Bordeaux Tour Itinerary : 6 Day Tour

Best Adventures in Bordeaux

Detailed Day-by-Day Bordeaux Tour Itinerary

Bordeaux Tour Itinerary

Six Delicious Days of Wine, Food, Culture, Friendship & French Joie de Vivre Together in Our Home Region!

Welcome to Bordeaux and Southwest France —home to Christy, Isabelle, and Anne, your France Off the Beaten Path Tours Bordeaux Guide Team— and one of France’s most beautiful, historic, and celebrated wine regions.

Unpack once at our stylish boutique hotel in Bordeaux’s historic Chartrons district and spend six unforgettable days discovering the very best of the city, vineyards, cuisine, history, culture, and Atlantic coast. Explore the renowned wine regions of Saint-Émilion, Pomerol, and Graves; create your own Bordeaux wine during a private blending workshop at our friends’ winery in Pomerol; enjoy exclusive visits and VIP tastings at exceptional family-owned estates; and, on select fall departures, join a winery team for hands-on harvest activities and a traditional picker’s lunch.

Beyond the vineyards, cook traditional Bordelaise dishes with our dear friend Chef Antoine in his family home, cruise the magnificent Arcachon Basin aboard a traditional wooden pinasse with our friend—one of the bay’s only professional women fishers—and savor a seaside lunch overlooking the Dune du Pilat. With guided cultural and historical visits in Saint Emilion, Arcachon, and Bazas, leisure time in Bordeaux, memorable meals, and an intimate group of just 10 guests, this is far more than a wine tour. It is a warm, personal cultural journey through the places we call home, shared with the local friends who make this region so special.

Bordeaux Tour Highlights

• Experience Bordeaux Like a Local: Explore our home region with our locally based Bordeaux guiding team, Christy, Isabelle, and Anne, and receive the kind of personal welcome usually reserved for friends.
• Unpack Once in Historic Bordeaux: Settle into our stylish boutique hotel in the hisorical Chartrons district of downtown Bordeaux – NO Hotel Hopping, Unpack Once for the entire 6-day Bordeaux tour.
• Cultural & Historical Discovery in Bazas, Arcachon, and Bordeaux with Our Local Guide Team: Explore the places our Bordeaux guides call home—from Anne’s medieval Bazas and its UNESCO-listed Gothic cathedral to Christy’s seaside Arcachon and Isabelle’s elegant, historic Bordeaux. Their personal stories and local connections bring each destination beautifully to life.
• Cruise the Arcachon Basin with Our Local Friend: Explore the bay aboard a traditional French pinasse with our friend, one of only two professional women fishers on the Arcachon Basin. Enjoy spectacular coastal scenery, local foodie tastings, wine, and Champagne as she shares her fascinating life on the water with us.
• Lunch at Europe’s Tallest Sand Dune: Enjoy a gourmet seaside lunch overlooking the Arcachon Basin and magnificent Dune du Pilat.
• Hands-on Wine Blending Workshop: Step into the role of cellar master during our private, hands-on wine-blending workshop and take home a half bottle of your personalized creation.
• Harvest Alongside the Winery Team: On select fall departures, receive the rare invitation to participate in the harvest; pick and sort grapes alongside the winery team, then gather around the table with them for a traditional harvest picker’s lunch.
• Cook at Home with Our Friend Chef Antoine: Prepare traditional Bordelaise dishes with a master chef, cookbook author, and Christy’s lifelong friend before gathering around the family table for lunch.
• Enjoy Private Grand Cru Wine Experiences: Visit an exceptional family-owned estate for private tour, VIP tastings, and thoughtfully paired local cheeses.
• Discover Medieval Saint-Émilion: Visit the enchanting UNESCO-listed village of Saint-Émilion and and its’ cobblestone streets, where centuries-old stone, remarkable history, artisan boutiques, and inviting wine shops capture the timeless spirit of Bordeaux wine country.
• Discover Bordeaux at Your Own Pace: Enjoy time to explore the city’s museums, boutiques, neighborhoods, riverfront, and celebrated culinary scene.
• Small-Group Travel with Exceptional Local Guides: Share the week with an intimate group of just 10 guests, personally cared for by our warm and knowledgeable Bordeaux guiding team. Discover the region through the stories, friendships, and local insight of guides who call Bordeaux home—while enjoying wonderful food, beautiful wines, authentic encounters, and the relaxed pleasure of experiencing France with friends.

