Flavors of Bordeaux
Blaye, Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux
September 2-11, 2025
Price: $6,750/person
We're excited to present you with our first-ever FRENCH culinary adventure to...Bordeaux!
In October 2023, a winemaker named Daren Miller stopped in our Spring Grove, PA office and our relationship began with his US-based company Allochtone Wine Co. and will now expand to include his wife's family winery outside of Bordeaux, France! Since meeting Daren last year we've done several events together and spent time with the family in France, working with them to build this new itinerary. We're so excited to share some amazing new experiences with you all!
Join us on a delectable journey through Bordeaux and its enchanting surroundings, including Blaye and Saint-Emilion, on our exclusive culinary tour. Discover the heart of France's renowned wine region, where every meal is a celebration of tradition and taste. Stroll through Bordeaux's historic streets, savoring gourmet delights from bustling markets and artisan producers. Explore the scenic vineyards surrounding Blaye, and explore the Cognac region. In the medieval village of Saint-Emilion, wander through the ancient monolithic church, partake in wine tastings at family-run estates, and learn to craft regional dishes in a hands-on cooking class. Join us for an unforgettable experience that combines rich culinary heritage, world-class wines, and breathtaking landscapes, creating memories to last a lifetime.
Reserve your spot today and prepare to indulge in the flavors of this famous region! Keep scrolling for more tour details, pricing, and specific Trip Notes for this particular tour. Feel free to contact us with any questions!
Itinerary
In our 10 days together, we will make our way from the countryside châteaus to the medieval town of Saint-Émilion, and ending in bustling downtown Bordeaux.
Blaye (3 nights) - Our tour will start in the countryside outside the town of Blaye, which will be the perfect jumping-off point for exploring the nearby wine estates and the area of Cognac.
Saint-Émilion (2 nights) - This charming medieval village will make you feel like you've stepped into a storybook. The cobblestone streets, historic monolithic limestone church, quaint atmosphere and panoramic views of rolling vineyards will make a perfect stop during our tour.
Bordeaux (4 nights) - The city of Bordeaux itself offers a blend of historic architecture, vibrant culture, and gorgeous riverside views. Beyond the proximity to its famous wine region, we think you'll fall in love with the charming streets, lively markets, and world-class museums!
Tour Highlights
We'll take a traditional fishing boat across Arcachon Bay to Cap Ferret, to wander through the oyster-farming village before enjoying the freshest seafood lunch in an oyster hut overlooking the farms.
The wine barrel plays a major role in the winemaking process, affecting everything from flavor and aroma to structure. Discover the art and tradition of barrel-making as we visit a cooperage workshop.
Enjoy a walking food tour of Bordeaux's old town to discover not only the authentic and historical highlights, but also the gastronomic specialties of several artisans located throughout town.
What would a visit to Bordeaux be without wine tasting! We'll not only visit producers, but also take the time for education - learning what to look for in a tasting, and what exactly makes French wines so special!
We'll learn about the "liquor of the Gods" - Cognac (brandy made specifically with grapes from the Cognac region) and explore the complex flavors and aromas embodied in this famous spirit.
The highest sand dune in Europe, the Dune du Pilat sits at 103m high, 600m wide and 3km long, but it is constantly changing with the winds. You'll have a chance to climb it or learn more about it in the park!
Double occupancy: $6,750/person
Single supplement: $900
Deposit of $3,000/person is due upon booking to reserve your spot, along with a signed & completed registration form. Booking is not considered confirmed until deposit has been received. Final payment is due 60 days prior to departure.
Payments can be made by check (made out to Curata Travel) and mailed to: Curata Travel, 245 N. Main Street, Spring Grove, PA 17362.
Credit cards are accepted with a 3.6% fee.
Pricing includes:
- Nine nights of hotel accommodations (3 nights near Blaye, 2 nights Saint-Emilion, 4 nights in Bordeaux)
- All planned excursions & classes, including visits to artisanal producers and a hands-on cooking class.
- Meals included: daily breakfasts at our accommodations and most lunches & dinners. We curate each menu to focus on traditional regional specialties, accompanied by local wines.
- Experienced tour leaders and local guides
- Private motorcoach transportation throughout the tour
- Airport transfers to and from Bordeaux (BOD) Airport* on specified arrival/departure days/times. We include one group transfer for your arrival and departure at specified times. Any additional transfer will be at your own cost.
Not included:
- Airfare
- Gratuity for driver and Curata Travel tour leaders and local guide, at your discretion.
- Any spending during free time, personal purchases, extraneous hotel charges (minibar, laundry service, etc.) and any alcoholic beverages not included with meals.
Each member of the tour will be responsible for booking their own international flights. Flights are not included in the tour cost.
The group transfer* will pick up at the Bordeaux (BOD) Airport on September 2 at 12:00p.m., then drop off at the same on September 11 by 9a.m.
One group transfer will be provided, any additional private transfers would be at your own cost.
A few items of note for some of the destinations and the trip as a whole to help set expectations and better prepare you for the trip. Some of the expectations are outlined in our Traveler Guidebook and the Terms & Conditions form that you will use to register (see specifically the Traveler Code and Traveler Expectations sections), but to reiterate some as they specifically relate to this Bordeaux itinerary.
Cuisine - Our food tours focus heavily on the culinary specialities of each region and town we visit. So when we arrange a lunch/dinner or culinary experience, we are working with those restaurants to plan menus in advance that highlight the seasonal produce and dishes that reflect the region we’re in. France is well-known for its classic culinary techniques, such as braising, sautéing, and slow-cooking, to bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients. Sauces play a crucial role, often made from reductions of wine, stock, and herbs to create deep, concentrated flavors. With its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, you can expect fresh seafood like oysters and mussels.
We will be collecting some of this information at a later date from you, but if there are food allergies we need to be aware of, please let us know and we will do our best to accommodate them. If there are entire categories of food that you just don’t eat (and are not willing to try), this might not be the tour for you!Â
Terrain: As you'll find throughout most European towns and villages, walkways are often made up of cobblestones and limestone paving. Good walking shoes, being sure on your feet, and staying alert are all key to getting around! Saint-Émilion specifically is a hilly medieval town with often uneven steps and cobblestone roads.
Excursions: While there are no overly strenuous activities planned, you should be comfortable walking and standing for our various excursions or walking tours. You should be comfortable getting in & out of a bus without assistance. With all of our excursions, you are not forced to participate if something like this is not your ’thing.’ You always have the option to stay behind and enjoy some free time on your own (please note, as mentioned in the Terms & Conditions, there is no compensation or refund for any portion of the tour or excursion you do not participate in).Â
Enjoy some tour highlights!
