19/11/2023
Chateaux, Rivers, and Wine
Round trip from Bordeaux, France*
May 26 – June 2, 2024
Hosted on board by Janice and Jack Bergbom
DAY ONE MAY 26, 2024 Bordeaux, France
Embark your ship and settle into your stateroom. Capital of the Aquitaine region, Bordeaux is celebrated for its thoughtfully preserved 18th-century architecture. Together, its glorious buildings, many of them built on the wine trade, comprise the world’s largest urban UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today, honored as a City of Art and History, Bordeaux is a “Little Paris” of beautiful boulevards, Gothic and baroque churches, and lovely parks and gardens. The towering spire of the flamboyant Basilica of St. Michael is visible from all over the city, while the city’s green spaces are a delight to explore on foot.
DAY TWO MAY 27, 2024 Bordeaux, France
Stately mansions, restored houses and grand squares form the heart of Bordeaux’s Old Town, often called the “Port of the Moon” for its location on a crescent-shaped curve of the Garonne River. Among its treasures, the neoclassical Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux is the pride of the city. Another cultural gem, and a national monument of France, is the spectacular Cathedral of St. Andrew. In 1137, Eleanor of Aquitaine wed the future Louis VII in the cathedral when she was 13 years old. The elegant, 17-arched Stone Bridge is favored among the Bordelais for whiling away an afternoon and capturing views over the river, docks and the harbor.
DAY THREE MAY 28, 2024 Libourne, France
Libourne is a gastronomic haven, an inviting destination full of the authentic flavors of southwestern France. Situated in the picturesque heart of Bordeaux wine country, its surrounding vineyards have a long-standing tradition of crafting exceptional wines from Merlot, cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc grapes, showcasing the region’s unique terroir. Libourne’s culinary scene shines, with an abundance of food markets and charming bistros offering fresh produce and regional delicacies, such as entrecôte à la Bordelaise, perfectly paired with renowned local wines.
DAY FOUR MAY 29, 2024 Bourg, France
The village of Bourg reclines along the Gironde, just beyond the confluence of the Garonne and Dordogne Rivers. Perched on a rocky slope and encircled by medieval walls, it has always had a clear view of ships, friend or foe, heading toward Bordeaux. The citadel in the Upper Town has long kept watch. Pleasant strolls unfold at every corner, from the picturesque alleyways that tumble down to the harbor to the ancient King’s Staircase that provided the royals with quick access to the water. With a rich architectural heritage, it is one of France’s official historic villages.
DAY FIVE MAY 30, 2024 Médoc & Margaux Wine Country, France
Cussac-Fort-Médoc is a gateway to the Médoc wine country, home to the famed wine growing villages of Pauillac, Margaux, Saint-Estèphe and Saint-Julien. Collectively, they produce some of the world’s most prestigious wines with four of the five Premier cru classé hailing from the Médoc region; Château Margaux, Château Lafite Rothschild, Château Latour and Château Mouton Rothschild. In addition, there are 60 Grand cru classé vineyards and many more incredible wineries, each offering insight into their rich winemaking heritage that has been passed on for generations.
DAY SIX MAY 31, 2024 Bordeaux, France
Bordeaux’s good fortune began in the 12th century when Duchess Eleanor of Aquitaine married Count Henri Plantagenêt, who soon became King Henry II of England. Their wedding in 1152, which claimed by marriage southwestern France for England, led to a growing popularity in wine production. Claret was the primary style of Bordeaux wine at the time and England imported it in large quantities. France regained control of the region and its vines at the close of the Hundred Years’ War in 1453. Since then, the city and its surrounding region has produced many styles, from simple table wine to the most prestigious and coveted bottles.
DAY SEVEN JUNE 1, 2024 Cadillac (Sauternes), France
Cadillac was built as a fortified town to protect Bordeaux. Its mighty towers gave watchmen a clear view of the Garonne, and a clear shot should any foe attempt to pass. This charming town and its 17th-century castle retain much of their old-world charm. Cadillac’s locale on the waterway further gave it a central commercial role in the trade route to and from Spain. The name of the town was adopted by Antoine Laumet de la Mothe, Sieur de Cadillac, who later founded Detroit and governed Louisiana; the Cadillac division of General Motors is named for him.
