Enjoying 3 Bordeaux Wines – on a River Cruise

When taking a European River Cruise through Bordeaux, you can experience a one-of-a kind wine tour all throughout the journey.

The cruise will take you to different wine destinations that offer a variety of world-renowned wines in the area.  There is the opportunity to experience 3 Bordeaux Wines – Medoc, Cotes de Bourg and Sauternes

Other than savoring the taste and aroma of good quality wines, a Bordeaux River Cruise will be a treat for the eyes as you enjoy magnificent views of lush vineyards, historic landmarks, and natural landscapes.

MEDOC WINES
There are a number of vineyards in the Bordeaux area and you must not miss trying out some of the most popular wines. The full-bodied red wines in the Medoc region are recommended. The world-famous wines in this region are made at family-owned chateaus producing signature blends and grand cru wines.

Visit the Margaux and St. Julien vineyards and cellars to also gain insight of several centuries of winemaking tradition. Admire the scenic view of rolling vine-covered hills as you go from one place to another.

BOURG WINES
Northwest of the city of Bordeaux is the Cotes de Bourg, one of the oldest wine producing regions in France. You can find around 400 winemakers in this area, the majority of which are family-owned. Cotes de Bourg is known for Merlot-based red wines but it also produces dry white wine in small quantities.

SAUTERNES WINES
Another popular wine in the Bordeaux region is the Sauternes. It is known for being a timeless classic when it comes to white wines. A tour to the Sauternes area will give tourists a taste of this sweet wine as they are learning about the “noble rot” process involved in making it. In this winemaking process, the grapes are left on the vines to rot to maintain the concentration of sugar and acidity.

Taking an AmaWaterways River Cruise in the Bordeaux region will indeed satisfy wine lovers. At the same time, it showcases the number of attractions that has earned its slot in the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Europeanbarging is offering a $1000 discount per person off a Baron’s Creek winery cruise departing  Aug 14 – 21, 2025. Offer good thru March 30th 2024. CALL NOW for best selection. Europeanbarging.com 888-869-7907

6 Passenger Clair de Lune barge on the Canal du Midi

 

When looking for a barge cruise in Southern France, an excellent choice would be the 6-passenger Clair de Lune, tastefully furnished with Mediterranean plane tree and American cherry wood furnishings. There is a stylish, modern salon with a comfortable sitting area, a large dining table and a well stocked bar. There are three spacious cabins, each of which can be configured with a queen bed or two twin sized beds. Each cabin has a large wardrobe, dressing table, and an ensuite bathroom, with large shower. The cabins and the salon all have large picture windows. The beds in each cabin face the windows, so that you can enjoy the scenery even from inside of the barge. For easy access, the boat has been built with as few stairs as possible.

A very large sundeck takes command on the exterior of the barge, where you can lounge in comfort on reclining chairs. Sun-lovers can soak up the sun and cool down in the Jacuzzi, while those who prefer the shade can relax under the awning while watching the picturesque scenery unfold. The sundeck is a perfect setting to enjoy an al fresco lunch or a leisurely candlelit dinner on beautiful summer evenings.

In the spring and fall the Clair de Lune cruises on the quaint Canal du Midi between the charming village of Le Somail and the fortified city of Carcassonne, discovering some of the most beautiful scenery in the south of France along the way. During the cruise you will visit historical sites such as the spectacular Cathar village of Minerve, the elegant city of Narbonne and enjoy wine tastings at renowned local domaines. In the summer it cruises an alternative itinerary on the Canal du Midi passing Carcassonne and Castelnaudary. Excursions include a visit to Limoux for a private wine tasting, the medieval Cathar town of Mirepoix and beautiful Lac de Saint-Ferréol.

The Clair de Lune team is led by its French owner, Yves Pastor, who is accompanied by an English-speaking crew: a professionally trained Chef who will be responsible for all of the meals on board, a tour guide who will lead all of the excursions, and a hostess. Yves’ lifelong love of boating and desire to provide a luxury barge experience to passengers from all over the world is what drives his passion for barging. While on board, the crew invites you to relax and enjoy the landscapes and natural beauty of this magnificent canal.

Europeanbarging.com   888-869-7907

Questions and Answers on AmaWaterways European River Cruise

Our questions and answers on AmaWaterways European River Cruises are to provide information on what make AmaWaterways a great River Cruise company for your European River Cruise  We can assist in finding the perfect cruise.  Call us  Europeanbarging.com   – 888-869-7907

 

AmaLegro docked at night

AmaLegro docked at night

 

 

 

 

 

 

Is Internet available onboard?
High-speed Internet service is available free of charge as part of the in-stateroom “Infotainment System.” Additionally, AmaWaterways offers complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the ship.

What is the dress code?
We recommend country club casual for dinner. Guests typically wear dressier attire for the Captain’s Gala dinner.

Is there an elevator on board?
Elevators are available onboard all vessels reaching the two highest passenger decks, reception area and restaurant. Elevator does nto go down to the lower cabin decks. Staircase from lower deck to 2nd deck is a spiral staircase.

What time is embarkation?
Official embarkation time is 3 p.m. for all ships. This allows the staff to prepare your stateroom and have the ship ready for the next departure. If you arrive earlier, you may check your luggage on board, and then explore the embarkation port city.

What time is disembarkation?
Official disembarkation time is 9 a.m. You may disembark earlier if the ship is moored in the location you are disembarking in, and you may disembark later providing you have vacated your stateroom and checked out before 9 a.m.

What language is spoken on board?
The official language on board is English on all ships. Most crew members speak fluent English. All announcements and lectures will be presented in English. All locals guides are fluent in English.

