Before gracing UK televisions, James Martin travelled throughout France working in the kitchens of French châteaux. At 21, he opened the Hotel and Bistro du Vin in Winchester as Head Chef, where he changed the menu daily. James' TV shows have included James Martin: Home Comforts, British favourite Saturday Kitchen and James Martin's French Adventure. He can be found at James Martin Manchester and The Kitchen at Chewton Glen.

Cruise
Best of Bordeaux - Luxury River Cruise with James Martin

Why we love this trip: The perfect way to explore Bordeaux is by five-star luxury river cruise. Visit beautiful medieval towns and stunning chateaux, and sample delicious local wines, with expert guidance on-hand from esteemed TV chef James Martin.
With breathtaking scenery and glorious weather throughout the year, Bordeaux and its surrounding countryside is one of the loveliest French regions for any lover of good wine and food to explore.
On this eight-day luxury river cruise along the Garonne, Dordogne, and Gironde rivers, you'll experience the region's full flavour in the company of one of the UK's most popular chefs, James Martin.
James says his early trips to the Bordeaux region are what cemented his passion for food and set him on the path to a successful culinary career. He worked as a trainee in the Michelin-starred Hostellerie de Plaisance in Saint-Emilion and is a regular visitor to this beautiful part of France.
During the trip, James willl share his love of the area during an exclusive talk about his career, and give a cooking demonstration.
Setting off from Bordeaux, you'll discover the UNESCO-listed citadel in Blaye, with its magnificent historic fortress. You'll travel onwards to visit traditional wineries and charming châteaux in Cussac Fort Médoc, Cadillac, and Saint-Émilion while learning all about this romantic region's history and wine culture. Your gourmet voyage ends where it began - in beautiful Bordeaux.
You'll travel on France's newest and most luxurious river cruise ship, the S.S. Bon Voyage. It's thoughtfully designed to immerse guests in French culture, art, and wine. On board, you'll find a choice of restaurants offering freshly prepared five-star cuisine, an infinity pool and sun deck, a fitness centre, and the luxury Serenity River Spa.
Can't get enough of Bordeaux? Join our cruise with Raymond Blanc OBE
Watch:
Meet our special guest
Before gracing UK televisions, James Martin travelled throughout France working in the kitchens of French châteaux. At 21, he opened the Hotel and Bistro du Vin in Winchester as Head Chef, where he changed the menu daily. James' TV shows have included James Martin: Home Comforts, Saturday Kitchen and James Martin's French Adventure. He can be found at James Martin Manchester and The Kitchen at Chewton Glen.






















