Wine & Wonders of Bordeaux

What to do with your time...

Friday: Arrival & Riverside Stroll

Afternoon: Arrive in Bordeaux and check in at your hotel. Take some time to settle in and refresh.

Evening: Enjoy a leisurely walk along the Garonne River quays, soaking in views of the iconic Place de la Bourse and the Water Mirror. Finish with dinner at a riverside bistro, sampling local specialties and a glass of Bordeaux wine.

Saturday: Wine & Heritage

Morning: Take a guided half-day tour to the nearby vineyards of Médoc or Saint-Émilion, visiting prestigious châteaux and tasting world-class wines.

Afternoon: Head to La Cité du Vin, the city’s immersive wine museum. Explore the interactive exhibits and finish with a wine tasting overlooking Bordeaux’s skyline.

Evening: Return to the city and dine at a cosy restaurant in the historic Saint-Pierre district, enjoying classic French cuisine paired with regional wines.

Sunday: Markets, Museums & Local Flavours

Morning: Visit the Marché des Capucins, Bordeaux’s largest market, for fresh pastries and local produce.

Midday: Explore the city’s museums, such as the Musée des Beaux-Arts or the Bassins des Lumières digital art centre.

Afternoon: Take a relaxed stroll through the Jardin Public or along the charming streets of Chartrons, known for its antiques and boutiques.

Evening: Enjoy dinner at a wine bar, sampling small plates (tapas-style) paired with a selection of local reds and whites.

Monday: Final Sights & Departure

Morning: Visit the iconic Place de la Bourse and take a quick river cruise on the Garonne for one last view of the city.

Late morning: Grab a coffee and a light brunch at a café before heading back to the hotel to collect your bags.

Afternoon: Depart Bordeaux.

Hilton Garden Inn Bordeaux Centre

Perched beside the Garonne River and just one kilometre from Saint-Jean Train Station, Hilton Garden Inn Bordeaux Centre is a perfect starting point for exploring the city. The historic heart of Bordeaux—with landmarks like Bordeaux Cathedral and the Place de la Bourse, complete with its famous Water Mirror—is less than four kilometres away.

Enjoy all-day dining at the stylish Babette Concept Store restaurant or grab a quick coffee and snack from the café store in the lobby. Stay active in the fitness centre, and make the most of modern touches such as free Wi-Fi, digital key access, and connecting rooms for families or groups.

Hilton Garden Inn Bordeaux Centre offers 166 well-appointed rooms, including suites and accessible options. All feature contemporary décor, soundproofing, and practical amenities like mini-bars, tea and coffee-making facilities, and comfortable workspaces. Guests often praise the modern feel, cleanliness, and excellent breakfast.

Provisional Flight Information

08/05/26 Gatwick to Bordeaux Dep: 0815 Arr: 1055

11/05/26 Bordeaux to Gatwick Dep: 1520 Arr: 1605

08/05/26 Manchester to Bordeaux Dep: 0700 Arr: 0955

11/05/26 Bordeaux to Manchester Dep: 1450 Arr: 1545

08/05/26 Bristol to Bordeaux Dep: 1105 Arr: 1340

11/05/26 Bordeaux to Bristol Dep: 2300 Arr: 2340

08/05/26 London Luton to Bordeaux Dep: 1355 Arr: 1640

11/05/26 Bordeaux to London Luton Dep: 1425 Arr: 1510

Included luggage allowance 15kg

Passport validity

For UK passport holders your passport must be:

• Issued less than 10 years before the date you enter the country (check the ‘date of issue’)
• valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the ‘expiry date’)

You must check your passport meets these requirements before you travel. If your passport was issued before 1 October 2018, extra months may have been added to its expiry date.

ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System)

The rules of travel to most European countries have changed. Starting in the first half of 2025 UK citizens are required to have a travel authorisation to enter 30 European countries for a short stay.

ETIAS travel authorisation is an entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals travelling to a number of European countries. It is linked to a traveller’s passport. It is valid for up to three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. If you get a new passport, you need to get a new ETIAS travel authorisation.

With a valid ETIAS travel authorisation, you can enter the territory of these European countries as often as you want for short-term stays - normally for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. However, it does not guarantee entry. When you arrive, a border guard will ask to see your passport (and other documents if required) and verify that you meet the entry conditions.

NB - There is no official date for the ETIAS currently confirmed but when it is introduced it will be your responsibility to ensure that you have arranged this. We will update everyone when the ETIAS is required with information on how to apply for this online.

 Travel Insurance

Please ensure that you have adequate personal travel insurance to suit your requirements in place before you travel. Spice Escapes have arranged a scheme with Staysure who are fully authorised and regulated by the FCA (firm reference number 663617) full details of which can be found on the FCA website www.fca.org.uk. For an instant online quotation please click here.

Global Health Insurance Card

A UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) gives you the right to access state-provided healthcare during a temporary stay in the European Union (EU).

UK-issued European Health Insurance Cards (EHICs) are still valid and offer the same cover as GHICs in the EU.

Once your EHIC has expired, you’ll be able to replace it with a GHIC.

NB – A GHIC/EHIC is not a replacement for travel insurance!.

The latest FCO travel guidance for France

https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/france