S.S. Bon Voyage, 17 Night Wine Roads of France & Portugal ex Bordeaux, France to Lisbon, Portugal

The Southern European climates and historic towns of both Bordeaux and Portugal are as complimentary as their palettes—expect bold reds and excellent dessert wines, from Sauternes to Port. You'll have the opportunity to meet local vintners at French chateaux and Douro River Valley quintas, partake in active outings as you hike or bike amongst the vines, and sample the culinary delights that so often go hand in hand with great winemaking regions. Discover how well fresh-shucked Médoc oysters pair with the region’s white wines and snack on the delicious candied almonds produced in the mountaintop village of Castello Rodrigo.

Wine Roads of France & Portugal is a combination of Brilliant Bordeaux and Portugal, Spain & the Douro River Valley.

Day 1 - Bordeaux (Embark)
Arrive at Bordeaux-Mérignac International Airport. If your cruise package includes a group arrival transfer or if you have purchased a private arrival transfer, you will be greeted by a Uniworld representative and transferred to the ship.

Day 2 - Cussac Fort Médoc, Pauillac
The legendary Médoc region abounds with prestigious wine châteaux in a dizzying array of architectural styles, as well as miles of grapevines stretching to infinity. Take a scenic drive through the storied Médoc wine route, followed by a wine tasting at a beautiful wine estate.
* In the evening, a special Captain’s Welcome Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you.

Day 3 - Cadillac
The French phrase “la douceur de vivre” is an accurate description for your time in Cadillac, known for its deliciously flavored dessert wines. Visit Château Royal de Cazeneuve, site of Henry IV’s and Queen Margot’s tempestuous love. Meet the owner around a glass of Sauternes in the reception hall.
* Note: Sailing this stretch of the Garonne depends on the tides. If it is not possible to sail to Cadillac, you will be transferred to your destination via motorcoach.

Day 4 - Blaye, Bourg sur Gironde
The Route de la Corniche Fleurie…could this be the most beautiful road you’ve ever traveled? Find out today on the drive to Blaye Fortress, passing through one impossibly picturesque hamlet after another. Once you arrive, you’ll discover the wonders of this historic fortress, a UNESCO-designated citadel that once protected Bordeaux from attacks by sea.

Day 5 - Libourne (Saint-Émilion)
With Libourne as your base, travel to nearby breathtaking Saint-Émilion and immerse yourself more deeply in the region’s history and wine culture. The medieval town of Saint-Émilion is an ideal place to linger. Wander its cobblestone lanes lined with wine shops and bakeries, and stop to admire the amazing rock-hewn church that extends beneath the city’s streets.
* Note: Today's lunch will be on your own; ask your Cruise Manager for recommendations on the best nearby restaurants.

Day 6 - Libourne, Bordeaux
France’s rich agricultural tradition is the heart and soul of the region’s exquisite cuisine—and what better way to get a taste for the freshest vegetables, cheeses, breads and fruits than with a visit to Libourne’s lively farmers’ market?
* In the evening, a special Captain’s Farewell Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you.

Day 7 - Bordeaux
Discover Bordeaux’s many charms today, either on foot with a local expert or on two wheels—the locals’ preferred way to navigate the city’s charming backstreets. You have a wonderful selection of active opportunities to see this magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Day 8 - Bordeaux (Disembark), Fly to Portugal, Porto (Embark)
Disembark the ship and transfer to Bordeaux-Mérignac International Airport for your flight to Porto, where you’ll board the S.S. São Gabriel.

Note: Included flights may be as early as 6:00am and/or have a connecting flight.

Day 9 - Porto
Portugal’s second city (after Lisbon), Porto gave its name to the nation’s most famous export, Port wine, and to the nation itself. Today, choose to explore Portugal on foot or by panoramic drive.
* In the evening, a special Captain’s Welcome Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you.

Day 10 - Régua
Get a crash course on the history of Port during your visit to the Douro Museum. Later, discover the wonders of a special town right in the gateway of the Douro Valley, Lamego. This evening, enjoy a Night Out with dinner at a local quinta.

Day 11 - Pocinho, Vega de Terrón
Go medieval today at Castelo Rodrigo, both the name of a hilltop castle as well as the village that surrounds it. The view from the top is incredible and the village is a charming place to ramble, relax and replenish. Alternatively, lace up your hiking boots and unleash your inner Indiana Jones with an up-close gander at some prehistoric carvings at an archaeological park.

Day 12 - Vega de Terrón (Salamanca), Barca d’Alva
Today, you can visit the historic university town of Salamanca—the “Golden City”—famous for its sand-colored buildings and abundance of churches. Feel the centuries fall away as your ship winds its way through the pristine, dramatic UNESCO-protected landscapes of the Douro River Valley.

