River Cruising the Bordeaux
There are lots of ways to explore Europe—by train, plane, and teeny, tiny automobile. But I’ve fallen in love with river cruising. It’s the epic, romantic trip that’s as much about the journey as it is the destination.
When you explore by riverboat, no moment is wasted. Riverboats harness everything that’s great about cruising. You only unpack once, sleep in the same bed every night, with access to incredible tours, excursions, and cultural experiences. Unlike giant oceanliners, riverboats provide an intimate travel experience.
What’s more, river cruising makes what could be a stressful travel experience a breeze. So often, we try to pack too much in the vacation of our dreams. I get it—a European trip is a vacation of a lifetime, and you want to squeeze out every last drop. However, it’s hard to be fully present when you’re tackling all the logistics yourself. Why not let a seasoned pro plan all the hard stuff, like transportation, tickets, and reservations? When you don’t have to focus on the nitty-gritty details, it’s easier to soak up the beauty and history.
This summer, I’m embarking on AmaWaterway’s signature AmaDolce for a Taste of Bordeaux cruise. If you’re a fan of French culture, lifestyle, wine, and food, this trip will surpass your wildest dreams. Iconic châteaux, timeless vineyards, and delicious wine tastings… I can already feel my pinky finger rising as I sip on a full-bodied claret (full disclosure: I had to Google what a claret is… but I bet I’ll know it very well by the end of the trip!).
Our beautiful boat, the AmaDolce, makes stops in Libourne, Blaye, Bourg, Pauillac, and Cadillac before returning back to Bordeaux. In addition to fantastic excursions spanning unique wine tastings to invigorating bike tours, we’ll enjoy dinners onboard featuring exquisite locally-sourced cuisine and wine. I’m hosting two interactive sessions discussing my adventures, and sharing travel advice garnered from over 20 years of creating and hosting travel shows.
I hope you’ll join me on this adventure of a lifetime. See you in Bordeaux!
To learn more about Samantha Brown's Places to Love, go to AAA.com/SamanthaBrown.
