Viking River Cruises has announced a new itinerary in France’s Bordeaux region for 2014 that will celebrate the senses. This eight-day cruise—Châteaux, Rivers & Wine—allows guests to enjoy the beauty and history of Bordeaux and the Aquitaine region, while exploring some of the world’s finest names in wine. Guests will sail on Viking Forseti, marking the first time an award-winning Viking LongshipTM will be deployed in France, the company said in a statement.
“Our itineraries in France have always been very popular, and we are pleased to introduce this unique new experience in the Bordeaux region,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking River Cruises. “We have designed an itinerary that allows our guests to explore this historically fascinating region and enjoy some of the world’s most celebrated wines.”
Châteaux, Rivers & Wine takes guests on a unique exploration of the Dordogne, Garonne and Gironde Rivers, through the region that has for centuries produced France's most remarkable wines including Margaux, Pomerol, St. Emilion and Sauternes. The eight-day cruise journey begins in Bordeaux and makes its first stop in Pauillac, where guests can sip the full-bodied blends of the renowned Médoc and Margaux wine regions and travel along the famed Route des Châteaux for an insight into authentic château life. Next, guests have the opportunity to explore the Citadel in Blaye and the charming town of St. Emilion—both UNESCO World Heritage sites—before continuing on to picturesque Cadillac, where they can taste the sweet Premier Cru wines from the Sauternes region. The unhurried voyage concludes with an in-depth tour of the beautiful churches, grand Louis XV architecture and charming cafes of Bordeaux.
To enhance appreciation and understanding of the Aquitaine Valley during the journey, Viking’s Culture CurriculumSM on Châteaux, Rivers & Wine has been designed with the assistance of local experts toprovide opportunities for passengers to experience various aspects of the regional culture. Guests may learn to make tender canelés, a caramelized custard pastry, observe the winemaking traditions that have made the area so famous, begin or expand their appreciation of fine Bordeaux wines with the guidance of a master sommelier, and brush up on their conversational French with optional onboard lessons.
Guests on the Châteaux, Rivers & Wine cruise will travel on the state-of-the-art Viking Forseti, which will be the newest and most innovative ship to sail the rivers of the Aquitaine Valley—and the first Viking Longship to sail in France. Recently named Best New River Ships of 2012 in Cruise Critic’s® Editors’ Picks Awards, Viking Longships integrate patent-pending* design and cutting-edge technology, including an indoor-outdoor Aquavit Terrace, diesel-electric hybrid engines, solar panels and onboard organic herb gardens.
