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£200PER PERSON SPLENDOURS OF PLUS NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT & AQUITAINE A sumptuous wine tasting cruise along the Garonne and Rivers, from majestic Bordeaux to the Basin aboard the MS Princesse d’Aquitaine 18th to 25th September 2017 Gironde G i ro Estuary n d e • •

Bourg • Saint-Emilion ATLANTIC •• Dordogn OCEAN e Bordeaux •

G ar Cadillac on ne • Arcachon •Arcachon Basin

Vineyards of Bordeaux Sauternes•

his lovely weeklong trip combines the glories of the French landscape with the famous wine Tregion of Bordeaux which produces the world’s highest concentration of fine wines. Join us as we sail through charming scenery on a relaxing cruise through the region of France famous for its ‘Art

de Vivre’. Chateau de Roquetaillade Oyster beds in the Arcachon Basin The success of wine production in the Bordeaux The Itinerary area is attributed to its proximity to sea and rivers Day 1 London to Bordeaux. Fly by scheduled flight from London Gatwick which give it a moderate climate with a low risk to Bordeaux with Easyjet, or travel by Eurostar & TGV (via ). On of severe frosts. While the majority of attention is arrival transfer to the MS Princesse d’Aquitaine and embark. This evening meet your fellow travellers for a welcome cocktail reception and dinner focused on the top Bordeaux wines, 1855 Classified on board. Growths and the best wines from the prestigious Day 2 Bordeaux to Pauillac. A relaxing morning cruise along the Right Bank appellations, there are 54 different Garonne and Gironde Rivers to the town of Pauillac which is possibly Bordeaux appellations in total with a combined the most famous of all the producing appellations with a total of 115 different chateaux producing wine. Pauillac wines are rich, acreage of more than 296,596 acres. Throughout full bodied and tannic. After lunch on board there is a choice of excursion the entire Bordeaux region, close to 450 million to one of two fabulous wine estates. Visit Château Lanessan, an estate which dates from 1793 and houses a famous cellar and a sophisticated bottles of wine are produced in most years. At its horse museum, with superb stables and a collection of horse-drawn heart, sitting alongside the Garonne River, the city carriages dating back to the “Belle Epoque”. Alternatively, visit Château Gruaud-Larose, an estate with a long history in the St Julien appellation of Bordeaux is surrounded in nearly all directions dating back to the days when the property was first owned by a knight by its world-famous vineyards. known as Joseph Stanislas Gruaud. Today the Château produces an average of 18,000 cases of wine each year, offering a powerful Bordeaux We visit this picturesque region during the late wine in a traditional style. Each visit will include the estate’s cellars, summer when temperatures are warm and tourist followed by a wine tasting. Afterwards travel along the route des Châteaux (Mouton-Rothschild, Lafite-Rothschild, Cos d’estournel, Saint sites less crowded. Enjoy the variety of wine Estephe) with several photo opportunities en-route of these magnificent tasting opportunities during your visit and other Châteaux. Return to the ship in Pauillac and enjoy dinner on board this evening and moor overnight. highlights include the remarkable Citadel at Blaye, the Basin d’Arcachon and the Great , Day 3 Pauillac to to Blaye. We set sail early this morning, cruising along the Gironde to the estuary. We have lunch on the highest sand dune in Europe. Towards the board and arrive in Blaye in the early afternoon. The wine appellations end of our trip we take a tour of the grand city of in the Blaye area cover a total of 6,000 hectares, with no fewer than 700 winegrowers. Red Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux are mainly Merlot based, Bordeaux, with its many magnificent 18th and 19th deep-coloured wines with fruity aromas. Sauvignon Blanc, the star grape century buildings which were in fact built from variety in White Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux wines, has lovely citrus acidity, and a long aftertaste. We set off on our excursion along the Corniche, the wealth derived from the sugar or cliff route, stopping in the village of Bourg, a charming city built on a trade. In the centre of town there are rocky outcrop enclosed by Medieval ramparts. Here, we visit the superbly located Château Tayac, overlooking the river, for a wine tasting. We many beautiful buildings, including continue on to visit the Citadel at Blaye before returning to our vessel. the cathedrals of Saint Andre and Day 4 Blaye to Libourne to Saint-Emilion. We set sail early this morning, Saint Michel, recently enjoying breakfast as we cruise. We join the river Dordogne and head for selected World Heritage Libourne where we arrive in the early afternoon. After lunch on board we set off on our excursion to Saint-Emilion which includes a guided visit of listed monuments by the underground monuments of Saint-Emilion village. We then visit an UNESCO. exceptional Troglodyte settlement – the cave of Emilion. Afterwards we

