NEW VIKING CRUISE EXPLORES BORDEAUX REGION

(Credit: Viking)

If you love wine (and we do), you'll welcome this news from Viking River Cruises: Today they announced a new itinerary in 2014 that highlights the Bordeaux region of France. The eight-day cruise called "Châteaux, Rivers and Wine," explores the Bordeaux and Aquitaine regions aboard Viking Forseti.

Here are the details from Viking:

"Châteaux, Rivers and Wine takes guests on a unique exploration of the Dordogne, Garonne and Gironde Rivers, through the region that has for centuries produced France's most remarkable wines including Margaux, Pomerol, St. Emilion and Sauternes. The eight-day cruise journey begins in Bordeaux and makes its first stop in Pauillac, where guests can sip the full-bodied blends of the renowned Médoc and Margaux wine regions and travel along the famed Route des Châteaux for an insight into authentic château life. Next, guests have the opportunity to explore the Citadel in Blaye and the charming town of St. Emilion—both UNESCO World Heritage sites—before continuing on to picturesque Cadillac, where they can taste the sweet Premier Cru wines from the Sauternes region. The unhurried voyage concludes with an in-depth tour of the beautiful churches, grand Louis XV architecture and charming cafes of Bordeaux.

"Guests may learn to make tender canelés, a caramelized custard pastry, observe the winemaking traditions that have made the area so famous, begin or expand their appreciation of fine Bordeaux wines with the guidance of a master sommelier, and brush up on their conversational French with optional onboard lessons." -- Gerry