Culinary Journey

Bordeaux and Paris

Wander charming streets, explore the iconic Cité du Vin, discover the heritage of Cognac, visit the legendary Josephine Baker Estate, and savor world-renowned Champagne—together.

Overview

Bordeaux and Paris

Join us for an unforgettable adventure in Bordeaux and Paris with Traveling Culturati! Explore the charming streets of Bordeaux, the fascinating Cité du Vin, and the delightful region of Cognac. Visit the legendary Josephine Baker Estate and sip some world-renowned Champagne. There’s so much to experience and enjoy together! Presented by the concierge services of Advantage International.

Dates

May 16 – 23, 2026

Days

7

Price

$5999 - $7299 per person

Highlights

Journey at a Glance

Welcome Dinner in Bordeaux

Begin your journey with a warm welcome dinner in Bordeaux, enjoying regional cuisine, local wines, and engaging conversation as you connect with fellow travelers in an elegant, relaxed setting.

Cognac Visit & Distillery Tasting

Explore the renowned Cognac region with a guided distillery visit and tasting, learning traditional methods while sampling expertly crafted spirits rooted in centuries of French heritage.

Josephine Baker Estate Visit & Lunch

Visit the historic Josephine Baker Estate and enjoy a leisurely lunch in the surrounding countryside, where culture, history, and regional flavors come together in a memorable setting.

Champagne Region Experience

Journey to the Champagne region for a guided cellar tour, exclusive tastings, and a gourmet lunch, discovering the craftsmanship and terroir behind the world’s most celebrated sparkling wines.

Seine River Cruise

Cruise along the iconic Seine River, taking in Parisian landmarks from the water while enjoying a relaxed and scenic perspective of the city’s timeless beauty and historic charm.

Itinerary

Every Moment, Perfectly Orchestrated

The itinerary, dates, accommodations, and transfers are subject to change. B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner. Flight Itineraries: Depart May 16th Air France Flight Information: Subject to Change

  • AF 51 Economy 05/16/26 Washington Dulles (IAD) – Paris Depart 6:30 pm Arrive 8:15 am+1 (05/17/26)
  • AF 7432 Economy 05/17/26 PARIS – Bordeaux Depart 9:45 am Arrive 11:00 am
  • Train 05/21/26 Bordeaux to Paris
  • AF 50 Economy 05/23/26 Paris – Washington Dulles (IAD) Depart 1:45 pm Arrive 4:20 pm

May 17

Arrive Bordeaux – Transfer to our hotel for a 4 night stay. After checking in, you’ll have time to settle in. This evening, we’ll come together for our welcome dinner. Bordeaux, often affectionately referred to as “La Belle Endormie,” which means “Sleeping Beauty,” is anything but sleepy. This vibrant city boasts elegant architecture and a lively cultural scene, making it a global hub for wine and gastronomy. Our accommodations will be at the Burdigala Hotel. Located in Bordeaux city centre, Le Burdigala is a lifestyle hotel synonymous with good living, day and night. It features large, open spaces where the watchword is ‘sharing’. This vibrant venue sets the pace of the neighborhood, bringing travelers and Bordeaux locals together. D

May 18

Cite du Vin

La Cité du Vin is a unique cultural venue that brings wine to life through an immersive and sensory experience, all housed within an evocative architectural design. It provides a distinctive view of wine, exploring its history, global significance, and cultural impact across different civilizations—a must-visit experience during any trip to Bordeaux—a must-see experience during any stay in Bordeaux.
We’ll visit the museum, giving you time to explore your way with various experiences. We’ll come together to enjoy lunch at one of the museum’s restaurants. Of course, lunch will include wine 😉
B, L

May 19

Josephine Baker’s Estate
The primary and most famous home of Josephine Baker was the Château des Milandes, a Renaissance castle located in Dordogne, France. She purchased it in the 1940s to raise her “Rainbow Tribe,” which consisted of her adopted children. Although she lost the château in the late 1950s due to financial difficulties, it has since been preserved as a monument and serves as a public tribute to her life. The site features exhibits of her stage costumes and showcases aspects of her family life.
We’ll visit the estate, learn more about this iconic African American figure and her life in France!
B, L

