Chateaux, Rivers & Wine
VIKINGFRS260426HOL

Chateaux, Rivers & Wine

Departure 26 Apr 2026
Duration 7 Nights
Cruise Line Viking River Cruises
Ship Viking Forseti

Featured Cabins

0800 059 0570

Itinerary

Bordeaux, France

Date of arrival 26 Apr 2026

Bordeaux as a whole, rather than any particular points within it, is what you’ll want to visit in order to understand why Victor Hugo described it as Versailles plus Antwerp, and why the painter Francisco de Goya, when exiled from his native Spain, chose it as his last home (he died here in 1828). The capital of southwest France and the region’s largest city, Bordeaux remains synonymous with the wine trade: wine shippers have long maintained their headquarters along the banks of the Garonne, while buyers from around the world arrive for the huge biennial Vinexpo show (held in odd-number years).Bordeaux is, admittedly, a less exuberant city than many others in France, but lively and stylish elements are making a dent in its conservative veneer. The cleaned-up riverfront is said by some, after a bottle or two, to exude an elegance reminiscent of St. Petersburg, and that aura of 18th-century élan also permeates the historic downtown sector—“le vieux Bordeaux”—where fine shops invite exploration. To the south of the city center are old docklands undergoing renewal—one train station has now been transformed into a big multiplex movie theater—but the area is still a bit shady. To get a feel for the historic port of Bordeaux, take the 90-minute boat trip that leaves Quai Louis-XVIII every weekday afternoon, or the regular passenger ferry that plies the Garonne between Quai Richelieu and the Pont d’Aquitaine in summer. A nice time to stroll around the city center is the first Sunday of the month, when it’s pedestrian-only and vehicles are banned.

Bordeaux

Libourne, France

Date of arrival 27 Apr 2026

Libourne, France, is a historic town in the Bordeaux wine region, renowned for its vibrant market and beautiful architecture. Located along the Dordogne River, it features a charming blend of medieval and Renaissance buildings, including the striking Church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste. Libourne is a gateway to prestigious wine estates, including Pomerol and Saint-Émilion. The town’s bustling market and scenic riverside setting offer a delightful experience for visitors interested in wine, history, and local culture.

Libourne

Libourne, France

Date of arrival 28 Apr 2026

Libourne, France, is a historic town in the Bordeaux wine region, renowned for its vibrant market and beautiful architecture. Located along the Dordogne River, it features a charming blend of medieval and Renaissance buildings, including the striking Church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste. Libourne is a gateway to prestigious wine estates, including Pomerol and Saint-Émilion. The town’s bustling market and scenic riverside setting offer a delightful experience for visitors interested in wine, history, and local culture.

Libourne

Blaye, France

Date of arrival 29 Apr 2026

Blaye, France, is a picturesque town in the Gironde department, renowned for its historic Blaye Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage site with stunning views of the Gironde estuary. The town boasts charming streets, vibrant markets, and renowned vineyards producing exceptional wines, including Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux. Blaye’s blend of historical architecture, scenic river views, and local wine culture makes it an inviting destination for history enthusiasts and wine lovers alike.

Blaye

Pauillac, France

Date of arrival 30 Apr 2026

Pauillac, France, is a scenic village in the Bordeaux wine region, renowned for its prestigious vineyards and charming riverfront. Located on the Gironde estuary, it is famed for its high-quality red wines, including those from renowned châteaux like Lafite Rothschild and Mouton Rothschild. The village features historic buildings, vibrant markets, and stunning views of the estuary. Pauillac’s blend of rich winemaking heritage and picturesque landscapes makes it a delightful destination for wine enthusiasts and travellers seeking a taste of Bordeaux’s elegance.

Pauillac

Scenic Sailing: Garonne River

Date of arrival 1 May 2026

No additional details available for this day.

Scenic Sailing: Garonne River

Date of arrival 2 May 2026

No additional details available for this day.

