If you're a wine lover, this one's for you. Bordeaux is famous the world over for it's incredible vineyards and CP Travel Ambassador Larissa Schultz traveled there onboard the Scenic Diamond for an intimate look at this beautiful destination.
What specific cities and /or countries did you visit? France - Bordeaux Region
What was your favorite memory from this trip? My husband and I celebrated my parents 58th Wedding Anniversary on this trip with my sister and brother-in-law. Scenic Diamond staff (especially the butlers) truly made our family time together extra special with wine and cheese tastings, fun dinners and celebrations over the 10 day cruise.
Top excursions and landmarks/sites to visit: Chateau La Riviere - a surprise afternoon delight from Scenic with wine tasting at the stunning Chateau and winery - was pure bliss. Also being able to cycle through the wine regions of Bordeaux on the Scenic Bikes was a wonderful way to see the country side. On our final day my husband and I even did a 35 km bike ride - in the Cotes de Bourg and Cotes de Blaye region - stunning!
Were there any standout restaurants or foodie must-haves on this trip? Scenic Diamond has a wonderful Crystal Dining Room for their daily meals, but then offer specialty dining at no cost in L'Amour and then also the special, exclusive Table La Rieve. In addition, since this cruise was all about the Flavours of Bordeaux, culinary classes were taughtthrought out the cruise by the chefs - I learned a couple new French dishes!
How would you describe the people and culture of this destination? Any interesting cultural lessons? This region provides a stunning inside to the peaceful French Life. The towns and villages we visited were stunning and quaint and the citizens were very welcoming and very proud of their wines, their food and their lifestyle. I truly loved the French cooking classes and learning the varied differences in the wines of the region.
Top 5 Tips and recommendations for this trip:
- Try out the Scenic Bikes - they are e-bikes and make the journey through the countryside so unique. To be able to smell the dirt from the vineyards and the jasmine in the air is so special.
- Book a suite or a Deck 3 room as you get access to the Table La Rieve.
- Definitely try a Scenic Culinaire class - so much fun.
- Book a port side room for this sailing as you spend much time in ports and they generally dock on the starboard side.
- Take your appetite!
Did you travel via cruise ship? If so, please describe the experience and some of the standout features that you ere excited about. We traveled via Scenic Diamond river cruise with the focusing being on the Flavours of Bordeaux. All the tours, the enrichment experiences and the onboard experiences were all about what makes the Bordeaux Region such a standout in regard to food and wine. We learned so much, tasted so much, and saw so much. The staff of the Scenic Diamond were stellar and so engaging.
What makes this destination a must-see in your opinion? The culture of the food and wine is enhanced on this specific cruise. Therefore, for the foodies and vino-philes out there - this is the trip! Amazing experiences.
Additional thoughts and insights? This was a wonderful trip to do with family or a group as there are so many experiences you can share.
If you're a wine-lover and are ready to travel to the heart of Bordeaux, contact a local Cruise Planners agent near you.
