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La Rochelle
La Rochelle Cruise Excursion to Cognac Distilleries
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shore excursions
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Food & Wine
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08 hours
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Small Groups ( 2~8 )
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Relaxed
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Multi-languages
English Français
- Highlights
- Program
- Gallery
- Know before
- Meeting point
- Reviews
- Inc. / Exc.
- FAQ
Select options and Book
Check availability
2026/06/19 and 2026/12/31
Highlights
- Enjoy tastings of world-class Cognac varieties
- Learn from a local guide specializing in Cognac
- Customize your itinerary to match your interests
- Explore two renowned Cognac distilleries
- Visit Two Famed Houses of Cognac
Program & Itinerary
Private Shore Excursion: Discover the Cognac Brandy Region from La Rochelle
Embark on an unforgettable full-day private shore excursion from La Rochelle / La Pallice Port of Call and explore the world-renowned Cognac brandy-producing region. Discover the artistry, history, and flavors of Cognac, France, on this exclusive guided tour.
Tour Highlights
- Convenient pickup: Begin your journey with hassle-free pickup directly from La Rochelle Cruise Port. Meet your professional English-speaking driver-guide, who will outline the itinerary and enrich your experience with expert insights.
- Comfortable premium transport: Travel in a spacious, air-conditioned minivan equipped with an advanced PA system for clear commentary wherever you sit. Enjoy a private, comfortable ride designed for up to 8 guests.
- Explore Cognac’s heritage: Visit the historic town of Cognac in the Charente region, home to over 300 years of brandy-making tradition. Stroll its charming streets and enjoy free time for lunch and personal exploration.
Visit & Taste at Iconic Cognac Distilleries
Your journey includes exclusive visits to two contrasting Cognac distilleries:
- World-famous Cognac houses: Experience renowned names such as Hennessy, Martell, Rémy Martin, or Camus. Discover their state-of-the-art facilities, learn about their meticulous production processes, and enjoy tastings of their premium brandies.
- Family-owned distilleries: Get an intimate look at a smaller-scale producer. Compare traditional methods and sample unique Cognacs crafted by passionate artisans.
Each visit dives into grape varieties, distillation methods, and the intricate aging and blending processes. Tastings at each distillery highlight the nuanced differences between large-scale and boutique productions.
Optional Gourmet Experiences
Enhance your day with a personalized lunch (at own expense) at a prestigious Cognac house or choose from local dining options in the town of Cognac. Let us curate a memorable culinary experience to pair with your brandy discoveries.
Discover the Cognac Region
Learn about the region's six production zones, including Grande Champagne and Petite Champagne, considered the finest crus for Cognac. Understand the role of local grape varieties such as Ugni Blanc, and why the region’s dry, acidic wines are ideal for distillation and aging.
Immerse yourself in the world of Cognac on this private shore excursion and return to your cruise ship with a deeper appreciation for this exquisite French spirit. Book now to secure your spot and elevate your La Rochelle port experience.
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Pickup at cruise ship in La Rochelle
Meet your English-speaking driver-guide at the terminal and board your comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle.Meet your English-speaking driver-guide at the terminal and board your comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle.Read moreRead less -
Scenic drive to Cognac region
Travel through the Charente countryside toward Cognac, with commentary on the area’s history and brandy production.Travel through the Charente countryside toward Cognac, with commentary on the area’s history and brandy production.Read moreRead less -
Morning distillery visit and guided tasting
Tour your first Cognac house, learn about vineyards, distillation, and aging, then enjoy a curated tasting of their signature spirits.Tour your first Cognac house, learn about vineyards, distillation, and aging, then enjoy a curated tasting of their signature spirits.Read moreRead less -
Lunch break in historic Cognac (own expense)
Enjoy free time in the town of Cognac to choose your preferred restaurant, savor local cuisine, and stroll atmospheric streets.Enjoy free time in the town of Cognac to choose your preferred restaurant, savor local cuisine, and stroll atmospheric streets.Read moreRead less -
Afternoon distillery visit and second tasting
Visit a contrasting Cognac distillery—often a family-owned house—to compare styles and deepen your understanding with another guided tasting.Visit a contrasting Cognac distillery—often a family-owned house—to compare styles and deepen your understanding with another guided tasting.Read moreRead less -
Relaxing return to La Rochelle cruise port
Sit back as your driver returns you to your ship on time, ending the day with new knowledge, great photos, and favorite Cognacs discovered.Sit back as your driver returns you to your ship on time, ending the day with new knowledge, great photos, and favorite Cognacs discovered.Read moreRead less
Gallery
Practical Information
2 participants minimumTotal price | 3 participantsPrice per person | 4 participantsPrice per person | 5 participantsPrice per person | 6 participantsPrice per person | 7 participantsPrice per person | 8 participantsPrice per person |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1780€ | 625€ | 495€ | 415€ | 365€ | 325€ | 300€ |
Know before you book
- Pickup and drop-off at La Rochelle cruise port.
