France & Portugal Uniworld Luxury Wine Country River Cruise Combo with A$2,000 Flight Credit
Get ready to discover Bordeaux and the Douro Valley aboard two of Uniworld’s finest river ships, S.S. Bon Voyage and S.S. São Gabriel. With a one-way flight between Bordeaux and Porto included – plus A$2,000 flight credit to get you there – this is the perfect chance to savour every last drop of European splendour.
Check in for two nights of sophisiticated pre-cruise accommodation in Bordeaux Chartron on 2 May 2024. Then prepare to embark on two back-to-back seven-night sailings during which the sun-soaked vineyards, gothic grandeur and medieval ruins that line the fertile Garrone and Douro River Valleys await.
As you drift down the riverside, enjoy an unmatched level of personal attention, with carefully curated excursions, free-flow drinks onboard, exquisite onboard dining and plenty of opportunities to sample the region’s best produce. A three-night stay in Lisbon concludes your voyage – the perfect ending to this sail and sip.
Your journey takes you to: Bordeaux – Cussac-Fort-Medoc – Cadillac – Blaye – Bourg sur Gironde – Libourne – Bordeaux – Porto – Regua – Pinhao – Pocinho – Vega de Terron (Salamanca), Spain – Barca D’Alva, Portugal – Regua – Porto (Braga) – Porto – Lisbon.
S.S. Bon Voyage
- Bar Le Salon Champagne
- La Brasserie
- Le Grand Fromage
- La Cave des Vins
- Le Cafe du Soleil
- Swimming pool
- Soleil deck
- Fitness centre
- Coffee and tea station
- Butler service
- Laundry service
- Elevator
- Wi-Fi
Surcharges may apply to select facilities and service
S.S. São Gabriel
- Feitoria Restaurant
- Vintage Bar
- Swimming pool
- Sun Deck
- Fitness Centre
- Spa
- Douro Wine Cellar
- Coffee station
- Butler service
- Laundry service
- Elevator
- Wi-Fi
Surcharges may apply to select facilities and services
Your cruise begins in Bordeaux, France and ends in Porto, Portugal, with two nights of pre-cruise accommodation in Bordeaux and three nights of post-cruise accommodation in Lisbon.
Check-in at your pre-cruise stay in Bordeaux is available from 3pm on Day 1 (2 May 2025). Your cruise onboard S.S. Bon Voyage then departs from Bordeaux on Day 3 and returns on Day 10. Your cruise onboard S.S. São Gabriel departs from Porto on Day 10 and returns on Day 17, followed by transfer to Lisbon. Check-out from your post-cruise accommodation is at 10am on Day 20 (21 May 2025). Information on boarding times will be provided prior to your departure date; please ensure you arrive in time for boarding.
Please note this cruise package combines two seven-night back-to-back cruises. A one-way economy class flight from Bordeaux to Porto is included on Day 10 of your package.
Return international flights are not included in your package and must be purchased separately. A flight credit of A$2,000 per person is included with your package, bookable through Luxury Escapes (see Fine Print for details). Please do NOT book your flights until your cruise is confirmed.
Transfers from Bordeaux Airport (BOD) to Mercure Bordeaux Chateau Chartrons Hotel on Day 1 and from Mercure Bordeaux Chateau Chartrons Hotel to Bordeaux Port on Day 3 are not included. You will need to make your own way to the cruise ship, please plan accordingly.
Transfers from Bordeaux Port to the Bordeaux Airport (BOD) and from Porto Airport (OPO) to Porto Port on Day 10 are included in your package. Transfers from Porto Port to Tivoli Avenida Liberdade on Day 17 and from Tivoli Avenida Liberdade to Lisbon Airport (LIS) on Day 20 are also included in your package.
A visa may be required for the destination you are visiting. It is each traveller’s responsibility to ensure they are holding a current visa. Please take the time to visit our preferred vendor website Visas Direct to assist you with any visa application requirements and processes. If you require any supporting documentation when applying for your visa please let us know and we would be more than happy to assist. Click here to visit the website.
