Itinerary
Upon your arrival in Bordeaux, at the train station or the airport, we will transfer you to your first hotel near Pauillac, in the heart of the Medoc, near the Gironde estuary, where your trip package will be waiting for you. Depending on your energy, walk down to the riverfront and into Pauillac itself, and have a drink in the port of this small village. At the end of the afternoon, our Trip Manager will call to introduce themselves and to go over any questions you have.
We transfer you after a delicious breakfast to the Grand Cru Classe Chateau Lagrange, with a beautiful lake and about 40 hectares of forested parkland, as well, of course as their vineyards. You’ll walk amongste the vines, passing Chateau Gruaud Larose and Chateau Beychevelle, on your way towards the banks of the GIronde. Enjoy the hikers pathway, following the estuary northwards, crossing over a few of the regions numerous “jalles“, or tiny streams emptying into the larger estuary. Leave the riverbank to make your way past the ancient church and into St Julien Beychevelle itself, where you can certainly find some lunch. The end of your walk gives you the option to see other iconic chateau including Chateau Latour, and Chateau Pichon Longueville, before returning you to your hotel in time for your visit and tasting at a Grand Cru Classé chateau.
A short transfer, never far from the estuary, brings you to the impressive gates of Chateau Dauzac, with its 120 hectares of parkland. An ancient wine property, the oldest known owner in this sector of Margaux was Pétrus d’Auzac. He received the land from Richard I, “Richard the Lionheart”, King of England, at at time when this area was under English rule… in 1190! From here, head inland, passing the 3rd Grand Cru Classé Chateau de Giscours. In 1552, the wealthy draper, Pierre de Lhomme bought a small piece of vineyard land here, and then started expanding it by planting the surrounding wild land with vines. Arrive in Arsac, with its small village boulangerie and a couple of restaurants where you may decide to lunch, before passing by the back of Chateau de Tertre as you leave town on tiny roads. As you approach the town of Margaux, renowned names roll out in the famous dirt below your feet: Chateau Kirwan, Chateau Issan (making wine since the 12th century), Chateau Palmer… Another Grand Cru Classé tasting awaits at the end of your afternoon today.
After your bereakfast, a change of scenery. We whisk you out of the Medoc vineyards, and into the port city of Bordeaux. This port city, that has been the centre of the Bordeaux wine trade since the 8th century, and its historic centre is also a UNESCO heritage site, with its 18th century stunning architectural facades, and the fully restored Port des Lunes. And let’s not forget the stunning Cité des Vins wine centre! To help in your explorations of this wonderful town, we have organised a gourmet walking tour of the city. Meet your guide and a small group of like-minded explorers, and set off by foot through the heart of the city, stopping to taste several different Bordeaux specialties: From the deliciously chewy canelés to – of course – the wines, passing via magret duck or and the smokily roasted coffee, this walk provides a real local experience.
We have designed a beautiful, but shorter walk today, to allow you time for explorations of St Emilion – your final destination. A transfer out of Bordeaux brings you to the Saint Martin church of tiny Montagne, perched high and overlooking lush courntryside and vineyards in the plains below. Descend through the village, passing shortly after yet another pretty church building, this time the Saint George de Montagne church. Descend gently towards the valley formed by the Barbanne stream, and then hit the vineyards of the region in earnest – in very gently rolling terrain and dotted with pretty chateaux and small manor houses. As you approach St Emilion, admire the iconic bell of Chateau Angelus. The winery is situated in a natural amphitheatre overlooked by the three Saint-Emilion churches. Enjoy the panorama from the terraced land by Chateau Ausone. On at last to St Emilion for explorations, including the incredible underground church and catacombs, entirely carved into the rock as well as the Romanesque church and the steep winding cobblestoned streets and houses.
A short transfer drops you on the banks of the Dordogne River in Castillon-la-Bataille. We recommend you take a moment to explore before starting your walk. Wander the charming streets of this little town with its unusual Baroque Church, the 13th century town gate, and very pretty 18th century city hall. We provide a self-guided walking tour to help. Then head out for your final walk – the start of the day is less in concentrated vineyards, but meanders through fields and small hamlets, passing old stone buildings and great vistas, on the very flat terrain heading away from the river. The latter half of the walk brings you back into the region’s renowned chateau. A climb near the end of the day gives you great views from the pretty church of Saint Laurent, and then past the monolithic cellars of Chateau Rochebelle. A final view (as you pass in front of Chateau Troplong-Mondot) and descend through the medieval Brunet Gates of St Emilion for your final night.
After a final breakfast, you’ll be able to get train connections out of St Emilion for your further travels. Bon Voyage!
What's included
- 6 nights’ accommodation of the comfort level of your choice * CLASSIC, CLASSIC + or DELUXE
- Hotel taxes
- All breakfasts and 3 dinners (drinks not included with the dinners)
- Orientation by phone with our Trip Manager at the start of the trip
- Luggage transfers from hotel to hotel
- Transfer to first hotel from Bordeaux train station or airport
- Transfers for the walks as described
- Detailed maps and step-by-step route notes
- Uploadable GPS file of the route to use on a free APP in your smartphone **
- 2 visits and wine tastings at Grand Cru Classé chateaux
- Bordeaux Food Tour (in small group)
- Regional information and advice
- Phone call support 7 days a week
* Price based on double room occupancy – please contact us for details on single room supplements
** Can be used without international internet plan (offline)
Hotel Details
Classic Tour
1490 € / pers.
2 Nights
Au Coeur des Vignes – Pauillac
1 Night
Hotel Pavillon Margaux – Margaux
1 Night
Hotel de la Presse – Bordeaux
2 Nights
Auberge de la Commanderie – Saint Emilion
Classic + Tour
1690 € / pers.
2 Nights
Au Coeur des Vignes – Pauillac
1 Night
Chateau Marojalia – Margaux
1 Night
Grand Hotel Francais – Bordeaux
2 Nights
Logis des Remparts – Saint Emilion
Deluxe Tour
2990 € / pers.
2 Nights
Hotel Cordeillan Bages – Pauillac
1 Night
Hotel Relais Margaux – Margaux
1 Night
Le Palais Gallien – Bordeaux
2 Nights
Hotel de Pavie – Saint Emilion