Saint-Emilion, France
- Amaris Scipione
- Apr 18
- 3 min read
Updated: May 17
Today is another multi-adventure day. I have a morning excursion and an afternoon excursion. Originally, I only signed up for the excursion in the afternoon, but yesterday I decided to add a morning option. The wine tasting option for the morning was already filled so I chose the walking tour instead. We’ve had a lot of wine, and I am okay going a morning without wine!
This morning is a walking tour of Saint-Emilion. We take a bus to the town and then load off for a walking tour. Our guide takes us to the best view spots of the town, and she points out some places we might enjoy in our free time. The walking tour is what I expected and it was a nice little walk. We got a nice surprise at the end of the walk as well: wine! So even the walking tour comes with a taste of wine. We also got a little cookie as well. We then have free time to explore the town. During the tour, our guide pointed out a five-star hotel in town and the Michelin star restaurant next door. She also pointed out an ice cream shop which she said is also run by the chef. It sounds like a wonderful place to sit down and enjoy some authentic food. It did not disappoint! I had chocolate ice cream, and my friend had a pastry. Both were amazing.
Lunch is back onboard and I’m happy to see Croque Monsieur on the buffet. This is basically a ham and cheese sandwich which I really enjoy. I also have some potatoes and Brussel sprouts.
Soon enough, it’s time to head out for the second excursion. Most of the excursions are included in the price of the river cruise, but this afternoon’s options are an exception. These are both small-group experiences and cost extra. The options were a pastry class or a chocolate and wine tasting. I signed up for the chocolate and wine tasting. Both excursions are at the same Chateau, so we take the bus together. We are on our way to Chateau Fleur de Lisse. We arrive and I’m in love with this place. The outside has vineyards that are similar to what we have seen, but the inside is so modern and clean.
Our group splits and the pastry group goes upstairs for their class while the rest of us go on a tour. Many wineries that I’ve visited really preserve the tradition of wine making and use tools that look like they’ve been used for centuries. This winery is not like that. The amount of money spent on modern tools is much different from other places that I’ve seen. After the tour, we taste the wine and I am a fan! It probably helps that all the wines I’ve tasted here were also paired with chocolate. We learn a little about chocolate production as well. At the end of our time here, we can buy wine. Of course, the wine I liked the most from the tasting is the most expensive. Funny how that always happens!
The weather is perfect today and we take advantage of this back on the ship. One couple went to a local market while some of us were at Chateau Fleur de Lisse and bought some fresh strawberries. We enjoy sipping wine while eating strawberries with great company. This is how to river cruise!
