaux, Museums, & Michelin Star Dinner
Wander through the charming old town at your own pace, enjoying coffee, wine tasting, and leisurely strolls along cobblestone paths. Don’t miss the world of wine at the Cité du Vin Wine Museum or regional history and artifacts at the Musée d’Aquitaine.
We’ll always recommend experiencing French fine dining à-la-Bordelais. Enjoy a four-course Michelin-star meal in one of our favorite restaurants in the world, which happens to be in Bordeaux.
Day 5
Right Bank:
Pomerol & Saint-Émilion
Journey through Bordeaux’s Right Bank, where timeless traditions and exquisite wines come to life. Begin your day at 10:00 am with a tour and tasting at a historic wine estate in Pomerol, renowned for its velvety wines. At noon, enjoy a Michelin-chef lunch in the enchanting village of Saint-Émilion.
In the afternoon, delve into history with a guided tour of the underground medieval church and Hermit’s Grotto, followed by a private walking tour of Saint-Émilion’s charming streets. Conclude your day with breathtaking views from a historic château’s garden at 5:00 pm before returning to Bordeaux at 6:00 pm.
Day 6
Visit Historic Cognac
Discover the rich traditions of Cognac, where grape-based apéritifs and fine brandy digestifs take center stage. Begin your day with a private tour of a Grand Maison de Cognac at 10:30 am, followed by a visit to the charming Cognac riverfront at 11:00 am.
Enjoy a gourmet lunch at noon, sampling regional cuisine that complements Cognac’s refined flavors. In the afternoon, explore a historic Cognac estate with an exclusive tasting at 2:00 pm. Return to Bordeaux at 6:00 pm, carrying memories of this exceptional day filled with history and elegance.
Day 7
Bordeaux Open Air Market & Cooking Class
Stroll the riverfront market of fresh local delicacies from all around the region accompanied by a local foodie. Enjoy fresh seafood and white wine just like a Bordelais.
After lunch, learn from a French Chef in a 3-hour workshop (that starts at 2:00 p.m.) and culminates with an apéro spread where we enjoy our prepared dishes, with paired wines, of course.
Day 8
Gourmet Walking Tour with Michelin Star Lunch
Go on a gourmet tour of the renowned Chartrons District and Rue Notre Dame. Wander along the picturesque Garonne River, try pasteries from an oven that dates back to 1765, get fresh canelés, and sip delicious wines.
Enjoy a Michelin Star Lunch experience that might overwhelm your taste buds.
Day 9
Bergerac & Sarlat
Step back in time as you explore the medieval and renaissance charm of Bergerac and Sarlat. Begin your day at 8:30 am, departing with luggage for a scenic drive to Bergerac. Arrive by 10:00 am to wander its historic streets and soak in the quaint atmosphere.
At noon, enjoy a gourmet lunch featuring regional specialties before continuing to Sarlat at 2:00 pm. Spend the afternoon exploring Sarlat’s rich history and picturesque architecture. Conclude the day by checking into a luxurious 5-star hotel and spa at 5:00 pm, ready for relaxation and more adventures to come.
Day 10
Monbazillac & Rocamadour
Learn about fine dessert wines from the Monbazillac region and experience for yourself why Rocamadour cheese is so famous on this delightful day trip. Begin at 9:00 am with a visit to the charming Château de Monbazillac at 10:00 am, where you’ll learn about the region’s fine sweet wines.
At noon, enjoy a gourmet lunch featuring Monbazillac wine perfectly paired with decadent desserts. In the afternoon, explore the historical beauty of Rocamadour, a village known for its breathtaking views and renowned cheese. Return to Sarlat at 5:00 pm, enriched by the unique tastes and sights of the region.
Departure
Transportation to Airport or Train Station
After breakfast and checking out this morning, you will be met at your hotel by your guide and driven back to Bordeaux, and the International Airport to catch your departing flight or the Saint-Jean Train Station to get on your train.
Bon voyage les amis!
What’s Included;
- 10 nights accommodations in two 5-Star hotels, breakfasts included
- 7 Gourmet Lunches, including wine
- 2 Michelin-Star Dinners, including wine
- Private Cooking Class with a French Chef
- 10 Châteaux / Estate Tours
- 35+ Unique Wines tasted
- Private wine guide and host
- Transportation for excursions
- Entrance fees to Estate Visits and Châteaux Tours
- Full support from a local concierge
- Transfers from/to Bordeaux Airport or Train Station
What’s NOT Included;
- Transportation to and from Bordeaux
- Travel & Health Insurance
Starting at $11,295 per person
Discounts are available for group reservations of 5 or more guests.