- Small Group private option, max 8 participants
- Visits two Cognac houses with guided tastings.
Know before you go
- Tour involves walking in vineyards and cellars.
- Wear comfortable shoes and weather-ready clothing.
- Tastings feature different styles of Cognac brandy.
- Lunch in Cognac town is at your own expense.
- Bring questions—guides love explaining the craft.
Additional information
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 Cognac shore excursion is best for cruise passengers who want to dive into France’s brandy culture rather than spend the day shopping or doing a quick city stroll. It’s ideal for spirits enthusiasts and wine lovers eager to understand how Cognac is crafted, from vineyard to alembic to aging cellar.
The tour suits curious beginners as much as seasoned connoisseurs, thanks to guided tastings and clear explanations at two contrasting Cognac houses. It’s a strong fit for small groups, couples, and adult friends who appreciate a relaxed pace, in-depth storytelling, and the chance to ask questions in an intimate setting. Finally, it appeals to culture-focused travelers who enjoy historic towns, gourmet lunches, and learning the stories behind iconic French exports.
Voucher info
Group information
Just get in touch to find out more! Contact us by email: groups@ophorus.com (groups from 8 people)
For groups of 2-8 people please fill out this form: ophorus.com/contact-us/
Meeting point /
Departure
Please proceed to exit where your guide will be waiting for you with a sign bearing lead traveler name.
Return
Reviews
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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... -
Mary L.
10, Aug 2022
I just wanted to comment on our tour with Ilia on the 17th of June. We absolutely loved it! Ilia was great. Right on time and very helpful. It felt like... -
Greta K
15, Jun 2021
My boyfriend has always wanted to go to Cognac to experience house of Cognac, to see how they produce Cognac. So for his 30th birthday, I wanted to give...
Included / excluded
Included
- Pick up and drop off at Cruise Ship
- Travel in premium, spacious vehicles
- English-speaking driver/guide
- Reservation for 2 selected Cognac Houses
- Cognac tastings includede
Excluded
- Personal travel insurance & expenses
- Meals & drinks (lunch)
- Gratuities for the driver/guide
FAQ
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What is the maximum group size for the private tour?
The tour can accommodate small groups of two to eight participants and larger groups with prior arrangements for transportation -
Are there any requirements for the tour?
The tour involves walking in vineyards and cellars, so participants are advised to wear comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing -
How long does the excursion last?
The excursion is a full-day experience, designed to fit within your ship's schedule -
What is the cancellation policy for the tour?
You can receive a full refund if you cancel up to 72 hours before the activity, but there is no refund for cancellations made within 72 hours or for no-shows -
Is lunch included in the tour?
Lunch is not included in the excursion and will be at your own expense in the historic city of Cognac, where you can choose a restaurant. We can pre-book a restaurant for you and your party. -
What can I expect during the Cognac tastings?
You will sample exquisite spirits during the tastings while learning about the craftsmanship behind each glass from your guide -
Is there a guide for the excursion?
Yes, a local English-speaking guide will accompany you, providing expert insights and fascinating stories about the history of Cognac -
What types of Cognac houses will we visit?
You will visit two esteemed Cognac houses that blend traditional methods with modern artistry in their production processes -
How customizable is the tour itinerary?
The tour is highly customizable, allowing you to choose the Cognac houses you want to visit (depending on availability at time of booking), pacing, and time spent in town to suit your interests -
What is included in the private shore excursion from La Rochelle to Cognac?
The excursion includes pick up and drop off at the cruise ship, travel in premium vehicle, an English-speaking driver/guide, reservations for two selected Cognac houses, and tastings of Cognac varieties
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