River cruise shore excursions cover a lot of ground, both physically and figuratively. They maximize the time you have at a given port, going directly to the target destination — such as a mountaintop castle or remote beach — so that you can immerse yourself in the natural splendor and engaging history of the locale. Alternatively, shore excursions offered during a wine- or culinary-themed cruise often trade the castle or beach for a vineyard or local market, giving you a chance to learn about the area’s gastronomic specialties. If such flavorful outings capture your attention, here are a few examples to whet your appetite even more.
Saint-Emilion, France
Grand Cru Classé Wine Tasting in Saint-Emilion
Iconic châteaux, undulating grapevines and delicious wines are plentiful on a wine-themed journey through France’s legendary wine capital, Bordeaux. The highlight would be this excursion to Saint-Emilion, known for its celebrated vineyards, where you’ll explore a monolithic church carved out of limestone, under which you’ll descend to visit its catacombs and caves. Afterward, enjoy a Grand Cru Classé wine tasting at either Château de Ferrand or Château de Pressac, both of which will rank at the very top of the most gorgeous places you’ve ever visited.
Wine Tasting
Lunch at a Quinta in the Douro Valley
Once you disembark your river cruise ship in Pinhão, you’ll find yourself surrounded by the picturesque vineyards and rolling hills of the Douro Valley. On this excursion, you’ll spend the day at a local quinta — a country estate — for an authentic culinary experience complete with entertainment. This particular estate, Quinta da Avessada, also acts as an interactive museum that showcases the history of wine in the Alto Douro region. The event concludes with a tasting of Portugal’s renowned wine, vinho do Porto, during which you’ll learn how to appreciate this sweet nectar.
Truffle Hunting
Truffle Hunting in Provence
Join your tour group on an unforgettable visit to one of France’s most distinguished growing regions for truffles, where you’ll visit a farm to watch trained dogs hunt for these treasures. Meet Labrador Retrievers and Lagotto Romagnolos as they use their keen sense of smell to outsmart both machine and man to sniff out the delectable fungus, which grows underground. During your visit, you’ll taste how they use truffles in olive oils and salts — just the inspiration you need to consider adding this decadent twist to your own cooking at home.
AmaCello, Avignon, France
Ready to set sail? Our travel agents can help you choose the ideal cruise line to launch your voyage of flavorful discovery. For such a trip, we often recommend AmaWaterways, which offers numerous wine- or culinary-themed voyages on Europe’s storied rivers. In fact, they create unique excursions you will not find anywhere else; while several cruise lines visit Saint-Emilion, only AmaWaterways offers the Grand Cru Classé tasting.
Contact our cruise specialists today to plan your culinary cruise adventure.
