Viking River sailing into France’s Bordeaux region

Viking River Cruises has introduced a new itinerary in France’s Bordeaux region for 2014 that will celebrate the senses. The eight-day cruise — Châteaux, Rivers & Wine — allows guests to enjoy the beauty and history of Bordeaux and the Aquitaine region, while exploring some of the world’s finest names in wine. Guests will sail on Viking Forseti, marking the first time an award-winning Viking Longship will be deployed in France. Châteaux, Rivers & Wine takes guests on a unique exploration of the Dordogne, Garonne and Gironde Rivers, through the region that has for centuries produced France’s most remarkable wines, including Margaux, Pomerol, St. Emilion and Sauternes. The eight-day cruise journey begins in Bordeaux and makes its first stop in Pauillac, where guests can sip the full-bodied blends of the renowned Médoc and Margaux wine regions and travel along the famed Route des Châteaux for an insight into authentic château life. Next, guests have the opportunity to explore the Citadel in Blaye and the charming town of St. Emilion — both UNESCO World Heritage sites — before continuing on to picturesque Cadillac, where they can taste the sweet Premier Cru wines from the Sauternes region. The unhurried voyage concludes with an in-depth tour of the beautiful churches, grand Louis XV architecture and charming cafes of Bordeaux. For more details on Châteaux, Rivers & Wine itineraries, visit http://www.vikingrivercruises.com . Until Dec. 19, Viking is offering a 2013 Early Booking Discount with up to two-for-one cruise pricing and up to two-for-one international air.