We stay in very nice hotels that have been hand-selected to maximize comfort while minimizing cost.
- Hotel de Seze
- Yndō Hotel & Spa
- Villas Foch Bordeaux
- Le Boutique Hotel & Spa
- InterContinental Bordeaux – Grand Hotel & Spa
- Le Petit Manoir
Over the years, we have found a few amazing 4-star and 5-star properties that distinguish themselves beyond their rating.
For self-guided tour parties wishing to upgrade their accommodations, we can provide custom pricing for four- and five-star hotels, pending availability.
For groups of 4 or more, short-term rental options such as Airbnb can be accommodated.
We are your local guides! Who better to show you around breathtaking Bordeaux than local expats that 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 cancelations and other unforeseen issues), your concierge is here to help make your trip unforgettable.
What To Expect On A Day-Trip?
Bordeaux Wine Vacation Day Trips start by picking you up from your hotel in a first-class touring van and driving through a sea of vineyards to the wine region of the day. You’ll visit 2 to 3 different wine-producing estates with tasting and tours of each property, enjoy a five-star gourmet meal that’s typically French, and pair the experience by tasting a comparative selection of fine wines from the region. At the end of the day, your guide will shuttle you back to your hotel and give recommendations or reservations for evening activities in Bordeaux.
What's it like to visit a Château?
Château tours last between 1 and 2 hours, often including a presentation of the vineyard, the history of the château, and a guided tour of the vat room and cellars ending with a vintage tasting of the wine(s) Mis En Bouteille Au Château.
Which Château do we visit?
Examples of Château we visit:
Château Beychevelle, Château Léoville Poyferré, Château Smith Haut Lafitte, Château de la Riviere, Château La Mission Haut Brion, Château Haut Bailly, Château Pape Clément, Château Valandraud, Château Saint-Georges, Château Guiraud, Château D’Yquem, etc.
Is there a special estate that you want to visit? Let us know! We’d love to help organize your dream tour 🙂
Which hotel will we stay in?
We generally target very nice 4-star hotels and some excellent 5-star properties, which we hand-select to maximize comfort while minimizing cost.
Over the years, we have found many amazing 4-star properties that distinguish themselves beyond their rating. We have loved developing all of our hotel relationships and sharing them with our guests. For self-guided tour parties wishing to upgrade their accommodations, we can provide custom pricing for four- and five-star hotels, pending availability.
Do you offer discounts?
Yes! We offer discounts to group reservations of 4 to 7 guests. Contact us to learn more.
Tour Highlights
• Embark on a truly French immersion of discovery in one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
• Relax at a luxury hotel with 19th-century decor and a world-class restaurant.
• Learn about historic French architecture on a walking tour of several UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
• Ride along the Route des Châteaux and enjoy leisurely scenic drives through the French countryside.
• See for yourself the sea of vineyards stretching across rolling hills in the Médoc and limestone plateaus of St-Émilion.
• Tour world-famous Châteaux, wine estates, and unique wine making facilities.
• Discover the many wine appellations of the surrounding region: Médoc, Pomerol, Graves, Sauternes, Fronsac, St-Émilion, many more.
• Enjoy gourmet meals and Michelin-Star dining experiences.
• Visit the Atlantic Coast, and enjoy freshly caught seafood.
• Climb Europe’s largest sand dune, an impressive view of land and sea.
• Stroll the medieval streets of Saint-Émilion for a step back in time.
• Shop the many storefronts along Rue Saint-Catherine and the luxury boutiques of Bordeaux’s Triangle d’Or.
• Explore ancient underground wine cellars stocked with priceless collections and hidden treasures.
• Taste many different Bordeaux wines, often on location and some straight from the barrel in the cellar.
• Compare notable vintages and historic winemaking methods.
• Uncover the vibrant nightlife of the city center.
• Capture breathtaking pictures and memories that will last a lifetime!
Bonjour Bordeaux!
For information and reservations, please contact us to chat about your ideal Bordeaux Wine Vacation…