BURT WOLF 2016 BORDEAUX, FRANCE I ve planned two cruises in Bordeaux, in the southwest of France for 2016. One in the spring from April 15th - 27th, and one in the fall from October 12th - 24th. That gives us over a year to decide what to pack. The cruises were designed for PBS viewers, in cooperation with Scenic Cruises, and we were able to arrange for special pricing. But, to get the pricing, we need to book by June 1, 2015. There are only 84 cabins on the ship, and I ve already booked two for my family. I will be hosting the entire cruise, which will give me an opportunity to introduce you to the history, culture, art, architecture, geography and the foods and wines of the area. ABOUT BORDEAUX The Bordeaux area lies in the southwest part of France and borders on the Atlantic Ocean. The Gironde is the river that cuts in from the Atlantic and is wide and deep enough to have made the city of Bordeaux an important port. During the third century, the Romans showed up, and by the fourth century, it was a major commercial center. In 1152, King Henry II of England married Eleanor of Aquitaine. The lands of Bordeaux were in her dowry, and so they became part of England and remained under English control for over 300 years. The English discovered the great wines of the area and began an export business that changed the culture of the region and made Bordeaux famous throughout the world. This is the home of Cyrano de Bergerac and the Three Musketeers. Actually, there were four musketeers, but one had a bad press agent and never got full billing. Today it is a land of ancient castles, lazy rivers, unspoiled forests, caves filled with prehistoric artwork, and some of the best food and wine in the world. So, what s for dinner? Black truffles, oil pressed from walnuts, mushrooms, duck, peaches, cabbage soup, great steaks and a fantastic collection of local cakes and pastries and those are just today s specials. Page 1 of 5
THERE ARE TWO CRUISES WITH THE SAME ITINERARY SPRING CRUISE: APRIL 15-27, 2016 (Depart U.S. on April 15th) FALL CRUISE: OCTOBER 12-24, 2016 (Depart U.S. on October 12th) THE CRUISE ITINERARY (1-night land tour + 10-night river cruise) DEPART U.S. FOR PARIS DAY 1 - ARRIVE PARIS, ONE NIGHT IN PARIS HOTEL If you are flying in from the U.S. or other international destination, you will be met at the Charles De Gaulle airport in Paris and driven to your hotel for a one-night s stay. I will be in Bordeaux making a final check for your arrival tomorrow. DAY 2 - DEPART PARIS VIA TRAIN TO BORDEAUX, BOARD SHIP - SAILING This morning, you will be picked up from the hotel and taken to the train station, where you ll board the highspeed TGV train to Bordeaux. The trip takes about 3 hours, and you will be in first class. When the train arrives, you will be met and transferred to our ship, the Scenic Diamond. I will be there to welcome you. This evening, there will be a Welcome Reception on board. DAY 3- SAILING Our plan is to spend a relaxing morning as we cruise along the Garonne River bound for the historic port of Cadillac. When we arrive, we have two choices: (1) a guided walking tour of the town, which was established in the 13 th century; or (2) a scenic easy walk to the neighboring village of Loupiac. DAY 4 - SAILING Visit the Grave and Sauterne regions. Stop into the Chateau of a leading wine producer for a tasting of the dessert wines of Sauterne. Then there s a choice: (1) tour the Roquetaillade Castle with the family that now lives inside its historic walls; or (2) visit the village of Saint Macarie, where 11 th century buildings house modern shops. DAY 5 - SAILING During the morning, our ship will cruise down the Dordogne River to the 13 th Century commune of Libourne. That afternoon we will visit the town of Saint-Emilion, well-known for its Romanesque Churches, underground catacombs and prehistoric ruins some even older than me. Next, a taste of the local wines and back to our ship. DAY 6 - SAILING We ll wake up in the village of Libourne, the wine making capital of the northern Gironde. We have three choices: (1) a guided tour of Libourne with its 16 th century town-houses and gothic church; (2) a tour of the estate of Chateau Franc Mayne and a tasting of their Grand Cru wine; or (3) tour the city of Bergerac before visiting a local farm for a foie gras tasting. Then back to our ship and a cruise to Blaye. DAY 7 - SAILING We can visit the Terres d Oiseaux nature park with over 100 species of migratory and sedentary birds. It is one of the most important nature preserves in Europe. The alternative is a tour of the town of Cognac, made famous by the production of the drink of the same name. While we are there, we ll stop into the facilities of Remy Martin for a tasting. Page 2 of 5
