Sip, Savour & Sail: Join Us on a Hosted Bordeaux River Cruise
Updated: 6 hours ago
Picture this: a glass of Saint-Émilion in hand, the honey-coloured stone of Bordeaux glowing in the late afternoon sun, and the vineyards heavy with fruit just weeks before harvest. Now picture sharing it all with friends you haven't met yet, and two hosts who have taken care of every detail.
That's exactly what Elaine Saint and I have planned for September 2027. We're hosting a small group of travellers aboard Uniworld's Brilliant Bordeaux river cruise, eight unforgettable days through the heart of the world's most famous wine country. And we'd love for you to join us.
Why Bordeaux, and why September? Because this is the moment the whole region holds its breath. The grapes are ripening, the châteaux are buzzing with anticipation, the markets overflow with late-summer produce, and the weather is golden and gentle. It's simply the most beautiful time of year to be here.
Our Hosted Sailing at a Glance
Cruise: Uniworld Brilliant Bordeaux, 8 days, Bordeaux to Bordeaux
Departs: September 19, 2027
Ship: S.S. Bon Voyage
Rivers: Garonne, Dordogne and Gironde
Hosts: Dale (Travel With Dale) and Elaine Saint, Expedia Cruises
Group price: From $5,599 CAD per person
Three rivers, three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and some of the most celebrated vineyards on earth, all in one easy week with no packing and unpacking.
Your Week in Southwest France
Day 1: Bordeaux, Bienvenue à Bord
Arrive in Bordeaux and step aboard the S.S. Bon Voyage, your floating château for the week. Settle into your stateroom, pour a glass of something local, and meet your fellow travellers. Elaine and I will be there to welcome you.
Day 2: Cussac Fort Médoc and Pauillac
We start where the legends live. The Médoc is home to Château Latour, Mouton Rothschild and Pichon Longueville Baron, and back in 1855, almost every wine Napoleon III classified as a Grand Cru came from right here. Choose a scenic drive along the châteaux route with a private tasting at a wine estate, or pedal through the vineyards by bike. Before all that, we'll sit down to fresh Médoc oysters with an oyster farmer and a crisp glass of local white. That evening, the Captain's Welcome Reception and Dinner sets the tone for the week.
Day 3: Cadillac
The French have a phrase for this place: la douceur de vivre, the sweetness of life. Cadillac is known for its luscious dessert wines, and you'll taste them in style. Visit the 14th-century Château Royal de Cazeneuve, once a favourite residence of Henry IV, and raise a glass of Sauternes with the owners, descendants of the original royal family. Art lovers can instead explore the world of Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, from his mother's château to the tree-lined village of Verdelais where he rests.
Day 4: Blaye and Bourg sur Gironde
This might be the prettiest drive of your life. The Route de la Corniche Fleurie winds past limestone cliffs, fishing huts on stilts, and 19th-century sea captains' houses with exotic gardens planted from their travels. Then explore the UNESCO-listed Blaye Citadel, built by Louis XIV's master engineer Vauban, with sweeping views over the estuary. Prefer something more intimate? Join a local wine and art connoisseur in his cellar and studio for an informal tasting. Stroll the medieval gates of Bourg sur Gironde to round out the day.
Day 5: Libourne and Saint-Émilion
For many guests, this is the day they'll talk about for years. Hilltop Saint-Émilion was the first vineyard region ever protected by UNESCO, and it's every bit as magical as you've heard: steep cobblestone lanes, medieval ramparts, wine shops on every corner, and an astonishing 12th-century church carved right into the rock beneath the town. Finish with a tasting in the cellars of a top estate. Lunch is on your own today, and trust me, Saint-Émilion is the place to linger over a long French lunch.
Day 6: Libourne and Bordeaux
Wander Libourne's lively farmers' market, where locals gather for ripe cheeses, warm bread and the season's best produce. Or join a sustainable wine walk at Château Boutinet, where sheep do the vineyard work and the owners share their regenerative philosophy over a glass. Back in Bordeaux, we'll head out after dark to the Bassins des Lumières, where immersive light shows transform a former WWII submarine base into something breathtaking. The Captain's Farewell Dinner follows.
Day 7: Bordeaux
Today is all about Bordeaux itself, a UNESCO World Heritage city so elegant it inspired Haussmann's redesign of Paris. Hop the tram to the Golden Triangle and taste your way through the city's bakers and chocolatiers, or cycle the riverfront Quai des Chartrons, once the domain of British wine merchants, with a café stop along the way.
Day 8: Au Revoir, Bordeaux
Disembark with a full heart, a camera roll of vineyard sunsets, and probably a few bottles tucked in your luggage.
