Wine Roads of France & Portugal (2026)
The Southern European climates and historic towns of both Bordeaux and Portugal are as complimentary as their palettes—expect bold reds and excellent dessert wines, from Sauternes to Port. You'll have the opportunity to meet local vintners at French chateaux and Douro River Valley quintas, partake in active outings as you hike or bike amongst the vines, and sample the culinary delights that so often go hand in hand with great winemaking regions.The Southern European climates and historic towns of both Bordeaux and Portugal are as complimentary as their palettes—expect bold reds and excellent dessert wines, from Sauternes to Port. You'll have the opportunity to meet local vintners at French chateaux and Douro River Valley quintas, partake in active outings as you hike or bike amongst the vines, and sample the culinary delights that so often go hand in hand with great winemaking regions. Discover how well fresh-shucked Médoc oysters pair with the region’s white wines and snack on the delicious candied almonds produced in the mountaintop village of Castello Rodrigo.
Wine Roads of France & Portugal is a combination of Brilliant Bordeaux and Portugal, Spain & the Douro River Valley.
Featured Excursion:
- Fresh Médoc Oysters Tasting
Oysters have long been a beloved product of the Médoc—and for good reason. Discover why today as you join an oyster farmer at the Guards’ House terrace for a tasting of this delicacy, accompanied by a glass of local white wine.
Other Excursions:
In 1855, when Napoleon III asked for a classification of the best wines in France to give visitors, some 60 Médoc wines were awarded Grand Cru status—out of 61 total. A panoramic tour of this legendary landscape takes you from Pauillac to the tip of the Médoc peninsula, past storied vineyards of the region, including Château Latour, Mouton Rothschild and Pichon Longueville Baron, and through the villages of Margaux, Saint-Julien and Saint-Estèphe. You might be surprised to discover that the peninsula is only three miles wide, though it is 50 miles long, and the road carries you past a dizzying array of architectural styles— Renaissance, Greek Revival and medieval—as well as miles of grapevines. You’ll turn off the road and enter one of these châteaux for a private tour and a tasting of superior wines.
Combine fresh air, gorgeous scenery and fine wine with a bicycle ride among the prestigious Médoc vineyards. Meet your guide and mount your bicycle to pedal through the lush landscapes of historic estates that have seemingly remained unchanged for centuries. Truly experience the atmosphere—the earth, the sunshine—of this famous wine-growing region.
In the evening, a special Captain’s Welcome Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you.
Other Excursions:
You’ll journey through the vineyards to Château Royal de Cazeneuve, a polygonal 14th-century fortress with a royal pedigree. A favored residence of Henry IV, who inherited it from his mother, Jeanne d’Albret. The beautifully restored château still belongs to descendants of the Albret family. After your intimate visit you will meet Louis and Caroline de Sabran-Pontevès, the owner and his wife for a Sauternes toast, sampling the unique perfume and flavor of the area.
Uncover the history of artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. Originally the home of his mother, Adèle, Château Toulouse-Lautrec would soon inspire much of his artwork. As one of the best painters of the post-impressionist period, Toulouse-Lautrec is known for his distinctive and colorful take on Paris in the late 1800s as well as his fascination with Moulin Rouge dancers and famous singers, who were prominent in much of his work. Venture to the nearby town of Verdelais, where you’ll notice two beautiful central walkways lined with trees and 19th-century façades. It is in Verdelais’ cemetery that Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec is buried.
Note: Sailing this stretch of the Garonne depends on the tides. If it is not possible to sail to Cadillac, you will be transferred to your destination via motorcoach.
Featured Excursion:
- Bourg sur Gironde Stroll
Other Excursions:
This little road between Blaye and Bourg-sur-Gironde winds through picturesque hamlets with equally picturesque names—Pain de Sucre, Marmisson and Roque de Thau among them—limestone cliffs on one side, the Gironde on the other. Fishing huts on stilts stand above the waters of the estuary; charming 19th-century stone houses built by sea captains sit tidily along the road. Many of these captains traveled to far-off places and returned with exotic plants, which they planted in their gardens and along the road (hence the route’s name). But the history of these cliffs extends far beyond the 19th century—people have inhabited the area for thousands of years.
