JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery Bordeaux

  • Overview
  • Itinerary
  • Accommodations
  • Details
  • Overview

    You’re invited to join JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery for an incredible Bordeaux River Cruise aboard Uniworld’s S.S. Bon Voyage. Please join us on this special journey as we uncover the proud legacy and heritage of Southwest France. Set sail along three stunning rivers, the Garonne, Dordogne and Gironde, on one fascinatingly historical and invigorating journey. Explore the country’s breathtaking backdrops, wines and cultural treasures across the region in Bordeaux, Fort Médoc, Cadillac, Blaye, Libourne and more. Wander through archaeological marvels, historic landmarks and magnificent vineyards where you’ll be treated to a sampling of quintessentially French experiences. Embark on a scenic drive from Blaye to Bourg along the Route de la Corniche Fleurie and marvel at the sights of Blaye Fortress and Lansac Windmill along the way. Slow things down in Libourne and on your return to Bordeaux with multiple wine tastings, village tours, a farmers’ market visit and Bordeaux heritage walking tour. Join us on a showcase of the best Southwest France has to offer.

    Highlights

    • Personally hosted by JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery
    • 8-day cruise aboard Uniworld River Boutique Cruises’ S.S Bon Voyage
    • Bonus night in Bordeaux
    • Round-trip scheduled airfare included
    • Transfers from airport to hotel
    • Special welcome and farewell receptions featuring JUSTIN wines
    • JUSTIN shipboard events including tastings, educational seminars and a wine paired dinner
    • Exclusive on shore JUSTIN culinary event
    • Optional, private wine focused tours in select cities
    • Uniworld complimentary shore excursions
    • Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites
    • Unlimited wine, beer, spirits, soft drinks, specialty coffee, tea and bottled water
    • All onboard gratuities included

    Itinerary

    Day 1

    June 2, 2023 - Depart the U.S.

    Day 2

    JUNE 3, 2023 – Bordeaux, France (Hotel Stay)

    Arrive at Bordeaux-Mérignac International Airport. You will be greeted by your group’s personal driver and transferred to your hotel.
    Day 3

    JUNE 4, 2023 – Bordeaux, France (Board Ship/Embark)

    Exclusive JUSTIN Food & Wine Experience
    Day 4

    JUNE 5, 2023 - Blaye - Bourg sur Gironde, France

    The Route de la Corniche Fleurie…could this be the most beautiful road you’ve ever traveled? Find out today on the drive to Blaye Fortress, passing through one impossibly picturesque hamlet after another. Once you arrive, you’ll find your center with a unique and expertly led yoga session in the heart of this historic fortress, a UNESCO-designated citadel that once protected Bordeaux from attacks by sea. Excursion Options: Bourg sur Gironde walking tour Choice of Panoramas of Route de la Corniche Fleurie with Blaye Fortress or Intimate Experience with Local Wine & Art Connoisseurs In the evening, a special Captain’s Welcome Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you.
    Day 5

    JUNE 6, 2023 - Cussac Fort Médoc - Pauillac la Fayette, France

    The legendary Médoc region abounds with prestigious wine châteaux in a dizzying array of architectural styles, as well as miles of grapevines stretching to infinity. Take a scenic drive through the storied Médoc wine route, followed by a wine tasting at a beautiful wine estate. Enjoy the waters of the Garonne River and the Gironde Estuary before heading to the pretty town of Pauillac, gateway to the storied Médoc wine route, the Atlantic coast and remnants of the Atlantic Wall erected during WWII. Excursion Options Fresh Médoc oysters tasting Choice of Bunker archaeology tour or Médoc Châteaux route with private wine tasting or “Let’s Go” bike in the Médoc vineyards
    Day 6

    JUNE 7, 2023 – Cadillac, France

    The French phrase “la douceur de vivre” is an accurate description for your time in Cadillac, known for its deliciously flavored dessert wines. Visit Château Royal de Cazeneuve, site of Henry IV’s and Queen Margot’s tempestuous love. Meet the owner around a glass of Sauternes in the reception hall. Excursion Options: Choice of Private owner's tour of Royal Château with Sauternes toast or The colorful life of Toulouse Lautrec at Château de Malromé Note: Sailing this stretch of the Garonne depends on the tides. If it is not possible to sail to Cadillac, you will be transferred to your destination via motorcoach.
    Day 7

