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  • OPTION 1 - CHATEAU VISIT & TASTING COMBINED WITH VISIT OF THE UNDERGROUND MONUMENTS OF SAINT EMILION

    € 50.00

    /pers - all participants
    Adult per person tasting fee & entrance fee for option 1 - Saint Emilion Private Full Day Wine Tour
  • OPTION 2 - VISIT 2 WINERIES OF THE SAINT EMILION WINE APPELLATION

    € 70.00

    /pers - all participants
    Adult per person tasting fees for option 2 - Saint Emilion Private Full Day Wine Tour
  • PICNIC LUNCH IN A CHATEAU WINERY OF THE BORDEAUX VINEYARD

    € 50.00

    /pers - all participants
    Take part in a a delicious picnic made up of local produce and wine from a selected estate of the Bordeaux wine region.
  • OPTION 3 - CHATEAU VISIT & TASTING FEES FOR 3 WINERIES OF THE RIGHT BANK

    € 105.00

    /pers - all participants
    Adult per person tasting fees option 3 - Saint Emilion Private Full Day Wine Tour
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Ophorus Tours - Indulge in Saint-Emilion's Finest: Full-Day Shore Excursion & Wine Tour

Bordeaux

Indulge in Saint-Emilion's Finest: Full-Day Shore Excursion & Wine Tour

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  • shore excursions

  • Sightseeing

  • 08 hours

  • Small Groups ( 1~8 )

  • Quiet

  • Multi-languages

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Adult € 825.00 /person
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Please note: This product is on request. We will confirm availability within the shortest possible time after we receive your order.
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Experience one of our best Bordeaux Wine Tours, shore excursion from Bordeaux Cruise Terminal. This Saint Emilion wine tour from Bordeaux will have you visit vineyards, Grand Cru Chateau wineries and taste right bank Bordeaux red wines.

Highlights

  • Visit one or several Grand Cru Wineries of St Emilion
  • Experience the magic of one of our favorite villages
  • Follow a guided walking tour of the village
  • Local Tour Guide, Expert in Bordeaux Wines
  • Tour can be customized to suit your interests
What is Included / Excluded for this tour

Program & Itinerary

Embark on a vibrant Shore Excursion from Bordeaux City or Bassens Port of Call to the Saint Emilion wine producing region!This morning, we will come and pick you up at your Cruise Ship in Bordeaux city or Bassens Cruise Port.  Meet your English speaking guide who is an expert on Bordeaux Wines. Your driver / guide is also a certified guide which means that he or she is licensed to conduct ...

Embark on a vibrant Shore Excursion from Bordeaux City or Bassens Port of Call to the Saint Emilion wine producing region!

Pick up in Bordeaux

This morning, we will come and pick you up at your Cruise Ship in Bordeaux city or Bassens Cruise Port.  

Meet your English speaking guide who is an expert on Bordeaux Wines. Your driver / guide is also a certified guide which means that he or she is licensed to conduct tours in historical villages such as Saint Emilion and has access to monuments and museums that are not accessible to those that do not possess this licence.

Once you have met your guide, he/she will go over the program and itinerary of your private wine tour with you. Then, board your comfortable, air conditioned Mercedes minivan and begin to make your way to discover the vineyards of the Saint Emilion wine producing region. 

Travel in a spacious Premium minivan

Your private Bordeaux Wine Tour to Saint Emilion will take place in one of our very spacious Mercedes Minivans. This vehicle can take up to 8 persons. 

All our vehicles are equipped with an on board P/A system that allows you to hear the commentary of your driver/guide no matter where you are seated. Also, there is free Wi-Fi access on all tour vehicles. Bottled water is also available in all our vehicles. 

Wine & History combo on a St Emilion full day tour 

This private full day small group wine tasting tour packs a lot of delights. On this exclusive private tour to St Emilion organized by Ophorus, you will have several options such as tasting delicious Bordeaux wines and visiting the most important landmarks. Add to this the rich historical attractions of this UNESCO World Heritage site and you see why this full day option makes for such a great tour.

