Get a taste of Bordeaux with chef James Martin
THERE are few places better to visit than the south west of France if you consider yourself a lover of fine food and wine. According to TV chef and presenter James Martin, the region is ‘the food destination that has it all’ and he’ll share its secrets and delights with you on this eight-day luxury cruise along the Garonne, Dordogne and Gironde.
The chef, host of ITV show Saturday Morning With James Martin, says his early trips to the Bordeaux region are what cemented his passion for food and set him on the path to a 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.
He’ll share his love of the area during an exclusive talk, gala dinner, oyster-tasting and a French classics cooking demonstration.
To accompany the fabulous foodie experiences, you’ll also be joined by wine expert Susy Atkins, who will take part in samplings of the region’s delicious wines with you.
Setting off from Bordeaux, you’ll discover the Unesco-listed citadel in Blaye, where you can do yoga in the heart of the fortress, travel through the Medoc region and see Cadillac, SaintEmilion and Libourne before returning to your starting point.
You’ll travel on the newest and most luxurious river cruise ship in France, SS Bon Voyage.
It’s uniquely designed to immerse guests in French culture, art and wine – from its impressive polished-wood lobby to the marble-bathroom staterooms. On board, you will find a choice of restaurants offering five-star cuisine with all meals and unlimited drinks included, a lounge, sun deck with stunning infinity pool, wellequipped fitness centre and the luxury Serenity River Spa.
Five-star all-inclusive river cruise from £2,249pp*
REASONS TO BOOK
Meet James Martin: In his book James Martin’s French Adventure, James writes: ‘France is the place that made me the chef I am today.’ He will tell tales of trying his first croissant during his formative years working in kitchens in the area, during an oysterand wine-tasting at Cussac -Fort-Medoc. James and the Uniworld
chefs will also create a special gala dinner menu for you.
Tastings with Susy Atkins: The region is famed for its vineyards and you will visit some of the most spectacular chateaux and wineries during your cruise. To help you make the most of your visits, you will be accompanied on tastings by wine expert Susy, who will join a question-andanswer questions on board.
Cruise in complete luxury: Sailing with Uniworld is like cruising in a five-star hotel – you’ll enjoy industryleading service while you journey through the beautiful countryside. In your classic stateroom you will find hand-crafted Savoir beds. Wi-fi is included on board, as are gratuities.
Unforgettable excursions:
Experience the very best of Bordeaux, including the Libourne farmers’ market, where you will have a chance to sample local cheeses, bread and fruit. You can also try a bike tour through Bordeaux’s backstreets and discover three Unesco World Heritage Sites.