October 28 to November 4, 2024

The Journey: River cruising with Kosher River Cruises has never been more elegant or refined than on this cruise through France’s beautiful Bordeaux region as we uncover the proud legacy and heritage of Southwest France. Set sail along three stunning rivers – the Garonne, Dordogne, and Gironde – on one historic and fascinatingly invigorating journey. Explore the country’s breathtaking backdrops, kosher wineries, Jewish heritage, and cultural treasures across the region in Bordeaux, Médoc, Cadillac, Blaye, Libourne and more. Wander through archaeological marvels, historic landmarks, and magnificent vineyards where you’ll be treated to a sampling of the quintessentially French experience.

Sample delectable local kosher wines on excursions to local kosher wineries, delight in a classical concert at the famous castle Château d’Agassac, and get lost in the wonder of medieval villages encompassing centuries of Jewish history and heritage. You can relax in absolute comfort on board your luxurious riverboat, content in the knowledge that there is sure to be yet another wondrous experience waiting to greet you onboard and at the next port.

Kosher Wine Program – Discovering the Kosher Wine Route of Bordeaux:The Bordeaux region has one of the world’s highest concentrations of vineyards producing high quality kosher wine. On this cruise, we have dedicated a number of choice excursions to kosher wine exploration and education. Whether you are interested in wine or just exploring some of the world’s most stunning scenery, complete with visits to ancient chateaus and castles, this tour has something for everyone. Our program will take us to local wine regions and kosher wineries in Medoc, Saint-Emilion, and Sauternes. Here we will explore vineyards, chateaus, and castles, learning about the region from local kosher vintners complete with wine teachings, tastings, exploration, and shopping! (Optional tour choices are available for those who may not be interested in the wine program).

Our all-inclusive river cruise vacation includes daily tours at each of our ports of call.

Itinerary

Day 1: (Mo) Bordeaux
Welcome to Bordeaux, a city of wine, history, and spectacular architecture. On arrival, your friendly KRC crew will welcome you aboard the luxurious Scenic Diamond for your seven-night cruise. Enjoy a welcome reception and dinner followed by an after-dinner toast and orientation to prepare us for the coming weeks’ adventure.

Day 2: (Tu) Libourne
Enjoy a guided tour of Libourne and view its quaint 16th century townhouses, Jewish quarter, and 19th century synagogue. We begin at Place Abel-Surchamp, the main square of the city, hosting its famous outdoor market; we then continue to explore the ancient buildings on its narrow streets leading to the main square. Streets include Rue Victor Hugo, Rue Fonneuve and Rue Lamothe, where its 19th century synagogue is located. At the synagogue we will visit with the local Jewish community and learn about Jewish life in the Bordeaux region.

Jewish Libourne: The Jewish presence in Libourne dates from the 16th century and was authenticated with the existence of its first synagogue, located in the Rue de Périgueux in the 18th century. In 1847, with the inauguration of its current synagogue, the Jewish population of Libourne was estimated at just 77 persons out of a total population of 9714 inhabitants. The synagogue was closed during the World War and its Sifrei Torah kept in a house in Bordeaux. They were then returned in 1950, following the arrival in the 1960s of Jews from North Africa; the synagogue reopened in 1962.

Kosher Wine Option – The Saint-Emilion Wine Route: Excursion to The Saint-Emilion valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the pride of all Bordeaux and France for its world-famous wineries. Explore the region, complete with its kosher wineries and tastings. Explore its quaint villages with a breathtaking view of its famous valley.

Day 3: (We) Blaye
Stroll through the medieval town of Blaye on a guided tour as we explore the impressively preserved city center. For those feeling more active, you can join an active walking tour of its medieval citadel (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) that was established to protect the region from invasion.

This afternoon, get ready for something truly special! Set in spectacular surroundings in the Médoc countryside, our visit to the famous Château d’Agassac is truly enchanting. Soak in the ambience of this stunning 13th century castle while live musicians perform classical masterpieces for your exclusive enjoyment.

Day 4: (Th) Medoc & Bourg
Kosher Wine Option – Medoc Wine Route: This morning, immerse yourself in the scenic Médoc wine region and discover why it is regarded as the world’s leading red wine producer.  Sample the region’s finest at its spectacular kosher wineries and estates. Alternatively, you have the option of a guided round-trip cycle tour throughout this beautiful region, stopping along the way to visit some of the region’s quaint villages.

Bourg: This afternoon, discover Bourg with a visit to a 2000-year-old fairy tale village, including exploration of the enchanting 16th century Bourg Castle and the famous Carriages Museum.   

Day 5: (Fr) Cadillac
Explore the magical city of Cadillac with a walking tour, including a visit to the Château de Roquetaillade. On the site of this well-preserved castle, Charlemagne constructed the first earth and timber fortifications as he advanced toward the Pyrenees. His fortress was later replaced with stone fortifications. Between 1860 and 1870, the French architect Viollet-le-Duc transformed the castle, with extraordinary interior decorations that earned the castle a listing by the French Ministry of Culture on the French Heritage roster as a Monument Historique.  Then next, on to Chateau de Cadillac, easily the most impressive building in the town, the home of the Dukes of Epernon and a gorgeous example of French architecture.

Kosher Wine Option – Sauternais Wine Route: This very small vineyard, called Sauternais, is located in the southeast of the Graves de Bordeaux region and benefits from a microclimate that allows it to produce a liqueur wine called Sauternes Wine that is unique in the world.  Stunning scenery makes for a perfect excursion to this small kosher winery for an off  the beaten path day of exploration and tasting.   

Day 6: (Shabbat) Cadillac
We will have a full day of Shabbat programming as we are docked in Cadillac, sharing with all our old and new friends. In the afternoon, we will have an optional, Shabbat-friendly guided walking tour as we continue our exploration of Cadillac.  

Day 7: (Su) Bordeaux
We discover Bordeaux’s many charms today, either on foot or on two wheels; the locals preferred this way to navigate the city’s charming backstreets. You’ll have a wonderful selection of active opportunities to see this magnificent UNESCO World Heritage city.

 Bordeaux’ ancient and rich history contrasts with its modernity and dynamism today. The city was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007 for several reasons. It functions as a hub of commerce and exchange – thanks to its role as the capital of a world-renowned wine growing region – and the importance of its river and port. In addition, it has an outstanding urban and architectural ensemble, with splendid honey-colored stone buildings. These make up a city core with 1810 hectares and over 360 historic monuments registered and protected. Trade with the French colonies built this handsome city, providing vanilla, sugar, spices and cocoa to inventive chocolatiers and bakers, who used these goods to create iconic desserts. Chocolate, once a Spanish monopoly, became part of Bordeaux’ culinary heritage when banished Spanish Jews brought the art of chocolate-making to France.  

 Jewish Bordeaux:  Explore with our scholar in residence over 1,000 years of Jewish presence in the city.  We complete our tour with a visit to the majestic Great Synagogue of Bordeaux, inaugurated in 1882, where we will have the chance to meet and interact with the local Jewish Community.

Day 8: (Mo) Bordeaux
After breakfast, we bid you farewell. We hope to welcome you back again soon!