www.noble-caledonia.co.uk Vineyards of Bordeaux

Oyster beds in the Arcachon Basin Bordeaux at dusk The medieval village of Saint-Emilion Prices per person Based on double occupancy continue to Château de la Dauphine at Fronsac for a tasting of their fabulous wines. Since the 18th century, the wines of Fronsac and Canon-Fronsac enjoyed the best of reputations in the Libourne region, and even rated SPECIAL OFFER - SAVE £200 PER PERSON FOR A LIMITED higher than their neighbours in Saint-Emilion and . We also visit the TIME ONLY PLUS NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT first floor of the Château, which is truly majestic, built by 1750 in the classical Cat Cabin Description Brochure Price Special Offer Price style and set within beautiful gardens. We rejoin our vessel in Libourne and B Main Deck Twin £2495 £2295 moor overnight. A Upper Deck Twin £2695 £2495 B Main Deck Twin for sole use £2495 £2295 Day 5 Libourne to Cadillac. Enjoy breakfast as we cruise this morning A Upper Deck Twin for sole use £2695 £2495 towards Cadillac. After lunch on board we will depart for a tour of Château Economy class scheduled air travel or train travel aboard Eurostar/ de Roquetaillade. The dungeon tower dates from the 11th century, and Price Includes: TGV train travel in Standard Premier/First Class, seven nights aboard the the quarters of the Seigneurs from the 12th century. The “new castle” was MS Princesse d’Aquitaine on full board, all-inclusive drinks (alcoholic*, soft drinks, refurbished by Viollet le Duc, initiator of the Gothic Revival Movement in tea/coffee available all day from 10am to 11pm), shore excursions, wine tastings as France 1840-1870, well known by the public for his interpretive restorations described, Cruise Director, Tour Manager, Guest Speaker, gratuities, transfers, port of Medieval buildings, such as Notre Dame cathedral in Paris, and the taxes, airport taxes. ramparts of Carcassonne. We conclude with a visit to nearby Sauternes for Not Included: Travel insurance. Ports subject to change, water levels and weather conditions may affect the itinerary. a tasting of this delicious sweet wine. Château de Myrat is the property of NB. *Please note that some brands & sparkling wines are not included. family De Pontac, involved in Bordeaux vines since 1533. The castle itself was rebuilt by 1730 and since 1960 it has produced the famous sweet white wine of Sauternes, ranked as a Grand Cru of Second Growth (Deuxième Cru) class in the original Bordeaux Wine Official classification of 1855. We return to the vessel for dinner and remain moored overnight.

Day 6 Cadillac to Bordeaux. We have breakfast and lunch on board today as we continue our cruise back to Bordeaux where we arrive in the early afternoon. After lunch join a city tour which will include highlights such as the cathedrals of Saint Andre and Saint Michel, after which we visit the interesting Museum of Wines for a short tour and a wine tasting.

Day 7 Bordeaux to the Arcachon Basin to Bordeaux. After breakfast on board, we set off on our full day excursion to the centre of the Arcachon basin. We begin our tour by boarding local boats for a mini cruise of the Basin d’Arcachon, touring around Bird Island and ending at Le Canon where we visit an oyster farm. Here we learn about the farming and history of the oyster and enjoy a delicious tasting, with bread and butter and dry white wine. Cruise back to Arcachon and have some time at leisure before lunch at a local restaurant. Afterwards we depart to visit the Great Dune of Pilat which at 107 metres is the highest sand dune in Europe. The view from the top is awe-inspiring. This evening join your fellow travellers on board for a Farewell Gala Dinner.

Day 8 Bordeaux to London. After breakfast on board disembark and transfer to the airport or train station for your return journey to London. The train from Bordeaux to Paris is with TGV, changing in the capital for the Eurostar to London St Pancras. Chateau Cos d’Estournel Corderie Royale Museum in Rochefort

Rochefort harbour Great Bell of Bordeaux

PRE-CRUISE EXTENSION TO ROCHEFORT POST-CRUISE EXTENSION IN BORDEAUX

15th to 18th September 2017 25th to 27th September 2017 For those wishing to spend more time exploring this beautiful region Extend your stay for two nights in the grand city of Bordeaux. A city of France, we are offering the opportunity to travel out earlier and visit of history and of trade (listed as a UNESCO world heritage site since the historic city of Rochefort. An historic naval stronghold on the River 2007), Bordeaux offers an old-fashioned welcome along with the best Charente, Rochefort is a delightful town which was built by of the region’s savoir vivre. Your time here will be at leisure to explore Jean-Baptiste Colbert who was instructed by Louis XIV to ‘Make it this beautiful city at your own pace. Our hotel, The Grand Hotel big, make it beautiful and make it fast’. Our base for three nights will Francais, is a charming property, a former ‘Hotel Particulier’, or grand be the four-star Hotel de la Corderie Royale, an elegant property town house, with typical Bordeaux architecture dating from the 18th located on the banks of the Charente River. The hotel offers 53 century. With its 35 air-conditioned rooms, the hotel is at the heart of comfortable rooms, a restaurant with gourmet cuisine, swimming pool the artistic, cultural and economic events of the city. The Cathedral, and fitness centre. the Grand Théatre, the prestigious boutiques, the old pedestrianised streets and the famous ‘Place des Quinconces’ can be visited on foot The Itinerary from the hotel and the tramway, just a few steps from the hotel, can be Day 1 London to Bordeaux. Fly by scheduled flight. On arrival transfer to used to explore further afield. the Hotel de la Corderie Royale for a three night stay. Remainder of the afternoon is at leisure before we enjoy dinner at the hotel this evening. Please note that, if you are joining this extension, travel from and to London will be by air. Day 2 Rochefort & Corderie Royale. After breakfast join the excursion Prices per person to the nearby fascinating museum at the Corderie Royale (International Twin: £255 Single: £325 Centre for the Sea), an exceptional museum and part of the Grand Two nights hotel accommodation including breakfast daily, Arsenal of Rochefort. After the tour we will have lunch here before an Price Includes: transfer from the vessel to the hotel and from hotel to airport. afternoon at leisure to enjoy the hotel facilities or explore the area. Not Included: Meals other than those stated, travel insurance.

