This Bordeaux shore excursion is designed for cruise passengers who want to make the most of their time ashore. Whether your ship docks in Bordeaux city, Pauillac orLe Verdon-sur-Mer (the three main cruise ports in the region) your personal guide meets you directly at the gangway. Unlike the large coach excursions sold onboard, our tours are entirely private — just your group, your own expert local guide, and a carefully curated selection of authentic family estates that big commercial circuits don’t have access to.
No transfer. No large group. No worrying about missing the ship. From the moment you step ashore, your day is taken care of. Your private vehicle takes you into the heart of the Médoc, one of the world’s most celebrated wine regions, where two
carefully selected châteaux are waiting. At each estate, you’ll discover the story behind the wine, the terroir and the people who make it, before tasting 6 to 7 wines that showcase the velvety character and prestige of this region.
Lunch is an integral part of the experience. Not a quick stop between visits, but an authentic gourmet meal at a local French brasserie, where you can taste regional cuisine and take your time to enjoy. Slow down and savor this moment, the way the French do!
Arriving at Le Verdon-sur-Mer? Your guide meets you at the ship and your excursion begins immediately. The Médoc’s legendary Route des Châteaux starts right on your doorstep, passing prestigious names like Margaux, Pauillac and Saint-Estèphe along the way. For wine lovers, it doesn’t get much better than this as a starting point.
Your customized itinerary is planned around your cruise schedule from start to finish. We monitor the timing throughout the day and return you to your ship before departure — guaranteed. So what are you waiting for? Reach out to discuss your dream itinerary, and we’ll make it happen.
PROGRAM
*9:00 AM
Meet your guide in front of your boat at Bordeaux or Le Verdon port (other local port pick-ups available)
10:00 AM
Visit and tasting in a prestigious winery
12:00 PM
Enjoy an authentic lunch in a French brasserie
2:00 PM
Enjoy one last tasting in a second château
*4:30 PM
Drop off at your boat
*(timings can be adjusted according to the boat arrival times)
Meeting Point
Pick-up and drop-off to and from your port
Duration
7.5 hours
Transportation
Premium minivan or other vehicles on request
Languages Spoken
English/French and other languages on request
What to Bring
Comfortable footwear, bottle of water, sunscreen or umbrella (weather depending)
Highlights
- Visit 2 wineries and taste up to 6/7 wines
- Authentic French lunch
- Scenic drive through the beautiful countryside
- Convenient cruise ship pick-up and drop-off
Prices
Prices include all taxes and cover transport from Bordeaux, a guide, and visits (2026 rates).
2 people
from 590€ per person
3 people
from 420 per person
4 people
from 350€ per person
5 people
from 310€ per person
6 people
from 250€ per person
7 people
from 220€ per person
8 people
from 205€ per person
Included / Excluded
Included
- Transportation in a premium minivan from Le Verdon-sur-mer, Pauillac or Bordeaux port
- 2 winery visits and tasting tasting fees
- Local expert guide in Bordeaux wines
- Transportation in premium minivan or sedan
EXcluded
- Gratuities for the guide
- Personal insurance or expenses
- Lunch costs
Q&A
What happens if the ship doesn't dock due to weather?
Our normal terms and conditions for private tours apply. We strongly advise you to get a travel insurrance which will be able to refund you in case of cancellation.
Are the winery tours private?
The scheduled tours are generally reserved exclusively for Bordeaux Wine Trails visitors and are mostly private. Some wine estates won’t guarantee that the tour will be private and it is possible that other people may join us on that particular tour, but in any case the total number of guests on tour would never exceed 12.
What kind of vehicle is used for these tours?
The vehicles used are 9-seater minivans (1 driver + 8 passengers including two on the front seat). They are newer model cars with air-conditioning in the front and back, equipped with 2 sliding doors which make it easier for the group to get in and out of the vehicle. They’re also equipped with a sound system to hear the guide’s comments (or music). On request we can offer different types and style of véhicle (vintage, electric, sports car, 15 to 45 seaters VIP Bus)