Exclusive for Mail on Sunday readers: A Bordeaux cruise with chef James Martin to discover his roots

Exclusive for Mail on Sunday readers: See beautiful Bordeaux with chef James Martin – discover the TV star’s culinary roots on a luxury 8-day cruise

With breathtaking scenery and glorious weather almost all year round, the Atlantic coast of France is home to medieval landmarks and magnificent vineyards. 

And on this eight-day luxury river cruise along the Garonne, Dordogne and Gironde, you’ll experience the region’s full flavour – with one of the UK’s most popular chefs, James Martin.

The chef, who hosts his own ITV show – Saturday Morning With James Martin – says his early trips to the Bordeaux region are what cemented his passion for food and set him on the path to a culinary career. 

During an oyster and wine tasting at Cussac-Fort-Medoc, James will tell tales of trying his first croissant during his formative years working in kitchens in the area. Pictured are mist-covered vineyards in the region

OUR SPECIAL GUESTS 

James Martin

You will be joined by James Martin

You will be joined by James Martin

One of the nation’s favourite chefs, his TV shows have included James Martin: Home Comforts, Saturday Kitchen and James Martin’s French Adventure. He can be found at James Martin Manchester and The Kitchen at Chewton Glen.

Susy Atkins

You will also take part in tastings with Susy Atkins

You will also take part in tastings with Susy Atkins

Susy is an award-winning wine writer, broadcaster and columnist. She was on BBC1’s Saturday Kitchen for 12 years and has written 11 books on wine.

He worked as a trainee in the Michelin-starred Hostellerie de Plaisance in Saint-Emilion, and is a regular visitor to this beautiful part of France.

He’ll share his love of the area during an exclusive talk, gala dinner, oyster-tasting and a French classics cooking demonstration. 

Also on this fabulous foodie experience will be wine expert Susy Atkins, who will take part in tastings of the region’s delicious wines with you.

Setting off from Bordeaux, you’ll discover the Unesco-listed citadel in Blaye, where you can do yoga in the heart of the fortress. And you’ll travel through the Medoc region, Cadillac, Saint-Emilion and Libourne before returning to your starting point.

You’ll travel on the newest and most luxurious river cruise ship in France, SS Bon Voyage. 

It’s uniquely designed to immerse guests in French culture, art and wine, from its stunning polished-wood lobby to the marble-bathroomed staterooms. 

On board, you will find a choice of restaurants offering five-star cuisine with all meals and unlimited drinks included, a lounge, sun deck with stunning infinity pool, well-equipped fitness centre and the luxury Serenity River Spa.

REASONS TO BOOK

Meet James Martin: In his book, James Martin’s French Adventure, James writes: ‘France is the place that made me the chef I am today.’ 

During an oyster and wine tasting at Cussac-Fort-Medoc, he will tell tales of trying his first croissant during his formative years working in kitchens in the area. 

James and the Uniworld chefs will also create a special gala dinner menu for you.

Take part in tastings with Susy Atkins: The region is famed for its vineyards, and you will visit some of the most spectacular chateaux and wineries during your luxury river cruise. 

The Pont de Pierre in Bordeaux. The city is the hub of a region that is home to some of the world's best-known wine estates

The Pont de Pierre in Bordeaux. The city is the hub of a region that is home to some of the world’s best-known wine estates 

YOUR ITINERARY

DAY 1 Bordeaux DAY 2 Blaye and Bourg DAY 3 Fort Medoc and Pauillac DAY 4 Cadillac and Libourne DAY 5 Saint-Emilion DAY 6 Libourne DAYS 7-8 Bordeaux

To help you make the most of your visits, you will be accompanied on tastings at Chateau Beau-Sejour Becot and Chateau d’Abzac by wine expert Susy, who will be able to answer your questions there and on board.

Cruise in complete luxury: Sailing with Uniworld is like cruising in a five-star hotel – you’ll enjoy industry-leading service throughout your journey through the beautiful countryside. 

In your Classic Stateroom you will find hand-crafted Savoir beds. Wi-fi is included shipwide, as are tips and gratuities.

Unforgettable excursions: Experience the very best of Bordeaux, including the Libourne farmers’ market to sample local cheeses, bread and fruit. 

You can also try a bike tour through Bordeaux’s backstreets and discover three Unesco World Heritage Sites.

WHAT’S INCLUDED 

  • Return flights from the UK, Eurostar or self-drive.
  • Seven nights in a Classic Stateroom on SS Bon Voyage.
  • Oyster and wine tasting, gala dinner, talk, Q&A and cooking demonstration with James Martin.
  • Wine tastings with Susy Atkins, including stunning wineries in Libourne and Saint-Emilion.
  • All meals on board, prepared with high-quality, locally sourced ingredients.
  • Six days of immersive, flexible and specially curated excursions.

HOW TO BOOK

The price: From £2,249pp*. The dates: March 21 to 28, 2021 (March 28 to April 4 is sold out). 

Call 0808 239 0954 quoting reference MOS JAMES MARTIN. To find out more, visit mailtravel.co.uk/jamesmartin.

Terms and conditions: * Price based on two people sharing a cabin. Subject to availability. Single supplement applies. This trip is exclusive to Mail Travel and other selected media partners. Uniworld is ATOL- (10975) and ABTA-protected (Y6200). For full T&Cs, visit mailtravel.co.uk/jamesmartin.

Read more at DailyMail.co.uk