DAY 8 - SAILING We can tour the riverside town of Blaye with its ancient citadel; or join a 15-mile round trip cycling tour from Blaye to the village of Etaluiers picturesque landscapes and historic ruins. During the afternoon, we ll visit the Chateau Giscours for dinner and a performance of classical music what life was like when it was Good to be King. DAY 9 - SAILING We tour the scenic Medoc region. In 1855, Napolean III, decided to classify the wines of the area, so he could tell what he was getting for his money. Two of the great estates included were Chateau Gruaud- Larose and Chateau Lagrange, so the least we can do is stop in for a taste. During the afternoon we will cruise to the city of Bordeaux. DAY 10 - SAILING Today we will visit the town of Arcachon on the Atlantic coast and have lunch in a restaurant that specializes in local ingredients. After lunch we can (1) have a tour and tasting at a traditional Arcachon oyster farm; (2) visit the Le Teich bird sanctuary with over 250 species, (3) climb Europe s largest sand dune with its expansive views. Actually, it s only 360 feet high, which is no big deal, but it sounds impressive to say, I climbed Europe s largest sand dune. DAY 11 - SAILING A guided tour of the city of Bordeaux, or shop with a local chef at the town s major market. During the afternoon, we are on our own. That evening there is an Illumination Cruise and the Captain s Dinner DAY 12 - DISEMBARK Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the Bordeaux airport for your onward or homebound flight. Page 3 of 5
WHY I SELECTED SCENIC CRUISES A while ago, I was having a coffee (not unusual) and minding my own business (very unusual), when a friend introduced me to a man named Glen Moroney. As we exchanged stories, I learned that in 1986, Glen had started a tour business in Australia. His tours were so well thought-out and conducted that they soon became remarkably successful. He expanded his business to include tours to Canada, Alaska, and the United States. These days, Scenic Cruises hosts travelers throughout Europe, Southeast Asia, China, Japan, India, and South America. In 2008, Glen and his wife Karen designed a river cruise ship to sail the waterways of Europe. Last year, they launched two new ships, which I think are the most-comfortable and sophisticated ships on the rivers. I liked everything I saw on the ships, but most important, I like Glen and Karen. They pay attention to every detail and have a deep sense of commitment to their work. They have something that today you almost never find in business a sense of compassion. They will do everything they can to make sure we have a good time. WHAT S INCLUDED Of considerable importance to me is what is included. I find it extremely frustrating to set a budget for a cruise and then find out that there are additional costs. There are no hidden costs with our cruises. Here is what Scenic Cruises includes, and it s a lot. Unlimited drinks, all-day including premium liquors Onboard dining choices Multiple excursions in most ports Your own private balcony on all suites 85% of the ship Personal Butler for every guest Tailor-made GPS device for independent adventures Electric assist bicycles Complementary WiFi throughout the ship Insuite Mac-mini infotainment system Insuite minibar restocked daily, at no cost All local guides onshore ALL tipping & gratuities 24-Hour room service Personalized airport transfers BURT S ADDITIONS I ve also included some special events. A tasting of the area s traditional pastries and desserts Tasting some of the great cheeses of the southwest Tastings of crepes and Armagnac An introduction to the ancient cave paintings Talks on the local history, culture, art, architecture, geography, and cuisine. MY KIND OF EARLY- BIRD SPECIAL We are getting the 2015 prices for our 2016 cruise The listed prices for Balcony Cabins already include a $650 per person discount, valid on bookings made before June 1, 2015. Scenic Cruises operators will give you details. Page 4 of 5
ABOUT THE SHIP * THE SCENIC DIAMOND COST, PER PERSON (BASED ON DOUBLE OCCUPANCY) Prices do not include $375 per person port charge CATEGORY/NUMBER DECK COST E-Stateroom 110-115 Jewel $5,205 D-Stateroom 100 109 Jewel $5,505 C-Balcony Suite 232-235 Sapphire $5,825 BA-Balcony Suite 225-231 Sapphire $5,950 BB-Balcony Suite 214-223 Sapphire $6,000 B-Balcony Suite 203-212 Sapphire $6,050 BJ-Junior Suite 201-202 Sapphire $6,450 A-Balcony Suite 332-335 Diamond $6,080 PA-Balcony Suite 326-331 Diamond $6,100 PP-Balcony Suite 318-325 Diamond $6,250 P-Balcony Suite 303-312 Diamond $6,350 RJ-Junior Suite 301-302 Diamond $6,950 RA-Royal Suite 316-317 Diamond $7,350 R-Royal Suite 314-315 Diamond $7,550 RS-Royal Panorama Suite 336-337 Diamond $7,750 NOTE: Hewing to ancient seafaring tradition, Cabins 113, 213, and 313 do not exist! Page 5 of 5