Cruise & Land Tour12 Nights | 13 Days
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With this legendary cruise offering, follow in the footsteps of Ernest Hemingway as you explore his favorite haunts in Southern France and Northern Spain. The Founder's Grand Cruise -- an Authentic Voyages original -- invites you to experience the best destinations on the Garonne River, Gironde River, and the Dordogne River, including the Wine Capital of the World and a number of UNESCO World Heritage sites. This European river cruise happens before the infamous Running of the Bulls in Pamplona, Spain, where you'll head to once your cruise is over.
Explore Europe just as Hemingway once didAfter arriving to a Welcome Dinner and overnight hotel stay in Bordeaux, you'll set sail through Southwestern France. Voyaging through the Bordeaux region, visit beautiful locations like Libourne, Cadillac, and 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 unique daily life in villages dotting each river.
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Once the Founder's Grand Cruise has run its course, you'll drive through the Pyrenees mountain range with the Authentic Voyages Pyrenees Express or in your own privately chauffeured car to Spain. Even more awaits on this part of the journey, as you travel to the San Fermin festival in Pamplona just as the character's in Hemingway's The Sun Also Rises did. From watching the Running of the Bulls from the best vantage in town to learning the art of the matador cape at a bull ranch just outside the city, there has never been a better way to experience the Festival of San Fermin.
Enjoy the journey with our founder and team
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The 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 on the entire cruise through beautiful French wine country and the lively event in Spain. This once-in-a-lifetime 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: Itinerary
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Day 1 | Sun, June 26: Embark from Bordeaux
Day 2 | Mon, June 27: Visit Blaye & Bourg sur Gironde Day 3 | Tue, June 28: Explore Cussac Fort Médoc & Pauillac la Fayette Day 4 | Wed, June 29: A Taste of Cadillac Day 5 | Thu, June 30: Tour Historic Saint-Émilion Day 6 | Fri, July 1: Journey through Libourne's Farming Tradition Day 7 | Sat, July 2: See Bordeaux's Best Features Day 8 | Sun, July 3: Disembark in Bordeaux and Drive to Pamplona Day 9 | Mon, July 4: Explore the Way of St. James from Pamplona Day 10 | Tue, July 5: Visit a Pamplona Bull Ranch Day 11 | Wed, July 6: Take in San Fermin's Opening Ceremonies Day 12 | Thu, July 7: Witness the Running of the Bulls® Day 13 | Fri, July 8: Head Home from Pamplona |
Founder's Grand Cruise: Day-to-Day Detail Itinerary
Bordeaux, France
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Day 1 | Sun, June 26: Embark from BordeauxArriving in Bordeaux via the Bordeaux–Mérignac Airport, an included airport transfer takes you directly to the SS Bon Voyage, where you'll be greeted by a warm welcome from the staff before being introduced to your accommodations. That evening, you'll set sail on your Bordeaux river cruise, immersing yourself in the the same place that Hemingway himself helped bring renown to among the English-speaking world.
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Read our team's live scouting report from Blaye Fortress & Bourg (written as we sailed the S.S. Bon Voyage in October 2021).
Blaye Fortress, Gironde, France
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Day 2 | Mon, June 27: Visit Blaye & Bourg sur GirondeArrive in the historic Blaye Fortress for a guided walking tour by a local expert. The historic citadel, designated a UNESCO World Heritage in 2008, has been an essential part in many wars and other historical events, protecting the larger city of Bordeaux. Here, you'll can opt to enjoy a driving tour on the beautiful Route de la Corniche Fleurie. Alternatively, you can stay at the Blaye Fortress to align your chakras with with yoga in a tranquil, historic setting.
Once you return to the ship in the evening, you'll be invited to the Captain's Welcome Reception and Dinner to be officially welcomed by your captain.
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. |
Médoc Chateau in Pauillac, France
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Day 3 | Tue, June 28: Explore Cussac Fort Médoc & Pauillac la FayetteOn your third day of the Founder's Grand Cruise, travel to the famous Médoc Wine Region. Arriving in the historic commune of Cussac Fort Médoc, you'll find chateaux's framed by limitless vineyards while touring the sought-after wine region that's home to Ernest Hemingway's favorite winery -- Chateaux Margaux. Hemingway's granddaughter was even named after the estate, and today bottles of Chateaux Margaux wine can sell for thousands of US dollars.
Enjoy a fresh oyster tasting before heading off to your chosen excursion. You'll have the choice between a driving tour of the Médoc region and a private tasting, a World War II bunker tour, or bicycling through the vineyards.
Afterwards, cruise the Garonne River to the Gironde River to find the riverside town of Pauillac la Fayette. Here, you'll be able to explore the Médoc region's gateway before returning to the ship.
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 4 | Wed, June 29: A Taste of CadillacThe beautiful town of Cadillac, officially founded in 1820, was once the location where King Henry IV and Queen Margot fell in love. There's no doubt that you'll fall in love with this historic commune, with its rich history, beautiful buildings, and incredible dessert wines. You'll have the choice between visiting a castle that the king and queen once stayed in, Château Royal de Cazeneuve, or visiting Château de Malromé, the home of famous 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 5 | Thu, June 30: Tour Historic Saint-ÉmilionArriving in the city of Libourne, you'll head to the beautiful town of Saint-Émilion. This destination is filled with medieval architecture and all the hallmarks of a quaint French village. You'll enjoy a walking tour of Saint-Émilion and its historic sites before heading to a Saint-Émilion-based Grand Cru estate for a wine tasting.
