Cruise & Land Tour12 Nights | 13 Days
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Follow in the footsteps of Ernest Hemingway as you explore his favorite haunts in Southern France and Northern Spain with this legendary trip. The Founder's Grand Cruise -- an Authentic Voyages original -- invites you to witness the infamous Running of the Bulls in Pamplona with a VIP experience. Once the Festival of San Fermin is over, you'll embark on a journey to visit Wine Capital of the World -- Bordeaux, France, and a number of UNESCO World Heritage sites and other cities. This European river cruise takes you along France's Garonne River, Gironde River, and the Dordogne River,
Explore Europe just as Hemingway once didArriving in Pamplona, Spain, you'll visit the last few days of the festival -- including its closing ceremonies -- just as Hemingway once did, inspiring his book The Sun Also Rises. You'll get to watch the Running of the Bulls from the best spot in town, spend a day at a bull ranch to learn the art of the matador's cape, and even visit Hemingway's favorite fly fishing spots. With the Founder's Grand Cruise, there's never been a better way to experience the Festival of San Fermin.
Once the Pamplona festival is over, you'll drive through the Pyrenees mountain range with the Authentic Voyages Pyrenees Express or in your own privately chauffeured car to Bordeaux, France. Upon arrival, you'll set sail through Southwestern France. Voyaging through the Bordeaux region, visit beautiful locations like Libourne, Cadillac, and Fort Médoc. Along the way, you'll have the chance to immerse yourself in French culture, from the making of wines in the vineyards of the Bordeaux region to the respect for the area's remarkable history.
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Enjoy the journey with our founder and teamThe journey is made in the company of Mark Hellmann Regouby, founder of Authentic Voyages and Running of the Bulls. Mark will be traveling with you for part of this experience before handing over the reins to our capable staff, who will remain with you for the event in Spain, plus the the entire cruise through beautiful French wine country. This once-in-a-lifetime Hemingway-themed experience will most certainly be a memorable journey, equal parts educational and entertaining.
Meet John HemingwayGrandson of Ernest Hemingway, and an accomplished author in his own right, John will join our group for a very special evening. He will offer his perspective on the Running of the Bulls, and what the fiesta and the surrounding region meant to his grandfather, Ernest. Guests will receive a copy of his latest book, and have the opportunity for John to sign it in person after his talk.
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John Hemingway (Photo Courtesy of Carol Tedesco, Kismet Key West)
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Founder's Grand Cruise - Reverse: Itinerary
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Day 1 | July 12: Arrive in Pamplona
Day 2 | July 13: Watch the Running of the Bulls® Day 3 |July 14: Witness San Fermin's Closing Ceremonies Day 4 |July 15: Visit a Pamplona Bull Ranch Day 5 |July 16: Explore the Way of St. James from Pamplona Day 6 |July 17: Cross the Pyrenees to Bordeaux Day 7 |July 18: Tour Blaye Fortress & Bourg sur Gironde Day 8 | July 19: Visit Pauillac la Fayette & Cussac Fort Médoc Day 9 | July 20: Take in Historic Cadillac Day 10 | July 21: Tour Historic Saint-Émilion Day 11 | July 22: Explore Libourne's Agriculture Community Day 12 | July 23: Tour the Wine Capital of the World Day 13 | July 24: Disembark in Bordeaux |
Founder's Grand Cruise - Reverse: Day-to-Day Detail Itinerary
Pamplona City Hall, Spain
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Day 1 | July 12: Arrive in PamplonaArrive in Pamplona, Spain to take in the last three days of The World’s Largest Fiesta™. Receive an introduction to the bull run and what happens on the streets of Pamplona from Dennis Clancey, an acclaimed expert runner, and filmmaker of the documentary Chasing Red - winner of “Best of the Fest” at the L.A. Indie Film Festival.
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Running of the Bulls in Pamplona, Spain
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Day 2 | July 13: Watch the Running of the Bulls®With a front-row seat for the Running of the Bulls® from our private VIP balcony, watch as 6 bulls and 6 steer chase approximately 3,000 runners through the famed streets of Mercaderes and Estafeta. From the pageantry of the Mayor’s ceremonial inspection of the route to the striking fear and excitement of each runner as they contemplate their own mortality, preparing to face the bulls - this event, like Hemingway put it, is a measure of the man.