Upon returning to Blaye, your guide will take you through the 17th-century demilune-shaped citadel built by famed military engineer Vauban. This fortress design was the one Vauban, Louis XIV’s favorite military engineer, found most satisfactory, and he built some 300 of them in the Sun King’s realm. The citadel contains the ruins of a medieval castle, houses, squares, streets, even a convent, all enclosed within stark walls. If you stand on top of those walls, you will have a terrific view of the estuary— this view was the field of fire, giving the citadel command of the river.
Today you are invited to join an informal wine tasting hosted by the owner of La Petite Cave, a charming wine bar in Blaye. The owner here will give you a personal look into the life of a local wine lover, take you into his art studio, and show you his collections of wine and antique cars. From here, you’re welcome to explore Blaye at your leisure before returning to the ship.
Featured Excursion:
- Saint-Émilion Walking Tour with Wine Tasting
Hilltop Saint-Émilion offers both exceptional architecture and historic vineyards. The Romans were the first to plant grapes here, and this was the first vineyard region to be protected by UNESCO because of its history. Shops brimming with wine and wine tools line the steep cobblestone streets; medieval ramparts that bore witness to battles for control between French and English monarchs still stand; and vineyards encroach upon the village. Of all the sights, however, perhaps the most extraordinary is the 12th-century church carved into a cliff. Only the tower is above ground; the rest of the church is subterranean. Its numerous underground galleries provided refuge during periods of strife, and include the grotto where St. Émilion, for whom the town is named, lived out his life in the ninth century. You have to see it for yourself—you’ll be amazed by its almost unfathomable construction. After touring Saint-Émilion, you’ll visit the cellars of a fantastic estate where you’ll taste some of the world’s most highly rated wines.
Note: Today's lunch will be on your own; ask your Cruise Manager for recommendations on the best nearby restaurants.
Featured Excursions:
- Village Day: Libourne with Farmer's Market
How could you visit this rich agricultural land without delving into a farmer's market? Libourne’s market is the heart and soul of the town; everyone comes here to choose the freshest vegetables, the ripest cheeses, the most luscious fruits, the loveliest flowers, and to chat with the producers and growers. Check out the stalls brimming with produce in the market square, then duck into the covered market and savor the enticing aromas of bread and cheese, fish and meat. After exploring the market, you and a small group of other travelers will be invited to push open the doors of ateliers, homes and shops, meeting the artisans who make some of the goods arrayed so enticingly in the market.
- Nights Out: After Hours at the Bassins des Lumières
Bordeaux’s Port de la Lune is home to a submarine base with a checkered past. Originally built during the German occupation of France in WWII, and later the target of allied bombings, this building has since attracted artists who wish to reclaim the site for beauty and culture. Its stark walls and history have served as a poignant backdrop to artistic installations for decades. Tonight, you’ll experience this for yourself at the Bassins des Lumières, a stunning and immersive light show projected against the walls of the base.
In the evening, a special Captain’s Farewell Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you.
Other Excursions:
Catch a tram at the Quai des Chartrons to the Place de la Comédie, the heart of Bordeaux’ Golden Triangle. Though Bordeaux was the capital of Aquitaine in the Middle Ages and has its share of Gothic churches, it reached its apex in the 18th century. The splendid honey-colored stone buildings from this era make up a city core that UNESCO has designated a World Heritage Site (this is the district that inspired Baron Haussmann when he redesigned Paris at the behest of Napoleon III). Trade with the French colonies built this handsome district, furnishing vanilla, sugar, spices and cocoa to inventive chocolatiers and bakers, who used these goods to create iconic desserts. Chocolate, once a Spanish monopoly, became part of Bordeaux’ culinary heritage when banished Spanish Jews brought the art of chocolate-making to France. What are Bordeaux’ present-day residents enjoying when they step inside the luxurious food halls and elegant shops in this neighborhood? Find out as you sample the delicious handiwork of Bordeaux's bakers, and learn a few recipes too!
