Champagne, Cognac & Wines of France

You’ll be met at the airport upon arrival in Paris and shown to your hotel for the evening. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy however you like. Tour the city’s legendary museums and iconic landmarks. Grab a bite among the locals at a cozy café. Go for a nice stroll along Parisian streets dotted with fashionable boutiques and eclectic shops. Regroup for dinner back to the hotel and get a good night’s sleep in anticipation of the days ahead.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before beginning a full-day immersion into the sparkling heritage of France’s famed Champagne region. A panoramic 1.5-hour drive takes you to Reims, where you’ll stroll in the footsteps of French royalty inside the city’s namesake cathedral. Visit the tomb of Dom Perignon in Hautvillers and enjoy a private tour and tasting at the legendary Veuve Clicquot ‘maison de Champagne.’ Your day concludes with an additional tasting of superb Champagnes at a family owned estate. Afterwards, you’ll be shown to your home for the evening – a lovely French château.

Set off to discover the treasured region of Bordeaux. You’ll be taken to the airport to catch your morning flight from Reims. Upon arriving in Bordeaux, a one-hour drive through the French countryside leads to the charming town of St. Emilion. Check into your hotel and enjoy some time to soak up the ambiance before joining the group for dinner.

A panoramic morning drive brings you to the town of Cognac for an immersion in France’s legendary brandy. You’ll visit two family estates, where you’ll delve into the philosophies behind cognac making, and study the complexities of its nuanced flavors. Stroll through vineyards as a local aficionado explains the process of growing and producing cognac, and enjoy guided tastings at each distillery. You’ll also visit a traditional barrel factory before stopping at a local restaurant for a typical French lunch. Head back to the hotel where the balance of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure.

Following breakfast at the hotel, begin a full-day discovery of St. Emilion. This medieval town and UNESCO World Heritage Site is tucked amid the fragrant vineyards of Bordeaux and offers up a wealth of history and beauty at every turn. St. Emilion is also quite renowned for its wine making traditions, which you’ll explore during visits to a number of distinguished estates. Enjoy informative tasting sessions featuring the finest local varietals, and sit down to a delicious lunch at one of the wineries. After your day in St. Emilion, head back to the hotel to unwind and reflect on the day’s adventures.

Wake up to breakfast at the hotel before heading to the port in Bordeaux, where your Azamara® ship is waiting.