European River Cruises 2024 - 2025

Europe For further details or to book call 0800 954 0912 or visit www.mercuryholidays.co.uk 11  Royan Libourne Bordeaux Cadillac Pauillac < <      Air Boat Day 1: UK to Bordeaux D Depart the UK on your flight to Bordeaux. On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your ship. Enjoy a welcome cocktail with the crew before dinner. The cruise will set sail to Pauillac. Day 2: Pauillac to Royan B/L/D Today you will dock at Pauillac, and begin a tour of the prestigious wine-growing region of Medoc. The trail will take you along the famous Chateaux Route, past rolling valleys, verdant fields and the wine estates and elegant castles of Saint Julien, Margaux, Lafite-Rothschild and Latour. With stops along the route, sample the region’s exquisite wines. Cruise the Gironde until you reach the estuary. Dock in Royan and enjoy a panoramic tour of the seaside city. Day 3: Royan B/L/D Enjoy an excursion to the seaside cities of Rochefort and La Rochelle (at a fee). Visit the Corderie Royale, a historical rope-making factory. Afterwards, head to La Rochelle, where you will stop for lunch in a local restaurant. During a guided tour of the old town and port, learn about the Grosse-Horologe gate, Renaissance arcades, lovely half-timbered homes, and the cathedral. Return to the ship and to Royan, then enjoy dinner and an evening of entertainment. Day 4: Libourne to Bordeaux B/L/D This morning enjoy a guided tour of Saint-Émilion’s underground monuments, discovers the rich history of this medieval city, including its enigmatic monolithic church. Continue to a vineyard where you will learn how the famous local wine is produced. Enjoy a tasting of local products at the end of the tour. Return to the ship in Libourne and spend the afternoon cruising to Bordeaux. In the evening leave by coach for a panoramic tour of the city of Bordeaux, where you’ll be able to discover the main monuments, followed by a tour on foot of the old quarter of Bordeaux. Discover the impressive areas such as the Place des Quinconces and the Grand Théâtre, as well as the intimate side streets tucked around the Place Saint Pierre. Day 5: Bordeaux to Cadillac B/L/D Cruise along the Garonne, getting a good glimpse of Bordeaux from the water as the ship continues to Cadillac. This morning visit the magnificent and prestigious Château de Roquetaillade. This castle has been the backdrop for several French films including Brotherhood of the Wolf (Le Pacte des Loups) and Fanfan la Tulipe. Explore the towers of this medieval château before heading to a wine cellar in the Sauternais to enjoy a tasting of the famous Sauternes wine. Afterwards return to Cadillac for a guided tour of the city. Located on the right bank of the Garonne River, the city was founded in 1280 and still retains its original structure. Explore the port, its ramparts, and the main square and stroll the streets to admire the old homes and 15th-century church. Spend the afternoon cruising to Bordeaux and enjoy the gala evening. Day 6: Bordeaux B/L/D After breakfast onboard depart to the centre of Arcachon Bay. We will start our tour with a boat trip on the Bassin d’Arcachon. You’ll be able to see the Bird Island, the famous ‘Cabanes tchanquées’ houses on stilts and the oyster beds. Then, we will visit of the Oyster Centre and Museum located in Larros Port in Gujan Mestras. A modern, interactive scenography will help you discover oyster farming and the history of the oyster. We will have lunch in a local restaurant. In the afternoon, we will go to the Great Dune of Pilat. Culminating at 107m, it is the highest sand dune in Europe. The view from the top is awe-inspiring. Return to Bordeaux at the end of the day. Day 7: Bordeaux to the UK B Disembark and transfer for your return flight to the UK, or continue on to your chosen extension. Bordeaux’s Chateaux, Rivers and Wine Bordeaux Ship information MS Cyrano de Bergerac This modern ship offers 87 tastefully decorated en-suite cabins, a spacious terrace, a bar and a sun deck. Characterised by opulent chateaux, charming cities spliced by winding cobbled lanes, scenic beauty that flanks the Dordogne and of course, world-renowned wines from sprawling vineyards. What you’ll see ⚫ Discover the underground monuments of Saint-Emilion ⚫ Tour the wine region of Medoc and follow a trail along the famous Chateaux Route ⚫ Enjoy a guided city tour of La Rochelle and Bordeaux ⚫ Explore the Chateaux of Roquetaillade ⚫ Cruise along the Gironde to Royan What’s included ✔ Return flights Gatwick to France with British Airways ✔ Where you’ll stay MS Cyrano de Bergerac ✔ 17 meals & drinks onboard ✔ 7 excursions Departures & from prices Main Deck Middle Deck Upper Deck Apr 24 £1,599 £1,719 £1,739 May 24 £1,799 £1,919 £1,939 Jun 24 £1,999 £2,119 £2,139 Jul 24 £1,999 £2,119 £2,139 Aug 24 £1,999 £2,119 £2,139 Sep 24 £1,899 £2,019 £2,039 Oct 24 £1,899 £2,019 £2,039 Apr 25 £1,649 £1,769 £1,789 May 25 £1,969 £1,969 £1,989 Jun 25 £2,169 £2,169 £2,189 Jul 25 £2,169 £2,169 £2,189 Aug 25 £2,169 £2,169 £2,189 More dates available • Lead-in price based on 11 Apr 24 • Single supplements start from just £569