Day 13 - Barca d’Alva, Pinhão, Régua
Today is all about wine, which has been cultivated in the Douro River Valley since ancient Roman times. Partake in a choice of excursions including a tasting at a prestigious Port wine estate or a vineyard hike with a wine tasting at a local quinta.

Day 14 - Porto (Guimarães)
Explore Guimarães, the town where Portugal was born. Its well-preserved architecture and stylish young residents make it a pleasure to visit.
* In the evening, a special Captain’s Farewell Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you.

Day 15 - Porto (Disembark), Transfer to Lisbon
Disembark the ship and board a motorcoach, heading south through Portugal’s picturesque countryside to Lisbon where you will check in to your hotel.
Along the way, we’ll stop in the charismatic city of Óbidos, where you’ll enjoy a couple hours of free time to explore and have lunch on your own. If you’d like help selecting an eatery, your Cruise Manager will be happy to make some suggestions.

Day 16 - Lisbon
Everything old is new again in the Portuguese capital. Get to know this hilly metropolis with a city tour that shows you all the top sights and treats you to an iconic, locally made pastry.

Day 17 - Lisbon
Experience your own “Age of Discovery” with a full day to explore Lisbon however you wish. The city hosts remarkable museums and excellent shopping, and natives of Lisbon boast that they have the best food in the world.

Day 18 - Lisbon (Depart)
If your cruise/tour package includes a group departure transfer or if you have purchased a private departure transfer, you will be transferred to Lisbon Portela Airport for your flight home.

The S.S. Bon Voyage is designed to immerse guests in French culture, art, and wine, starting with its stunning grand entrance—a signature Super ShipTM element—clad in polished wood, subtle brass details, and hand-crafted balustrade.

The stylish emerald tones found in the bar, Le Salon Champagne, are inspired by Yves Saint Laurent’s personal abode, Villa Majorelle. The quintessential La Brasserie, with its natural green and pops of yellow décor inspired by the famous Bouillon Pigalle, serves traditional bistro fare, while Le Grand Fromage offers menus reflective of the local cuisine, prepared from locally-sourced ingredients. La Cave des Vins is an intimate space where connoisseurs can gather for expert food and wine pairing dinners upon request.

The stunning Soleil Deck, awash in vibrant fabrics, features the only infinity pool on the rivers and spectacular views of the French countryside. Poolside service at Le Café du Soleil offers casual French cuisine as well as open-air cooking demonstrations from our chefs.

In addition to the public spaces, the S.S. Bon Voyage features four new spacious suites, and every stateroom has received an exquisite redesign with cool marble bathrooms and unique features.

Leading the Way since 1976
We were the first American company to set sail in Europe, and we’ve been revolutionizing the landscape of river cruising ever since. With more experience than practically any other line on the rivers, we spent our time developing deep local connections, destination expertise, and the most incredible crew in the industry. Over the years we’ve grown to offer unparalleled itineraries on the rivers of Europe, Egypt, India, Southeast Asia, and the Peruvian Amazon.

The Original Floating Boutique Hotels
We took everything travellers love about boutique hotels and made it float—think warm and personalized service, unique design schemes that highlight your destination, locally-inspired dining, thoughtfully curated activities, and ultra-comfortable furnishings. Each member of our fleet is one-of-a-kind, a work of art with its own bespoke details, custom fabrics, and local craftsmanship to bring the destinations outside in. Many of our ships even share a design team with the award-winning Red Carnation Hotel Collection. And the best part is, you’ll wake up to a wonderful new place to explore every day.

The Highest Quality in All-Inclusive Luxury River Cruising
Our all-inclusive itineraries are tailored to deliver authentic luxury. You can keep your wallet closed the entire trip, and still find everything you need and more to have a fantastic time. What truly distinguishes the meaning of “All-Inclusive” at Uniworld is our commitment to quality and passion for Tiny Noticeable Touches™. Handmade Savoir beds, a wide selection of premium wines and spirits, and delicious cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients—every piece of the Uniworld experience is hand selected to transform good experiences into exceptional ones.*

No Request Too Large, No Detail Too Small®
“No request too large, no detail too small”—that’s our driving ethos, and every member of the Uniworld crew lives by it. Our service is second to none. With a 2.4-to-1 crew-to-guest ratio and the longest tenured team in the business, our team starts to learn your name and your drink order from day 1. It’s little touches like this that make you feel like family onboard with us, and what makes returning for your next sailing feel like coming home.

Our Travel Family
We’re proud to be a part of The Travel Corporation (TTC) collection of award-winning travel brands—including Trafalgar Tours, Luxury Gold, Insight Vacations, Contiki, and African Travel. We share a collective ethos: treat your guests, your staff, and the local communities you visit like family, and you’ll create the most rewarding travel experiences out there.

*Note: Inclusions may vary in Egypt, Asia, and Peru.