What are the tipping guidelines?
Gratuities to your Cruise Manager and ship crew are not included in the vacation price. While the amount of these gratuities will depend upon your degree of satisfaction for services received, many of our clients have asked us for general tipping guidelines. Here are our recommendations:

For good service, we recommend 3 Euros per passenger, per day for the Cruise Manager and 12 Euros per passenger, per day for the crew, which will be divided up among the ship’s personnel. It is also customary to acknowledge a particularly good performance of a local guide by leaving a tip of 1-2 Euros per tour. Gratuities on most vessels, but not all, may be charged on credit card as well as cash.

Is smoking allowed on board?
Smoking is not permitted anywhere inside any of the ships. Smoking is only permitted on the Sun Deck. For the safety and comfort of all passengers on board, your cooperation in observing the no-smoking policy is greatly appreciated.

What amenities are available in the staterooms?
Each stateroom is equipped with a hair dryer, plush terry bathrobes, slippers and a safe. Your bathroom offers a magnifying mirror and spa-quality toiletries including soaps, body wash, shampoo, conditioner and body lotion.

Are there phones in the staterooms?
Each stateroom has its own telephone, along with instructions for use. Phones may be used to call from stateroom to stateroom and ship to shore. Since the telephone system functions via GSM, there may be times, depending on location, when service is unavailable. Any charges for calls will be billed to your shipboard account. Please inquire at the reception desk for rates.

Is air conditioning available in the staterooms?
All staterooms in are equipped with individual climate control. If you have any questions regarding your stateroom’s temperature control, please refer to the instructions or check with the reception desk.

Is there a Fitness Center on board?
Each ship has a fitness room with a selection of exercise equipment. Use of the equipment is at the sole risk of the user. Hours of operation vary according to the ship. There is no attendant on duty and therefore, without limitation, AmaWaterways and its affiliates are not responsible for any injuries sustained during the use of the fitness room.

What electrical current is on the ship?
Electricity on board all ships is 220v, with 2-pin power outlets. You will need an adapter, and/or converter depending on which electrical appliances you bring with you.

Is there laundry service on board?
Laundry services are available on board for a fee. Price lists are available in your stateroom. Please note that clothes cannot be dry cleaned on board.

Are there medical facilities on board?
There are no medical facilities on board. However medical services can easily be called from shore if required.

Are bicycles available?
Each ship has a limited number of bicycles and helmets available for use when the ship is docked. When appropriate, a sign-up sheet is used to request the bicycles. Use of the bicycles is at your own risk. Therefore, without limitation, AmaWaterways and all of its affiliates are not responsible for any injuries sustained during their use.

Are all meals included on board?
All meals on board the ships are included in the cruise price. Meals are served in the dining room in a single seating. For dinner, passengers will be seated by a dining room host.

What type of cuisine is served on board?
All meals are skillfully prepared by European chefs and consist of Continental cuisine
made with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients whenever possible. Breakfast is buffet-style with selections available from the menu as well. Lunch is also buffet-style with salads, soups and a selection of hot buffet items, hot entrees and desserts. Dinner is a multi-course meal with a choice of delicious entrees, including a vegetarian option.

What is the beverage policy on board?
Coffee and tea are available free of charge throughout the day and during meals. Specialty coffees, such as espresso and café latte are also available free of charge. Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages are available at additional cost. During lunch and dinner, local wines soft drinks and beer are available on a complimentary basis. Complimentary bottled water is replenished daily.

Are excursions included?
A sightseeing tour is included in each city or town you visit, along with free time to explore the city according to your own interests. The sightseeing tours can take place on foot, via motor coach, or a combination of the two. Each tour is led by a qualified, licensed English-speaking local guide or your Cruise Manager. In addition to our Gentle and Active Walkers groups noted in our Health and Well-Being section, for some excursions, we have a “Late Starter” option for guests who wish to sleep in but do not want to miss key tour highlights. For those guests interested in exploring Europe from an exciting new perspective, we offer guided bicycle tours in select cities (capacity controlled). In the event of water level problems on certain stretches of the river, it may be necessary to operate part of the itinerary by motor coach or to alter the daily program as determined by the ship’s Captain.

Are audio sets provided during the tours?
During shore excursions, we provide a sophisticated audio headset system that allows guests to comfortably listen to their tour guide while taking photos or admiring some of Europe’s hidden gems.

Is there a beauty salon on board?
Various beauty and hair treatments as well as massages are available on board. Please inquire at the reception desk for a list of services and to schedule an appointment.

Is there a gift shop on board?
The ship has an onboard gift shop that sells accessories, souvenirs, gifts, and a limited selection of personal and toiletry items. Opening hours vary according to itinerary.

Is there a pool on board?
All ships are equipped with a whirlpool or heated swimming pool, perfect for a refreshing dip. Saunas are available on select ships. There is no attendant on duty and use of these facilities is at the sole risk of the user. AMAWATERWAYS and its affiliates are not responsible for any injuries sustained during the use of the whirlpool, pool or sauna.
Please note there is no attendant on duty and use of these facilities is solely at your own risk.

What is the minimum age to travel with AmaWaterways?
All guests under the age of 18 are to be in a cabin with an adult, and must remain supervised at all times, and their safety is the responsibility of the accompanying adult(s). Children between the ages of 4 – 10 at the time of embarkation may share a cabin with 2 adults provided the child is able to share the bed with the adults – no additional bed will be provided. Please be aware that balcony cabins of any kind may be unsafe for small children if left unsupervised. Children 4-7 years old are not recommended on any program and on our Africa program, due to safety precautions, there is a minimum age limit of 12 years old, unless otherwise agreed upon by AmaWaterways. AmaWaterways does not provide child-specific programs or child-minding facilities. Please let us know if you need anything else.

 

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