DAY EIGHT JUNE 2, 2024 Bordeaux, France
The Garonne River flows through the heart of Bordeaux and has been at the center of the city’s lifeline for centuries. A key port during the Age of Enlightenment, Bordeaux was instrumental in establishing the city as a vital trading merchant of wine and other goods. Perhaps Bordeaux’s most famous square is the Place de la Bourse, commissioned by Louis XV. Reminiscent of the Place de la Concorde in Paris, also built during Louis XV’s reign, its design fulfilled a vision to open the city onto the river, presenting a welcoming and prestigious image to all who passed along the waterway. After breakfast, disembark your ship and journey home.
*Please inquire about possible vacation extensions, pre and or post cruise.
*************************************************************************************************
Per person, double occupancy Stateroom Pricing is based upon availability at time of booking.
Following is a sampling of current prices at time of printing. There is LIMITED AVAILABILITY.
Our GROUP rates will allow a $125.00 per person discount, at time of booking. VIP WORLD TRAVEL is also offering a $100.00 per person Shipboard Credit. Additionally, Past guests are given a $100.00 discount.
French Balcony Category C $5499.pp French Balcony Category D $5299.pp
Standard* Category E $3399.pp Standard* Category F $3299.pp
• Window at waterline.
Please inquire about reduced air fare from your city. Same day transfers are included.
VIKING offers to allow you to choose flights through their AIR PLUS program, 11 months prior to departure for $150.pp
Their air program is available, too, for stays up to 30 days for a deviation fee of $100.pp
Viking offers ‘CANCEL FOR ANY REASON” TRIP PROTECTION, through TRIP MATE INSURANCE. Please inquire.
Book by November 30, 2023. Deposit $25.00 per person Balance will be due by December 15, 2023
Contact me today, as space is very limited on this departure!
Janice Bergbom, CTC
VIP WORLD TRAVEL, SARASOTA, FL 34277
941-730 4696 [email protected]
Chateaux, Rivers, and Wine
Round trip from Bordeaux, France*
May 26 – June 2, 2024
Hosted on board by Janice and Jack Bergbom
DAY ONE MAY 26, 2024 Bordeaux, France
Embark your ship and settle into your stateroom. Capital of the Aquitaine region, Bordeaux is celebrated for its thoughtfully preserved 18th-century architecture. Together, its glorious buildings, many of them built on the wine trade, comprise the world’s largest urban UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today, honored as a City of Art and History, Bordeaux is a “Little Paris” of beautiful boulevards, Gothic and baroque churches, and lovely parks and gardens. The towering spire of the flamboyant Basilica of St. Michael is visible from all over the city, while the city’s green spaces are a delight to explore on foot.
DAY TWO MAY 27, 2024 Bordeaux, France
Stately mansions, restored houses and grand squares form the heart of Bordeaux’s Old Town, often called the “Port of the Moon” for its location on a crescent-shaped curve of the Garonne River. Among its treasures, the neoclassical Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux is the pride of the city. Another cultural gem, and a national monument of France, is the spectacular Cathedral of St. Andrew. In 1137, Eleanor of Aquitaine wed the future Louis VII in the cathedral when she was 13 years old. The elegant, 17-arched Stone Bridge is favored among the Bordelais for whiling away an afternoon and capturing views over the river, docks and the harbor.
DAY THREE MAY 28, 2024 Libourne, France
Libourne is a gastronomic haven, an inviting destination full of the authentic flavors of southwestern France. Situated in the picturesque heart of Bordeaux wine country, its surrounding vineyards have a long-standing tradition of crafting exceptional wines from Merlot, cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc grapes, showcasing the region’s unique terroir. Libourne’s culinary scene shines, with an abundance of food markets and charming bistros offering fresh produce and regional delicacies, such as entrecôte à la Bordelaise, perfectly paired with renowned local wines.
