Cognac Distillery Tour Private Shore Excursion from Bordeaux
Description Summary
Highlights
- ✓Explore two prestigious Cognac distilleries
- ✓Savor a delicious lunch in Cognac's historic center
- ✓Tailor your tour to suit your personal interests
- ✓Capture stunning photos in scenic locations
- ✓Sample exclusive Cognac varieties during tastings
Description
Embark on a delightful private cruise excursion from Bordeaux to Cognac, where stunning views along the Garonne River set the backdrop for your journey. You'll visit two famed Cognac houses, learning about the art of Cognac production while indulging in exclusive tastings.
During your day, a stop for lunch in the historic city of Cognac allows you to savor local flavors and soak in the charming atmosphere. With a local tour guide at your side, you'll explore this region's viniculture tailored to your interests, ensuring a personal and enriching experience.
Private Cognac Shore Excursion from Bordeaux
Step off your cruise ship in Bordeaux and slip into a full day dedicated to the world of Cognac, created for curious connoisseurs and comfort‑seeking seniors. Your English‑speaking driver‑guide welcomes you at the pier, helps you settle into a premium, air‑conditioned vehicle and outlines your relaxed plan for the day, so you always know what comes next.
Scenic Journey from Bordeaux to Cognac
As you leave the Garonne and head through the Charente countryside, you pass rolling vineyards, riverside villages and elegant manor houses that hint at Cognac’s long trading history. Along the way, your guide explains how this once‑quiet region became the home of France’s most famous brandy, from the first vineyards to today’s globally known houses.
Behind the Scenes at Two Cognac Houses
Your day includes exclusive visits at two carefully selected Cognac houses, chosen by our travel advisors to match your interests and availability on the day. At each property, you tour the cellars where oak barrels age in cool, dark silence, learn how double distillation works, and see how blending creates the different styles and ages of Cognac. Guided tastings help you compare aromas and textures, whether you are new to Cognac or already a devoted fan.
Leisurely Lunch in the Historic Town of Cognac
Around midday, you enjoy free time for lunch in the historic town of Cognac, with its riverside quays, narrow streets and quiet squares. You are free to choose the restaurant that suits your tastes—from traditional Charentais cuisine to lighter options—while your guide can offer suggestions if you wish. This break also gives you time for a gentle stroll, a café stop, or a little browsing in local boutiques before the afternoon visits.
Comfort, Flexibility and Peace of Mind
Throughout the day, you travel in a spacious, comfortable vehicle with door‑to‑door service, so there are no train changes or taxi hassles to manage. Timing, driving and reservations at the Cognac houses are all handled in advance, leaving you free to concentrate on the stories, the scents in the glass and the pleasure of discovering something new. Tasting fees, lunch and personal purchases remain at your discretion, giving you the freedom to tailor how indulgent your day becomes.
Included / Excluded
- ✓Reservation for 2 selected Cognac Houses
- ✓Cognac tasting fees included
- ✓English-speaking driver/guide
- ✓Travel in premium, spacious vehicles
- ✗Personal travel insurance & expenses
- ✗Meals & drinks (lunch)
- ✗Gratuities for the driver/guide
Itinerary
Cognac private shore excursion from Bordeaux
- 1
Depart from Quai Louis XVIII, Bordeaux
Meet your guide and leave Bordeaux by premium, air‑conditioned vehicle and follow a scenic route through vineyards and quiet villages toward Cognac.
- 2
Cognac
During the comfortable drive of around 1.5 to 2 hours, your English‑speaking driver‑guide shares stories about the Charente region and introduces you to the world of Cognac.
- 3
Distillery visit & Cognac tasting
Arrive in Cognac and step inside your first distillery for a guided visit of the stills and ageing cellars, followed by a relaxed Cognac tasting that introduces you to the house’s signature styles.
1h 30m
- 4
Lunch in Cognac
After your tasting, enjoy free time in the historic town of Cognac for personal discovery and a leisurely lunch at your own expense, with plenty of cafés and restaurants to choose from at your own pace.