Need flights? Our dedicated flights concierge can assist with your flight requirements (subject to availability). Contact sales@luxuryescapes.com.
Day 1: Arrive Bordeaux, France
Bonjour and welcome to France! Touch down in Bordeaux, the hub of the famed wine-growing region and home to galleries, museums and impeccable Gothic architecture. After clearing customs and immigration, make your way to your accommodation and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Accommodation: Mercure Bordeaux Chateau Chartrons Hotel (Classique Double Room) or similar
Day 2: Bordeaux
After breakfast, make the most of your day at leisure in Bordeaux. Visit the famed Bordeaux Cathedral, the Grand Theatre de Bordeaux, Place des Quinconces or the Musee d’Aquitaine. You may also like to get a head start on sampling the region’s famous wines with a visit to a local winery or nearby restaurant.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Mercure Bordeaux Chateau Chartrons Hotel (Classique Double Room) or similar
Day 3: Embark Bordeaux
Enjoy one final morning in Bordeaux at your leisure – grab a coffee and a croissant or spend your time exploring the city’s historic streets. Alternatively, visit La Cite du Vin, the city’s spectacular wine museum, built to resemble a massive wine decanter. With a permanent exhibition showcasing the world of wine – and Bordeaux’s place in it – it’s a must-visit for travellers looking for the deeper meaning behind each precious drop.
In the afternoon make your own way to Ponton d’Honneur, embark and settle into your cabin before heading out on deck to admire the remarkable Garonne River. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure before your first night onboard.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: S. S. Bon Voyage
Day 4: Cussac-Fort-Medoc
Wine lovers rejoice – today is all about the magical drop. Learn about the legendary Medoc region that abounds with prestigious wine chateaux in a dizzying array of architectural styles, as well as boundless grapevine slopes.
Today, go ashore to enjoy a fresh Medoc oyster tasting, then explore the area with a choice of excursions. Either pedal through the storied vineyards and the landscapes of historic estates or explore the Medoc Chateaux route, savouring a private wine tasting.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: S. S. Bon Voyage
Day 5: Cadillac
Discover a slice of 14th-century medieval history in Cadillac. Take in spectacular views from the ancient stone walls of the Chateau Royal de Cazeneuve, then follow narrow cobbled lanes to the village and discover the deliciously sweet dessert wines the region is known for.
Today you’ll visit the Chateau, the former residence of Henry IV and Queen Margot. Choose to enjoy a glass of Sauternes with Louis and Caroline de Sabran-Ponteves, the owners of the property, before embarking on a private tour of the Château, or take a visit to Château Malrome, home of artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. After visiting the area that inspired much of his career, venture to the nearby town of Verdelais, where de Toulouse-Lautrec is buried. After, you’ll be treated to an absinthe tasting at Cafe Les Pelerins.
Please Note: Sailing this leg of the Garonne is dependent on tides. If it is not possible to sail to Cadillac, you will be transferred to your destination by road.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: S. S. Bon Voyage
Day 6: Blaye – Bourg sur Gironde
Today you’ll make the journey along the Route de la Corniche Fleurie to historic Blaye. Upon arrival choose to visit the magnificent Blaye Fortress, passing through one impossibly picturesque hamlet after another. Discover the wonders of this historic fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site that once protected Bordeaux from attacks by sea.
Alternatively, enjoy an intimate wine tasting hosted by the owner of La Petite Cave, one of the town’s charming wine bars, with an included tour of their art studio and wine collection.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: S. S. Bon Voyage
Day 7: Saint-Emilion
Today you’ll dock in Libourne before travelling by road to the medieval town of Saint-Emilion to immerse yourself more deeply in the region’s history and wine culture. Wander the cobblestone laneways lined with boutique wine sellers, bakeries and ateliers. Visit the breathtaking rock-hewn church carved out below the city streets, visiting a nearby cellar, where a wine tasting awaits.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: S. S. Bon Voyage
Day 8: Libourne – Bordeaux
Today in Libourne, excite your tastebuds as your expert guide shows you around the lively farmer’s markets. Pick up some fresh cheeses, bread or pastries. After your tour of the markets, enjoy an intimate visit to the ateliers, homes and shops to meet the artisans who make some of the goods arrayed so enticingly in the market.