Click to view 2027 Bordeaux Tour Dates

  
 
 
 
  EXCELLENT  
  
 Based on 109 reviews 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 Sue Heffernan 
 
12 October 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
I travelled a lot in my younger years and fell in love with France but I had never been to Provence. No longer a spring chicken and travelling by myself, I was a little daunted and wondered if I would be able to cope.l happened upon “Off the Beaten Path” a boutique tour company who managed to make every day of my tour a day to remember. Phillippe and Chloe filled our days with laughter, wine making lessons, picnics, a macaron cooking class sensational restaurants , village markets and all the while filling us in with the history that only a local of many years can know. I met the most beautiful ,amazing  people of all ages with whom l will keep in touch. Thanks to Off the Beaten Track and a special Thank you to Phillippe for sharing your Provence with me. 😀Sue🇦🇺🦘🐨
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 Suzy Shinkle 
 
11 October 2026
 
 
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+0
Our tour of Provence was a such a memorable, special experience with Off the Beaten Path!! We loved the lovely accommodations, quaint villages and markets, exceptional food and wine and of course our amazing guides, Philippe and Chloe! This is the perfect way to experience the south of France. Everything is taken care of so you can just take it all in and enjoy!!! Highly recommend!
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 Ray Shinkle 
 
11 October 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
We had an amazing experience. Chloe is a darling young lady who was a delight to be around for 5 days and Philippe is the coolest French dude you’ll ever meet. Both were excellent guides who will take you to some very special places.
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 Pamela Kaul Gresty 
 
10 October 2026
 
 
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Overall, I thought the trip was terrific. The Off the Beaten Path team was knowledgeable and attentive. Isabelle is a tireless advocate for every traveler, a bundle of energy and extremely knowledgeable about all things French, as only a true person of origin can be. Anne is exceptionally knowledgeable about the history of the area and I wish I could have learned more from her. I thought the trip was well organized thanks to Christy and her remarkable network  and knowledge of the area. My only recommendation would be to add more time for independent wandering of the city. Half a day wasn’t long enough when there’s so much to explore. I had an extra day since my tour started a day after our tour ended so I went to the wine museum and the opera house - both magnificent.  I loved all the wine tastings, our day in Arcachon and, of course,  our most memorable cooking class. I fully suspect that Christy’s relationships make many of these activities possible. Finally, I thought it was generous. There was no skimming on food and wine, which was especially notable and appreciated for we foodies. My sincere thanks to you all. I hope to greet you all in Loire next year ❤️.
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 Deborah Kahkejian 
 
10 October 2026
 
 
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I didn’t know what to expect. I was a solo traveler on my first tour.  I cannot rave enough about my experience.  Our tour guides, Phillips and Chloe were knowledgeable and met all needs.  The tour itself was Wow.  No worries, wonderful food, beautiful villages, a great experience for all.  I am so grateful that I chose the Off the Beaten Path Provence tour!
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 Kathleen Chalmers 
 
9 October 2026
 
 
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+8
I went on two tours with OTBP, the Loire Valley and the Provence area tours. Both were spectacular and it was so interesting to experience the difference in cuisine and architecture and landscapes.

Thoroughly enjoyed the itineraries and special dining/cooking with friends offered in each. Guides Summer, Christine, and Remi in Loire; and Philipe, P2, and Chloe’ were so kind, knowledgeable, and such a joy daily. Castles, gardens, wine, cheese, desserts, more wine, more cheese and the Loire, along with spicy stories made this a lovely memorable trip. In Provence, mountaintop vineyards, cliffside villages and a trip to the sea were all breathtaking along with stories of the ancient Roman Empire and Van Gogh. Of course, wine and cheese and herbs and fragrance were Provence highlights. I especially liked having one single home base hotel in lovely Amboise for the Loire tour, and St. Remy de Provence.
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 Suzanne Day 
 
9 October 2026
 
 
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+0
We were looking for a small group of travelers who wanted to learn about a destination and also enjoy the culture. Off the Beaten Path exceeded our expectations. Summer, Christine, and Isabel provided a lot of information in a delightful manner. French kings, historical chateaus, fabulous food and wine were balanced with sufficient free time so that we never felt overwhelmed or bored. We loved the highly personalized experiences and the central location. We look forward to traveling with OTBP again.
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 Alexandra Fallot 
 
