June 13-19, 2024
Join WTA and explore France’s fabled wine region, Bordeaux and Cognac. Bordeaux is unsurprisingly best known for its long list of world-famous wines. The capital city of the New Aquitaine region is world-famous for its top-notch vineyards and located on the banks of the Garonne River since 300 BC. And for architecture lovers, Bordeaux will thrill with its many 18th-century influenced masterpieces. Beloved around the world for its eponymous fine liqueurs, Cognac is one of France’s most elegant towns. Aside from cognacs, the region is well known for its distinctive white, red, and rose wines known as “Pineau des Charentes.” These wines are aged in oak barrels for several years and are unique for the blending of cognac with young grapes, resulting in a “mutage” that is all at once aromatic, rich, and elegant. You will learn the traditional methods behind cognac productions and take private distillery and wine-making tours. With centuries of history, architecture, and art, you won’t be disappointed.
- Activity Level
Travel
ITINERARY
DAY 1 – June 13 – Arrive at Bordeaux (BOD) airport. Private transportation will take you to the hotel. After settling into your hotel we will have our welcome dinner.
Note: We recommend your flight from the US arrives before 1pm on June 13th to allow adequate time to join the day’s activities.
DAY 2 – June 14 – Embark on an elegant Bordeaux private wine-tasting tour. Bordeaux is considered the wine capital of the country, you will not be disappointed as you enjoy excellent wines from all around France. During this wine-tasting tour, we will visit some of the most famous châteauxs in the region. Beginning in Bordeaux will be like a journey into the rich world of wine. You’ll learn everything about the Bordeaux châteaux and wine labels here.
DAY 3 – June 15 – Today you will enjoy a Private Cognac Day Tour. Learn all there is to know about cognac, the ‘Eau-e-Vide’ or “Water of Life”, as you visit the historic distilleries, stroll the vineyards, and sample the unique spirit at family-run cellars
DAY 4 – June 16 – You will enjoy the Marché des Quais, Bordeaux’s most visited open-air market to enjoy an authentic French experience. This is the perfect place to discover and sample fresh and cooked products from the region of Bordeaux. Held every Sunday on the Quai des Chartrons, just north of the city center, you’ll find an assortment of delicacies that include oysters, crepes, cheeses, wines, and delicatessen. Situated on the bank of the Garonne River, it’s one of the most visited markets where local farmers and producers make their magic happen.
DAY 5 – June 17 – FREE DAY to enjoy the day and explore Rue Sainte-Catherine, the most famous shopping street in the center of Bordeaux. Stretching for over 1 km from the Place de la Comédie to the Place de la Victoire, it’s considered one of the longest pedestrian streets in Europe. Here, you’ll find an astonishing choice of boutiques, stores, and shopping malls selling almost anything. Bars and restaurants interspersed between the shops offer opportunities to take a break as well as provide excellent people-watching spots. Place de la Bourse is also an amazing historic place located in the Saint-Pierre district, right in the center of the city. Built during the 18th century, it marked the end of the medieval period for Bordeaux by expanding the city beyond the old walls.
DAY 6 – June 18 – Enjoy a taste of the region on another Cognac Tour. You’ll enjoy your time with an expert introduction to the 250-year-old spirit of cognac during this cognac-tasting masterclass. Visit a traditional cognac estate on our private tour and learn more about how its unique flavor is created and how to distinguish it between different blends and vintages.
DAY 7 – June 19 – Depart Back to the US from Bordeaux (BOD) airport.
*Please note that this is a tentative itinerary and it is subject to change
Ease
PRICING: $5990
Comfort
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Accommodations for 7 days & 6 nights
- 2 PRIVATE tours of Cognac houses
- 2 PRIVATE tours of Bordeaux wine houses
- City tour of Bordeaux
- Airport Transfers
- Single Occupancy Hotel
- FREE DAY to explore
- Daily Hot Breakfast
- Daily Group Dinners (excluding FREE DAY)
- Daily Group Lunch (excluding FREE DAY)
- Covid antigen testing for USA re-entry if applicable
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED:
- Roundtrip airfare from Bordeaux Airport (BOD)
- Travel Insurance
- Personal Items
- Items personal in nature
- Meals not listed above
- Gratuities and tips for personal services
Style
TRAVEL INSURANCE:
Your trip is a BIG investment. If you cannot afford to lose the money you have invested to travel, for whatever reason, WTA strongly recommends you consider travel insurance. We encourage you to do your due diligence by researching and finding the best plan for YOU.
Suggested Travel Insurance companies are below. Ensure you inquire about a “Cancel For Any Reason” plan.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
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Traveler must make a NONREFUNDABLE deposit payment of $400 at time of registration to secure her spot.
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Monthly minimum payment of $400 is required every month until paid in full to keep your reservations current.
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Trip balance must be PAID IN FULL by March 13, 2024.
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Penalty of $250 will be assessed on any balance due after the March 13, 2024 final payment deadline.
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Cancel by April 13, 2024, for a 50% refund (not to include your non-refundable deposit).
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NO REFUNDS after April 13, 2024.
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Please contact wtaadmin@womentravelabroad.com with any questions.