bordeaux Archives - Unique Journeys LLC

EXPERIENCE THE WINES OF BORDEAUX

Feb 22, 2021

Experience the wines of Bordeaux on a Taste of Bordeaux cruise with AMA Waterways. You can start your journey by flying in Bilbao, Spain and ending in Paris or the reverse. Doing the pre and post-cruise extensions is a great way to extend your cruise, but if you are short on time, you can fly into and out of Bordeaux for your 7-night cruise. In either event, you will find that AMA Waterways has planned terrific stops along the way so that you can experience the full range of vineyards, wineries and other significant places of interest.

What an awesome itinerary through the different wine regions of Bordeaux

Cadillac

While touring the vineyards and learning about terroir, you will also learn about the “noble rot”. It may not sound appetizing, but it creates a great Sauterne, which you will be able to taste for yourself.

You may also have the opportunity to experience the great European tradition of the weekly farmers market. Why not pick up some bread and cheese to take back to the ship to share with your new friends. You will also find a French specialty known as Canele. Impossible to eat just one.

Experience local markets on your Taste of Bordeaux Cruise

You will also have the chance to visit a castle that has been in the same family for 700 years. Roquetataillade is a masterpiece of medieval military architecture. As spectacular as the castle is, you will marvel at the chapel with its Moorish influence.

Pauillac

On your cruise to Experience the Wines of Bordeaux, you are now entering the the Medoc Region. Pauillac is the gateway to this region which is home to some of the most beautiful and famous wine estates. This is your chance to experience a wine tasting of Grand Cru wines and to learn about the history associated with Grand Cru. There are several choices for your shore excursions, but they all end up with you tasting some great wines.

Bourg/Blaye

Once in Blaye you can see the UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE of the 17th century citadel. You say you want a little more action? How about biking around the town!

You can either bike from Blaye to Bourg or enjoy the comfort of the ship as it sails there. AMA Waterways has arranged for an exclusive wine festival in Bourg. Here you can meet and mingle with the local wine growers while sipping on their local wines and enjoying live music and perhaps some dancing.

Libourne

Just when you thought you have seen the best, you will arrive in Libourne and a visit to Saint-Emilion. Perched on a hill, it has great views, great wine and an underground church. You will visit the monolithic church which was carved out of a single piece of limestone and the venture under the Church to explore the catacombs and caves. Now it’s time for another wine tasting since this region has their own brand of wine based on the distinctive terroir. Some of the production of wineries in the region is so small that they don’t export any of their wines. This is a great opportunity for the wine connoisseurs to take home a great wine that no one else is able to get. You can also bring back stories of your experience of getting up close and personal with the people who have created this great wine. What great bragging rights.

NOW IS NOT TOO SOON to begin taking steps to find your next exciting river cruise. Unique Journeys is a valuable asset to make certain you get the right cruise at the right time and for the right price. Don’t go it alone and risk not having the best experience possible. Contact me and together we will give you the vacation you deserve.

Now that you are perusing river cruises to make the perfect choice, here is a must read article on avoiding river cruise booking mistakes. For the best river cruise experience you will want to contact expert Nancy at Unique Journeys. She will assistance you in finding the perfect cruise experience where you will create memories for a lifetime. You are welcome to find additional information at AMA Waterways regarding the luxury river cruise experience.

AMA WATERWAYS = LUXURY ON THE RIVERS

Dec 8, 2020

AMA Waterways = Luxury on the Rivers? AMA means love. Having cruised with them on four separate occasions and sent many clients on their journey of a lifetime, I can say that AMA personifies that. From the moment you decide on your dream cruise, you will experience the values that have made them the river cruise experts.

While the ships themselves are elegant and tastefully appointed, it is the crew that really makes your cruise magical. They go beyond service to make you feel as if you are a valued member of their family. They see it as their mission to make this the best experience you can have. I have experienced this myself. A waiter remembering I like hot tea with breakfast rather than coffee; a crew member walking with a passenger to make certain they can navigate cobblestones; the hotel manager going ashore at a market town to buy local treats for the entire ship. These are just some of the examples of why AMA Waterways = Luxury on the Rivers. You will find your own reasons when you step onboard an AMA Waterways ship and experience that special love.

So, let’s discover all the ways AMA Waterways defines luxury on the rivers!