May 20

Cognac, located in the Charente department of southwestern France, is a charming town renowned as the birthplace of the world-famous brandy, Cognac. This brandy must be produced in the legally designated wine-growing regions of Charente and Charente-Maritime, following strict French AOC (appellation d’origine contrôlée) regulations. The area is characterized by its vineyards, mild climate, and the Charente River, all of which contribute to the unique production of this celebrated spirit.
We’ll check out a distillery and imbibe with a tasting of Cognac. But, of course!
To properly taste cognac, serve it neat at room temperature in a tulip-shaped glass to enhance aromas. Gently swirl and nose the cognac to identify its scents, then take a small sip, allowing it to coat your mouth to appreciate flavors and textures before swallowing. After swallowing, exhale and pay attention to the lingering finish to identify specific tasting notes. 
B, L

May 21

Bordeaux to Paris
Saying farewell to Bordeaux and taking the train (The TGV) to Paris to say bonjour to this fair city.
Upon our arrival to Paris with our visit to the Eiffel Tower with it’s wrought-iron lattice tower on the Champ de Mars. It is named after the engineer Gustave Eiffel, whose company designed and built the tower. Locally nicknamed “La dame de fer”, it was constructed from 1887 to 1889 as the centerpiece of the 1889 World’s Fair. This evening, we’ll meander along the Siene River for dinner.
The Seine River stretches an impressive 485 miles across France, and its most iconic stretch flows through Paris, making it a vital part of the city’s identity and culture. Originating in the picturesque Burgundy region, the river winds gracefully through lush countryside and vibrant cities like Rouen before culminating in the English Channel. Within the heart of Paris, the Seine is adorned with magnificent historic monuments, elegant bridges, and serene parks, creating a breathtaking backdrop for enchanting sightseeing cruises and leisurely riverside strolls. It has long been a wellspring of inspiration for countless artists and writers, adding to its allure and cultural significance.
Our accommodations in Paris will be at the M Social Hotel, a 4 star hotel. Located on Boulevard Haussmann, M Social Hotel Paris, awarded Green Key 2025, blends Art Deco with modern design, steps from the Opéra district and iconic and marks like the Louvre—a gateway to vibrant Parisian experiences!
B, D

May 22

Champagne

Champagne, France, is a wine region northeast of Paris known for producing the world-famous sparkling wine of the same name, a product strictly regulated by appellation laws to ensure its origin and quality. The region boasts rolling hills of vineyards, historic cities such as Reims and Epernay, and vast underground cellars, making it a significant hub for wine tourism and cultural exploration. Key attractions include walking the Avenue de Champagne in Epernay.
We will drive from Paris to Épernay, located in the Champagne region of France. During our visit, we’ll tour one of the famous cellars in the area, taste some champagne, and enjoy lunch. Cheers to an effervescent day!
 “I drink champagne when I’m happy and when I’m sad. Sometimes I drink it when I’m alone. When I have company, I consider it obligatory. I sip it when I’m not hungry and drink it when I am. Otherwise, I never touch it, unless I’m thirsty”. ~ Lady Bollinger
B, L

May 23

Bid adieu to France (Itinerary subject to change)

What’s Included

More Than a Package—It's an Experience

  • Roundtrip air (economy) from Washington Dulles Airport – taxes included but subject to change
  • Hotel accommodations – taxes included but subject to change
  • 4 nights in Bordeaux
  • 2 nights in Paris
  • Tours detailed in the itinerary
  • Group Airport transfers upon arrival and departure
  • Breakfast Daily
  • 4 lunches w/wine
  • 2 dinners w/wine
  • Champagne tasting in Champagne
  • Cognac tasting in Cognac

Thoughtful planning…

“Thank you for all the awesome experiences we have enjoyed due to your thoughtful planning and personal attention to every detail that continues to make each trip an experience that we truly enjoy.”

George and Charlotte

Top Notch Partner

“Advantage International have impeccable attention to travel details. They offer only the best to their clients and partnership with them in the past 3 years hasn’t disappointed during my role as President for South African Tourism in the Americas.”

Bangu Masisi

A Wonderful Trip to South Africa!

“Many, many thanks for a wonderful trip to South Africa. We have traveled many places and none could come close to the way this trip was for all. We look forward to other trips.”

Shirley Norris

Best ever…

“I can’t express how much I enjoyed myself in Jo’burg and Victoria Falls. There are no words that can ever be used to describe what I felt and still feel. I suggest that anyone who can possibly go to South Africa should do so. And they should travel with the best tour experts ever: Advantage International!”

