The title Bordeaux conjures up so many various photographs. Historic port on the river Garonne. Cultural capital of the Aquitaine area. Lovely buildings and stylish squares. And naturally these world-famous AOC wines produced in vineyards throughout town.
Whether or not you’re a first-time customer or a cheerful returner, a guided tour with an professional may give you an actual insider view on this UNESCO-listed gem, not simply to the well-known websites but additionally the lesser-known parts that guests can simply miss. And never simply within the metropolis. E book a half- or full-day programme with specialist operator Ophorus Excursions and you may take within the surrounding shoreline, vineyards and heritage villages as nicely.
Take a tour of Bordeaux metropolis
For Bordeaux novices, a tour of town centre is a must-do and Ophorus has an excellent 2-hour Bordeaux UNESCO Strolling Tour for small teams. Town is famend for having one of many largest collections of 18th century buildings in Europe. Amongst them, the Grand Theatre with its classical facade, the opulent personal mansions and luxurious outlets of the Golden Triangle district, and the quayside buildings of Place de la Bourse with its extraordinary Water Mirror.
When you’ve bought a really feel for this buzzing Artwork & Historical past Metropolis, perhaps head out of city to find these well-known vineyards and luxuriate in a comparative tasting of prestigious vintages. East of town, the stone buildings of historic Saint-Emilion tumble down a steep hillside criss-crossed with slender streets in a city that lives and breathes the wine commerce.
Go to Saint Emilion
The Ophorus Saint Emilion Odyssey full-day tour options Grand Cru chateaux and guided vineyard visits, all set in a surprising panorama of rolling vineyards, and naturally a go to to Saint-Emilion itself. Beginning after breakfast in entrance of Bordeaux Tourism Workplace, your small group tour will go to two Saint Emilion wineries earlier than two-and-a-half hours of free time to discover these historic streets and loosen up over lunch at a restaurant of your alternative. And within the afternoon, a 3rd vineyard go to earlier than the one-hour drive again to Bordeaux. By the point you get again to town, you should have a first-hand understanding of the wealthy Merlot-based wines of this gorgeous space. If the Saint-Emilion day journey has fired you as much as be taught extra concerning the wines of Aquitaine, you received’t wish to miss Discover Cognac’s Secrets and techniques, a full-day personal distillery tour and tasting for a tour of some main Cognac homes. Designed for teams of as much as eight individuals, the tour features a go to and tasting at two distilleries, one within the morning and one within the afternoon.
A tasting tour of Cognac
That is the possibility to check and distinction a prestigious worldwide model reminiscent of Hennessy or Remy Martin, with a lesser-known, family-run operation. Be taught all concerning the distillation course of and examine the variations in each manufacturing strategies and style. There can even be time to discover the historic city of Cognac and loosen up over lunch and, to reinforce your expertise nonetheless additional, Ophorus can reserve a particular lunch to your group in one of many well-known cognac homes (further expenses apply).
Arcachon Dune tour from Bordeaux
However day journeys from Bordeaux will not be nearly wine. Many individuals are stunned to be taught that Europe’s highest sand dune is located near Bordeaux. Take pleasure in an unforgettable day on the personal small-group day tour to Arcachon Bay and the Pilat Dune. Simply 55km south-west of Bordeaux between the Landes pine forest and the Atlantic Ocean, the Dune du Pilat will offer you a novel reminiscence of Aquitaine.
The shoreline right here boasts wonderful sandy seashores, a light local weather, and the beautiful Belle Epoque seaside resort of Arcachon that lies on the south facet of a shallow bay. Entered by way of a slender inlet with Cap Ferret on one facet, the Pilat Dune on the opposite, Arcachon Bay is known for its oysters so after all this fascinating tour begins with a tour of the oyster sheds and a tasting, accompanied by delicious contemporary baguette and a glass of native white wine.
After a tour of Arcachon city, established solely in 1857 when sea bathing turned trendy for medical causes, you’ll get pleasure from free time earlier than a alternative of actions. Head to Pilat to climb the 170-step picket staircase to the highest of the dune for sweeping views over the coast and forest. Or take a cruise on a conventional picket boat or ‘Pinasse’ climbing the sand dune, maybe with an non-obligatory picnic.
All these Ophorus excursions are personal excursions tailored for small teams. So if there may be any exercise you notably wish to do, talk about your want checklist and funds when reserving with the skilled crew. Transport is all the time by comfy, air-conditioned minibus with the tour led by professional English-speaking guides.
Bordeaux wine and cheese tasting tour
Ophorus additionally supply a Bordeaux Wine & Cheese Tasting tour the place purchasers are welcomed on the Baud & Millet cheese cellar that shares greater than 100 cheeses in an underground cellar. Right here your host will information you thru a tasting of three platters every holding three AOC cheeses from throughout France – with applicable kinds of bread – and can pair them with three award-winning wines from Bordeaux. This 90-minute expertise begins at both 11.30 am or 5.30 pm – the right begin to a gastronomic lunch or dinner out.
Ophorus are specialists in day journeys and half-day excursions in all the favored areas of France from Aquitaine to Languedoc, Burgundy to Provence. Shoppers can uncover magnificent chateaux and heritage cities, historic battlefields and world-famous wines within the palms of certified guides who supply a personalised service and insider view of this various nation. Tempted? Then talk about your dream day trip in a reside chat with an Ophorus agent by way of their web site.
See the entire visits provided and e-book your tour at: ophorus.com