8 October 2026
 
 
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We had a wonderful experience-super knowledgeable guides sharing their insights, history of the area and favorite dining spots (and shopping spots!).  Loved the personal touches-they knew the people and places we visited so well.  Truly feel like we saw some of the best spots in the area with great guides and a fun group of fellow travelers.
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 pam carter 
 
7 October 2026
 
 
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Had a great time. From the first dinner to the last it was a wonderful blend of chateaux, food, wine and lovely company. The tour was well paced and our guides were professional, fun and great company. I would love to go back to the Loire Valley. I would definitley consider doing another Off the Beaten Path tour.
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 Anne Watson 
 
6 October 2026
 
 
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+7
Summer and the team at Off the Beaten Path were incredible! I cannot say enough good things about them. The tour was very well organized with unique trips including dinner on an island in the Loire River, a special trip to a very cool winery, two exceptional experiences with a Michelin chef and an MOF chef, along with chateau tours galore. Summer has incredible knowledge of French royalty (and salacious gossip!) I truly cannot say enough great things about this group, this tour, or this experience overall. It's simply a MUST!
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Day-by-Day Bordeaux Tour Itinerary

Day 1 — Welcome to Bordeaux

Arrival, Hotel Check-in, Welcome Apéritif & Dinner Together

Meals Included – Dinner

Meet your guides at Bordeaux Saint-Jean train station at 3:00 p.m. and transfer together to our boutique hotel in the historic Chartrons district.

EVENING & DINNER: Once Unpacked and settled in, join us for a welcome apéritif and introduction of the week ahead with your local Bordeaux guiding team, followed by dinner at one of our favorite gourmet addresses—a delicious introduction to Bordeaux and the new friends with whom you’ll share the week.

Roundtrip transfers on Day 1 and Day 6 of the tour :

TOUR BEGINS:  Group transfer at 3 pm from Bordeaux Saint Jean rail station, Bordeaux, France.

TOUR ENDS:  Group transfer at 10 am to Bordeaux Saint Jean rail station, Bordeaux, France.

Please note : There is no scheduled group transfer from/to Bordeaux Merignac airport. For travelers arriving and/or departing at Bordeaux Merignac airport, taxis are available outside the arrivals area and the tram also departs directly from the airport and arrives downtown Bordeaux.

Day 2 — Today we go East of Bordeaux: The Wines and Vineyards of Saint-Émilion and Pomerol & Village of Saint Emilion

Wine Blending Workshop with Our Friends in Pomerol, On Fall Tour Dates: Participate Hands-on in Harvest Activities, Vineyard Lunch & Cultural Visit in Saint Emilion Village

Meals Included – Breakfast, Lunch

BREAKFAST.

MORNING – Journey into the celebrated vineyards of Saint-Émilion and Pomerol for a private and immersive day of wine experiences.

We’ll tour & taste at one of the great estates of the jurisdiction near Petrus where we are invited to try our hand at being a “maitre de chai” (cellar master). Our visit here is an immersive one. We will participate in a 2-hour wine blending workshop composing a wine by blending the grape varieties from the estate’s vineyards. Best of all, you’ll take home a half bottle of your very own blend to uncork and enjoy after the tour.

**During the fall harvest: We receive the rare invitation to participate hands-on in the harvest to pick and sort grapes alongside the winery team before our wine-blending workshop. We then join the harvest team around the table for a convivial, traditional picker’s lunch. To allow plenty of time for these special activities, we enjoy a scenic drive through the vineyards to Saint-Émilion rather than the optional walk.

LUNCH – After creating our own wine blends, we’re invited as private guests  to “passe à table” for a convivial lunch overlooking the magnificent vineyards.

AFTERNOON – Step into the irresistible charm of medieval Saint-Émilion, a UNESCO-listed village filled with centuries of history and extraordinary architectural beauty. After a lively guided introduction to its fascinating heritage and most memorable landmarks, enjoy time to wander its atmospheric stone streets, browse artisan boutiques and wine shops, or simply settle into a café and savor the village at your own pace.

Late afternoon return to our hotel in Bordeaux.

DINNER – Independently in Bordeaux dining at one of the fabulous restaurants in town or along the river bank. Your guides will be happy to share recommendations.