Day 3 Rochefort. Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore independently. You may wish to visit the Market Halls on Avenue Charles de Gaulle (the largest market in the region). You could also take a stroll around the Jardin des Retours, enthusiasts of the work of Pierre Loti, the 19th century French author, can visit his house which is now a museum dedicated to the writer. The town also has an important thermal spa centre. To explore the region around the town, you can take a pleasant walk for several kilometres along the banks of the Charente River.

Day 4 Rochefort to Bordeaux. After breakfast at the hotel and a morning at leisure we will transfer to the MS Princesse d’Aquitaine and embark. Please note that, if you are joining this extension, travel from and to London will be by air.

Prices per person Twin: £375; Single: £455 Price Includes: Three nights hotel accommodation including breakfast daily, dinner on day one, lunch on day two, half day tour to the Corderie Royale, transfers. Not Included: Meals other than those stated, travel insurance. Cathedral of Saint Andre, Bordeaux

+44 (0)20-7752 0000 MS PRINCESSE D’AQUITAINE or this voyage we have chartered the Princesse d’Aquitaine which was built in 2001 and refurbished in 2011 Ffrom our French associates, Croisi Europe. She is a friendly and comfortable vessel accommodating a maximum of 138 guests in 69 cabins which are located over two decks. In addition to the two cabin decks, there is also a spacious Sun Deck. Other public areas include the restaurant and panoramic lounge with a dancefloor and bar. There is also a highly qualified and experienced crew of 23 who work hard to ensure you have an enjoyable cruise.

Your Cabin The 69 cabins measure 12 to 13 sqm and feature twin beds which can be pastries, fresh fruits and yoghurts, together with hot buffet items. Lunches configured in the continental style (pushed together) or separated. All cabins and dinners are a served set menu focusing on French and regional cuisine, are equipped with private en-suite facilities, satellite television, hairdryer, safe, special dietary requests can be catered for too. All meals are open seating radio, individually controlled air conditioning and heating and telephone (for allowing plenty of opportunity to meet your fellow travellers and drinks are internal calls only). In addition all cabins feature windows which can be opened. all-inclusive; alcoholic (with some exclusions), soft drinks and tea/coffee are available from 10am to 11pm. Your Space Onboard facilities include a delightful restaurant, lounge with dance floor Life On Board and bar which is a lovely place to relax after a day of exploration or whilst The atmosphere on board is friendly and informal and within days you cruising. There is also a large Sun Deck with ample furniture where you can will have made new friends in the open-seating restaurant, on the shore relax in the shade or enjoy the pleasant weather and passing scenery. There excursions or whilst relaxing in the comfortable public areas on board. is a small gift shop on board and Wi-Fi is available free of charge although You will find yourself amongst like-minded people in an English speaking service may be intermittent and cannot always be guaranteed. environment, but still always free to explore at your own pace. A daily briefing by the Cruise Director will give you information on the next day’s Your Dining activities and expert, English-speaking local guides provide insider insights The attractive restaurant accommodates all passengers in a single sitting. into local culture, history and traditions. Breakfast is provided buffet style, with an extensive choice of breads,

Cabin Restaurant Lounge

On deck Restaurant Bar

DECK PLAN

SUN DECK

WHEEL LOUNGE

UPPER DECK RESTAURANT 295 297 299 301 303 305 307 309 311 313 315 317 319 RECEPTION KITCHEN

BAR LOUNGE Lounge 296 298 300 302 304 306 308 3 312 314 316 318 320 10

MAIN DECK 201 203 205 207 209 211 213 215 217 219 221 223 225 101 103 105 107 109 111 11 3 115 200 202 204 206 208 210 212 214 216 218 220 222 224 100 102 104 106 108 110 112 114 116

CATEGORY A CATEGORY B Crew

2 Chester Close, Belgravia, London, SW1X 7BE +44 (0)20 7752 0000 | [email protected] | www.noble-caledonia.co.uk

All special offers are subject to availability. Our current booking conditions apply to all reservations and are available on request. Ports and itinerary subject to change. Cover image: Wine chateau and vineyards in Bordeaux

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