Bordeaux Small Group Learning Escape

Very few Americans ever really get to KNOW the city of Bordeaux. They stop by for a day or two, taste a few wines, see a few sights and then head off again, likely to somewhere kinder to the wallet.

I feel that there is no better way to learn about a people and their culture than to visit their markets, share their stories, play their games and share a meal with wine.

So that's exactly what we're going to do on this trip. We will buck the trend and really immerse ourselves in the community and the culture.

To view the full ITINERARY & REGISTER visit:
Bordeaux Small Group Learning Escape

# Day 1 – Friday, June 13, 2025

Enjoy a comfortable private transfer from Bordeaux–Mérignac International Airport (BOD) or Bordeaux Train Station to your accommodations at 4-star Hotel Burdigala. Your chauffeurs will be waiting for you at the arrival lounge just after you pick up your luggage. Just look for a sign with your name.
After spending the afternoon settling in, meet your travel companions and take a short walk to Restaurant Influences an elegant, modern and gourmet restaurant located in the heart of Bordeaux.
This establishment stands out for its refined cuisine which boldly combines local flavors and modern influences. In this elegant and friendly setting, we’ll have a unique culinary experience where each dish tells a story to awaken your senses and take your taste buds on a journey.

# Day 2 – Saturday, June 14, 2025

We continue our exploration of Bordeaux with a 3-hour introductory tour with a local. This private tour provides a perfect introduction to Bordeaux for first-timers or a reorientation for returning travelers to this unique region of France. We will explore Bordeaux’s viniculture and local history.
Tonight, we’re headed to a once in a lifetime Grand Masked Ball organized by the Bordeaux National Opera at Gerard Boireau Salon of the Grand Theatre. This ball provides an opportunity for us to join local Bordeaux residents in learning period dances with professional experienced dancers of the Ballet de l'Opéra. And for those of us who love to dress up, now’s our chance!!!!

# Day 3 – Sunday, June 15, 2025

Chef Anne leads us on this delightful tour that is half food and half history! On 2 1/2hr tour we’ll visit the bustling Marche des Capucins where see restaurant chefs purchasing their products for the day and home chefs searching for inspiration. We’ll spend a good hour exploring the market and tasting our way through the stalls and enjoying local products like regional oysters, Basque cheese and charcuterie. Then we’ll head into the historic center of Bordeaux to visit the small local shops as Chef Anne discusses the history of the city as a port. This is where we will explore pastry and spices with our tastebuds. After we’ve tasted our way through the SW of France we’ll finish with seasonal plates and wine pairing.

# Day 4 – Monday, June 16, 2025

Today with our local guide Emmanuel, we’ll head south to visit the 14th century Château de La Brède, home of the writer and philosopher Charles Louis de Secondat, better known as Montesquieu.
Next, we’ll head to Saint-Andre-du-Bois to Château Malromé, the former family home of the famous painter Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. Château Malromé is also home to one of the oldest winegrowing estates that is still in operation. We’ll stroll this vineyard that has been in operation for five centuries, enjoy a tasting during an oenological tour of the barrel cellars and then enjoy a 3-course lunch, with wine, of course.
Next we head to Chateau Guiraud. Originally known as La Maison Noble du Bayle, the estate earned its name, and its fame, when it was purchased by the Guiraud family in 1766.

# Day 5 – Tuesday, June 17, 2025

This morning we’ll visit the Gastronome Bordeaux housed in a 17th-century building, where Chef Daniel Bowers and Wine Enthusiast Erica Bowers will provide us with an immersive culinary experience.
In this hands-on private class in a fully equipped, state-of-the-art kitchen, we’ll learn to master the basics of crafting traditional French tart dough (pâte brisée) and classic flaky pie dough.
After class we’ll enjoy a delicious three-course lunch (with both sweet and savory offerings) and wine pairings.

This afternoon we’ll get a chance to work off lunch by joining some local folks in a game of Pétanque. Afterwards, we’ll try the regional favorite aperitifs Pastis and Lillet with some snacks.

# Day 6 – Wednesday, June 18, 2025

Today is yours to explore Bordeaux as you choose. Or just enjoy a free morning before taking an optional HALF-Day tour to Saint-Emilion and Medoc, from Bordeaux.
HALF-Day tour to Saint-Emilion and Medoc, from Bordeaux
This afternoon opt to enjoy a drive to Saint-Emilion and discover firsthand some of the region’s scenic beauty. Learn the secrets of Saint-Émilion’s famous red wines, the importance of terroir and the art of producing Grand Cru wines on a guided tour of a Grand Cru winery. We’ll enjoy a charming walk along the streets of the village. We’ll also tour a family-owned winery in either the Saint-Emilion Grand Cru or Pomerol appellation. Enjoy an expert tasting followed by a last glass of wine served with local delicacies.

# Day 7 – Thursday, June 19, 2025

Head to the coastal town of Arcachon to encounter the tallest sand dune in Europe. Climb stairs to the top to get a breathtaking view over the Atlantic Ocean, the Arcachon Basin, the Banc d’Arguin, Landaise Forest, and the Cap Ferret peninsula. Our private guide will explain the different characteristics of the Dune, and regale us with its stories and legends.

Learn about the culture of this area which is heavily centered around fishing and oyster farming. Enjoy a lunch of fresh shrimp, oysters and pate accompanied of course by white and rose wine.

Visit Winter Hill Village and the Observatoire Sainte Cecile designed by architect Paul Régnauld with the assistance of a young Gustav Eiffel.

# Day 8 – Friday, June 20, 2025

Your professionally-trained driver will greet you with a name sign in the reception of the hotel, and offer to assist with luggage and guide you to your vehicle to go Bordeaux Airport BOD.

WHAT’S INCLUDED:
▪️ 7 nights’ accommodations
▪️ Round Trip Airport to Hotel transfers
▪️ Daily breakfast
▪️ Welcome group dinner including tips (beverages &bev tips excluded)
▪️ Bordeaux Old Town Local Market Food&Wine Tour (includes tastings & guide tip)
▪️ Historic Castles Day Trip w/3-course lunch (includes guide tip)
▪️ Cooking Class – w/3-course lunch (includes chef/host tip)
▪️ Pétanque Lesson & Aperitif tasting w/snacks (Dinner not included)
▪️ Dune du Pilat Day Trip and Oysters & Shrimp Tasting (guide tip incl)

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED:
▪️ Roundtrip airfare or train fare to Bordeaux
▪️ Travel insurance
▪️ Items of personal nature
▪️ Meals not listed above
▪️ Optional excursions and tours not listed above
▪️ Gratuities & tips for personal services (ie housekeeping, airport transportation etc.)