Your LGBT+, all-inclusive, guaranteed full ship charter adventure begins on land with two nights in Bordeaux, the world’s largest urban World Heritage Site, cradling half the city (18 sq km) in its Unesco-listed treasure chest. From the elegant symmetry of place de la Bourse, palaces strung with stone-sculpted mascarons (faces), to tree-shaded boulevards laced with hôtels particuliers (mansions) built for 18th-century wine merchants, Bordeaux architecture is world-class.

We embark on a cruise on the Royal Loire River whose beauty is legendary. Visit Nantes and The Machines of the Isle of Nantes, a gallery that recreates the imaginary world of the famous writer Jules Verne. Discover Saint-Nazaire and admire its shipyard and the Escal’Atlantic which immerses you in the world of steamships from the beginnings of their  gigantic construction to life on board. Soak up the magical castles of the Loire such as Brissac, the highest castle in France whose monumental facades rise up from its large landscaped park and so much more…

Luxury Level: **** Four Star  |  Activity Level: Low to Moderate  |  Guest Count: 92

Highlights

Two nights in a 5-star hotel in central Bordeaux

Welcome reception

Guided tour of Bordeaux

Five nights on board the 4-Star Croisi Europe Loire Princess

See the Machines de l'Île

Join Muscadet Wine Route and Clisson, a charming medieval town

Take an optional Helicopter ride (additional cost to be booked in advance)

Upgraded open bar including wine, beer, spirits, soft drinks, mineral, water, coffee & tea (excluding Champagnes and wines from the wine list)

See Saint Nazaire and its shipyard, the embodiment of French pride

Visit Brissac castle for wine tasting in the cellars

Inclusions

FROM THE TIME YOU LAND UNTIL YOU LEAVE, NEARLY EVERYTHING IS INCLUDED.

Guaranteed all-LGBT+ charter

2 nights hotel accommodation in Bordeaux including daily buffet breakfast

Welcome reception in Bordeaux

Transfer from the hotel in Bordeaux to the ship

Five nights on board the 4-Star CroisiEurope Loire Princesse

Complimentary upgraded beer, wine, spirits and non-alcoholic beverages throughout the cruise

Superb Dining: all meals included during your cruise

Complimentary shore excursions offered daily

Brand g signature entertainment

Transfers from the Loire Princess to Nantes Atlantique Airport (NTE) or Train Station

On a Brand g Vacations European river cruise, every night is opening night. Our cruises always feature a Brand g Signature Entertainer to provide quality entertainment throughout the cruise well as wonderful hosts to keep you entertained at all times. We are delighted to have the following cast and crew on your upcoming cruise;

CAST
Emma Lindars

London born Emma perused her love of theatre at The Brit School, where her peers included Adele and Amy Winehouse.  Completing her training at London’s Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts, Emma went on to create the roles of Pauline in the original London cast of Made in Dagenham at the Adelphi Theatre, Mama Bear & Mamma Ogre in The original London cast of Shrek The Musical at The Theatre Royal Drury Lane. She was in the original London cast of Priscilla Queen Of The Desert playing one of the Diva’s at the Palace Theatre,  and Doris in the original London cast of Groundhog Day the musical at The old Vic

Emma has many concert and TV appearances. She recently appeared in the 60th anniversary of James Bond 007, appearing alongside Shirly Bassey and Lulu.. Need we say more… We are lucky and delighted to have Emma back on board to perform for us. To find out more, check out Emma at Broadway World or get Emma’s debut album, Emma album As We Grow Older HERE 

Tom Knowles 

We are delighted to have  Pianist Tom perform on his second Brand g cruise. Classically trained with extra studies in jazz performance and vocal anatomy at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, Tom set himself up as a versatile performer after years of professional engraving work. Now based in London, he mostly works in the Musical Theatre industry, as well as jazz and pop sessions, as pianist and also arranger. Tom is a sought after MD and accompanist and no doubt will spill the beans on all the West End latest gossip as well as accompanying Emma and playing solo spots.