As dusk falls, head to nearby Bordeaux for an after-hours excursion to the Bassins Des Lumieres, a submarine base reclaimed by the city’s artistic scene. A spectacular light show, projected against the building’s high walls, offers an unforgettable experience.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: S. S. Bon Voyage
Day 9: Bordeaux
Wake up to a full day to explore Bordeaux, starting with a city tour. Choose to either explore on foot with a local expert or on two wheels, the locals’ preferred way to navigate the city’s charming backstreets. Stopping by bakeries, antiquaries and boutiques as you explore one of France’s most charming cities.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: S. S. Bon Voyage
Day 10: Disembark Bordeaux – Embark Porto, Portugal
After breakfast, it’s time to say farewell to the storied city of Bordeaux – and the magnificent S.S. Bon Voyage – as you disembark for the final time. Here, a coach awaits to transfer you to the airport for your onward flight to Portugal and the picturesque city of Porto.
Your included international flight will take approximately two hours; on arrival at Porto’s Francisco Sa Carneiro Airport (LPPR), you’ll be met and transferred to the S.S. São Gabriel for the second part of your European wine country adventure.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: S.S. São Gabriel
Day 11: Regua
Wine lovers rejoice – today is all about the magical drop.
Visit the Douro Museum and learn about port wine – cultivated in the Douro River Valley since ancient Roman times – before taking your choice of excursion, each offering a unique snapshot into the magic of the region. Choose to embark on a vineyard hike, or instead tour a local quinta, the Portuguese equivalent of a French chateau. Both include local wine tastings.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: S.S. São Gabriel
Day 12: Pinhao – Pocinho – Vega de Terron
Today, go ashore for a full day of excursions in Portugal’s spectacular countryside:
- Castelo Rodrigo: Journey past lush lavender fields and almond groves to Castelo Rodrigo, the name of both the historic castle and surrounding village. Contested throughout the centuries between the powerful kingdoms of Spain and Portugal, it offers a fascinating glimpse into medieval life in the region.
- Archaeological Park of the Coa Valley: Lace up your hiking boots and unleash your inner Indiana Jones with an up-close look at some prehistoric carvings at an archaeological park in the Coa Valley. Your visit starts at the Coa Museum, where you can see both reproduction and original rock art and learn about the amazing area. Then venture out with your knowledgeable guide into the valley to explore these sites for yourself. Be sure to wear sturdy footwear for this experience.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: S.S. São Gabriel
Day 13: Vega de Terron (Salamanca) – Barca D’Alva
For a dose of history, visit the historic Spanish university town of Salamanca — the ‘Golden City’ — famous for its sand-coloured buildings and abundance of churches. Follow your guide on foot through Plaza Mayor to the university, which was founded by Alfonso IX in 1218. Next, hit up Salamanca’s food hall and sample chorizo, cheese, olive oil and ham. Take some time to browse through the shops on Rua Mayor and enjoy a tapas lunch.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: S.S. São Gabriel
Day 14: Barca D’Alva – Regua
Enjoy another day in Portugal’s idyllic countryside, with a day full of activity. Start by visiting the charming town of Lamego – known for its spectacular sanctuary dedicated to Our Lady of Los Remedios, a title of the Virgin Mary – for a tasting of delicious sparkling wines and cold cuts, discovering the importance of Lamego’s heritage.
Then, as the sun starts to go down, savour a traditional dinner brimming with regional flavours at a local quinta, the Portuguese equivalent of a French chateau.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: S.S. São Gabriel
Day 15: Regua – Porto (Braga)
Today enjoy a tour of Portugal’s oldest city, Braga, traditionally an extremely important stop for pilgrims making their way to Santiago de Compostela in Spain’s north. Braga’s baroque churches, ringing belltowers and wide open spaces offer an excellent day of exploration – the architecture alone is breathtaking.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: S.S. São Gabriel
Day 16: Porto
Today you will have the chance to explore Portugal’s second-largest city with a choice between two sightseeing activities.