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San Fermin Closing Ceremonies, Pamplona, Spain
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Day 3 | July 14: Witness San Fermin's Closing CeremoniesOn the last day of the The World’s Largest Fiesta™, wake up to watch the final bull run take place -- possibly even taking the opportunity to run yourself. Enjoy the last full day of the festival, capped-off with a VIP penthouse terrace party overlooking the Closing Ceremonies at Midnight.
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Pamplona Bull Ranch, Spain
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Day 4 | July 15: Visit a Pamplona Bull RanchExperience a rare treat, enjoyed by precious few: instruction in the art of Capea -- learning how to use the matador’s cape -- from one of the most famous living Spanish bullfighters. Eduardo Davila Miura played host to King Felipe when he attended his first bullfight as the king of Spain, and now he'll be hosting you for this once-in-a-lifetime experience. We'll spend the day at an idyllic bull ranch not far from Pamplona, enjoying the food, feel, and unique lifestyle of the Spanish estate.
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Camino de Santiago Pilgrimage Route, Spain
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Day 5 | July 16: Explore the Way of St. James from PamplonaSpend your last full day in Pamplona on a guided tour of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route, which translates to the Way of St. James in English. The Camino de Santiago is a beautiful route through Northern Spain, eventually ending in Galicia, Spain at the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.
You'll also stop at several spots along the popular fly fishing destination, the Irati River. Many of Hemingway's favorite fishing spots were found here, so you'll truly get to follow in his footsteps.
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Drive the Pyrenees Mountains
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Day 6 | July 17: Cross the Pyrenees to BordeauxLeaving Pamplona behind, join us for a scenic drive through the Pyrenees mountains. As you continue on your Hemingway-esque journey, you have the choice of joining us in our luxury minibus -- the Authentic Voyages Pyrenees Express -- or upgrading to a private car and driver to explore the Pyrenees at your own leisure. Arrive in time to board the SS Bon Voyage and begin your Bordeaux river cruise.
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Blaye Fortress, Gironde, France
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Day 7 | July 18: Tour Blaye Fortress & Bourg sur GirondeArriving in the Bourg commune, enjoy a guided walking tour through the historic Blaye Fortress from a local, English-speaking expert. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2008, the citadel was essential for protecting the city of Bordeaux from incoming attacks. Once your walking tour is over, you'll be able to choose between a driving tour on the beautiful Route de la Corniche Fleurie, or stay at Blaye Fortress for yoga right in the middle of this historic and peaceful spot.
Returning to the SS Bon Voyage that evening, you'll be invited to the Captain's Welcome Reception and Dinner to be officially welcomed by your captain and his crew.
Included Excursion Options:
bourg sur gironde walking tour & PANORAMAS OF ROUTE DE LA CORNICHE FLEURIE WITH BLAYE FORTRESS
The Route de la Corniche Fleurie connects the towns of Blaye and Bourg, both located in the Gironde region of France. Along the way, you'll drive through picturesque small villages that echo the days of old in France. Drive through a roadway lined with cliffs along the Gironde River to see life along it -- from fisherman at work to gardeners tending their exotic plants.
Once you arrive in Blaye from your scenic drive, an English-speaking local will guide you through Blaye Fortress. Built during the 17th century, this once-powerful military fortress was designed by French engineer Sébastien Le Prestre de Vauban. Hundreds were built, but this one was arguably his best -- with incredible views of the river and surrounding town. Bourg sur Gironde walking tour & “Let’s Go” yoga in the historic heart of Blaye Fortress
Arrive in historic Blaye, France for a walking tour with and English-speaking local guide. Built during the 17th century, this once-powerful military fortress was designed by French engineer Sébastien Le Prestre de Vauban. Hundreds were built, but this one was arguably his best -- with incredible views of the river and surrounding town.
After your tour, you'll stick around for yoga right in the middle of the citadel itself. Once you've hit a few poses with your yoga instructor, you'll realize just how serene this activity can be when done in the proper setting -- right in the middle of tranquil French history. |
Pauillac, France in Médoc Wine Region
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Day 8 | July 19: Visit Pauillac la Fayette & Cussac Fort MédocVisit the Médoc Wine Region, Bordeaux's most famous winemaking area. The area is home to numerous many award-winning wineries, including the famed Chateaux Margaux -- Hemingway's favorite winemaker, for which his granddaughter was named. Enjoy a fresh oyster tasting before exploring the rest of the region, with its endless miles of vineyards and beautiful architecture. You'll be able to choose between a drive along the Médoc Chateaux Route paired with a wine tasting, a World War II bunker tour featuring the "Atlantic Wall," or a bicycling journey through the local vineyards.