WALKING for Today : For WALKERS & NON-WALKERS: All walking today is rated EASY. Ideal for those who walk on a regular basis. Walking on stone walkways/sidewalks/cobblestone in the village of Saint Emilion.

Day 3 — Today we go South of Bordeaux: Cooking at Home with Friends in Sauternes & Cultural Visit in Medieval Village of Bazas

Hands-On Cooking Class at Home with Dear Friend Chef Antoine, Family Lunch &  Afternoon Guided, Cultural and Historical Visit in the Village of Bazas

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

BREAKFAST.

MORNING – Travel into the beautiful Sauternes countryside for a day of food, wine, and warm French hospitality at the family home of Christy’s dear friend Antoine—a master chef, cookbook author, and former culinary professor.

Working together in Antoine’s kitchen, we’ll prepare a multi-course meal inspired by traditional Bordelaise cuisine.

LUNCH – Afterward, gather with Antoine and his wife, Claire, for a mid-day “apéritif” and a leisurely lunch of the recipes we prepared together in class accompanied by carefully selected classified wines from Antoine’s private cellar.

AFTERNOON – After a full morning of cooking at home, creating Bordelais culinary masterpieces and sharing moments and laughter together around the lunch table with our dear friends Antoine and Claire, we continue to the historic town of Bazas for a fascinating cultural visit. Once an important medieval bishopric and a stop along the pilgrimage routes to Santiago de Compostela, Bazas enchants with its cobbled streets, elegant arcaded square, and magnificent Gothic Cathedral of Saint-Jean-Baptiste, recognized by UNESCO as part of the Routes of Santiago de Compostela. It is a wonderful opportunity to step beyond Bordeaux’s vineyards and discover another captivating chapter of southwestern France’s rich history and heritage.

Late afternoon return to the hotel in Bordeaux.

DINNER – Independently in Bordeaux this evening. Your guides will be happy to share recommendations.

WALKING for Today : For WALKERS & NON-WALKERS: All walking today is rated EASY. Ideal for those who walk on a regular basis. Walking on stone walkways/sidewalks/cobblestones in the village of Saint Emilion.

Click to view 2027 Bordeaux Tour Dates

Day 4 — Today we go West of Bordeaux: The Irresistible Arcachon Basin, Pilat Dune and Arcachon Coastal Village

Traditional Pinasse Cruise with our friend Délia, Local Tastings, Dune du Pilat & Seaside Lunch by the Dune with Endless Views of the Arcachon Bay, Visit Seaside Arcachon Village

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

BREAKFAST.

MORNING – Today we leave the vineyards behind and travel to the spectacular Arcachon Basin—one of our favorite places and the coastal area Christy calls home.

Board a traditional wooden pinasse for a two-hour private cruise with our local friend, one of only two professional women fishers on the Arcachon Basin. Through her intimate knowledge of the bay, discover its oyster farms, maritime traditions, Cap Ferret peninsula, and magnificent views of the Dune du Pilat.

Along the way, savor local foodie specialties accompanied by wine and Champagne.

About Arcachon

Arcachon is a charming seaside town south of Bordeaux, set along a bay renowned for its oyster farming. The town has five distinct districts, four of which are named after the seasons. The Ville d’Été, or Summer Town, is home to lively shopping streets, Arcachon’s sandy central beach, and a casino housed in the 19th-century Château Deganne. The Ville d’Hiver, or Winter Town, is celebrated for its extravagant 19th-century villas, remarkable architecture, and fascinating history, which we’ll discover during a short cultural walk in the afternoon.

DUNE DU PILAT – Standing at the southern entrance to Arcachon Bay, the Dune du Pilat is the highest sand dune in Europe. This extraordinary natural landmark stretches approximately 2.9 kilometres (1.8 miles), measures more than 600 metres (nearly 2,000 feet) across, and currently rises to approximately 107 metres (350 feet). Constantly reshaped by the wind and tides, the dune moves inland by approximately 1 to 5 metres (3 to 16 feet) each year.

At the beginning of the 19th century, Arcachon consisted of little more than a scattering of fishermen’s and resin workers’ huts along the bay. Its transformation began in 1823, when François Legallais opened the town’s first sea-bathing establishment. Visitors soon arrived to enjoy the reputed health benefits of the fresh sea air, pine forests, and sheltered climate, and villas and hotels gradually appeared along the waterfront, forming what became known as the Ville d’Été.