Depart from Bordeaux and reach the Right Bank wine region

Starting in the city of Bordeaux, a short drive in a comfortable air-conditioned minivan brings you out of the city to the picturesque countryside plains and rolling hills of the right bank wine producing area. This is the heart of Bordeaux's famous wine region, where many vineyards carry the Saint Emilion AOC designation. 

Each of these local wineries produce vintages with distinct soil features backed by a long winemaking heritage. The wines produced here are a blend of Merlot grapes with deep, bold flavors, along with other local grape varieties, especially Cabernet Franc and, to a lesser degree, Cabernet Sauvignon. 

Choose one of these options best adapted to your wishes. All options will be available to purchase during the booking process

To make this exclusive Saint Emilion wine tour full day trip from Bordeaux unique, we have made it possible for you to choose from a selection of options so that the tour is adapted to your priorities. During the booking process, you will be prompted to choose one of the options below. Just select the one that you prefer and the tour will be automatically adapted to your preferences.

Option 1 - Visit & Wine tasting in a Grand Cru Classé Chateau and a private visit of the underground monuments of Saint Emilion

Visit a Grand Cru Winery: 

This option is perfect for those of you who wish to combine wine & heritage. In the morning, upon arrival in St Emilion, we will take you to one of our carefully selected partner wineries known for the quality of the wines they produce. Your Ophorus guide will be with you during the visit so don't hesitate to ask any questions. 

Whether you have questions about history, technique, flavors, aromas, food & wine pairings don't hesitate to ask them anything that relates to wine to make this full day a very special one. Visit classified Growth Chateau, technical installations and cellars and participate in a commented tasting of the Chateau wines.

Private visit of the Underground Monuments: 

Probably the highlight of Saint Emilion village, is the underground Monolithic Church. The foundation of the church is built directly into the limestone of the rocky site, a rare construction feat. 

From the history of the founding monk of the village, to the digging of the surprising monolithic church, the visit will enable you to discover 4 monuments : the hermitage of Émilion, the Trinity Chapel and its medieval paintings, the catacombs as well as the underground church. Our certified licensed guides have the authorization to conduct private guided tours in this monument so just follow your guide and learn about the history and heritage of Saint Emilion. 

Option 2 - Visit & Wine tasting in 2 Grand Cru Chateau of Saint Emilion

Visit of 2 Grands Crus wineries: 

This option is perfect for those that want to experience a more in depth wine tour. We will take you to two very different wineries so that you can understand how techniques and production can vary from one winery to another. 

On this type of wine tour in Saint Emilion we combine the visit to a very modern winery with that of a more traditional, family owned one. By doing so, it will be possible for you to better comprehend the technical transformations that have taken place over the years and what are the principal differences between traditional and modern winemaking and the repercussions this has on the structure, characteristics and aromas of the wines produced.

Walking tour in the village: 

This option also includes a walking tour with your guide in the village of Saint Emilion. Discover the most significant landmarks of the village and retrace the history of a famous Monk. Stroll through the quaint, cobbled stone streets of this medieval town. 

Listen as your tour guide recounts local history, from the days of the 8th century hermit Emilion, to the 19th century mining galleries, which still lie beneath the village. It is no coincidence that Saint Emilion has been awarded the Unesco World Heritage status in 1999. After the walk, enjoy some free time to explore on your own in the village. 

Option 3 - Combine Saint Emilion with Pomerol and Visit 3 Wineries 

This option is a perfect choice for both novice and wine connoisseurs alike who want to experience 2 very different appellations of the right bank. By choosing this option, you will participate in 2 visits and wine tastings in the Saint Emilion appellation (as in option 2) to which we will add 1 visit & wine tasting in the Pomerol appellation. 

Pomerol is located right next to the Saint Emilion appellation. The south and west part of the appellation have sandier soils compared to the slightly heavier soils in the east, which include a certain proportion of clay. It is in this eastern section, on the marginally higher land where Pomerol meets Saint-Émilion, that the best wines are produced. 