Hop on a bike and wheel with your expert guide along the Quai des Chartrons, a riverfront neighborhood that was the purview of British wine merchants back when they dominated the wine trade. It fell on hard times in the 20th century, but the tall merchant houses have since been reclaimed; now they house welcoming shops and cafés. Pedal past the antiques shops of Rue Notre Dame and the Church of St. Louis on your way to major city squares such as the Bourse and Parliament before heading back to the ship along the banks of the Garonne. Of course your outing will include a stop for refreshments at one of the delightful cafés you pass.
Featured Excursion:
- Douro Museum
The Douro Valley is the oldest demarcated wine-growing district in Europe. Why? What makes Port the wine it is? Learn about the region’s unique geology and winemaking history—Romans planted vines in this region 2,000 years ago—at the Douro Museum. Exhibits laid out in buildings that were once home to Port winemaker Real Companhia Velha let you see how the process of making Port evolved over the centuries: You’ll find the tools of the trade and even a rabelo (a boat that carried wine from the vineyards to Porto) on display. An interactive map shows where the quintas are and how the region developed; and by sniffing vials of concentrated fragrance, you can learn to identify the many aromas that a good Port exhibits. It’s fun and informative—plus you can sample some regional Douro wine.
Other Excursions:
As you journey through the hills to a local quinta, a prestigious Port wine estate and the oldest in the Douro River Valley, you will see a unique landscape that has been shaped by wine growers for two millennia. The stone terraces curving around the steep slopes hold soil that is largely the creation of human intervention: People have laboriously broken up the native silver schist stone over the centuries and turned it into usable sandy earth; it’s called “anthroposoil.” The process of producing Port wine is a fascinating blend of tradition and modernity; the steepness of the slopes requires that grape vines be tended almost entirely by hand, but the wine itself is made using the most modern techniques. You’ll tour the estate to see its stainless steel and oak vats, Boutique Winery, and the historic wine presses, before proceeding to the terrace for a Port tasting with a view over the river.
Although many Port wine estates are owned by international corporations nowadays, the tradition of the family-owned estate remains strong. Start this expedition in pretty Pinhão, heading up into the hills to a family-owned quinta, where you can get a firsthand look at how the vineyards are tended and grapes harvested. Although some 80 varieties of grapes are approved for the creation of Port, six grape varieties dominate. Discover which ones are grown here and learn why.
In the evening, a special Captain’s Welcome Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you.
Other Excursions:
Ride through wonderfully scenic countryside—the region is noted for its honey, which derives its flavor from the fields of wild lavender and the almond groves you’ll pass—to Castelo Rodrigo, the name of both a castle and the village it shelters. The castle ruins stand high atop Marofa Mountain, telling the tale of border strife and Portugal’s struggle for independence in a single structure. Construction on the citadel began in 1209 under the auspices of the king of Leon, but it became part of Portugal within a century—though its local lords sided with Spanish rulers from time to time over the next four centuries. That’s why the palace adjoining the castle lies in ruins: Outraged citizens destroyed it after its lord sided with Castile. Take in the amazing view from the ancient stone walls, then step down through the tiny cobbled lanes of the village, passing the old pillory, the Manueline church, and the town’s market square. It’s not all history, of course. You’ll also get to sample delicious local treats, such as honey, almonds, olive oil and cheeses, and a newly restored tea-house invites you to relax over a cup of tea or a cool drink.
Ready for an expedition worthy of Indiana Jones? Today’s your chance. In the 1990s, scouting for a proposed dam project on the Côa River revealed an astonishing collection of prehistoric carvings, among them horses, deer and aurochs that span eons. The oldest images etched into the schist walls around the river date to approximately 22,000 to 20,000 BC, with younger carvings ranging from the Epipaleolithic, Neolithic and Bronze ages to the 17th century—images that represent human interaction with the natural world for more than 30,000 years. Learn about this amazing area and see the original rock art for yourself when you visit the Côa Valley with your knowledgeable guide. It will be an illuminating adventure. Note: Exploring these sites will require sturdy hiking footwear and considerable physical fitness: You’ll take a four-wheel drive down dirt roads and hike into rocky and hard-to-access locations.