- Porto Panoramic Tour: Head out on a Porto city tour and take in the 19th-century Stock Exchange Palace and its famed Moorish-style Arab Room. Wander past colourful townhouses, medieval alleys, UNESCO World Heritage-listed neighbourhoods enclosed by 14th-century walls and baroque church towers.
- Porto Walk with Conservas Tasting: Walk over the Ponte Dom Luis and embark on Porto’s historical tram (the Eléctrico) to the Clérigos quarter. Enjoy free time around Clérigos Tower before visiting Sao Bento Station and the Azulejos Murals portraying Porto’s rich history. Take in sweeping panoramas from the cathedral before heading down narrow old-town alleys to Portugues de Gema for a taste of the city’s renowned sardines.
After your explorations, celebrate your extraordinary adventure with a Captain’s Farewell reception and dinner.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: S.S. São Gabriel
Day 17: Disembark Porto – Lisbon
After breakfast, say goodbye to the S.S. São Gabriel as you disembark and transfer by coach bus to Lisbon, Portugal’s soaring capital (approx. two hours).
Portugal’s coastal capital is known for its spectacular Gothic cathedrals, bustling neighbourhoods and sensational hilltops. After checking in to your post-cruise accommodation, the afternoon and evening are yours to enjoy at leisure – be sure to wander the narrow cobblestone streets of this city, stopping along the way at a museum or one of the city’s countless charming cafes.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Tivoli Avenida Liberdade (Standard Room) or similar
Day 18: Lisbon
Spend today discovering Lisbon’s extraordinary historic and cultural treasures. A city tour offers the perfect introduction – visit the spectacular Jeronimos Monastery, established on the banks of the Tagus River and one of the country’s best examples of Portuguese late Gothic architecture, or spend the day exploring Alfama’s Moorish-inspired streets, a wonderful example of traditional Lisbon.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Tivoli Avenida Liberdade (Standard Room) or similar
Day 19: Lisbon
With another full day at your leisure in wonderful Lisbon, now’s the perfect chance to explore some of the city’s galleries and museums. Of note are the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation – boasting a dazzling collection of world art, including ancient Egyptian and Renaissance masterpieces – and the Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga, located within the majestic Palacio de Alvor-Pombal and home to one of the largest displays of Portuguese art in the world.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Tivoli Avenida Liberdade (Standard Room) or similar
Day 20: Lisbon
It’s time to say farewell to the storied city of Lisbon, as you take advantage of the included group transfer and make your way to Lisbon International Airport (LIS) for the next part of your onward journey.
Meals: Breakfast
IMPORTANT: Purchasing this deal does not complete your booking. A member of the Cruise Team will process your booking and email the cruise line confirmation to your chosen email address. You will then be required to complete your online check-in and print your e-ticket and baggage tags; you will also be able to add drink packages, specialty dining, shore excursions, spa treatments etc.
This Cruise package is valid for the following departure dates:
- 2 May 2025 (cruise embarks 4 May 2025)
IMPORTANT: Please allow for travelling time. International flights are not included in your package and must be purchased separately. It is your responsibility to make your own travel arrangements and ensure that you arrive in Bordeaux on time for your cruise.
Booking Process
- Select which package option you would like, taking care to choose the correct cabin option
- Click on the green ‘Check Availability’ tab
- Using the plus or minus adjust the number of people you would like to book then click the ‘View Available Dates & Prices’ tab
- Click the blue ‘Select’ button then the green ‘Review & Payment’ tab at the bottom right of the screen
- Fill out your preferred payment method and click the green ‘Pay Securely Now’ tab
- Once your order is complete, you will receive your Luxury Escapes automated booking summary email (this is not your cruise confirmation). The Cruise Concierge team will process your booking and email the cruise line confirmation to your chosen email address.
- Should you require assistance with your cruise, please contact our Cruise Concierge team at cruises@luxuryescapes.com who will be happy to assist with any of your queries and who will support you right up until you return from your journey
IMPORTANT: The Twin-Room Package is valid for ONE PERSON (based on twin room). You must purchase TWO PACKAGES.