In 1857, the Pereire brothers extended the Bordeaux–La Teste railway line to Arcachon, making the town far more accessible. They later developed the Ville d’Hiver as an elegant winter resort and open-air sanatorium for wealthy visitors seeking relief from respiratory illnesses. Its winding streets were designed to provide protection from the wind, while its elaborate villas welcomed visitors from across Europe.

Napoleon III visited Arcachon in 1859 and again in 1863, helping establish its reputation as one of France’s most fashionable seaside and health resorts. Alexandre Dumas visited briefly in 1865, while Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec later spent several summers at Villa Bagatelle in Taussat-les-Bains, on the opposite side of the Arcachon Bay.

LUNCH –  A gourmet seaside lunch at the Pilat Dune overlooking the Bassin d’Arcachon.

AFTERNOON – A short culturual walk of the “Ville d’Hiver” quarter of Arcachon followed by leisure time to explore the town.

DINNER – Independent dinner this evening. Your guides will be happy to share recommendations.

WALKING for Today : For WALKERS & NON-WALKERS: All walking today is rated EASY. Ideal for those who walk on a regular basis. Walking on gravel paths/stone walkways/sidewalks/cobblestones in the village of Arcachon.

Day 5 — Today: Morning outside the southern city limits to the Graves Appellation for A Private Winery Experience,  Afternoon in Historic Bordeaux

Private VIP Winery Tour & Tasting Experience at one of the Oldest Wineries of the Region and still Family Owned, Leisure Afternoon in Bordeaux & A Spectacular Farewell Dinner Together

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

BREAKFAST.

MORNING – Our final full day begins with a morning visit in the historic Graves wine region at a family-owned Premier Grand Cru Classé estate.

Enjoy a private tour of the property and cellars, followed by a VIP tasting of the estate’s wines paired with a selection of local cheeses. It is a relaxed and delicious opportunity to deepen your appreciation of Bordeaux’s family winemaking traditions.

LUNCH – Independently in Bordeaux. Your guides will be happy to make recommendations.

AFTERNOON – The afternoon in Bordeaux is your’s at leisure to discover why we love this city. Visit the Cité du Vin or one of the city’s museums, browse the boutiques, explore the historic neighborhoods and riverfront, or simply settle into a café and enjoy Bordeaux at your own pace. Your guides will gladly share their favorite places and recommendations.

DINNER – This evening, gather for a celebratory apéritif followed by an exceptional farewell dinner—a memorable finale to six days of wonderful wine, delicious food, beautiful places, and new friendships.

WALKING for Today : For WALKERS & NON-WALKERS: All walking today is rated EASY. Ideal for those who walk on a regular basis. Walking on stone walkways/sidewalks/cobblestones at the Morning winery visit and in Bordeaux.

Day 6 — Au Revoir, Bordeaux

Breakfast & Group Departure

Meals Included: Breakfast

Enjoy a final breakfast at the hotel before our group transfer to Bordeaux Saint-Jean train station, arriving at 10:00 a.m.

You may arrive as guests, but after six days of cooking, tasting, laughing, and exploring together, departures often feel more like saying au revoir to friends.

Make the Most of Bordeaux: Bordeaux is a wonderfully vibrant city with so much to see, taste, and experience beyond our tour itinerary. We highly recommend adding a day or two before or after your tour to explore the city at your own pace and take full advantage of everything Bordeaux has to offer.

Arrival & Departure Details

• Tour begins: Group transfer at 3:00 p.m. from Bordeaux Saint-Jean train station on Day 1.
• Tour concludes: Group transfer at 9:30 am arriving at Bordeaux Saint-Jean train station at 10:00 a.m. on Day 6.
• There is no scheduled group transfer from Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport. Taxis and a direct tram service connect the airport with central Bordeaux.
• Earlier or later private transfers may be arranged upon request.

Click to view 2027 Bordeaux Tour Dates

Enjoy Bordeaux Your Way—Walking Optional

Our Bordeaux tour is thoughtfully designed for both walkers and non-walkers. All guests should be comfortable with the light, everyday leisure walking required during visits. If you have mobility concerns or questions about the level of walking involved, please feel free to contact us before booking. We’re always happy to discuss the itinerary with you and help determine whether the tour will be a comfortable and enjoyable fit.