    JUNE 8, 2023 - Libourne (Saint-Émilion), France

    The medieval town of Saint-Émilion is an ideal place to linger. Wander its cobblestone lanes lined with wine shops and bakeries, and stop to admire the amazing rock-hewn church that extends beneath the city’s streets. Another treasure awaiting you underground? A wine tasting in the cellars of a Grand Cru estate. With Libourne as your base, travel to nearby breathtaking Saint-Émilion and immerse yourself more deeply in the region’s history and wine culture. Excursion Options: Saint-Émilion walking tour with wine tasting
    Day 8

    JUNE 9, 2023 – Libourne – Bordeaux, France

    France’s rich agricultural tradition is the heart and soul of the region’s exquisite cuisine—and what better way to get a taste for the freshest vegetables, cheeses, breads and fruits than with a visit to Libourne’s lively farmers’ market? Excursion Options: Libourne “Village Day” with farmer's market
    Day 9

    JUNE 10, 2023 – Bordeaux, France

    Discover Bordeaux’s many charms today, either on foot with a local expert or on two wheels—the locals’ preferred way to navigate the city’s charming backstreets. You have a wonderful selection of active opportunities to see this magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Site. Excursion Options: Cité du Vin museum visit Choice of “Do as the Locals Do” Bordeaux walking tour or ”Let’s Go” bike Bordeaux backstreets In the evening, a special Captain’s Farewell Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you.
    Day 10

    JUNE 11, 2023 - Bordeaux, France (Disembark Ship)

    Return to the U.S

    Accommodations

    Deck Plan Uniworld’s S.S. Bon Voyage

    Accommodations

    Deck Plan Uniworld’s S.S. Bon Voyage

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How do I sign up for the cruise?

    For more information, or to book today please visit: Click Here to Download the Reservation Form or Book Online or call Perfect Pairings at (800) 614-8613

    What is the cost for this journey?

    When is my payment due?

    A $600 deposit is required to secure your reservation. A preliminary invoice will automatically be provided with your confirmation; giving you an opportunity to view our services and confirm the pricing matches the materials you’ve received so far. If there are any discrepancies, please contact your Travel Advisor as soon as possible to review. We will then send you an official invoice approximately 120 days prior to departure. This invoice is due approximately 110 days prior to travel. This is an excellent time to let us know if you are planning to extend your stay, participate in a pre or post-tour option, or if you’re interested in upgrading your travel arrangements in some way. Once you’ve paid for the trip, we will begin finalizing airline tickets and other important travel arrangements. If you wait until after this time to let us know these important details, it may become very expensive to make those changes (Changes made after ticketing will be done at your expense). So, if you’re thinking about any of these options, put them in writing to your travel advisor prior to paying your final invoice.

    What insurance is provided in the tour package & when is the last day I can purchase cancellation coverage?

    As a guest traveling with this group, you will receive complimentary comprehensive post-departure insurance including medical, baggage, missed connection coverage. Trip Cancellation coverage is NOT included in this package. You may choose to purchase additional coverage to protect your vacation in the event of unforeseen circumstances that may require you to cancel your trip. Options include:

    • Group Policy offered through Travel Guard: this plan is designed to cover personal medical related issues and specifically does not cover the pandemic. (the cost is 7.2% of your trip total, which is approximately $216 for $3,000 worth of coverage or $288 for $4,000 worth of coverage) - this option must be purchased by the time you make your final payment for the trip. However, to receive the pre-existing waiver with your coverage, the insurance must be purchased the same day you make your deposit for the trip. The Group certificates can be accessed by clicking HERE . To view a full listing of coverage benefits click HERE .

    • Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) Insurance: Allianz Cancel ANY Time policy which covers any reason you may want/need to cancel your trip (not just the pandemic at hand) and reimburses up to 75% of the trip cost if you cancel using the CFAR option. If you cancel for medical/sickness reasons the policy will reimburse up to 100%. You can purchase this coverage by clicking HERE .

    When will I get more information on optional tours?

    Optional tour information will be sent out to all travelers approximately 110 days prior to travel. You will have plenty of time to review and pre-pay for these tours prior to travel.

    Can I upgrade my seat assignment or flights?

    Seat upgrades are possible in most cases, depending on the airlines availability and rates. Options vary depending on the specific airline booked and the equipment used for specific flight routes/connections. Requests should be submitted by the time you make your final payment for the trip, so that we can review options and ticket you accordingly. If you requested upgrade options, our air department will reach out to you with specific options at the time of ticketing. Your prompt response to those options is required as prices and availability are subject to change until finalized. Group tickets may not be upgradeable, so it is important that we know your requests prior to tickets being issued. Requests received after ticketing may not be possible and/or may incur airline change fees.

    Can I use my frequent flyer points to upgrade my flights?

    You can provide your Frequent Flyer details. If we book the airline, you have points with, we will enter the information you provided with your reservation. If you register for a Frequent Flyer account after you are ticketed, you can enter the information into your record on the airline’s website and send us the information to keep on file for future flights booked through us.

    Can I extend my trip or travel from a different home city? If so, how does that work and what is the cost?

    Absolutely. We are happy to work with you and your guests in making special travel arrangements. These are handled on a case-by-case basis approximately 120 days prior to the trip. If you wish to extend your trip or travel from a different home city, you should put your detailed requests in writing as soon as possible so that we can begin working on the research for their trips. Approximately 75-100 days prior to their travel dates, Perfect Pairings/Adelman Travel will send you information detailing your travel options. At that time, you may elect to use our services, cancel your request and simply travel with the group, or make your own arrangements. Either way, you must return the materials with your final selection noted so that we can finalize ticketing arrangements on your behalf.

    I want to travel from a different home city than the group, is there a cost?

    That’s not a problem. Let us know where you’d like to fly from prior to making your final payment for the trip. We will provide you with an estimated cost to make those arrangements for you. Prices range from $95 - $395 per person to fly from different home cities.

    Can I make my own flight arrangements?

    Yes. If you are interested in making your own flight arrangements, please let us know and we will provide you with a deduction on your final invoice.

    What if people want to travel together, what steps are needed to keep them together as much as possible?

    Guests wishing to travel together need to put their requests in writing and submit to Perfect Pairings/ Adelman Travel via email receptionist@foodandwinetrails.com and identify exactly who they wish to travel with (i.e. Marta Jones and Betty Harris wish to travel with Susie & Tom Klein - they are traveling on the JUSTIN Winery Wine Cruise with xxx in Month YEAR)

    How are seat assignments handled?

    Every airline has different rules regarding group seating. As a courtesy, Perfect Pairings/ Adelman Travel makes every effort to secure appropriate seating for you and your travel companion. However, we cannot guarantee that the individual airlines will honor our requests. Therefore, if your particular seat assignment is essential to your travel, we encourage our guests to contact the airlines approximately 1 week prior to travel to inquire as to your assignment. Please note that many airlines will wait to confirm arrangements for group seating until airport check in. Additionally, due to the nature of travel, airlines may change aircraft up until the time of departure; which may affect any pre-confirmed seating arrangements.

    What luggage requirements do I need to know about?

    Currently, most airlines allow passengers flying to Europe to check one bag at no extra charge. If you choose to check two bags, you will be responsible for the additional charge, which is typically $50 each way. Neither bag can exceed the maximum weight allowance of 50 lbs nor can they exceed the linear inches limit of 62” (total length + width + height). You are also allowed a carry-on small enough to place underneath the seat of the plane or in the overhead bin. You will not be allowed to board the plane without your passport (please be sure to check the expiration date before you leave home). As airline policies may vary and are subject to change, we recommend that you visit your airlines website for specific luggage policies and limitations 2-3 weeks prior to traveling.

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