RUDI SCHREINER IS THE HISTORY OF AMA WATERWAYS : Sometimes an idea comes to you from somewhere you least expect it. A journalism assignment had Rudi designing and building his first ship, which was a raft he then sailed on the Amazon River. From there he decided to go into travel. In 1992 the Rhine-Main-Canal was completed and the AMA story begins. Rudi Schreiner, who has been dubbed “The Godfather of river cruising” is the architect for creating this innovative luxury river cruise company. He teamed up with Kristin Karst and Jimmy Murphy to make his dream come true. While Jimmy Murphy has passed away, the company is lucky to have his son Gary on board as one of its leaders.

AMA Waterways Luxury River Cruise Co-Owners

Meet the Architects of AMA Waterways Luxury River Cruises

THE SHIPS: There are 17 ships in the AMA Waterways fleet at this time and each one has been designed and created for the rivers and itineraries they will sail on. In addition to their regular fleet, you will see that Rudi is always innovating and introducing new concepts to river cruising.

Some of the elements common to most of the fleet are:

- Panoramic Lounge with bar
- Piano and dance floor
- Walking track
- Whirlpool, fitness room and bicycles for exploration
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- Hair salon and massage services (Additional costs apply)
- The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant with glass-enclosed kitchen and tasting menu
- Breakfast and lunch featuring regional cuisine
- Exquisite multi-course dinners made with fresh local ingredients
- Hand-selected wine, beer and soft drinks with meals—plus a Sip & Sail cocktail hour
- All-day tapas menu and afternoon tea, 24-hour coffee station
- Welcome Cocktail, Welcome Dinner, La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs
- Dinner, Captain’s Cocktail and Gala Dinner

AMA Magna-

With AMA Magna Rudi realized another of his dreams: to build a larger river cruise ship. She is twice the width of traditional European river ships and offers more personal space, more unique dining venues, and more leisure opportunities. She is redefining the river cruise experience! Most accommodations are spacious suites measuring 355 to 710 sq. ft. with full balconies. In addition to the Main Restaurant and The Chef’s Table, AMA Magna introduces two enticing new dining venues: Jimmy’s, a family-style restaurant named for AMA Waterways’ late Co-Owner Jimmy Murphy, and the Al Fresco Restaurant, with retractable windows and outdoor seating.

Both a sun-deck pool and whirlpool invite guests to refresh and enjoy the views. AMA Magna’s Zen Wellness Studio is an expansive space with a fitness center, two massage rooms, and a refreshing juice bar.

Golf Anyone? Imagine if there was a way to combine luxury river cruising on the iconic Danube with the opportunity to indulge your passion and play golf. AMA Waterways has created the perfect package to enable you to do just that. On the AMA Magna you can take advantage of the Exclusive Concierge Golf Program. Not only will you have a choice of excursions in every port, you will have the opportunity to play up to 5 rounds of golf at some of the leading championship courses on the continent.

AMA Waterways’ Exclusive Concierge Golf Program is available on select Romantic Danube and Melodies of the Danube cruises sailing aboard the AMA Magna.

AMA Dahlia-

Next year will see the return of AMA Waterways to Egypt with the introduction of the AMA Dahlia. The stunning AMA Dahlia is an inviting 68-passenger ship offering 18 standard staterooms and 16 magnificent suites. There are also a wealth of amenities that will surprise and delight you, including a heated sun-deck swimming pool and bar. These are in addition to the standard amenities throughout the fleet.

Marvel at scenic Nile River views in luxury, enjoy regionally inspired entertainment, and savor the flavors of both local and Western cuisine on board.

THE UNIQUE ITINERARY

AMA has put together an unparalleled 11-night Nile River cruise and land experience that includes exquisite cuisine, authentic experiences, and the extraordinary service for which AMA Waterways is renowned.

On the luxurious, newly designed AMA Dahlia you explore ancient wonders, such as the beguiling Temple of Luxor and the mystifying Valley of the Kings and Queens. Plus, come face-to-face with the last survivor of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Great Sphinx and the three Pyramids of Giza. This unforgettable itinerary includes exclusive experiences, such as a private tour of the tomb of Queen Nefertari and a private lunch at the Abdeen Presidential Palace. Uncover the many mysteries and secrets that have shaped Egypt’s past and continue to influence the future of this remarkable land.

AMA Dahlia defines luxury on the rivers with AMA Waterways

Sail the Nile on the Luxurious AMA Dahlia

THERE’S MORE: AMA Waterways has put together several pre- and post-cruise packages to destinations in the region. If you have always wanted to see Dubai and the world’s tallest building, you can spend 3 nights there before the cruise. You can also do this and have a post-cruise 4-night stay in Israel.

Another choice is to have 4 nights in Israel with the 3 nights pre-cruise extension in Jordan.

What an extraordinary opportunity to see more of this ancient and historical part of the world.