Day 1

Bordeaux, France

Date of arrival 26 Apr 2026

Bordeaux as a whole, rather than any particular points within it, is what you’ll want to visit in order to understand why Victor Hugo described it as Versailles plus Antwerp, and why the painter Francisco de Goya, when exiled from his native Spain, chose it as his last home (he died here in 1828). The capital of southwest France and the region’s largest city, Bordeaux remains synonymous with the wine trade: wine shippers have long maintained their headquarters along the banks of the Garonne, while buyers from around the world arrive for the huge biennial Vinexpo show (held in odd-number years).Bordeaux is, admittedly, a less exuberant city than many others in France, but lively and stylish elements are making a dent in its conservative veneer. The cleaned-up riverfront is said by some, after a bottle or two, to exude an elegance reminiscent of St. Petersburg, and that aura of 18th-century élan also permeates the historic downtown sector—“le vieux Bordeaux”—where fine shops invite exploration. To the south of the city center are old docklands undergoing renewal—one train station has now been transformed into a big multiplex movie theater—but the area is still a bit shady. To get a feel for the historic port of Bordeaux, take the 90-minute boat trip that leaves Quai Louis-XVIII every weekday afternoon, or the regular passenger ferry that plies the Garonne between Quai Richelieu and the Pont d’Aquitaine in summer. A nice time to stroll around the city center is the first Sunday of the month, when it’s pedestrian-only and vehicles are banned.

Bordeaux
Day 2

Libourne, France

Date of arrival 27 Apr 2026

Libourne, France, is a historic town in the Bordeaux wine region, renowned for its vibrant market and beautiful architecture. Located along the Dordogne River, it features a charming blend of medieval and Renaissance buildings, including the striking Church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste. Libourne is a gateway to prestigious wine estates, including Pomerol and Saint-Émilion. The town’s bustling market and scenic riverside setting offer a delightful experience for visitors interested in wine, history, and local culture.

Libourne
Day 3

Libourne, France

Date of arrival 28 Apr 2026

Libourne, France, is a historic town in the Bordeaux wine region, renowned for its vibrant market and beautiful architecture. Located along the Dordogne River, it features a charming blend of medieval and Renaissance buildings, including the striking Church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste. Libourne is a gateway to prestigious wine estates, including Pomerol and Saint-Émilion. The town’s bustling market and scenic riverside setting offer a delightful experience for visitors interested in wine, history, and local culture.

Libourne
Day 4

Blaye, France

Date of arrival 29 Apr 2026

Blaye, France, is a picturesque town in the Gironde department, renowned for its historic Blaye Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage site with stunning views of the Gironde estuary. The town boasts charming streets, vibrant markets, and renowned vineyards producing exceptional wines, including Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux. Blaye’s blend of historical architecture, scenic river views, and local wine culture makes it an inviting destination for history enthusiasts and wine lovers alike.

Blaye
Day 5

Pauillac, France

Date of arrival 30 Apr 2026

Pauillac, France, is a scenic village in the Bordeaux wine region, renowned for its prestigious vineyards and charming riverfront. Located on the Gironde estuary, it is famed for its high-quality red wines, including those from renowned châteaux like Lafite Rothschild and Mouton Rothschild. The village features historic buildings, vibrant markets, and stunning views of the estuary. Pauillac’s blend of rich winemaking heritage and picturesque landscapes makes it a delightful destination for wine enthusiasts and travellers seeking a taste of Bordeaux’s elegance.

Pauillac
Day 6

Scenic Sailing: Garonne River

Date of arrival 1 May 2026

No additional details available for this day.

Day 7

Scenic Sailing: Garonne River

Date of arrival 2 May 2026

No additional details available for this day.

Bordeaux, France

Date of arrival 3 May 2026

Bordeaux as a whole, rather than any particular points within it, is what you’ll want to visit in order to understand why Victor Hugo described it as Versailles plus Antwerp, and why the painter Francisco de Goya, when exiled from his native Spain, chose it as his last home (he died here in 1828). The capital of southwest France and the region’s largest city, Bordeaux remains synonymous with the wine trade: wine shippers have long maintained their headquarters along the banks of the Garonne, while buyers from around the world arrive for the huge biennial Vinexpo show (held in odd-number years).Bordeaux is, admittedly, a less exuberant city than many others in France, but lively and stylish elements are making a dent in its conservative veneer. The cleaned-up riverfront is said by some, after a bottle or two, to exude an elegance reminiscent of St. Petersburg, and that aura of 18th-century élan also permeates the historic downtown sector—“le vieux Bordeaux”—where fine shops invite exploration. To the south of the city center are old docklands undergoing renewal—one train station has now been transformed into a big multiplex movie theater—but the area is still a bit shady. To get a feel for the historic port of Bordeaux, take the 90-minute boat trip that leaves Quai Louis-XVIII every weekday afternoon, or the regular passenger ferry that plies the Garonne between Quai Richelieu and the Pont d’Aquitaine in summer. A nice time to stroll around the city center is the first Sunday of the month, when it’s pedestrian-only and vehicles are banned.

