Additional Information About our Luxury Bordeaux, France Tours
Bordeaux Tour Summary • Bordeaux Itinerary • Tour Price Includes • Bordeaux Hotel • 2010 - BORDEAUX TOUR BROCHURE (Adobe pdf)
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers about our Bordeaux Tours
Where do we rendezvous on day 1 of the Bordeaux Tour?
Your OTBP Guide(s) will meet you at the St. Jean TGV train station in Bordeaux at 2 PM on day 1 of the tour. Specific meeting location details will be included in your complete tour information package we send you 30 days prior to the tour. Train times are subject to seasonal changes, and we will keep these schedules updated as any changes occur.
- From downtown Paris - rail station Gare Montparnasse, there is a train that departs at 10:45 AM arriving at the BORDEAUX ST. JEAN rail station at 2:24 PM, in time for the group pick-up from 2-2:30 PM. Note: There are shuttle buses that run between the airport and Gare Montparnasse rail station every 30 minutes.
- From downtown Paris - rail station Gare Montparnasse, there is a train that departs at 11:25 AM arriving at the BORDEAUX ST. JEAN rail station at 2:38 PM, in time for the group pick-up from 2-2:30 PM. Note: There are shuttle buses that run between the airport and Gare Montparnasse rail station every 30 minutes.
- From Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, there is a train that departs at 9:12 AM arriving at the BORDEAUX ST. JEAN rail station at 1:27 PM, in time for the group pick-up from 2-2:30 PM.
- MORE options are available. We've just elected to include the most popular trains.
Where does the Bordeaux Tour finish?
We depart the hotel in the morning in order to arrive at 10 AM at the St. Jean TGV train station in Bordeaux.
How should I go about making my travel plans?
Off the Beaten Path is a full service tour operator and it is our pleasure to assist you with all aspects of upcoming travel plans. Whether you are looking for a suggestion for a hotel in Paris or assistance with your rail tickets, simply contact us at contact@traveloffthebeatenpath.com or call us at 1.877.846.2831 for assistance.
What is the weather going to be like in Bordeaux?
In July, day time temperatures in Bordeaux and surrounding areas range in the high 80's- to mid-90's. In September, average temperatures range from 70's to 80's Fahrenheit. Typically it is sunny, but be prepared with the proper rain gear, as harvest time can be unpredictable.
What is not included on my Bordeaux Tour?
Airfare to and from the trip, Train fare to and from the trip, 1 lunch, 1 dinner, gratuities for guide(s), and incidentals along the way.
Are Off the Beaten Path, LLC tours in English?
Yes. All tours are conducted in English and designed for an English speaking clientel.
Who are the Bordeaux Tours designed for?
OTBP's Bordeaux Tours are designed for discerning travelers of all ages and backgrounds, from the seasoned traveler and independent traveler to the first time traveler to France. Join any one of the our tours as a solo traveler, a couple, a small group of friends or family, or bring your entire travel club, affinity group, women's organization or wine society. No culinary, history or other type of experience is necessary. Join us for the vacation of a lifetime to discover the Bordeaux wine region of France, as an insider, and make new friends along the way.
Do I need to be an expert to take your Bordeaux Tour?
Not at all. The idea is to learn about French culture, traditions, wine, daily life, artisan lives and culinary practices in a fun and relaxing environment. Our tours offer great learning opportunities for everyone. Off the Beaten Path guides are very skilled at adapting their discussions to the general level of knowledge of the group, providing good introductory information for novices, and more advanced discussions for those who have more experience or a specialty interest. It's vacation and our tours are all about having fun, enjoying new experiences and being active!
Is wine included at meals? What kind of wines are included at meals?
Yes, wine is included at all scheduled meals together. We expertly match premium wines from the region we're visiting with each dish. Meals offer an excellent opportunity to try wines from appellations not available to guests at home, and to introduce guests to some select wines worth a favorable mention or that are exceptionally appreciated by the locals.
How are the Bordeaux Tours structured?
Having over 15 years experience in the tour industry, specifically with small group touring, we have found that our guests are generally more interested in active experiences, culture, people to people experiences and guided tours of museums and sites. Our guests like to visit private homes, and pursue their hobbies when they travel. Our guests enjoy being able to shop locally for items, such as, collectibles, art and local products. Our guests tend to do more homework and want a meatier trip, and also want to enjoy down time or leisure time to explore independently. All of our trips are designed based on these factors. Each trip offers organized activities and excursions daily combined with periods of leisure time each day. Our tours encourage individual approach and pursuit of your interests, as well as introducing you to new experiences and people during each trip.
How should I tip my Off the Beaten Path Guide(s)?
If you appreciate the service your OTBP guide(s) provide, we recommend each guest provide a gratuity of approximately 100 euros per guide.
How should I pack? How should I expect to dress during the tour?
Please limit your luggage to one medium-sized suitcase and one carry-on. Try not to over pack; you will not wear all your clothing! A suggested packing list will be enclosed in your tour information package. Pack comfortable light weight, casual clothing. It's vacation and we want our guests to feel and be as comfortable as possible during our daily activities and excursions. Our dinners together include a mix of Michelin star and casual bistro style restaurants. For men we suggest a business casual ensemble (no tie or jacket necessary unless it's your personal preference) and for women we recommend a casual dress for dinners.
What travel documents will I need for my Tour?
All travelers to France are required to have a valid passport. Please make 2 copies of your passport and personal identification before you depart. Keep one set of copies with you in a separate location from your travel documents, and leave the other set of copies with a contact at home before you depart. If you are not a U.S. citizen, please check with your consulate general for entry requirements.
Do I need to be an athlete to participate in the Bordeaux Tour?
No. Our daily walks are designed to appeal to walkers of every fitness and interest level. There is very little elevation gain/loss during the Bordeaux daily walks. Our trails are mostly gravel and dirt walking paths through small rolling and low lying vineyard hillsides. Travelers should count on walking approximately 2-3 hours during each walk, plus an additional hour per winery tour/wine tasting during each walk should be added to the stated walking time. We are walking from vineyard to vineyard each day, meaning that we visit 2-3 different wine producers per day by walking to and from them through the spectacular vineyard filled countryside. Come discover and enjoy fabulous Bordeaux wines along the "slow road" taking in the beautiful scenery of the vineyards and wine growing villages. Each walk includes winery tours and wine tasting along our trail, a truly fabulous way to discover Bordeaux wine country.
Bordeaux-Saint Emilion Guest Testimonials
"We enjoyed the good mix of activities and the fact that the trip wasn't just wine tasting. We had a great group of traveling companions and it was fun getting to know them, as well as meeting the Chefs at cooking class. Seeing the harvest in action was the best! Thank you for taking such good care of us!!" Pam Miller and Jim Rasmussen, Boston, MA (Bordeaux Wine and Culinary Walking Tour)
"We had a spectacular time! We saw France as insiders and felt like we spent the week with friends and family! Thank you for a wonderful vacation! We look forward to another Off the Beaten Path tour!" John & Barbara Lawless, Hendersonville, NC (Bordeaux Wine and Culinary Walking Tour)