Wine Tour Bordeaux Between Médoc and Saint Emilion

Day 1: Switzerland - Bordeaux

Journey by TGV from Basel to Paris. Lunch awaits you in a typical brasserie, before the TGV takes you on to Bordeaux. (6 nights at the Hotel FirstName Bordeaux by Hyatt****).

Day 2: Bordeaux

Culinary walking tour of Bordeaux, with stops at several stations and tastings of delicious bites. You then proceed to the "La Cité du Vin" wine museum, where you will learn about the secrets of winegrowing in an extremely interesting way. Dinner in a local restaurant.

Day 3: Graves

You travel to a wine-growing region with a special character: Graves. It is regarded as the birthplace of Bordeaux's quality wine. Tastings at Château Malartic-Lagravière, with its modern cellar, and at Domaine de Chevalier. A particular feature of this almost Mediterranean region is its nutrient-poor soil, studded with countless pebbles. The stones store heat during the day and release it slowly at night, protecting the vines from low temperatures and possible late frosts. The cool nights and warm days create a unique microclimate that benefits the grape varieties.

Day 4: Saint-Émilion

In Saint-Émilion, the perfection of wine awaits you. In the later morning, a tasting follows at Château Faugères in Saint-Émilion. This tour is accompanied by Chandra Kurt, one of Switzerland's leading wine authors. She studied at the Universities of Zurich and Lausanne, as well as at the Institute of Masters of Wine in London. Chandra Kurt has written more than 20 books about wine, including «Reisen mit Wein» and «Chasselas – Von Féchy bis Dézaley». Since 2015 she has also been editor of the quarterly wine magazine «Weinseller Journal». Kurt works nationally and internationally as a wine consultant and is a member of the Circle of Wine Writers in London, the Ordre des Coteaux de Champagne and the Confrérie du Guillon. In the afternoon you will devote yourself to the town itself. On a guided tour you will see the famous monolithic church, carved entirely out of limestone. Afterwards, it is well worth strolling leisurely through the lanes.

Day 5: Arcachon - Dune du Pilat

Excursion to the Bassin d'Arcachon. Here you will visit an oyster farm, take a boat trip and finally climb the 114 m high Dune du Pilat. The height of the dune changes by approx. 2 to 3 m over the course of the year, depending on wind direction and strength. From the summit you have a magnificent view over the Bay of Arcachon, Cap Ferret, the ocean with the Banc d'Arguin and the surrounding forests.

Day 6: Médoc - Pauillac

Today is like an never-ending symphony of châteaux with resounding names. Pauillac is the undisputed centre of the Médoc, where you will enjoy high-quality wine tastings at Château Ferrière and Château Phélan Ségur. Pauillac lies halfway between Bordeaux and the Pointe de Grave, along the largest estuary in Europe: the Gironde. On the return journey, photo stops at further châteaux are planned.

Day 7: Bordeaux - Clermont-Ferrand

Today you head to the Sauternes area, which is known for its luxury sweet wines. Stop at Château Rayne Vigneau, where a cellar tour, tasting and lunch await you. Onward journey to Clermont-Ferrand. (Hotel Mercure Centre Jaude****).

Day 8: Clermont-Ferrand - Switzerland

Return journey by coach to Switzerland.