Bordeaux
Day 8

Bordeaux, France

Date of arrival 3 May 2026

Bordeaux as a whole, rather than any particular points within it, is what you’ll want to visit in order to understand why Victor Hugo described it as Versailles plus Antwerp, and why the painter Francisco de Goya, when exiled from his native Spain, chose it as his last home (he died here in 1828). The capital of southwest France and the region’s largest city, Bordeaux remains synonymous with the wine trade: wine shippers have long maintained their headquarters along the banks of the Garonne, while buyers from around the world arrive for the huge biennial Vinexpo show (held in odd-number years).Bordeaux is, admittedly, a less exuberant city than many others in France, but lively and stylish elements are making a dent in its conservative veneer. The cleaned-up riverfront is said by some, after a bottle or two, to exude an elegance reminiscent of St. Petersburg, and that aura of 18th-century élan also permeates the historic downtown sector—“le vieux Bordeaux”—where fine shops invite exploration. To the south of the city center are old docklands undergoing renewal—one train station has now been transformed into a big multiplex movie theater—but the area is still a bit shady. To get a feel for the historic port of Bordeaux, take the 90-minute boat trip that leaves Quai Louis-XVIII every weekday afternoon, or the regular passenger ferry that plies the Garonne between Quai Richelieu and the Pont d’Aquitaine in summer. A nice time to stroll around the city center is the first Sunday of the month, when it’s pedestrian-only and vehicles are banned.

Bordeaux

Cabin Options

Viking Aegir Standard Stateroom.png

Standard Staterooms- Cat E & F

Welcome to the Standard Staterooms- Cat E & F aboard the Viking Forseti from Viking River Cruises, your home away from home. Your private abode includes a range of amenities for your enjoyment, relaxation and comfort.
Room Type Outside
Occupancy
Size
Screenshot 2019-01-21 at 11.16.32.png

Veranda Stateroom- Cat A & B

Welcome to the Veranda Stateroom- Cat A & B aboard the Viking Forseti from Viking River Cruises, your home away from home. Your private abode includes a range of amenities for your enjoyment, relaxation and comfort.
Room Type Outside
Occupancy 2 persons
Size
Screenshot 2019-01-21 at 11.18.44.png

Veranda Suite- Cat AA

Welcome to the Veranda Suite- Cat AA aboard the Viking Forseti from Viking River Cruises, your home away from home. Your private abode includes a range of amenities for your enjoyment, relaxation and comfort.
Room Type Suite
Occupancy 2 persons
Size
Screenshot 2019-01-21 at 11.19.45.png

Explorer Suite- Cat ES

Welcome to the Explorer Suite- Cat ES aboard the Viking Forseti from Viking River Cruises, your home away from home. Your private abode includes a range of amenities for your enjoyment, relaxation and comfort.
Room Type Suite
Occupancy 2 persons
Size
Viking Longship Veranda Suite 1.jpg

French Balcony- Cat C & D

Welcome to the French Balcony- Cat C & D aboard the Viking Forseti from Viking River Cruises, your home away from home. Your private abode includes a range of amenities for your enjoyment, relaxation and comfort.
Room Type Outside
Occupancy 2 persons
Size

Ship Facilities

All guests must be 18 years old on or before the day they are scheduled to embark on their cruise; we do not maintain facilities or services on board for younger individuals.

Dining
Enrichment
Entertainment
Health & Fitness
Younger Travellers

All guests must be 18 years old on or before the day they are scheduled to embark on their cruise; we do not maintain facilities or services on board for younger individuals.

About the Ship

Norse God of Justice

The Norse god of justice, Forseti, radiates the light of truth. He is eloquent, wise and, most of all, a fair and persuasive mediator. Forseti presides over all disputes of gods and men, giving all a proper hearing.

Viking forseti

Viking forseti Information

Launched 2013
Length 443 ft (135m)
Guest Capacity 190
Cabins 95
Crew Members 50

Deck Plans

Main Deck

  • Standard Staterooms (Cat E)
  • Standard Staterooms (Cat F)

Middle Deck

  • Shop

  • Restaurant
  • Guest Services
  • Veranda Staterooms (Cat A, B)
  • French Balcony Stateroom (Cat C, D)

Upper Deck

  • Internet Room

  • Library
  • Bar
  • The Lounge
  • Aquavit Terrace
  • Explorer Suites (Cat ES)
  • Veranda Staterooms (A, B)
  • Veranda Suites (Cat AA)
  • French Balcony Staterooms (C, D)

Sun Deck

  • Shaded Sitting Area
  • Putting Green
  • Herb Garden
  • Walking Track

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