Founder's Grand Cruise: Day 3

Scouting Bordeaux, France: Day 3's Excursions in Médoc

On Day Three of our Bordeaux river cruise, the Authentic Voyages team enjoyed a wonderful day full of lively and educational French experiences. From a decadent breakfast in the morning to vineyard bicycling, we immersed ourselves in the Médoc region in preparation for the Founder's Grand Cruise. Sailing into the famed wine region during the morning of our third day, our team parted ways to tackle two equally great afternoon excursions in the commune of Cussac-Fort-Médoc.

Chateau along the Médoc Chateaux Route Tour

Afternoon Excursion: Médoc Chateaux Route with Private Wine Tasting

​Setting out on this excursion, our team disembarked the ship and boarded a bus to drive along the scenic roads of the Médoc region. With lots to see, we drove past historic chateaux like the Château Lafitte Roschild. Passing by the nearby Château Mouton and Château Latour, we learned about the area’s past. From power struggles to government involvement to wine monopolies, the region certainly had an interesting past waiting to be discovered by the rest of the world.

Along the way, we also had the chance to learn about growing grapes in Médoc. Though it produces what are arguably the best of Bordeaux wines, Médoc has a far more difficult terroir than many other winegrowing regions. Countless crops have failed over the years due to pests and climate. We learned all this from our extremely knowledgeable guide before arriving at our own chateau for a wine tasting.

​Upon arrival, our group was led into the Château Prieuré-Lichine to see where the magic happens. We were shown through their entire process, from harvest to fermentation to bottling. Walking through the winery, it felt almost as if we were wine creators ourselves. Afterwards, we were brought to the tasting room to sample two delicious bottles, where we were instructed on the proper technique to make the most of each wine’s flavors. The entire excursion proved to be a leisurely and enjoyable way to experience what Médoc had to offer, from beautiful architecture to outstanding wine.

Riding through Vauban-designed architecture on the Médoc Bicycle Tour

Wine cellar on the Médoc Chateaux Route Tour

Afternoon Excursion: “Let’s Go” Bike in the Médoc Vineyards

​The other portion of the Authentic Voyages team opted for a scenic bicycle ride to make the most of the beautiful weather had in Médoc. The team pedaled off from the shore, where folding bicycles, premium Specialized brand helmets, and a dynamic tour guide awaited. We immediately began touring not just French vineyards, but also the chateaux, homes, and unique places that made the Médoc wine region. Leading us across old town streets between artisan shops in Cussac-Fort-Médoc, our tour guide navigated through the crowds of locals and even halted kindly cars for us as we made our way towards the grounds of the Château Lamothe Bergeron.

Upon arriving at the Médoc winery, we spent a short amount of time touring it with our bicycles before leaving them behind. Our small group headed into the chateau itself for a warm greeting from the Lamothe-Bergeron tour guide. After a brief introduction, we were taken on a quick walking tour of the facility, learning about its history and seeing the incredible work that’s done there along the way. Finally, we made our way into the tasting room, where two incredible wines awaited for us to sample. One of the wines was a Médoc vintage from the year 2011, and the other, a young red wine that provided us an interesting example of the chateau’s aging process. 

​After our tasting, we cycled back to the ship with a quick shortcut through UNESCO-protected buildings and ruins made by the famous French military designer, Vauban. The excursion was memorable through and through, especially the brilliant bicycle trip. It was well-liked by other members of the cruise too – from first time France travelers to those who’d visited multiple times. Made only better by our lively tour guide, this excursion was one for the books. The excursion was moderately physical, requiring a decent bit of balance and effort with the bicycle ride.

A Retrospective of Day 3’s Excursions

Our entire team was pleasantly surprised by the day’s excursions aboard our European river cruise. Both covered a good amount of Médoc ground, and took up a decent part of the day, clocking in at about three hours. Each highlighted outstanding wines from the region, while also allowing the team to discover its fantastic architecture and history. We felt that these excursions truly captured the spirit that brings countless others to Bordeaux -- a passion for wine, architecture, and French beauty. With truly something for everyone, these Bordeaux excursions from Uniworld offered the perfect balance, with something for every level of traveler.

Chateau Lamothe-Bergeron's wine tasting room