Reasons to book

Exclusive events with James Martin

Sail in unbeatable luxury

Breathtaking Blaye

Exciting excursions

Discover St Émilion

Explore beautiful Bordeaux
Your expert guide

Price includes
-
Enjoy an extra special gala dinner curated by James
-
Watch James cook during a live cooking demonstration
-
Hear all about James' stellar career during an open Q&A Session onboard
-
Enjoy six days of immersive, flexible, and specially curated excursions
-
Sail on the luxury S.S Bon Voyage in a Classic Stateroom
-
Enjoy delicious meals and drinks on board, prepared with the finest ingredients
-
Also included: All gratuities, both on ship and land, Eurostar or return flights from a range of UK airports, seven night's all-inclusive sailing
Availability
* Price based on two sharing a Classic cabin, subject to availability, for bookings made before 30 October 2022 (usual price: £2,999pp). Deposit: 15%. Single supplement available at request. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. The itinerary presented is subject to modification due to water levels, closures because of public holidays or other uncontrollable factors. Every effort will be made to operate programmes as planned, but changes may still be necessary throughout the cruise. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. In the case of unforeseen circumstances, expert(s) may be substituted and expert-led events may be subject to change. Expert(s) will not join you for your full trip duration unless otherwise stated. Travel insurance is not included but required for most of our overseas trips, and should be taken out at time of booking. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. This holiday is sold by, operated by and subject to the booking conditions of Uniworld River Cruises Limited (ABTA and ATOL protected).
Itinerary
-
Day1Arrive in BordeauxBordeaux, France
Today you'll arrive in Bordeaux-Mérignac and transfer to your ship.
-
Day2CadillacCadillac, France
The French phrase 'la douceur de vivre' will accurately describe your time in Cadillac, known for its deliciously flavoured dessert wines. Today you'll visit Château Royal de Cazeneuve, the site of Henry IV's and Queen Margot's tempestuous love and meet the current owner for a glass of Sauternes in the reception hall.
In the evening, a special Captain's Welcome Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you, and James Martin will give an insightful talk about his career and answer your questions in a Q&A.
-
Day3Cussac Fort MedocMédoc, France
This morning, James will give a live cooking demonstration. You will then take a scenic drive along the storied Médoc wine route, followed by a wine tasting at a beautiful wine estate.
In the evening, there will be a gala dinner with James, during which you will be able to meet him and take pictures before he departs tomorrow.
-
Day4Blaye, Bourg sur GirondeBlaye, France
Today you'll drive along the beautiful Route de la Corniche Fleurie to Blaye Fortress, passing through one impossibly picturesque hamlet after another.
Once you arrive, you'll discover the wonders of this historic fortress, a UNESCO-designated citadel that once protected Bordeaux from attacks by sea.
-
Day5Liborne, Saint-EmilionSaint Emilion, France
With Libourne as your base, today you'll travel to the nearby Saint-Émilion and immerse yourself more deeply in the region's history and wine culture.
The medieval town of Saint-Émilion is an ideal place to linger. Wander its cobblestone lanes lined with wine shops and bakeries and stop to admire the amazing rock-hewn church that extends beneath the city's streets. To finish off the day, there'll be a wine tasting in the cellars of a Grand Cru estate.
.
-
Day6Libourne, BordeauxLibourne, France
France's rich agricultural tradition is the heart and soul of the region's exquisite cuisine. Today you'll get a taste of the freshest vegetables, cheeses, breads and fruits on a visit to Libourne's lively farmers' market.
-
Day7BordeauxBordeaux, France
Discover Bordeaux's many charms today, either on foot with a local expert or on two wheels-the locals' preferred way to navigate the city's charming backstreets. You have a wonderful selection of active opportunities to see this magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Site. You'll visit the Cité du Vin museum and learn even more about the region's fine wines.
This evening, a special Captain's Farewell Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you.
-
Day8Depart BordeauxBordeaux, France
Today you'll disembark and transfer to the airport or train station to make your way home.
Accommodation


SS Bon Voyage
Sailing with Uniworld is like cruising in a five-star hotel – you’ll enjoy industry- leading service throughout your journey through the beautiful countryside.
The SS Bon Voyage is a luxury river ship uniquely designed to immerse guests in French culture, art, and wine, from its stunning polished wood lobby to the staterooms with luxury marble bathrooms and Savoir beds. On board, you will find a choice of restaurants offering freshly prepared five-star cuisine and fine wines. There is nothing better than relaxing on the sundeck enjoying the ever-changing scenery or taking a dip in the only infinity pool on the world's rivers.
Brought to you by

To view Uniworld’s supplier’s terms and conditions click here.
Availability
* Price based on two sharing a Classic cabin, subject to availability, for bookings made before 30 October 2022 (usual price: £2,999pp). Deposit: 15%. Single supplement available at request. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. The itinerary presented is subject to modification due to water levels, closures because of public holidays or other uncontrollable factors. Every effort will be made to operate programmes as planned, but changes may still be necessary throughout the cruise. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. In the case of unforeseen circumstances, expert(s) may be substituted and expert-led events may be subject to change. Expert(s) will not join you for your full trip duration unless otherwise stated. Travel insurance is not included but required for most of our overseas trips, and should be taken out at time of booking. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. This holiday is sold by, operated by and subject to the booking conditions of Uniworld River Cruises Limited (ABTA and ATOL protected).