Featured Excursion:
- Salamanca - The Golden City and Spain's Oldest University
Called the “Golden City” for its tawny sandstone buildings, Salamanca boasts a dozen beautiful and historic churches, including two cathedrals: the new one, built in the early 16th century, and the Old Cathedral, which dates to the 12th century and can only be entered from the New Cathedral. Walk with your guide through Plaza Mayor, lined with wonderful baroque buildings, to the university, which was founded by Alfonso IX in 1218. The ornate plateresque façade is stunning, and the interior rooms you see are equally beautiful. You'll have time to browse through the shops on Rua Mayor or enjoy a bite to eat on your own before we drive back to the ship. Your guide can recommend some excellent places to dine, whether you're looking for a typical tapas lunch or want to stroll the stalls of Salamanca's food hall (one of Spain's best).
Featured Excursions:
- Lamego Walking Tour with Tasting
Lamego is known for a beautiful sanctuary dedicated to our Lady of “Remédios," planted on top of one of the city hills and reachable by a gorgeous staircase with 686 steps. During this experience, you’ll discover the importance of Lamego’s heritage to the valley. This is a very important area for the production of delicious sparkling wines and cold cuts, which you’ll be able to taste in the cozy and regionally typical atmosphere of a place called Presunteca, or the “Ham Library”.
- Nights Out: Dinner at a Local Quinta
Travel up winding roads with spectacular views—and breath-stealing drop-offs—for a traditional dinner bursting with regional flavors. Your hosts: the owners of a local quinta, a Portuguese analogue for the French "chateau" or English "estate."
Featured Excursion:
- Braga City Tour
The third largest city in Portugal, Braga has long been a city of religious and political importance. As you stroll by grand plazas and the 17th century Baroque palace, you’ll soak in 2,000 years of history. The city is filled with fascinating museums and historic churches—including the Bom Jesus do Monte, a UNESCO World Heritage Site we’ll see on our tour today. But all of this history has done nothing to stop Braga from keeping up with the times. In a delightful contrast, Braga is known as both the oldest city in Portugal and Portugal’s youngest city. Its student population and contemporary landmarks give the city an energetic atmosphere, as appealing for its shopping opportunities and people-watching as it is for the history lessons it has to share.
Other Excursions:
Of course it is the longtime hub of the Port wine trade, but Porto is also much more. Take in the UNESCO-designated, 19th-century Stock Exchange Palace, seeing its famous Moorish Revival-style Arab Room, during your panoramic tour. Get a feel for this vibrant town, which is simultaneously profoundly urban and moodily romantic. Colorful multistory townhouses sheathe the hills that climb precipitously from the Douro estuary, medieval alleys snake through UNESCO-designated neighborhoods enclosed by 14th-century walls—which were erected on Roman foundations—and baroque church towers crown the hilltops. The river itself cuts through the city on its way to the ocean, marked by a series of iconic bridges along the way. It meets its final destination at Foz do Douro, a district whose name translates to "Mouth of the Douro." Our tour will take us all the way here, where you can admire the passeio alegre with its promenade inspired by French architecture, see the Castelo do Queijo that juts out over the Atlantic, and drive down Boavista Avenue.
In the evening, a special Captain’s Farewell Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you.