Solo Traveller Surcharge: Solo travellers must pay a surcharge and packages are subject to availability. Please contact Luxury Escapes to enquire.
Please note that packages cannot be split.
AMENDMENTS & CHANGES
Name Change or Corrections
- Name corrections may incur a fee.
- Name changes are not permitted.
48-Hour Change of Mind ‘No Questions Asked’ Refund Guarantee:
- All cruise bookings have a 48-hour ‘Change of Mind Guarantee’ where any monies paid (less unrecoverable costs) within 48 hours of the initial purchase date will be refunded – no questions asked.
- Bookings outside the 48-hour ‘Change of Mind’ window will be non-refundable and non-changeable. Cancellations outside of the 48-hour ‘Change of Mind’ period will not be provided, except as required by Australian Consumer Law, your local law or as otherwise provided for in the Fine Print.
Cabin Sizes and Bedding Configuration
This cruise includes the following cabin types:
- Classic Stateroom: 12.5sqm with a queen bed.
- Deluxe Stateroom: 14sqm with a queen bed.
- French Balcony: 13sqm with a queen bed.
Pre-/Post-Cruise Accommodation (if applicable)
- Bordeaux – Mercure Bordeaux Chateau Chartrons Hotel (Classique Double Room) or similar – Four Star
- Lisbon – Tivoli Avenida Liberdade (Standard Room) or similar – Four Star
IMPORTANT
- Some cabins may have obstructed views and/or porthole window.
- Maximum room capacity is one adult for solo travellers, two adults for twin-share cabins/suites/staterooms or four people for quad-share cabins.
- Wheelchair-accessible cabins are not available. They are on application only prior to purchase. Surcharges may apply.
- Please contact the Luxury Escapes sales team on sales@luxuryescapes.com for further information.
Inclusions
- 14 nights cruising onboard Uniworld’s S.S. Bon Voyage and S.S. São Gabriel on two back-to-back sailings
- One-way internal economy class flight from Bordeaux to Porto
- A$2,000 Luxury Escapes flight credit per person
- Two nights of pre-cruise accommodation at Mercure Bordeaux Chateau Chartrons Hotel (or similar) with breakfast
- Three nights of post-cruise accommodation at Tivoli Avenida Liberdade (or similar) with breakfast
- 38 meals included – 17 breakfasts, seven lunches and 14 dinners
- Captain’s welcome and farewell receptions with gala dinners
- Unlimited drinks onboard including fine wine, beer and spirits, specialty coffee, tea, soft drinks and mineral water
- Shore excursions to sites like the Douro Museum, Porto’s Ribeira and Castelo Rodrigo, Blaye Fortress and Cadillac Chateau with audio-headset systems
- Complimentary use of bicycles and Nordic walking sticks
- Complimentary Wi-Fi onboard
- Port taxes and onboard gratuities
Exclusions
- Return flights
- Visas
- Single supplement
- Meals/drinks not stated in the itinerary/inclusions
- Travel insurance (recommended)
- Transfers from Bordeaux Airport (BOD) to Mercure Bordeaux Chateau Chartrons Hotel on Day 1
- Transfer from Mercure Bordeaux Chateau Chartrons Hotel to Bordeaux Port on Day 3
- Bordeaux City Tax of EUR3.60 per person (18+), per night, payable directly to the hotel
- Lisbon City Tax of EUR2 per person (13+), per night, payable directly to the hotel
Luxury Escapes Credit
- Flights must be booked via cruises@luxuryescapes.com. Credit can be used on any major airline for flights to and/or from Australia.
- Credit cannot be used to book flights online via www.luxuryescapes.com.
- Credit is valid for flights to the same destination as the cruise and cannot be used for any other destinations.
- The credit is only redeemable for flights booked with Luxury Escapes. For any flights booked externally, the credit will be forfeited.
- Guests are responsible for paying any additional fare and tax differences of selected airfares. If the selected airfares are priced lower than the included credit, the remaining credit will be forfeited.
- Credit is per package. Please contact the Cruise Concierge upon booking to redeem.
- Credit is non-transferable and not redeemable for cash.
