Saint-Émilion Full Day Private Shore Excursion from Bordeaux
About this activity
Highlights
- Visit renowned Grand Cru wineries in Saint-Émilion
- Savor exquisite Saint-Émilion red wines
- Admire stunning vineyard landscapes
- Discover the history of Saint-Émilion
- Enjoy a tailored itinerary to suit your tastes
Full description
Experience the enchanting landscapes of Bordeaux and Saint-Émilion on this private shore excursion. You’ll visit esteemed Grand Cru wineries, savor the renowned right bank red wines, and embark on a charming walking tour of the village, all guided by an English-speaking driver.
This personalized adventure caters to small groups, ensuring you enjoy individual attention and insights into the rich viticultural heritage. With convenient pick-up and drop-off at your cruise ship, your day is seamlessly organized, allowing you to focus on experiencing the beauty and flavor of this iconic wine region.
Grand Cru Châteaux and Wine Tastings
Your day centres on renowned Saint‑Émilion Grand Cru wineries, with pre‑booked visits for a smooth, worry‑free experience. At each estate, you tour the vineyards and cellars, then enjoy guided tastings of expressive, Merlot‑driven red wines while your English‑speaking driver‑guide explains terroir, grape varieties, and winemaking traditions.
Walking Tour of the UNESCO Village
In the medieval UNESCO World Heritage village of Saint‑Émilion, a relaxed walking tour leads you along cobbled streets past golden‑stone façades, church towers, and panoramic viewpoints over the surrounding vines. Your guide shares the stories that link the village’s monastic past and wine‑growing history to the bottles you taste throughout the day.
Small‑Group Comfort and Local Flavours
Designed for 2 to 8 guests, this private excursion offers an intimate, unhurried pace that large coach tours cannot match. While meals and personal purchases are not included, your guide recommends inviting cafés and restaurants where you can enjoy lunch that pairs beautifully with local wines, rounding off a memorable, immersive day in Saint‑Émilion.
Included / Excluded
- Pick up and drop off at Cruise Ship
- Pre-booking for Selected wineries, tasting fees
- Short walking tour of Saint-Emillion
- English speaking driver wine/guide
- Travel in fully equipped A/C minivans
- Meals and drinks (lunch)
- Personal travel insurance and expenses
- Gratuities for the driver/guide
Itinerary
Quai Louis XVIII departure
Meet your guide and depart for the right bank wine region of Saint-Émilion
Winery
Visit and wine tasting in a Grand Cru Winery of Saint-Emilion
Meeting point
This shore excursion departs from Bordeaux city center and not Le Verdon or La Rochelle.
Important information
Know before you book
- Includes transport in an air‑conditioned minivan
- Small‑group format (typically 2–8 guests); tour runs rain or shine
- Wine tastings are for guests of legal drinking age; non‑drinkers are welcome but pay the same rate
- Itinerary and timing may be adjusted to respect your ship’s schedule
- Visits and tastings at pre‑booked Grand Cru wineries
Know before you go
- Be at the ship’s gangway 10 minutes before departure
- Wear comfortable, closed walking shoes suitable for cobblestones and steps
- Bring weather‑appropriate layers, sun protection, and possibly an umbrella
- Have a good breakfast and drink water during the day
- Space in the vehicle is limited: plan for compact bags only
Cancellation policy
Up to 72 hours before the beginning of the activity: full refund Less than 48 hours before the beginning of the activity or no-show: no refund
Reviews
Great experience, guide was super knowledgeable and friendly. Victor brought us around the different sites and showed us so many cool sites
Alex was the most experienced, knowledgeable, and chilled tour guide of all the 5 tour guides we experienced. We learned a lot from him about the culture, history, and geology of the region. He also provided great context to understand the regions' wines. This tour to Cassis and the calanques was beautiful and would get a 5 stars if it weren't for the fact that this expensive tour did not include lunch. The wine tasting was good but I had better in Bordeaux and it included lunch.
Matt was an awesome tour guide. His passion for D-day made the experience that much better. He was very knowledgeable. Even my children were glued to his every word. Great experience!
Additional information
Please make sure your boat is docking in Bordeaux City center and not in Le Verdon or La Rochelle. These two ports are located more than 2 hours drive from Bordeaux. If you mistakenly booked a tour and your Cruise ship is not in Bordeaux city center, please note that there will be no refund possible.
If you want to share your tour with others, you can put it on Cruise Critic. Most of the time this gives good results. You must do this yourself as we are not accepted on their site as a professional business. We accept split payment transactions by credit card.
This tour is best for cruise guests who love wine, history, and gentle sightseeing, and who want a relaxed but in‑depth introduction to Saint‑Émilion Grand Cru wines and its UNESCO medieval village. It especially suits couples, small adult groups, and seniors/retirees looking for comfortable transport, a moderate walking pace on cobblestones, and a fully organized day ashore without the crowds and rush of large coach excursions.