Featured Excursion:
- Lisbon City Tour
When you gaze out at the Tagus River, tile-roofed houses climbing the hills behind you, you are looking at the port where Portugal’s empire began. Here the kings of the newly independent nation launched an age of exploration—and then poured the profits of their new trade routes and colonies into their capital. Do you see the square tower rising from the water? Belém (the name comes from Bethlehem) Tower, built in the 16th century to guard the port, has housed cannons, prisoners and royalty over the centuries; its ornamented façade might strike you as unusual for a fortress, but that is typical of Lisbon—even fortresses have beautiful ornamentation. Another landmark nearby, the 20th-century Monument to the Discoveries, commemorates these voyagers and their founding patron, Prince Henry the Navigator. Leave the riverfront to embark on your own voyage of discovery: Head inland a short distance to the Jerónimos Monastery, which will have you reaching for your camera. A masterpiece of Manueline architecture—the Portuguese late-Gothic style is named for King Manuel I—erected during the 16th century and decorated with sculptures and elaborate scrollwork, Jerónimos Monastery is another shining example of Portugal’s golden era.
Note: Please note that we do not visit the cloisters at Jerónimos Monastery.
Not all landmarks are architectural, however. Take a break and enjoy one of the city’s iconic pastries before experiencing the rest of your panoramic motorcoach tour through the Rossio—the busiest square in Lisbon.
Your local guide will make suggestions for lunch. You can choose to remain downtown and explore on your own or return to the hotel. Shuttles are available to take you to and from the hotel this afternoon, which is yours to spend as you please.
| Cruise Departure | Double Occupancy Pricing | Ship | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Sun, 29 Mar 2026
(Bordeaux to Lisbon) |
$25,459.00 |
S.S. Bon Voyage S.S. São Gabriel |
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|
Sun, 05 Apr 2026
(Bordeaux to Lisbon) |
$26,219.00 |
S.S. Bon Voyage S.S. São Gabriel |
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|
Sun, 12 Apr 2026
(Bordeaux to Lisbon) |
$26,694.00 |
S.S. Bon Voyage S.S. São Gabriel |
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|
Sun, 19 Apr 2026
(Bordeaux to Lisbon) |
$27,074.00 |
S.S. Bon Voyage S.S. São Gabriel |
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|
Sun, 26 Apr 2026
(Bordeaux to Lisbon) |
$27,074.00 |
S.S. Bon Voyage S.S. São Gabriel |
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|
Sun, 03 May 2026
(Bordeaux to Lisbon) |
$27,359.00 |
S.S. Bon Voyage S.S. São Gabriel |
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|
Sun, 10 May 2026
(Bordeaux to Lisbon) |
$0.00 |
S.S. Bon Voyage S.S. São Gabriel |
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|
Sun, 17 May 2026
(Bordeaux to Lisbon) |
$27,359.00 |
S.S. Bon Voyage S.S. São Gabriel |
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|
Sun, 24 May 2026
(Bordeaux to Lisbon) |
$27,359.00 |
S.S. Bon Voyage S.S. São Gabriel |
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|
Sun, 31 May 2026
(Bordeaux to Lisbon) |
$27,359.00 |
S.S. Bon Voyage S.S. São Gabriel |
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|
Sun, 07 Jun 2026
(Bordeaux to Lisbon) |
$27,359.00 |
S.S. Bon Voyage S.S. São Gabriel |
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|
Sun, 14 Jun 2026
(Bordeaux to Lisbon) |
$27,359.00 |
S.S. Bon Voyage S.S. São Gabriel |
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|
Sun, 21 Jun 2026
(Bordeaux to Lisbon) |
$27,359.00 |
S.S. Bon Voyage S.S. São Gabriel |
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|
Sun, 28 Jun 2026
(Bordeaux to Lisbon) |
$26,124.00 |
S.S. Bon Voyage S.S. São Gabriel |
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|
Sun, 05 Jul 2026
(Bordeaux to Lisbon) |
$24,749.00 |
S.S. Bon Voyage S.S. São Gabriel |
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|
Sun, 12 Jul 2026