Itinerary details are based on Uniworld's current Brilliant Bordeaux program and may be adjusted for 2027. Sailing to Cadillac depends on tides; if needed, Uniworld transfers guests by motorcoach.
Life Aboard the S.S. Bon Voyage
Uniworld calls itself the most all-inclusive river cruise line, and honestly, it shows. Once you're on board, you can put your wallet away. Staterooms feature handcrafted Savoir beds from England, cotton sateen sheets and a pillow menu, and every one has a view of the river drifting by.
Here's what's included in your fare:
All meals on board, 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 7 dinners, plus Welcome and Farewell Gala Dinners
Unlimited beverages, including fine wines, beer, spirits, specialty coffees and soft drinks
Six days of guided excursions with English-speaking local experts and quiet headset audio
Active options like guided bike rides, with Brompton bicycles and Nordic walking poles available to explore on your own
Onboard enrichment and local entertainment
All gratuities for ship staff, crew and your Cruise Manager
Free Wi-Fi
In wine country, unlimited fine wine isn't a perk. It's practically a requirement.
Make It Your Own
Little Indulgences Along the Way
For the true connoisseurs, Uniworld's Masterpiece Collection adds a few extra-special experiences for an additional cost:
Grand Cru Tasting at Château Beauséjour Bécot, with the cellar master himself, overlooking the Saint-Émilion vines
A cooking class at Château Tour Pourret, where you help prepare a multi-course French lunch, each course paired with the estate's wines
A Grand Cru château picnic lunch among the vineyards
Rendez-vous chez Rémy Martin, a cognac house tour and tasting nearly three centuries in the making
A retro sidecar tour of Bordeaux by night, champagne stop included on the romantic version
We'll happily pre-book these for you so you don't miss out, as space is limited.
Before and After Your Cruise
Why rush home? Two beautiful extensions pair perfectly with this sailing:
Biarritz and Basque Country (before): three nights at the legendary Hôtel du Palais Biarritz, with visits to Bayonne and St. Jean de Luz. Sun, surf, Basque cuisine and old-world glamour.
Paris (after): two nights at the five-star Hôtel Napoléon, steps from the Champs-Élysées, with a discovery walk through the Opéra Garnier. The perfect finale.
Want more room to spread out? Ask us about suite upgrades on the Bon Voyage. On a week this special, a little extra space and a bigger window onto the vineyards goes a long way.
Why Travel With Us as Hosts?
A hosted cruise gives you the best of both worlds: the freedom to explore at your own pace, with the comfort of knowing someone has your back. Elaine and I will be on board with you the whole way, sharing a few exclusive group moments, helping with the little things, and making sure solo travellers and couples alike feel right at home.
Many of our guests arrive as strangers and leave as friends planning their next trip together. That's the magic of travelling as a group.
Before You Go
We'll walk you through everything you need well before departure, including passport validity and Europe's entry requirements for Canadians, travel insurance (we strongly recommend it), and any health considerations for travel abroad. Entry rules can change, so we'll confirm the latest with you closer to sailing.
Reserve Your Spot
Hosted space is limited, and the best staterooms go first. If you've ever dreamed of tasting your way through Bordeaux with good company, this is your moment.
Reach out to either of us to hold your spot or ask any questions:
Dale, Travel With Dale | Expedia Cruises 604.985.7447 ext. 105 · dalegraham@expediacruises.com · travelwithdale.ca
Elaine Saint | Expedia Cruises 604.351.6130 · esaint@expediacruises.com
À bientôt, and santé!
Pricing in Canadian dollars, per person, based on double occupancy and subject to availability. Itinerary subject to change by Uniworld.
Quick answers
Who is hosting this cruise?
Dale Graham of Travel With Dale and Elaine Saint, both travel advisors with Expedia Cruises in North Vancouver, BC. We'll be on board with the group the whole week.
When is it, and how much does it cost?
The cruise departs September 19, 2027 aboard Uniworld's S.S. Bon Voyage, eight days round trip from Bordeaux. Group pricing starts at $5,599 CAD per person, based on double occupancy.
What's included?
All meals on board, unlimited drinks including fine wines, six days of guided excursions, all gratuities and Wi-Fi. Masterpiece Collection experiences, like the Grand Cru tasting at Château Beauséjour Bécot, cost extra.
Can I join on my own?
Yes. We host solo travellers and couples alike, and many of our guests arrive as strangers and leave as friends.
Do I need to live in Vancouver to join?
No. We're based in North Vancouver and many of our guests are local, but you're welcome to join from anywhere. We can arrange your flights and add a stay in Biarritz before or Paris after.
How do I reserve?
Call Dale at 604.985.7447 ext. 105 or email dalegraham@expediacruises.com, or reach Elaine at 604.351.6130 or esaint@expediacruises.com. Hosted space is limited, and the best staterooms go first.
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