Attracting more than half a million visitors, the Bordeaux Wine Festival from 18 to 21 June 2020 is one of the many cultural and historical celebrations held throughout France.
Hotel barge company, European Waterways is inviting travellers to visit the famous wine region and its festival before joining them for a six-night, all-inclusive cruise aboard the 8-passenger luxury hotel barge, Rosa.
Guests can be picked up in Bordeaux on Sunday afternoon, when the festival concludes, and transferred to the hotel barge to begin their cruise along the Canal de Garonne.
“This is the perfect opportunity for guests who want an immersive educational experience on Bordeaux wine from the very people who produce it” said Derek Banks, Managing Director of European Waterways. “After the festival, the wine education continues aboard Rosa. Our guests will be treated to the finest local vintages to complement every meal, with a hostess that explains each section. We also offer our own wine tasting excursions and tours of renowned Bordeaux wineries.”
Alternatively, guests can cruise prior to the festival and stick around to participate in the festivities a few days later. This option means guests will be well-prepared to get the most out of the festival experience, having already been personally introduced to dozens of local vintages during the cruise.
The Bordeaux and Gascony regions of France enjoy a rich gastronomic tradition. Rosa’s six-night cruise is a gourmand’s delight that introduces guests to some of the regions’ best culinary offerings through gourmet meals prepared onboard by the hotel barge’s master chef, who uses fresh locally sourced ingredients.
Guests will see the wine harvest in full swing on Rosa’s classic Bordeaux itinerary in the summer and fall. Highlights include a wine, cheese and Armagnac tasting excursion, as well as a visit to the Château de Duras, a former Middle Age fortress that today houses historic artefacts and is host to concerts, plays and art exhibitions. Guests will also cruise on the Plan Canal D’Agen, one of France’s longest aqueducts, tour the village of Saint Émilion, a UNESCO World Heritage.
Rosa also cruises the neighbouring Gascony region in the spring and makes an excellent alternative to a Bordeaux cruise – or an additional cruise to those who wish to be well-versed on the wines of Southwest France. Rosa’s classic Gascony itinerary includes a private tasting at Château Bellevue la Fôret winery, an excursion to a renowned Armagnac producer and a visit to Moissac and itsUNESCO-classified abbey.
20% Off Special
European Waterways is offering up to 20% off cabin and charter prices on select departures of the Rosa in Southwest France throughout the spring and early summer, when numerous festivals, concerts and exhibitions take place. With these specials, cabins start at €3,112 (approximately AUD$5,180) per person, representing a saving of €778 (approximately AUD$1,295) off the starting price, based on double occupancy.
Charter prices start at €23,040 (approximately AUD$38,340) based on eight passengers, featuring a saving of €5,760 (approximately AUD$9,585) off the starting price. Similar savings are available throughout European Waterways’ extensive fleet in Europe, valid when booked by 30 March 2020.
.jpg){kind=tracking}