Onboard Dining
- Dining times onboard can vary between sailings. We ask for your preference, however your preferred dining time may not be available. We suggest that you speak with the maître d’ once onboard.
- Onboard dining is available at all onsite restaurants.
Itinerary
- In the event of strikes, lockouts, riots, weather conditions or mechanical difficulties, or for any other reason, any scheduled sailing or port of call may be subject to change.
- Some itineraries may include tender ports.
Passenger Restrictions
- Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied, in the same or connecting cabin, by a parent or other responsible adult over the age of 21 for the duration of the voyage.
- Children under the ago of four cannot be accommodated onboard.
- Guests who will have entered their 24th week of pregnancy or later at any time during the cruise cannot be accommodated due to safety concerns. Pregnant guests under 24 weeks must provide a doctor’s letter upon request confirming fitness to travel and estimated due date.
Travel Insurance
- Travel insurance is strongly recommended. Luxury Escapes recommends purchasing travel insurance as soon as possible after purchasing this package.
Passports & Visas
- A visa may be required. It is the traveller’s responsibility to ensure they’re holding a current visa for the countries they’re visiting. If the traveller is on a non-Australian passport, a valid re-entry visa may be required.
- Important: Please start arranging your visa at least 6-8 weeks prior to departure to account for any delays due to consulate operating hours and processing time.
- A valid passport with a minimum validity of 6 months beyond your return travel date is required for all passengers (including children and infants).
Health & Vaccinations
- Travellers are advised to check recommended vaccinations with their local health professional at least 45 days prior to departure, as some vaccinations require 30 days or more to be effective.
- Proof of vaccination is not usually required unless you are coming from an infected area.
- Proof of Yellow Fever vaccinations is required for entry into some countries, in particular in Africa. Please check with your health professional that you hold the appropriate vaccination entry requirements for your destination.
- Guests may be required to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 from our ground operator prior to embarkation. Please contact the Luxury Escapes Cruises Concierge team on cruises@luxuryescapes.com for further information.
- Important: The hotel, transportation and/or destination you are travelling to may have health, insurance and vaccination requirements in place. Please ensure you stay up to date with any requirements prior to your departure.
Timings
- Timing provided on the itinerary is based on current schedules provided by Uniworld and can change at any time without notice.
Currency Onboard and Tipping
- The currency onboard is EUR.
- Service charges (gratuities) for onboard personnel are included in your package.
Fitness Requirements
Travellers should have a good level of physical fitness and mobility and must be able to negotiate uneven surfaces and climb stairs.
- Disability access is limited during the cruise, please consider this when making your booking.
- Travellers acknowledge that they are required to have a good level of health and fitness to undertake any activities in this package. Further, travellers acknowledge and agree that neither Luxury Escapes nor the third-party provider will be able to provide medical or other assistance in the event that they are unable to complete any aspect of the tour as a result of their health or physical condition (nor is Luxury Escapes liable for any loss, damage, expense, injury or death arising from such).
Surcharges
Any prices quoted exclude specific costs/measures which may be introduced at a later stage as a result of Government changes due to COVID-19 health and safety restrictions. Our trusted third-party suppliers will inform guests of these changes as soon as possible.
COVID-19 Safe Plan
The cruise line’s COVID-19 policy can be accessed here.
Deposits
The deposit amount is 25% and the final payment date is due 140 days prior to embarkation. Please note: other deposit options may be available on your package which differ from the above and which will be outlined in the ‘fine print’ and payment section of the specific package.
PLEASE NOTE: We reserve the right to modify prices for marketing and commercial reasons. Please note that full terms and conditions apply. Refer to website’s terms and conditions.
Cruise itineraries are not guaranteed and are subject to change. While the cruise line will make all reasonable efforts to provide a cruise in accordance with the published schedules and itineraries, factors such as weather, mechanical difficulties or other unforeseen circumstances may affect scheduled itineraries.
Package inclusions are correct at the time of purchase. Refer to your booking summary email for details.
Please note this cruise is operated by (enter cruise line), one of our trusted partners. You will be contacted post-purchase with further details.