DAY FOUR MAY 29, 2024 Bourg, France
The village of Bourg reclines along the Gironde, just beyond the confluence of the Garonne and Dordogne Rivers. Perched on a rocky slope and encircled by medieval walls, it has always had a clear view of ships, friend or foe, heading toward Bordeaux. The citadel in the Upper Town has long kept watch. Pleasant strolls unfold at every corner, from the picturesque alleyways that tumble down to the harbor to the ancient King’s Staircase that provided the royals with quick access to the water. With a rich architectural heritage, it is one of France’s official historic villages.
DAY FIVE MAY 30, 2024 Médoc & Margaux Wine Country, France
Cussac-Fort-Médoc is a gateway to the Médoc wine country, home to the famed wine growing villages of Pauillac, Margaux, Saint-Estèphe and Saint-Julien. Collectively, they produce some of the world’s most prestigious wines with four of the five Premier cru classé hailing from the Médoc region; Château Margaux, Château Lafite Rothschild, Château Latour and Château Mouton Rothschild. In addition, there are 60 Grand cru classé vineyards and many more incredible wineries, each offering insight into their rich winemaking heritage that has been passed on for generations.
DAY SIX MAY 31, 2024 Bordeaux, France
Bordeaux’s good fortune began in the 12th century when Duchess Eleanor of Aquitaine married Count Henri Plantagenêt, who soon became King Henry II of England. Their wedding in 1152, which claimed by marriage southwestern France for England, led to a growing popularity in wine production. Claret was the primary style of Bordeaux wine at the time and England imported it in large quantities. France regained control of the region and its vines at the close of the Hundred Years’ War in 1453. Since then, the city and its surrounding region has produced many styles, from simple table wine to the most prestigious and coveted bottles.
DAY SEVEN JUNE 1, 2024 Cadillac (Sauternes), France
Cadillac was built as a fortified town to protect Bordeaux. Its mighty towers gave watchmen a clear view of the Garonne, and a clear shot should any foe attempt to pass. This charming town and its 17th-century castle retain much of their old-world charm. Cadillac’s locale on the waterway further gave it a central commercial role in the trade route to and from Spain. The name of the town was adopted by Antoine Laumet de la Mothe, Sieur de Cadillac, who later founded Detroit and governed Louisiana; the Cadillac division of General Motors is named for him.
DAY EIGHT JUNE 2, 2024 Bordeaux, France
The Garonne River flows through the heart of Bordeaux and has been at the center of the city’s lifeline for centuries. A key port during the Age of Enlightenment, Bordeaux was instrumental in establishing the city as a vital trading merchant of wine and other goods. Perhaps Bordeaux’s most famous square is the Place de la Bourse, commissioned by Louis XV. Reminiscent of the Place de la Concorde in Paris, also built during Louis XV’s reign, its design fulfilled a vision to open the city onto the river, presenting a welcoming and prestigious image to all who passed along the waterway. After breakfast, disembark your ship and journey home.
*Please inquire about possible vacation extensions, pre and or post cruise.
*************************************************************************************************
Per person, double occupancy Stateroom Pricing is based upon availability at time of booking.
Following is a sampling of current prices at time of printing. There is LIMITED AVAILABILITY.
Our GROUP rates will allow a $125.00 per person discount, at time of booking. VIP WORLD TRAVEL is also offering a $100.00 per person Shipboard Credit. Additionally, Past guests are given a $100.00 discount.
French Balcony Category C $5499.pp French Balcony Category D $5299.pp
Standard* Category E $3399.pp Standard* Category F $3299.pp
• Window at waterline.
Please inquire about reduced air fare from your city. Same day transfers are included.
VIKING offers to allow you to choose flights through their AIR PLUS program, 11 months prior to departure for $150.pp
Their air program is available, too, for stays up to 30 days for a deviation fee of $100.pp
Viking offers ‘CANCEL FOR ANY REASON” TRIP PROTECTION, through TRIP MATE INSURANCE. Please inquire.
Book by November 30, 2023. Deposit $25.00 per person Balance will be due by December 15, 2023
Contact me today, as space is very limited on this departure!
Janice Bergbom, CTC
VIP WORLD TRAVEL, SARASOTA, FL 34277
941-730 4696 [email protected]
