Excursion After hours in saint emilion tour at Bordeaux

Discover Saint Emilion, heartland of Merlot grape growing that produces delicious, rich, round wines. The vines on the "hill of a thousand chateaux" reach right up to Saint Emilion's 13th-century town walls and the surrounding moat dug out of solid rock. Members of the local wine brotherhood, the Jurats, proclaim the vintage banns in much the same way as their ancestors did during the reign of Richard the Lionheart.

Depart the pier and make the scenic one-hour drive to visit the main monuments of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, including the Collegiale Church and its magnificent cloister from the 12th century, the ramparts, the marketplace, and the monolithic church or underground church from the 9th and 12th centuries. Consecrated to the holy hermit by the Benedictine monks, this church is unique in Europe for its size. It represents a stunning transformation of the natural caves in the cliff-face that have been used for religious purposes from prehistoric times to the present day. Beside the church, the catacombs include a charnel house and a number of sepulchers from the 11th and 12th centuries.

The Hermitage was constructed by transforming a natural grotto. There is some free time for strolling the streets in the evening, passing by the impressive Cadene Gate and the King's Tower. Discover the charming night life of this typical village, and the beauty of the illuminations on the limestone architectural elements all around. After your guided visit, enjoy dinner in one of the emblematic brasserie style restaurants of Saint Emilion village.

Return to the ship.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Saint Emilion (UNESCO World Heritage Site), Collegiale Church, Cadene Gate, King's Tower, guided visit

Note

Please note: This tour is not accessible for wheelchairs or for guests with walking difficulties, as there is a moderate amount of standing in the village and walking along the steep cobblestone streets. Flat, comfortable walking shoes and a warm jacket recommended. Please note local shops close around 6pm local time.