Grand Bordeaux with Luke Nguyen.

For the past few seasons acclaimed chef, author, and television personality Luke Nguyen has acted as an APT Ambassador, offering guests a range of culinary experiences on an exclusive 16-day tour through Vietnam and Cambodia. 

We are delighted to announce that 2019 will see Luke host a European Cruise for the very first time, with the famous chef joining guests on an 11-night Paris to Bordeaux sailing. 

Grand Bordeaux, 11-nights, Departing 26th August 2019 

Day 1 - Paris - Fly from the UK. Be met upon arrival and transfer to your hotel. This evening, get to know your fellow travelers at a Welcome Reception. 

Day 2 - Paris / Versailles - A local expert will take you on a tour of this beautiful city during which you will see the iconic Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe. Later discover the splendour of the Palace of Versailles. Signature Experience - indulge in a sumptuous lunch at Ore Restaurant in Versailles, owned by renowned chef Alain Ducasse. 

Day 3 - Paris - Signature Experience - Visit a culinary school with Luke, where he will guide you through a fun and interactive cooking class. Gain an invaluable insight into the art of French-Vietnamese cuisine from the master himself. Then savour your efforts accompanied by perfectly matched wines. 

Day 4 - Paris / Bordeaux - Travel by train to Bordeaux, and upon arrival transfer to your luxurious river ship. After settling in to your suite, delight in an onboard Welcome Reception this evening. 

Day 5 - Cadillac - Freedom of Choice - Perhaps  take a guided tour of the Palatial 13th-century Château de Cazeneuve, which was once home to King Henri IV of France and his wife Queen Margot. Alternatively, visit the well-preserved Château de la Brede, then travel to Sauternes to try the regions famous desert wine. Or remain on board and delight in a mouth-watering cheese tasting. 

Day 6 - Pauillac - Signature Experience - During a visit to a local cooperage, see how wooden wine barrels are produced. Afterwards, visit Château Giscours, a remarkable 19th-century Grand Cru Classe estate in the famous Margaux region. Here, delight in a tour and wine tasting.  

Day 7 - Blaye / Bourg -  Discover the town of Blaye and take a walk around the 17th-century Citadel. Freedom of Choice - Perhaps travel to Cognac for a tour and a tasting at a French Cognac house, sail to the town of Bourg and take a walking tour, or enjoy a bike ride from Blaye to Bourg. 

Day 8 - Libourne / Saint-Émilion - Signature Experience - This evening, enjoy a superb dinner at La Terrasse Rouge. Luke Nguyen, in conjunction with the restaurant's head chef, has devised a menu showcasing the freshest local ingredients of the region, and together they will prepare a decadent meal for you while you watch on in the open kitchen. 

Day 9 - Libourne / Bordeaux - Freedom of Choice - Perhaps tour Bergerac, including visits to Old Town with its stone buildings, medieval streets and tree-lined squares. Otherwise head to a caviar estate to learn about the farming of Sturgeon fish before a tasting. 

Day 10 - Bordeaux - Freedom of Choice - Take in Bordeaux's unique blend of 18th-century and contemporary architecture and uncover the secrets behind certain buildings. Alternatively, embark on a culinary exploration of Bordeaux with a charcuterie and cheese tasting, or play a round of golf at a renowned course. 

Day 11 - Bordeaux - Disembark the ship and transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK. 

Your Holiday Includes: 

• Home-to-airport transfers by private car.
• Return flights from the UK. 
• All-inclusive sightseeing in up to nine destinations. 
• APT's 'Freedom of Choice' inclusions in four locations. 
• Finest dining - a total of 25 meals. 
• Complimentary beverages served at your discretion on board. 
• Expert APT Tour and Cruise Directors. 
• Room service and complimentary laundry for select suites. 

Prices for this once-in-a-lifetime experience start at just £4,695.00 per person!! 

Price quoted is based on two adults sharing a cabin and is subject to availability at the time of booking. Please note the waterways in the Bordeaux region are part of a tidal river system, which results in changing water levels. Disruptions to cruising and itinerary may occur as a result. Complimentary beverages exclude French Champagne, premium spirits and selected wines - these are available at an additional charge. Home-to-airport transfers by private car. Conditions apply, please enquire at the time of booking. Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change. APT terms and conditions apply.