Biarritz & Bordeaux Cruise Reviews

Verified

Overall, good, as usual. But the chaos of the latter part of the outward journey after a long day was unlike GRJ. We arrived late so that evening meal was difficult to find (why wasn't this included?) The time in Bordeaux should have included a full free day. The guided tour in the morning was not appropriate as it was a niche interest, when what was needed was the wider freedom to explore the city ourselves -- this was curtailed by the walking tour of a particular district. No criticism of the guide intended . The rest of the excursions etc. were well upto GRJ standard, especially the wine visits. Excellent tour manager as always.

Verified

First 3 days (Biarritz) very good tour manager Martin exceptional. Hotel, great position, but outdated. Room had bad smell of drains which they new about, but couldn't fix. I tiny lift inadequate for tour group arriving late in day . Cruise - disappointing - too much time in port, not cruising. Scenery of the two rivers unimpressive. Cancellation of cruising on last day (to Cadillac) an replacement with coaches poor planning, that would have been best cruising bit. Boat dated compared to other boats we have been on with GRJ - food limited, only main course choice for dinner was meat or fish or veg. boat had not been notified about our aversion to fish/ shellfish, or were not offering an alternative. However staff on the boat were always helpful and attentive. Cruise director (Lucy) too "hi-di-hi", not what we expect from GRJ. Cruise Manager (Bob), didn't have much contact with him, but seemed OK. Journey out - rank bad planning - why did we have to get off at Dax then coach to Biarritz, where the train went ( with the other GRJ party) !!??. Journey back - Gare du Nord horrible and overcrowded.

Verified

It was a very enjoyable trip. I would travel with you again and recommend it to others.

Verified

Very well organised from start to finish. The itinerary was very varied which included some wine tasting. Sharon our tour manager was excellent. Great empathy and a lovely sense of humour

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Cruise was wonderful but I wished there had been a pool on the boat. I did not consider the Hotel in Biaritz to be a 4* hotel as advertised. My room was sub standard as there was only a small window which faced directly onto a wall 2 foot away. No vision of daylight. As a solo traveller, I accept and am prepared to pay double but I do not except a sub standard room. Staff at the hotel were very accommodating but could not offer me an alternative room. TGV train journey from Paris was disorganised. Firstly we had a long walk with cased from Paris Gare to Noor, with our cases, to the coach to take us to the next station. The coach for the 2nd Class tour was waiting right outside the station. Then we had to take a coach from Dax to Biaritz, apparently because there was no room on the train, but we were already occupying out seats. The result was we got to the hotel at about 9.45 p.m.- too late for food and all a bit rushed. The 2nd class tour group I understand, were able to travel on the Biaritz on the train but then had to get a coach back to Bayonne - the train had already stopped at Bayonne station. Very strange and not really acceptable. In all other respects the tour was superb and our Tour Manager was great.

Verified

We loved Biarritz, with pleasant walks to the lighthouse and fine sea vistas. We enjoyed the smaller towns during the cruise, while recognising the historic importance of Bordeaux.

Verified

I enjoyed Biarritz very much. I have been on lots of river cruises. This was the first time I have been on one that had an add-on hotel stay. The only downside is that you have a day spent travelling between the two parts of the holiday.

Verified

Enjoyed every aspect of this holiday from the places to the ship to the food and everything in between. The staff on the ship were exceptional.

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Very disappointing.

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fiine but a bit frantic at times

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Excellent trip, well organised, and we were well looked after.

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We very much enjoyed Biarritz and the cruise enabled us to get to see places that we have wanted to visit.

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Very well organised, fantastic food, excellent service, interesting and well guided excursions. Would highly recommend.

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A very enjoyable experience

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Excellent food and accommodation. Good to be able to travel there by train.

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Biarritz was a luxury resort and we would appreciate a longer stay or it as a separate destination. Bordeaux and the cruise was as enjoyable as any other river cruise. The ship is old and refurbished. As a result the cabins are small. The food was of extremely high standard althouth there is no choice of menu

Verified

poor reponce and lack of correct information

Verified

We loved this cruise and enjoyed both parts of it.The traveling across Paris wasn't the best and I wondered if Lille would be better. The food on the ship was very good but I found it strange not to have a choice and would have preferred staggered meal times rather than one set time for everyone as all eating together made for a very noisy room. Having said that we would book again as the advantages outweighed the disadvantages.

Verified

Previous rail only tours with GRJ were better. Confused by various tour leaders, from the boat they didn’t co-ordinate briefings from the local guides so we had a lot of repeat information and the large suggested tips didn’t get mentioned before final confirmation.

Verified

All trains ran to time and Eurostar check in was much quicker than last year. Tour manager (Helene) was excellent throughout. Accommodation in Biarritz is excellent, the hotel was very well appointed, staff friendly and helpful, breakfast very good. Accommodation on 'Cyrano' was clean and comfortable, staff were outstanding as was the food. There was a good programme of visits, had no interaction with cruise tour manager but she seemed visible and available if needed. Thoroughly recommended!