The Experience

The medieval village of St. Emilion, a UNESCO World Heritage, is surrounded for miles by the famous vineyards of Bordeaux, where the predominantly Merlot and Cabernet Franc grapes are grown to produce the Premier Grands Cru class wines which this region is best known. About 2 miles from the village and 3 miles from the Libourne Train Station is the 4-star Grand Barrail Chateau Resort & Spa, a world-class resort featuring a restaurant with gastronomic meals and a fine selection of regional wines, plus spa, heated pool and more. Combine fine accommodations and a historic village with an underground cathedral with some of the finest wines in the world, and you have a recipe for a perfect vacation. This side-trip makes a great addition to a few days in Paris, Bordeaux, Loire Valley and even the French Riviera. Includes:

  • 2 nights Chateau Grand Barrail
  • One 4-course dinner at Grand Barrail
  • Guided St. Emilion Underground Monuments tour
  • Wine tasting at two area vineyards
  • 3-day compact manual rental car
  • Daily breakfast

Day 1: Arrive St. Emilion Pick up your car for your drive through the vineyards of Bordeaux surrounding the village of St. Emilion. (The nearest Hertz location is in Bordeaux, about 28 miles and less than 40 minutes from Chateau Grand Barrail. Accommodation & dinner, St. Emilion.) Four-course dinner in the restaurant at the Grand Barrail with a menu of characteristic dishes from southwest France in an elegant setting of stained glass, antique furnishings and unique wall and ceiling moldings in one of three striking dining rooms. Or in summer months, dine on the terrace overlooking the park and surrounding vineyards. (Drinks not included. Please present your voucher prior to ordering. Arrange for your preferred reservation time at the front desk upon arrival.) Day 2: St. Emilion After breakfast, you have a tour of St. Emilion’s Underground Monuments. Arrive on your own at the Tourist Office in St. Emilion by 11:15 a.m., then after your tour enjoy lunch your own in town before your visit of two local vineyards for a tasting in the afternoon. (Breakfast & accommodations, St. Emilion) St. Emilion’s Underground Monuments Tour Departs at 11:30 a.m. from the Tourist Office in St. Emilion. From the Place des Craneaux,, next to the bell tower, your guide will tell you the story of the medieval town before exploring the natural grotto of the monk Emilion, founder of the town, and the catacombs. Your tour ends at the largest church in Europe carved from one solid limestone rock. (Present voucher at Tourist Office; tour lasts 45 minutes to an hour; conducted in English.) Your vineyard visit + wine tasting at two St Emilion Chateau The arrangements for your two wine tastings are made by the staff of The Grand Barrail Chateau. (Map and directions at the Chateau upon your arrival.) Day 3: Depart St. Emilion After breakfast, you,™re ready for your next Avanti destination. (Breakfast, St. Emilion)

Start with our vacation planner so we can match you with our most suitable travel advisor. We do it all for you, air, car, accommodations, tours, you name, it in a seamless luxury vacation experience you will treasure for a lifetime.