October in France: Wine Country

Few cities set the stage for a gathering quite like Bordeaux — a city that has spent three centuries perfecting the art of hospitality. Your group converges here from different corners of the world, some arriving with the rhythm of Paris still in their step, others freshly crossed from the Atlantic. For five days, Bordeaux will be your shared home: the golden limestone of the Chartrons district, the sweep of the Garonne, the quiet roads of Saint-Émilion and the Médoc, and evenings that tend to run delightfully long.

This overview is your group's common thread. The details that make each journey uniquely yours — arrival transfers, pre-trip Paris stays, and onward adventures to San Sebastián, Bilbao, or Barcelona — are woven into your individual itineraries.

Marty Hotel Bordeaux

Located a short walk from the heart of Bordeaux, the group is accommodated across two room categories — four King Deluxe Rooms and two Single Queen Rooms. Breakfast is included throughout the stay.

Day by Day

Day 1 · Monday, October 5

Arrivals & Welcome

Via Paris — Brandon, Elena, Chris, Sue, Mike, Angela & David

Via Airport — Linda, Chris & Janis

Once the group is settled, an Introduction to Bordeaux walking tour sets the stage beautifully — tracing the city's arc from its Medieval origins through its Golden Age and into the Bordeaux of today, beginning near the cathedral in the historic center.

Day 2 · Tuesday, October 6

Médoc Wine Region — Full Day Excursion

A private driver-guide collects the group from the hotel for a full day in the Médoc. Just thirty minutes from Bordeaux, the Route des Châteaux winds through the appellations of Margaux, Saint-Julien, Pauillac, and Saint-Estèphe. October brings the harvest — the vineyards at their most alive — with private château visits and tastings throughout the day.

Day 3 · Wednesday, October 7

Bordeaux at Your Own Pace

A free day with three curated options to choose from, each offering a distinct way into the heart of Bordeaux.

Optional Experiences

Half-Day E-Bike Tour in Entre-Deux-Mers — following the historic Roger Lapébie trail through vineyards, with wine tasting and lunch

Market Tour, Cooking Class & Lunch — a chef-led morning at Marché des Capucins in the Saint-Michel neighborhood

Prestige Garonne River Cruise — 90 minutes aboard with a glass of wine and a canelé, guided commentary throughout

Day 4 · Thursday, October 8

Saint-Émilion — Full Day Wine Tour

The group ventures to the Right Bank's most celebrated village — a UNESCO-listed medieval hilltop town perched above some of Bordeaux's most coveted vineyards. Eight hours with a private driver-guide, private cellar visits, and tastings of the Merlot-dominant wines that have made Saint-Émilion legendary.

Day 5 · Friday, October 9

Time at Leisure

A final, unhurried day in Bordeaux — time to revisit a favorite wine shop, linger over a long lunch, or simply enjoy the city before the group goes its separate ways.

Day 6 · Saturday, October 10

Departures

Airport transfer — Linda, Chris & Janis

Private transfer to San Sebastián — remaining group