An extraordinary visit to Petra is yours on the extension of your Nile Cruise with AMA Waterways

Zambezi Queen-

This ship was designed and created in 2009 to sail exclusively on the Chobe River. It’s small size, accommodating only 28 passengers, ensures unobstructed views of the wildlife from anywhere on the ship.

Imagine the photos you can take on your Chobe River cruise.

With AMA Waterways, there are five unique itineraries that include the 4-night cruise on the Chobe. With the Africa Safaris & Wildlife Cruise, you can spend time in Cape Town and experience the world renown Victoria Falls on your 10-night adventure.

If you have always wanted to take a luxury rail trip, the Rivers & Rails of Africa tour will start in Cape Town, include your cruise and Victoria Falls and transport you to Johannesburg on the elegant Rovos Rail in an upgraded deluxe suite. You will have 13 nights of exquisite luxury on land, on your cruise and on the wonderful Rovos Rail.

Want to experience life in the bush? You should consider the 13-night Wildlife & The Falls itinerary. It combines Johannesburg, Victoria Falls and 3 nights in Kruger National Park. You will have morning and afternoon game drives, with only 6 guests in each vehicle to guarantee an opportunity for once in a lifetime sightings of the animals in their natural habitat.

If you want to savor this trip for longer, I suggest either the 15-night Stars of South Africa or the 17-night Golden Trails of East Africa.

Whichever option works best for you, this is the trip of a lifetime and now is the time for you to check it off your bucket list.

AMA Douro-

In 2019 Rudi and his team launched the AMA Douro to sail exclusively on The Douro river and explore Portugal and Spain. While she only has 51 staterooms, she exemplifies the same standards of luxury and service as others in the fleet.

There are two exciting 7-night itineraries: one exclusively in Portugal and another that includes the country of Spain. On both cruises you will experience the Port wine tastings, historic places that have been the destinations of pilgrims for hundreds of years and the wonderful tradition of Flamenco.

AMA Dara-

Envision Vietnam and Cambodia and you think of the exotic Mekong river, ancient temples and a culture very different from our own. You will experience all these and more with an AMA Waterways cruise. I will always remember when Jacqueline Kennedy visited Angkor Wat to fulfill one of her “lifelong dreams”. At that time, it was not something you or I could do. Rudi Schreiner and AMA Waterways have now made it possible for us to make this journey on the intimate 124-passenger AMA Dara.

You will visit rural villages, colorful markets, and a monastery, where you will receive a special Buddhist blessing. Delve into the peaks and valleys of Cambodia’s history in the Royal Palace and National Museums of its beautiful capital, Phnom Penh. Witness skilled artisans who create exquisite handicrafts and delicacies, and be treated to authentic experiences, including rides via oxcart, tut tut and trishaw. On this transformative journey, the Mekong truly reveals a vibrant world along its shores.

NOW IS NOT TOO SOON to begin taking steps to find your next exciting river cruise. Unique Journeys is a valuable asset to make certain you get the right cruise at the right time and for the right price. Don’t go it alone and risk not having the best experience possible. Together we will give you the vacation you deserve.

CRUISING THE BEAUTIFUL WINE REGION OF BORDEAUX

May 28, 2018

Cruising the wine region of Bordeaux will conjure up mental pictures of France and acres and acres of grape vines; remind you of great evenings by the fire with a glass of wine; sharing a glass of wine with dinner and friends or just relaxing after a long day.

Well, taking a river cruise to the Wine Region of Bordeaux will surpass anything you can imagine.

View of the vineyards at Chateau de la Riviere Estate and Winery

I am the first to admit that before this wine-themed cruise I knew very little about grapes, terroir and the making of wine, but I learned a great deal on this cruise even though I was having a wonderful time doing it. All of our guides were so engaging and enthusiastic, you couldn’t help but soak up some of their great knowledge. For instance, when we visited a vineyard specializing in Sauterne grapes, we learned about the “noble rot” which sounds awful, but is the fungus which produces the great sauternes from that region. I will say that several in our group walked out of there with bottles of wine to enjoy later.

Without being conscious of it, I learned that wines from Bordeaux are a mix of different types of grapes and that each year the mix is different depending on the weather and how it affects the different grape varieties. I found out that all the grapes are hand-picked and that to be an organic wine, they can’t even water the grapes. Mother Nature rules in the vineyards of Bordeaux.

Who Doesn’t Love a Farmers Market?