In the world of wine, Grand Cru is the highest classification in this region for the quality of a vineyard and the soil it produces grapes from. You'll go underground into the winery's cellar for your Grand Cru wine tasting, which is certain to be a memorable experience.
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 6 | Fri, July 1: Journey through Libourne's Farm to Table TraditionOn day six of your cruise, you'll head into the city of Libourne to explore its colorful culture and incredible food scene. In this Southwestern region of France, agriculture plays a major role in the food that's produced. Ingredients are fresh, seasonal, and always delicious. You'll have the chance to visit Libourne's legendary farmer's market to sample local specialties, from specialty cheeses and breads to freshly picked fruits and vegetables.
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 7 | Sat, July 2: See Bordeaux's Best FeaturesArrive back in Bordeaux along the Garonne River to explore the city. In the "Wine Capital of the World," you'll have countless opportunities to immerse yourself in the culture and explore history. Your excursion for the day includes a visit to the Cité du Vin Museum, which hosts exhibits, presentations, and films on wine.
Built during the Age of Enlightenment, Bordeaux's Port of the Moon area is designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. You'll explore the area and more with the second part of your excursion -- either a walking or bicycling tour through the city.
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 staff.
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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Drive the Pyrenees Mountains
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Day 8 | Sun, July 3: Disembark in Bordeaux and Drive to PamplonaAs the French part of your Hemingway journey comes to a close, disembark your ship for a leisurely drive through the Pyrenees mountains. You have the choice of joining us in our luxury minibus -- the Authentic Voyages Pyrenees Express -- or upgrading to a private car to explore the mountains at your own pace. When you arrive in Pamplona, settle into your luxury golf resort accommodations as you prepare for start of the Festival of San Fermin.
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Camino de Santiago Pilgrimage Route, Spain
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Day 9 | Mon, July 4: Explore the Camino de SantiagoAfter resting up with a great night's sleep at your luxury resort in Pamplona, you'll officially begin the second part of your Founder's Grand Cruise journey. On a guided tour, explore the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route, which translates to the Way of St. James in English. If followed for its entirety, the path will take you to the Galicia, Spain cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, where a shrine to Saint James exists.
Along the route, you'll stop along the Irati River to find several of Hemingway's favorite fishing spots. This river is famous for its fly fishing, and a must-see for anyone that loves the outdoors.
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Pamplona Bull Ranch, Spain
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Day 10 | Tue, July 5: Visit a Pamplona Bull RanchExperience a rare treat, enjoyed by only a few: receive instruction in the art of Capea - learning how to mange 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 host you for an experience you’ll never forget. We will spend the day at an idyllic bull ranch not far from Pamplona, enjoying the food, the ambiance, and the unique lifestyle of the Spanish finca.
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San Fermin Opening Ceremony, Pamplona, Spain
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Day 11 | Wed, July 6: Take in San Fermin's Opening CeremoniesTake your VIP spot overlooking Plaza Consistorial (Town Hall Square) as you witness the raucous Opening Ceremonies of the Fiestas de San Fermín. From your fantastic spot -- only Pamplona's mayor has a better view -- you’ll experience the medieval mayhem as 10,000 celebrants pack into this small square to kick off eight days of The World’s Largest Fiesta™. Receive an introduction to the bull run and running 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 12 | Thu, July 7: Witness the Running of the Bulls®Get a front-row seat for the Running of the Bulls®. You’ll watch the event from our private VIP balcony as 3,000 runners face down 6 bulls and 6 steer on the famed streets of Mercaderes and Estafeta. From the pageantry of the Mayor’s ceremonial inspection of the route, to the anticipation of the runners contemplating their own mortality as they prepare to face the bulls, this is one of the few remaining visceral things on earth.
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Pamplona City Hall, Spain
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Day 13 | Fri, July 8: Head Home from PamplonaWake up to catch the one more lively bull run, and possibly even run in it yourself, before saying goodbye to Pamplona. Beginning the final part of your journey -- heading home -- you'll have transport provided to the airport for your arranged flight.
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Inclusions
Dining Inclusions
Excursion Inclusions
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Accommodation Inclusions
Experience Inclusions
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Dates & Pricing
*Pricing based on double occupancy
Extensions
Post-Cruise: 2 Nights in Paris, France*
- Enjoy a 3-day, 2-night stay at the Hôtel du Louvre
- Breakfast is included for all 3 days
- Service charges, taxes, and porterage are included
- Explore with an Opera Garnier Discovery Walk
- Be guided by a local, English-speaking expert
- All transfers are included
Pricing available upon request
Ship Details
Your entire European river cruise will take place upon the elegant SS Bon Voyage. This ship is part of the world's most awarded cruise line's fleet, specifically designed to navigate the rivers of Europe with all the comforts of a five-star hotel. This Bordeaux river cruise ship mirrors the feel of traveling in the most picturesque parts of France.
Attention to detail seems to have no bounds. Focusing on delivering the most immersive of experiences with onboard locations like the Le Salon Champagne bar -- designed with Yves Saint Laurent's famed Villa Majorelle in mind -- the cruise line offers one of the best experiences in Europe. Like the bar, other areas of the ship have pulled from France's most famous destinations to create something truly remarkable, that can only be fully experienced in person.
The ship features three different restaurants: the La Brasserie, the Le Grand Fromage, and the Le Cave des Vins. A number of public spaces and sun decks invite you to gather with other cruisers to share experiences from the day. Afterwards, you can retire to a recently updated room that features a Savoir® Bed of England, marble bathroom, and other comforts that would typically belong in a luxury hotel.