Mercury Holidays 2021-2023 Brochure

Bordeaux’s Chateaux, Rivers and Wine 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. 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 the day at leisure in Royan or alternatively join an optional excursion to the seaside cities of Rochefort and La Rochelle (at a fee). Visit the Corderie Royale, a historical rope-making factory. Tour the main building and learn about the techniques used to produce the ropes used on the large sailing ships. 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, finely sculpted façades of the private mansions, and the cathedral. Enjoy some free time before returning to the ship. Later, return to Royan, then enjoy dinner and an evening of entertainment. Day 4: Royan to Libourne B/L/D This morning, enjoy an excursion to Saintes. Visit the Roman theatre and the Way of St. James. Return to the ship in time for lunch. This afternoon join an optional excursion to Talmont- sur-Gironde and Meschers-sur-Gironde (at a fee). Talmont-sur-Gironde is lined with cobblestone streets that take you to the white tower on the coastline, up to its beautiful Romanesque church, and over to the quaint port. In Meschers- sur-Gironde, tour the cave dwellings suspended in the cliffs which harbour treasures from centuries long ago. Return to the ship and begin cruising up the Dordogne to Libourne. Day 5: 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. 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 tour of Bordeaux, where you’ll be able to discover the main monuments, followed by a tour on foot of the old quarter of Bordeaux. Day 6: 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. Spend the afternoon cruising to Bordeaux and enjoy the gala evening. Day 7: Bordeaux to the UK B Disembark and transfer for your return flight to the UK. Saint Emilion Vineyard 7 days from £1,499 Cruise highlights ✔ Visit the villages of Pauillac, and Cadillac ✔ Tour the prestigious wine- growing region of Medoc ✔ Enjoy a guided city tour of La Rochelle and Bordeaux ✔ Explore the Chateaux of Roquetaillade Cruise includes • All meals and drinks included • 5 H MS Cyrano de Bergerac: This modern ship offers 87 tastefully decorated en suite cabins. Enjoy a drink from the bar, relax on the vessel’s terrace or soak up rays on the sun deck. Middle and upper deck cabins available from £1,629 • Flights from London Gatwick with British Airways Ready to find out more? For further details, check prices and availability, and explore all of our holidays visit our website www.mercuryholidays.co.uk or call our experienced team free on 0800 298 9865  Royan Libourne Bordeaux Cadillac Pauillac < <      Air Boat Single Supplement A single supplement starts from just £499 River Cruise MS Cyrano de Bergerac Visit our website or call for full prices and departure dates 116 Europe