(Bordeaux to Lisbon) |
$24,749.00 |
S.S. Bon Voyage S.S. São Gabriel |
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|
Sun, 19 Jul 2026
(Bordeaux to Lisbon) |
$24,749.00 |
S.S. Bon Voyage S.S. São Gabriel |
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|
Sun, 26 Jul 2026
(Bordeaux to Lisbon) |
$24,749.00 |
S.S. Bon Voyage S.S. São Gabriel |
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|
Sun, 02 Aug 2026
(Bordeaux to Lisbon) |
$24,749.00 |
S.S. Bon Voyage S.S. São Gabriel |
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|
Sun, 09 Aug 2026
(Bordeaux to Lisbon) |
$24,749.00 |
S.S. Bon Voyage S.S. São Gabriel |
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|
Sun, 16 Aug 2026
(Bordeaux to Lisbon) |
$26,124.00 |
S.S. Bon Voyage S.S. São Gabriel |
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|
Sun, 23 Aug 2026
(Bordeaux to Lisbon) |
$26,599.00 |
S.S. Bon Voyage S.S. São Gabriel |
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|
Sun, 30 Aug 2026
(Bordeaux to Lisbon) |
$27,074.00 |
S.S. Bon Voyage S.S. São Gabriel |
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|
Sun, 06 Sep 2026
(Bordeaux to Lisbon) |
$27,359.00 |
S.S. Bon Voyage S.S. São Gabriel |
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|
Sun, 13 Sep 2026
(Bordeaux to Lisbon) |
$27,359.00 |
S.S. Bon Voyage S.S. São Gabriel |
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|
Sun, 20 Sep 2026
(Bordeaux to Lisbon) |
$27,359.00 |
S.S. Bon Voyage S.S. São Gabriel |
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|
Sun, 27 Sep 2026
(Bordeaux to Lisbon) |
$27,359.00 |
S.S. Bon Voyage S.S. São Gabriel |
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|
Sun, 04 Oct 2026
(Bordeaux to Lisbon) |
$27,359.00 |
S.S. Bon Voyage S.S. São Gabriel |
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|
Sun, 11 Oct 2026
(Bordeaux to Lisbon) |
$27,359.00 |
S.S. Bon Voyage S.S. São Gabriel |
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|
Sun, 18 Oct 2026
(Bordeaux to Lisbon) |
$27,074.00 |
S.S. Bon Voyage S.S. São Gabriel |
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|
Sun, 25 Oct 2026
(Bordeaux to Lisbon) |
$26,409.00 |
S.S. Bon Voyage S.S. São Gabriel |
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- All fares are per guest in US Dollars based on double occupancy unless otherwise noted.
- Fares are capacity controlled and are subject to change at any time without notice.
- Availability of all stateroom categories cannot be guaranteed.
- Single Supplement applies for single accommodation.
- Itineraries, hotels, and vessels may change, and substitute visits to other sites may occur during your trip due to water level fluctuations and other uncontrollable factors.
- The order of sightseeing and docking ports are subject to change according to port authority assignments.
- Prices exclude additional port charges of $480 per person
Dining
- All meals onboard, prepared using the finest and freshest ingredients
- 17 breakfasts, 10 lunches, and 14 dinners
- Welcome and Farewell Dinners
- Unlimited beverages onboard, including fine wine, beer, spirits, specialty coffee and tea, soft drinks, and mineral water
Excursions
- 13 days of excursions, all fully hosted by English-speaking local experts
- State-of-the-art Quietvox portable audio-headset system on all excursions
- Use of bicycles and Nordic walking sticks
Accommodations
- 7-night cruise in a riverview stateroom onboard the S.S. Bon Voyage
- 7-night cruise in a riverview stateroom on the chic S.S. São Gabriel
- 3 nights in Lisbon at the Tivoli Avenida Liberdade (or similar)
- Beautifully appointed riverview staterooms and suites with hotel-style beds, draped in fine linens with a choice of pillows
- Free Wi-Fi
Experiences
- 3 countries: France, Portugal, and Spain
- 10 UNESCO World Heritage sites
- Services of an experienced Uniworld Cruise Manager
- Gratuities for onboard personnel (ship staff, crew, Cruise/Tour Manager) are included during the cruise/tour
- Cultural enrichment, including captivating onboard local entertainment
