Wine Roads of France & Portugal

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

Disembark the ship and transfer to Bordeaux-Mérignac International Airport for your flight to Porto, where you’ll board the S.S. São Gabriel.

Today is all about wine, which has been cultivated in the Douro River Valley since ancient Roman times. Get a crash course on the history of Port during your visit to the Douro Museum. Later, 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.

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.

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.

Discover the wonders of a special town right in the gateway of the Douro Valley, Lamego. Later, enjoy a Night Out with dinner at a local quinta.

Discover the oldest town in Portugal today on a visit to Braga, where 2,000 years of history mingle with a youthful modern culture.

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.

Disembark the ship and board a motorcoach, heading south through Portugal’s picturesque countryside to Lisbon where you will check in to your hotel.

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.

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.

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.

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Le Grand Fromage can be found on Medoc Deck.

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La Brasserie can be found on Bordeaux Deck.

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Cafe du Soleil can be found on Soleil Deck.

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La Cave des Vins can be found on Medoc Deck.

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La Belle Etoile can be found on Soleil Deck.

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From visiting a museum without the crowds to an after-hours tour of a famous landmark, these included, once-in-a-lifetime experiences are arranged privately for Uniworld guests.

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Tasting cheese with a cheese affineur in Rüdesheim or cruising through the streets of Bordeaux in a retro sidecar–if going above and beyond is what you’re after, you’ll be sure to enjoy our selection of Masterpiece Collection optional experiences, available for an additional cost.

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Guests looking to treat themselves and their loved ones to a private, extraordinary experience can arrange a Curated Service. These experiences can be booked onboard, are often accompanied with a private car and/or guide, are fully customizable, and provide guests with an opportunity to create an exceptionally special moment just for them.

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Get an in-depth look into the quaint destinations we visit and the local people who bring them to life.

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Our “Let’s Go” onshore program features guided walking, hiking, cycling, kayaking, golfing tours and more. Or, take one of our bicycles or Nordic Walking Sticks and head out on your own adventure. Wherever your journey takes you, there will be many opportunities to get out and go.

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Experience life like a local, from riding the subway to stopping into a café for a local treat.

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See your destinations in a whole new light
From private after-hours tours of popular attractions to local nightlife experiences, this new line of included excursions will go the extra mile to bring you uniquely memorable moments on your all-inclusive, luxury river cruise.

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The Salon Champagne boasts a panoramic view, a full-service bar, and a dance floor. Thanks to its close proximity to the onboard library, it's the perfect place to unwind with a good book, or partake in lively conversations with like-minded passengers.

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The Reception can be found on Bordeaux Deck.

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The Pool can be found on Soleil Deck.

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Relax at the Serenity River Spa™ with a soothing facial or massage treatment.

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Work out at your own pace in the well-equipped fitness center.

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• Exciting shore excursions tailor-made for families and hosted by local experts
  
• Kid-friendly menus for each meal and unlimited beverages onboard
  
• Young Travellers’ Table, a special dining table reserved on certain nights just for our younger guests and Family Hosts
  
• Onboard activities just for kids, such as cooking classes and dessert-making with the ship’s chef and pastry chef
  
• Hands-on craft workshops tailored to the destinations you visit
  
• Young travellers’ lounge and game room, complete with PlayStation, games, movies and local treats
  
• Two dedicated Family Hosts to oversee all activities for Junior Cruisers (ages 4 to 12 years) and Teen Cruisers (ages 13 to 17 years)
  
• Opportunities to “Live the Lingo” and learn words and phrases in other languages from our Family Hosts
  
• Kids-only movie nights, where kids can enjoy popcorn-fueled screenings of family-friendly films along with their new onboard friends and Family Hosts
  
• A special VIP ship tour with the Captain or Hotel Manager
  
• Complimentary bicycles, helmets and Nordic walking sticks for use onshore
  
• Young travellers will receive special surprise pillow gifts for each night of the cruise
  
• Convenient departures scheduled during summer and winter breaks
  

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Luxurious riverview stateroom (151 sq ft - 14 sq m)

Handcrafted Savoir® Beds of England, built-in closet, hair dryer, safe, individual thermostat, flat-screen TV with infotainment center

Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, towel warmer, heated mirror, backlit magnifying mirror, comfortable bathrobes and slippers

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Luxurious riverview stateroom (151 sq ft - 14 sq m)

Handcrafted Savoir® Beds of England, built-in closet, hair dryer, safe, individual thermostat, flat-screen TV with infotainment center

Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, towel warmer, heated mirror, backlit magnifying mirror, comfortable bathrobes and slippers

Note: windows in these staterooms are situated at the water line

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Luxurious riverview stateroom (140 sq ft - 13 sq m) with a French balcony

Handcrafted Savoir® Beds of England, built-in closet, hair dryer, safe, individual thermostat, flat-screen TV with infotainment center

Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, towel warmer, heated mirror, backlit magnifying mirror, comfortable bathrobes and slippers

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Luxurious riverview suite (210 sq ft - 19.5 sq m)

Handcrafted Savoir® Beds of England, built-in closets, hair dryer, safe, individual thermostat and flat-screen TV with infotainment center

Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, towel warmers, backlit magnifying mirror, heated mirrors, comfortable bathrobes and slippers

Additional amenities and services include in-suite butler service, packing and unpacking assistance, in-room breakfast, daily fruit and cookie plate and an elegant evening snack, Nespresso coffee machine and fine teas, fully stocked mini bar, bottle of wine upon request, shoeshine, and free laundry service

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Luxurious riverview grand suite (280 sq ft - 26 sq m) with a French balcony

Grand Suites include handcrafted Savoir® Beds of England, built-in closets, hair dryer, safe, individual thermostat and flat-screen TV with infotainment center

Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, towel warmer, comfortable bathrobes and slippers, a rain shower and tub, backlit magnifying mirror, heated mirror and a secluded toilet area

Additional amenities and service include: in-suite butler service; packing and unpacking assistance; in-room breakfast; daily fruit and cookie plate, and an elegant evening snack; Nespresso coffee machine and fine teas; fully stocked mini bar; bottle of wine upon arrival; shoe shine; and free laundry service