Three of the most highly regarded Pomerol producers – Pétrus, Lafleur and Le Pin – are located here. Merlot is the dominant grape in Pomerol and plays a large part in making the wines rich, smooth and approachable at an early age, while also being capable of extended aging. Cabernet Franc is also often present, adding structure and an element of savory spice. These characteristics mean Pomerol wines are much sought after on the international market.

The combination of two different appellations will allow you to dig deeper into the notion of 'terroir' which is the complete natural environment in which a particular wine is produced, including factors such as the soil, topography, and climate. This is where the expertise of our guides will show all its importance as you benefit from their knowledge to better comprehend this essential french notion when it comes to wines.

The legend of Emilian 

The first indications of human settlements in the area date back to the Roman Empire, but the story of Saint Emilion starts in the eighth century AD. At that time, a monk from Brittany, fleeing persecution in his hometown of Vannes sought refuge in one of the natural caves near the settlement of Ascum Bas.

Although he lived the simple and secluded life of a hermit, Saint Emilion allegedly performed several miracles from his Aquitaine hideaway. Soon, his renown spread far beyond the town and region, bringing pilgrims and disciples from far afield to visit him. The small settlement grew fast as it became a religious center. 

After Saint Emilion died, his followers made sure he would be remembered by giving the town of Ascum Bas the new name of Saint Emilion.Much later, monks developed more intensive and widespread vineyards. This is when the reputation for Saint Emilion wines started building towards what it is today. 

The rich Merlot-based blends of these fertile plains have given local wines a great appeal, and several wines produced in chateaux near Saint Emilion have been given the highest possible awards under the French appellation wine rating system.

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  • Pick up at Your Ship in Bordeaux or Bassens Cruise Port

  • Visit and wine tasting at a Grand Cru Winery of St Emilion

  • Guided walking tour of the medieval village of Saint Emilion

  • Free time for lunch and personal discovery in St Emilion

  • Possible visit of the underground monuments

  • Visit and Wine tasting session in St Emilion or Pomerol appellation

  • Return to Cruise Ship in Bordeaux or Bassens

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Ophorus Tours  - video Indulge in Saint-Emilion's Finest: Full-Day Shore Excursion & Wine Tour
Ophorus Tours - Indulge in Saint-Emilion's Finest: Full-Day Shore Excursion & Wine Tour
Ophorus Tours - Indulge in Saint-Emilion's Finest: Full-Day Shore Excursion & Wine Tour
Ophorus Tours - Indulge in Saint-Emilion's Finest: Full-Day Shore Excursion & Wine Tour
Ophorus Tours - Indulge in Saint-Emilion's Finest: Full-Day Shore Excursion & Wine Tour

Know before you book

  • 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.
  •  
  • Small group, personalized experiences
  • 8 hour Private Tour to St Emilion from Bordeaux
  • Worry free shore Excursion, guaranteed return to Ship
  • Tasting fees can be included during the booking process
  • Underground monuments can be included during booking process
  • Tour involves some walking, comfortable walking shoes are recommended
  • Prices are per group from 2 to 8 persons - Larger groups please contact us
  • Chateaux reservations will be made once the booking is confirmed
  • Tour is not wheelchair accessible

Meeting point

Quai Louis XVIII Cruise Berth Bordeaux

Departure

Pick up at Cruise Ship – Bordeaux or Bassens Ports of Call.
Please proceed to exit where your guide will be waiting for you with a sign bearing lead traveler name.

Return

Drop off at Cruise Ship – Bordeaux or Bassens Ports of Call

Reviews

5.0/5 (3 reviews)
  • Robert & Peter Haas

    23, Oct 2023

    My son and I would like to commend you, Hélène, and your team at Ophorus for providing us the experience of a lifetime! The 4-day tour of Bordeaux’s great...
  • Happy7Voyager

    26, Sep 2021

    The tour was amazing. Luigi our guide is also a sommelier, so you can be sure that you get the best knowledge and information from first hand. We visited...
  • Diane_H