Carolyn Brisbane

Excellent African-American Travel Programs

“First of all, I am a very picky traveler. When I travel I expect luxury accommodations, and adventures as well. Advantage International, gives me all of that, and then some. I have traveled to Africa, Italy, Panama, Switzerland, Cuba, and Greece with A.I., and I have never been disappointed with my experience or accommodations. The best part about traveling with A.I. Is, once you book and pay, you can relax and enjoy, everything else is covered by Gene & JaVonne. The added bonus is, when you travel with A.I. You become part of this big traveling family, where everyone gets along and looks out for one another. A.I. always takes time to educate and inform you about your destination BEFORE you travel, and you have several opportunities to ask questions and concerns BEFORE you travel. I am looking forward to Dubai with A.I. In October! Temeka Strange”

Like part of a large travel family…

“I am so extremely happy that I bravely took this trip without any of my friends. I met so many wonderful people and you designed the trip so thoroughly that I felt like I was part of a large travel family. I look forward to expanding my travel events with Advantage International.”

Sabrina

We appreciate your commitment to excellence

“It is such a pleasure working with you and your staff. I am not sure if there are enough adjectives in the dictionary to describe the kind of service that you provide for our radio stations.  We greatly appreciate your ‘hassle-free’ approach and commitment to excellence.”

Angela Fleming
WVAZ-FM

Attended to every detail…

“Ja’Vonne attended to every detail and made it look easy!! Each of us has a better appreciation for what it must take to pull off all of the logistics, juggling, psychology and everything else associated with leading a group of travelers. Additionally, Ja’Vonne was right there when a passport was left behind, and she was also the lost and found when a papyrus was left at the airport gate. She consistently “saved the day.”

Donette

Extraordinary!

“The level of travel that you do is extraordinary.  I’ve traveled with you for 13 years. I’ve traveled with other people and it has never been better than traveling with Advantage International.”

Beverly

Fit the needs of our radio station…

“Advantage is designed to work with media companies, and unlike a travel agency, they fit the needs of our station. Their planning, design and partnership with the destination, assisted in our decisions and their reservation center and trained escorts made the trips a pleasure for our staff and the listeners.”

Millard J. Watkins
General Manager, WHUR-FM Radio

Amazing Customer Service

Awesome trips and amazing customer service. You can’t go wrong using Advantage International! Barry Macon, Director, marketing and Partnerships, TV-One.

Barry Macon

Small touches were most memorable…

“Through the years I have used different companies for client trips to various destinations around the world, but Advantage International was unique in the sense that the small touches you provide to each trip were the most memorable.”

Chester M. Schofield
Radio One Philadelphia

Great company

“Extremely professional and detailed orientated company. Have worked with them for over 15 years without any issues or surprises. Cannot think of anyone better to create the travel events of your dreams!”

Jim Watkins
GM WHUR Radio

More than excellent…

“The trip overall was more than excellent. It was a wonderful, wonderful experience. Everything was coordinated and flowed flawlessly. Excellent job, Advantage/Ja’Vonne!”

Sandra

Platinum-Level Care

“I didn’t expect group travel to be so much fun or for such a large group to bond so well. One of our tour mates lost her passport. Remarkably, another had a frat brother at the consulate in Cape Town who remedied her situation in no time flat. Ja’Vonne routed our buses by the consulate to pick her up as we began our day—and to everyone’s delight, we didn’t miss a beat. That’s platinum-level care!”