- 5
Winery visit & Cognac tasting
In the afternoon, continue with a guided visit of a second distillery, where you tour the cellars and enjoy another carefully curated Cognac tasting that highlights a different house style and ageing profile.
1h 30m
- 6
Return to Quai Louis XVIII, Bordeaux
After your final tasting, sit back and relax as your driver returns you directly to your cruise ship in Bordeaux, with your arrival timed comfortably ahead of the all-aboard for a smooth, worry-free end to the day.
Start / End Locations
Commentary
Audio • Language: en
Important Information
Know Before You Book
- Visits to two Cognac houses, hand‑picked by our travel advisors
- Cellar tours and guided tastings included at each house
- English‑speaking driver‑guide and premium, air‑conditioned vehicle
- Free time for lunch in the town of Cognac; meals are at your own expense
- Tour pacing is relaxed and can be adapted within reason
Know Before You Go
- Typical duration: around 9–hours door to door from Bordeaux
- Drive time to Cognac is approximately 2 hours each way
- Expect some walking on flat streets and in cellars; floors may be slightly uneven
- Smart‑casual clothing and comfortable closed‑toe shoes are recommended
- Bottles can usually be purchased at the end of each visit
Cancellation
Cancellation Cutoff: 48 hours
Cancellation Notes: Up to 48 hours before the beginning of the activity: full refund Less than 48 hours before the beginning of the activity or no-show: no refund
Options and Pricing
Total Price
| 2 participants minimum | RETAIL PRICE | NET RATE |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | €920.00 | €848.00 |
| 3 participants - Price per person | RETAIL PRICE | NET RATE |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | €340.00 | €316.00 |
| 4 participants - Price per person | RETAIL PRICE | NET RATE |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | €280.00 | €262.00 |
| 5 participants - Price per person | RETAIL PRICE | NET RATE |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | €245.00 | €230.00 |
| 6 participants - Price per person | RETAIL PRICE | NET RATE |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | €220.00 | €208.00 |
| 7 participants - Price per person | RETAIL PRICE | NET RATE |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | €205.00 | €193.00 |
| 8 participants - Price per person | RETAIL PRICE | NET RATE |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | €190.00 | €181.00 |
Points of Interest
Terms and Conditions
Refund Policy: You must notify us at least 48 hours in advance if your ship cannot dock (due to weather or port changes) to qualify for a refund.
All our terms and conditions can be found here: https://www.ophorus.com/terms-sales
All private shore excursions must clearly specify the name of the ship and the local port of call. Ophorus will not be held responsible if the wrong port of call has been notified during reservation process. Each customer has to check that he or she has the appropriate documents for their journey; a passport (with visa if necessary) or a valid ID card.
No refund will be granted in case of lack or loss of ID documents. Eating, drinking and smoking on board the minivans is strictly forbidden (law of September, 17th, 1977). All passengers are insured during the excursions while in the vans. The responsibility of Ophorus is limited to our insurance contract clauses.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs
Additional Information
If you want to share your tour with others, you can put it on Cruise Critic. Most of the time this gives good results. You must do this yourself as we are not accepted on their site as a professional business. We accept split payment transactions by credit card.
This private shore excursion is ideal for all discerning travelers who enjoy craftsmanship, culture and comfort in equal measure. It suits anyone who prefers small‑group private touring over big coaches, values unhurried time with expert guides, and wants to return to the ship with a deeper understanding of Cognac rather than just another label in their luggage.
Voucher Information
Please note: This tour is timed to your ship’s schedule. Your guide will meet you just outside the cruise terminal after disembarkation holding a sign with your name. In case of any last‑minute changes by the cruise line, please check your ship’s daily program and contact us as soon as possible so we can adjust timings accordingly.
Group Information
We can handle any group size (from 8 people) ranging from small groups to larger groups. Transportation options include private vehicles, mini-vans, mini-buses and large buses.
Just get in touch to find out more! Contact us by email: groups@ophorus.com (groups from 8 people)
For groups of 2-8 people please fill out this form: https://ophorus.com/contact-us