Afterwards, the SS Bon Voyage will bring you to the Gironde River, where the riverside town of Pauillac la Fayette awaits. Here, you'll explore the gateway of the Médoc region before returning to your ship for some rest.
Included Excursion Options:
Fresh Médoc oysters tasting & Médoc Châteaux route with private wine tasting
Enjoy a fresh oyster tasting on the ship before embarking on a scenic driving tour of the Médoc wine region -- from beautiful Pauillac to very edge of the Médoc Peninsula, just off of the Gironde estuary's left bank. This region features several of the highest-rated wines in France. Many of them date back hundreds of years, and feature buildings that any architecture enthusiast would love. Along your tour, you'll pass by the famed Médoc vineyards of Château Latour, Mouton Rothschild and Pichon Longueville Baron before heading into quaint villages like Margaux and Saint-Julien.
You'll also get to stop and take a private tour and tasting at one of the wineries. The caveat -- you won't know which of these incredible winemakers is your destination until you open your invitation, given on the day of the excursion. This exciting surprise is sure to impress, as any of the Grand Cru wineries along the route will feature incredible wines and an unbeatable experience. Fresh Médoc oysters tasting & Bunker archaeology tour
After a fresh, local oyster tasting, explore Bordeaux's World War II bunkers with a guided bunker archaeology tour. This educational experience will give you exclusive access to the bunkers once used by the French to protect their country and the Médoc Region's wines. Once much of Europe was taken over by Nazi Germany, the Atlantic Wall was built to fortify the Nazi's from incoming attacks. Remnants still remain from these once formidable fortifications, and you'll be able to experience them firsthand.
FRESH MÉDOC OYSTERS TASTING & “Let’s Go” bike in the Médoc vineyards
For those seeking to stretch their legs a bit, a bicycle tour through the miles of beautiful Médoc vineyards awaits. As part of the "Lets Go" series of excursions, you'll meet up with a guide once disembarking the ship in Pauillac, then head off to explore. Bicycles are arguably the best way to explore the area too. With open air and traveling at a slower speed, you'll truly immerse yourself in the Médoc winemaking landscape.
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Cadillac, France
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Day 9 | July 20: Take in Historic CadillacFounded in 1820, visit the location where King Henry IV and Queen Margot fell in love. You're bound to fall in love with Cadillac too -- this beautiful town is filled with rich history, beautiful buildings, and incredible dessert wines. Upon your arrival to Cadillac, choose between Château Royal de Cazeneuve, the castle that the king and queen once stayed in, for a tour and wine, or Château de Malromé, where you'll tour the home of the French Post-Impressionist painter, Henri de Toulouse Lautrec.
This portion of the Garonne River can be prone to flooding. If the river is flooded during your cruise, a transfer to Cadillac via motorcoach will take you to your excursion.
Included Excursion Options:
The colorful life of Toulouse Lautrec at Château de Malromé
Visit the historic home-turned-museum of Post-Impressionist artist, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. Living in the late 1800s, the home and the city of Paris were his biggest influences. His colorful, intricate paintings have had a major influence on how people see French culture today, and this home museum lets you see how.
Afterwards, you'll head over to the town of Verdelais to explore and see Toulouse-Lautrec's burial site. Once you've had your fill of historical art and the town of Verdelais, you'll get to visit the Café les Pèlerins for an absinthe tasting. Private owner's tour of Royal Château with Sauternes toast
Once the home of Henry IV and Queen Margot, the Château Royal de Cazeneuve is a beautiful castle-chateaux dating back to the 14th century. Enjoy a private tour from their descendants and the current owners, Louis and Caroline de Sabran-Pontevès, along with a complimentary Sauternes wine toast.
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Saint-Émilion, France
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Day 10 | July 21: Tour Historic Saint-ÉmilionComing to port of call Libourne, you'll head off to explore the historic town of Saint-Émilion with a walking tour. The UNESCO designated town is filled with medieval architecture, with shops and landmarks that make you feel like you're in early France. Afterwards, you'll head to a surprise Saint-Émilion Grand Cru estate for a wine tasting.