Cadillac Market

Almost all cities and towns in France have market days and we were lucky enough to be in Cadillac on theirs. We were able to stroll around and buy bread, fruit and cheeses direct from the people who grow and produce them. The people are so friendly and willing to answer any questions you have and the variety of goods is wonderful. I bought some great cheese and fruit to snack on later. A great way to remember Cadillac. There is nothing like spending time at a local market to get a flavor of the area

Did you know they use eggs in wine?

There is a tradition in Bordeaux of using egg whites in the wine casks to help remove sediment during the wine-making process. As you can imagine, this leaves you with lots of egg yolks. The French have solved this problem by creating caneles, which are small pastries made only with egg yolks. I applaud their ingenuity. The cruise director brought several boxes back to the ship and put them out for everyone to try. I had several caneles. Okay, I probably had more than a few.

Not all highlights of a cruise have to be about activity

Here’s a question – how many of us have free time in our everyday lives to just sit back and totally relax. Onboard a river cruise, when you are cruising between ports, you have that opportunity. You can sit in the lounge and just watch the countryside go by, perhaps enjoying a glass of wine from the bar. Maybe you are a card player; there are tables in the lounge set up for whatever card game you would like to indulge in. If you love to read, bring your own book or enjoy one from the library.

There is time for relaxation and reflection on a Bordeaux wine cruise

Early Morning fog as we sail toward another great day on our AMA Waterways wine cruise

Sitting on the sun deck is also an option if the weather cooperates. You could also enjoy that glass of wine in the hot tub or pool. I love early mornings, especially if there is a fog hanging over the river, isolating you from the rest of the world. I shot this picture while standing at the bow of the ship watching a crew member communicating with the Captain by walkie talkie as they steered us safely through this and several other bridges. Our captain was very young, but as you can see, very experienced. What an exhilarating experience to see the bridge emerge out of the fog and to sail gently through. So quiet and ethereal-it was one of the highlights of the cruise.

There are lots of possibilities, but they all have one overriding theme – this is your time to sit back, relax and let someone else steer the boat.

Now is the time to make your dreams a reality. Contact me at www.unique-journeys.com to set up an appointment to book your unforgettable river cruise

A Riverboat Cruise to the Bordeaux Region of France – The Sights, Sounds and Tastes

Nov 23, 2016

A Riverboat Cruise in Bordeaux – The Adventure of a Lifetime!

This is going to be an extra special holiday season. I will have the opportunity to share my lovely photos and incredible experiences I had in Bordeaux with family and friends. Of course… I will also share the details of the other regions in France I visited (with family and friends and in other blog posts). If you are one of those folks that would rather look at pictures and not read, scroll down and check out the slide show!

Traveling through the Bordeaux Region of France is a joy to the senses! When one thinks of Bordeaux, France, wine is the first thought that comes to mind. Of course it should as wine making in the region began 2,000 years ago! There are plenty of great wines to taste and wineries to visit, but wine is only one of the many enticements this fairy tale realm has to offer.

My recent travel to France included a seven-day AMA Waterways riverboat cruise along the Dordogne, Garonne and Gironde Estuary, through the Bordeaux Region. We visited famous wineries, lovely medieval and renaissance châteaux, a famous citadel along with other UNESCO World Heritage sites. It was easy get swept away by the grandeur, beauty, history, food, and of course, the wines found in the area.

Chateau de Roquetaillade, a castle in Mazères near Bordeaux

The Cruise

The cruise was a highlight of the journey. Riverboat cruises are smaller and far more intimate than the large ocean liners. We traveled with only 120 other passengers, far less than the thousands that travel on an ocean liner. It’s easy to recognize everyone on board and easy to find people to share the experiences of the day with. The food on board is regional cuisine that is beautifully presented, delightfully tasty and paired with the fabulous local wines. It is virtually impossible to go hungry on board. Aside from the three meals served in the dining room, you can always find tasty snacks and beverages in the lounge.

Most people fear they will gain weight on a cruise, but the shore excursions offered on this wine cruise keep you moving. I can say in all honesty, I walked every one of those delicious calories off. I actually lost weight on this trip! There were two or more excursions to choose from daily. One of the daily excursions was to a winery. Other excursions included: a visit to a château, a stroll through a quaint village, or one of the UNESCO sites. Each of the villages has excellent bakeries and unique shops. If you are not in the mood for an excursion, you are always welcome to relax on the sundeck.

Every single person that worked on the ship was joyful, helpful and downright fun to be around. The staff made sure that anything you needed or wanted on board was available. Our tour director, John Riley, an Englishman had an amazing sense of humor and the ability to keep everything running as smoothly as possible.

My mission this holiday season is to convince my family and friends to join me on this trip next summer, as I can’t wait to do it all over again!