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Awaiting Your Return From Shore |
Located 70 miles inland
from the Atlantic on the Garonne River, Bordeaux traces its origin to
the 3rd century, when it was Aquitaine's Roman capital. From 1154 to 1453 it
prospered under the rule of the English, whose fondness for the region’s red
wines gave impetus to the local wine industry.
Bordeaux even served as the nation’s capital for one year in 1870, for a
time at the beginning of World War I, and for two weeks in 1940 before the
Vichy government was proclaimed.
Its neo-classical architecture, wide avenues, and well-tended public
squares and parks give the city a certain 18th-century grandeur. Excellent
museums, an imposing cathedral, and a much-praised theater add to the city’s
attractions. The principal highlights, clustered around the town center, lie
between Place Gambetta and the banks of the Garonne River.
Surrounding Bordeaux are the world-renowned vineyards and châteaux.
Visitors from all over the globe come here to learn about the winemaking
process--from growing the grapes to harvesting, fermentation and bottling
these top-quality wines.
The city’s most important economic activity is centered around the
marketing and exporting of Bordeaux wines.
Here in the wine region the title of château can mean anything from a
palatial residence to a basic winery. There are thousands of châteaux that
rank from very modest family establishments to large famous properties where
grapes are raised, fermented and then matured to produce the area’s famous
wines.
Silver Sea offers four exciting shore excursions in the Bordeaux area: a
city highlights tour, including the old town of narrow streets and quaint
squares; two different excursions to St. Emilion, and the recommended shore
excursion to the Medoc region, with a specially arranged visit to Chateau
Mouton Rothschild, where you will visit the wine museum and the cellars
of this world famous wine estate. (The wine tasting comes later--at another
chateau.) Sign up for this tour immediately following your embarkation! |
Awaiting Your Return
From Shore |
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Complimentary
Spirits Await |
Return to Your
Suite and Sail Away to The Next Adventure |
Entertainment
and Dancing Await You |