Patricia A.
Pricing and Booking

Simple, Transparent Pricing and Schedule

Pricing

Business Class rates available on request

Payment Information

Payment Schedule: Not adhering to the payment schedule can result in late payment fees, cancellation without notice, and/or rate increases.
  • A non-refundable deposit of 33% of the per-person rate is due at the time of booking
  • 33% of the per person rate is due by January 5, 2026
  • Full and final payment is due by April 1, 2026
All prices are in US Dollars. Due to exchange rate changes, taxes, and other factors, we do not guarantee the amount of the final Tour Fee until the Full and Final Payment Date; before said date, we may increase the Tour price. Except as expressly stated in the Itinerary, you are solely responsible for any Tour-related costs incurred.
Change/Cancellation: Notice of change/cancellation must be made in writing to Advantage International, LLC, and your cancellation date will be the date we receive your notice: A name change can be requested but cannot be guaranteed, and additional fees will apply. All changes are subject to availability and rate differences and are not guaranteed.
  • The initial deposit of 33% of the package price is non-refundable
  • 66% of the package price is non-refundable if canceled January 5 – March 31, 2026
  • 100% of the package price is non-refundable if canceled on or after April 1, 2026
  • We must receive your cancellation notice in writing by email, fax, or overnight courier, and your cancellation date will be the date we receive your notice.
  • Your decision not to participate on the Tour due to State Department warnings, fear of travel, or the like will be deemed a cancellation. If a flight or another delay for any reason prevents you from joining the Tour on the Tour start date, you will be considered a no-show, and we cannot provide a full or partial refund or credit toward a future Tour, but you may join the Tour late if you wish.
Travel entry requirements for France (US Passport Holders)
Tour Participant Agreement
FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Package inclusions vary by trip and are spelled out on your invoice and/or itinerary. Most packages include air transportation, transfers, accommodations, tours and events.

Anything that is not mentioned on the invoice or itinerary is not included in the package. Standard items that are not included are as follows:

  • Travelers insurance
  • Passport fee processing
  • Visa fee and processing, if required
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Gratuities, unless noted in inclusions
  • Baggage handling above the set limits
  • Airline baggage fees
  • Individual ground transportation
  • Meals and beverages not listed on the itinerary

While this is a personal choice and based on the destination, we recommend $50 to $100 per person, per day.

No, you do not have to tour with the group. The group package and itinerary are scheduled; however, if you do not want to participate in any land tour on any day, you may opt out. Any tours that you do not join are non-refundable and cannot be used as payment for or credit toward individual tours.

Yes, you can extend your trip. We will make a request on your behalf, and provide you a quote for the additional services will provided. All additional expenses are your responsibility.

We have a “single willing to share” program for registered trip participants. Once you have registered with a deposit, we then put you in contact with other registered “single willing to share” trip participants so that you can explore the possibility of rooming together on the trip.

It’s up to you. If you choose to share a room with another registered trip participant, both of you must let us know.

Gratuities for local tour guides and bus drivers are not included, unless specified on the itinerary. You may tip at your discretion.

Yes. If you would like for us to plan a trip for you, complete the “Plan A Trip” form.

General Terms and Conditions are available here. Each group trip has its own payment schedule and cancellation policy. Please review the policy on the trips page. Please note funds cannot be applied to other trips and while name changes may be permitted, funds are non-transferable.

On our group tours, each person is allowed one carry-on bag and one checked bag. The baggage size and weight restrictions are set by the airline.

Once we arrive at a destination, we travel by motorcoach and your baggage must fit in the bus. In addition, we sometimes travel by domestic flights or train within a country and those carriers might have restrictions on baggage size or weight.

All international trips require a passport. The validity of the passport will vary by destination. However, many destinations require a passport validity is 6 months beyond the date of departure from the country you are visiting.

7 Traveler Comments

7 responses to “Bordeaux and Paris”

  1. Pamela Davis says:
    September 26, 2025 at 8:42 am

    Leon and I are interested

    Reply
  2. Eve says:
    September 30, 2025 at 11:37 am

    I am interested too. Just waiting on the land package information.

    Reply
    • Advantage International says:
      September 30, 2025 at 1:49 pm

      The land only package is up and selling. Simply click “Upcoming
      Unavailable. Next Date: May 17, 2026” to see and book.

      Reply
  3. J K Buckner says:
    October 2, 2025 at 4:40 pm

    Good day,
    I am inquiring about the trip to Bordeaux and Paris. I wish to verify the transportation being provided. Is this round trip transportation from the US?
    How much would the single supplement be without Transportatoon?

    is there a land only package?

    Reply
  4. Advantage International says:
    November 24, 2025 at 12:12 pm

    If you are looking for a roommate…

    Sign up for a “single” package on the Pricing & Booking page and pay your deposit. Add “Single Willing to Share” in the Note section of the booking form. You will be added to the list of those seeking a roommate. We will connect you with the others. you may meet, speak, or write, and if and when you decide to share, you both send us confirmation emails at [email protected], and we will change your invoices from Single to Double. If you choose not to share, your reservation is still secure as a single traveler.

    Reply

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