    31, Jul 2021

    Amazing tour! Our guide Karim was exceptional. His knowledge of the region and wine was thorough and his enthusiasm for it was infectious. If you want...
View all reviews

Included / excluded

Included

  • Pick up and drop off at Cruise Ship
  • Pre-booking for our Selected wineries
  • Tasting fees in the wineries
  • Pre-booking of underground monuments in St Emilion
  • Short walking tour of Saint-Emillion
  • English speaking driver wine/guide
  • Bottled water in the minivan
  • Travel in fully equipped A/C minivans
  • Wifi on board the vehicle

Excluded

  • Entrance fees to monuments, museums attractions
  • Meals and drinks
  • Personal travel insurance and expenses
  • Gratuities for the guide

FAQ

  • What should I expect on a Shore Excursion with Ophorus?

    As a specialized France Tour Operator and tours & activities provider, we organize worry free shore excursions departing from all cruise ports in France. Our professional team of travel advisors, drivers and guides speak fluent English, are experts in the destination and all our shore excursions take place on board premium vehicles.

    All our shore excursions in France include pick up and drop off at your ship, once you have exited the Cruise Port terminal. We will always indicate where your driver/guide will be waiting for you. Our itineraries and programs are customized to suit your needs and never include side visits or stops that you had not confirmed. We guarantee your return to ship on time and have a very flexible cancellation policy. All tours can be cancelled up to 48 hours before the tour.

    All our shore excursions are for small groups only, we do not cater for groups larger than 20 persons. Typically, we use premium minivans that will take up to 7 or 8 persons maximum. If your group is larger, then we will provide a small minibus but no larger than 20 passenger seats.
  • Who conducts these Bordeaux Shore Excursions?

    We only employ accredited and licensed tour guides that are also the drivers for all tours that need visits to be conducted by certified guides. Good examples are: the visit of museums, guided walking tours in cities, visit of historical monuments, like the St Emilion underground monuments and so on.

    In some regions, where wine tours prevail (Bordeaux, Alsace) the tours are conducted by professional local guides, that are experts in Wines.
  • What type of vehicles are used during a Bordeaux Shore Excursion?

    Our company uses only premium cars & minivans that are recent, comfortable and fully equipped including individual A/C, shaded windows and large leg space.
  • Can we choose which wineries we will visit on this trip to St Emilion?

    Yes, we will be happy to make the pre-bookings for your winery tours of Saint Emilion. Please note that most wineries open their doors to visitors but some high end wineries such as Cheval Blanc, Petrus, Ausone and a few others do not welcome any visitors. Also, it is important to mention that we only make the required Chateau reservations once you have booked your tour with Ophorus.
  • Are the Winery Tours private in Bordeaux?

    Yes, we do our best to privatize the wine tasting sessions during our Private Bordeaux Shore Excursions. This means that you will follow a private visit of the winery, followed by a private commented wine tasting session.
  • How many / much wines are served in the Wineries?

    In Bordeaux, the Wineries will typically serve 1 to 3 wines during the tasting sessions. It is always the wine produced by the chateau that will be tasted. Usually the first and second wine of the estate.

    Important note: For all our guests who have experienced wine tours in other countries, please note that the average pour of wine in Bordeaux is less important than in other destinations. Even though we strive to work with Wineries that are more generous, they remain the only ones that can determine the quantity of wine poured in a glass.
  • Is lunch included on this private shore excursion from Bordeaux?

    We never include lunch on our private shore excursions from Bordeaux. If you would like us to pre-book a specific restaurant for you and your party just let us know and we will organize this for you at no extra cost. Ideally, speak with your guide in the morning and indicate what you are expecting for lunch and she/he will be happy to suggest corresponding options.
  • Should I bring something specific for this Shore Excursion?

    Always check the weather before you follow one of our shore excursions. By doing so, adapt your clothing to the local weather conditions. On one of our shore excursions we will not require you to bring your passport but it is always better to have some type of ID just in case. We strongly recommend that you bring with you a photocopy of any ID. Good walking shoes are always recommended in France as you never know on what type of grounds you might be walking.
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