You'll go underground into the winery's cellar for your Grand Cru wine tasting, where you'll see barrels of wine fermenting. Since the days of Napoleon, Grand Cru has been the highest classification in this region for the quality of a vineyard and the terroir it produces grapes from.
Included Excursion:
Saint-Émilion walking tour with wine tasting
The awe-inspiring village of Saint-Émilion was once a bustling winemaking region for the Roman Empire. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site -- and the first vineyard to be designated as such -- this area is filled with immaculately preserved artifacts and architecture. You'll be able to explore wine stores and other shops in the village that feel like they're right out of history. After, visit the St. Émilion church to see the village's biggest attraction -- an underground religious building with only its tower above ground.
Once your tour of Saint-Émilion is over, you'll head over to a nearby Grand Cru chateaux to visit to explore its cellars and sample world-renowned wines. This day's lunch will be on your own |
Libourne, France
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Day 11 | July 22: Explore Libourne's Agriculture CommunityHead into the city of Libourne for a "Village Day" on day six of the Founder's Grand Cruise, where you'll get up-close and personal with life in the city. In this Southwestern French city, agriculture is an essential part of the way of life. Exploring a local farmer's market, you'll find fresh vegetables, fruits, cheeses, breads, and other local specialties produced just outside the city. Make sure you sample some of the seasonal goods, as they're always fresh and delicious.
Included Excursion:
Libourne “Village Day” with farmer's market
How could you visit this rich agricultural land without delving into a farmer's market? Libourne’s market is the heart and soul of the town;
Today, you'll see Libourne in a way usually left to the locals. you'll visit the Libourne farmer's market to see how important agriculture is to life in the region. In the market, you'll find regional cheeses, vegetables, flowers, and more that are all as fresh as can be. Exploring the market, you'll also find cooks preparing regional delicacies, like roasted chicken and couscous. Be sure to sample some before the next part of your tour, where you and a small group will meet with local artisans for a tour of their workspaces and shops. |
Bordeaux, France
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Day 12 | July 23: Tour the Wine Capital of the WorldSail back into Bordeaux to enjoy a full day of exploring the city. In the "Wine Capital of the World," a favorite city of Ernest Hemingway, you'll immerse yourself in the culture just as he once did. Your excursion for the day includes the beautiful Cité du Vin Museum. Here, you'll get to explore many exhibits, presentations, and films documenting the region's winemaking history.
With the second part of your day seven excursion, you'll explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bordeaux's Port of the Moon. Built during the Age of Enlightenment, this area of town is filled with historic architecture. You'll have the chance to see it all via a walking or bicycle tour.
Once you return to the SS Bon Voyage in the evening, you'll be able to join the Captain's Farewell Reception and Dinner for a formal farewell from the Captain and his crew.
Included Excursion Options:
Cité du Vin museum visit & “Do as the Locals Do” Bordeaux walking tour
Arriving back in Bordeaux, visit the Cité du Vin Museum to explore its exhibits. Dedicated to the Bordeaux Region's art of winemaking, this museum features artifacts, films, and more to educate you on the region's most famed industry.
Once you've visited the museum, you'll explore the city with a "Do As the Locals Do" tour that immerses you in the life of Bordeaux's residents. You'll explore the best eateries, wine bars, and shops in the city with a local guide. Parts of this tour include bakery visits, touring a chocolatier's shop, and visiting one of the city's most sophisticated wine bars. Cité du Vin museum visit & ”Let’s Go” bike Bordeaux backstreets
Explore Bordeaux's riverfront Quai des Chartrons neighborhood, filled with shops, cafes, and pieces of history. Your group will stop at one of the local cafes to pick up snacks and beverages before heading off on the rest of the tour. On it, you'll have the chance to visit historical landmarks like the Church of Saint Louis and Parliament Square before cycling back along the Garonne Riverfront portion of Bordeaux, which is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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Bordeaux, France
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Day 13 | July 24: Disembark in BordeauxDisembark the SS Bon Voyage in Bordeaux to begin the final stretch of your journey -- heading home. An included transfer will take you to the Bordeaux–Mérignac Airport for your flight home.
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Inclusions
Dining Inclusions
Excursion Inclusions
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