CREW
Lee Gilbert - Host/Vocalist

We are delighted to have Lee not only hosting this trip but also providing us with some fabulous entertainment. Lee hails from a Welsh musical family and quickly became a cabaret artiste in South Wales touring to sell out gigs. He is a captivating and multitalented singer and performer with an authentic and rich voice. His albumsTake me as I am, all of me  are available for download  HERE

Johnathon Gallagher - Cruise Director

Johnathon will be co-hosting your cruise with Lee and keeping a steady hand on the helm. As one of Brand g’s original team members, and as Director of Operations, Johnathon has a wealth of  organizing, cruising and hosting skills, and will make sure your trip is a wonderful memorable experience. If your lucky you may even get to meet his twin sister Maissie Dubois who sometimes appears to help take the party to the next level.

Johnathon and Eric Poole, Director of Marketing, have been the presenters of the Brand g Vacations podcast since 2021. If you want the scoop on the upcoming trips and gay travel tips, meet our guests and entertainers or just need to kick back and have a laugh, over 25 podcast episodes are available on Apple Podcasts

ACTIVITIES

Although the focus of our cruises is mainly on sightseeing and socializing, we do like to mix in a bit of frivolity as well. With that in mind, we’re planning a couple of themed parties during the cruise including a welcome party, a T-Dance, quiz shows. If you should choose to participate, great; if you’d rather just be a voyeur, that is totally fine as well.

 

ITINERARY

Day 1 - Bordeaux, France
While you can always fly into the Bordeaux–Mérignac Airport (BOD), it’s often less expensive and there are far more flight options when you fly to Paris (CDG) and take the train. With regular trains from Paris to Bordeaux, you can be easily be sipping Grand Cru Classé in the blink of an eye. The TGV Paris Bordeaux route gets you between Paris Montparnasse and Gare de Bordeaux-Saint-Jean in just over 2 hours.

Whether you arrive by plane or train to Bordeaux, you'll be met by our local transfer representative, who will whisk you away to your hotel, Intercontinental Bordeaux Le Grand Hotel. The balance of the day is free time to start exploring this beautiful city.
Meet your fellow guests at a welcome gathering in the early evening, at approximately 5:30pm.
Welcome Reception

Day 2 - Bordeaux, France
After your included breakfast, meet your guides for a tour of Bordeaux exploring the highlights of the city.
Bordeaux, know as “Port of the Moon” is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Stone Bridge, with its 17 arches, crosses the Garonne, offering pedestrians a lovely view over the docks and harbor. Take a stroll through old Bordeaux in the Triangle d'Or and stop at Place des Quinconces, France’s largest public square. The city of Bordeaux is an ideal base for exploring the greater wine region’s unforgettable sights and tastes.
This afternoon and evening is free for you to explore the city on your own.
Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Day 3 - Bordeaux / Nantes / Saint-Nazaire (Embarkation)
After breakfast, enjoy the full morning to explore further before checking out of the hotel. We'll then begin our scenic journey to the city of Nantes.

After arrival and settling into your cabins, we'll meet the attentive crew of the MS Loire Princesse at a welcome cocktail before dinner. The ship will sail towards Saint-Nazaire.
Tonight, enjoy the first of your Brand g signature entertainers in the ship's lounge.
Breakfast & Dinner

Day 4 - Saint-Nazaire / Nantes
After your first delicious breakfast join us and set off his morning for our tour in Saint Nazaire, a town on the sea.
Saint-Nazaire is best known for its shipbuilding industry, which began in the 19th century. In 1862 the port became the departure and arrival point for France’s first transatlantic crossings to South America thus, Saint-Nazaire became a canter for building ocean liners; the Queen Mary 2 was built here in 2003.
We'll visit Escal' Atlantic, a museum that explores the historic ocean liner experience, and the Saint-Nazaire shipyard, one of the largest shipyards in Europe. This evening we'll board a local boat for a cruise on the Erdre River, one of the most beautiful in France.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 Day 5 - Nantes / Ancenis
This morning, following breakfast, join the guided tour of Nantes and the Castle of the Dukes of Brittany.
Reborn as one of France’s most dynamic and culturally progressive cities, Nantes is a city that wears its innovation on its sleeve. Populated by artists, engineers, and students, its ever-changing skyline is anchored by medieval roots and a rich maritime heritage.
Set in the historic heart of Nantes, the Château des ducs de Bretagne is the city’s most important historic building, along with the Cathedral St. Pierre. It was built in the late 15^th century by François II – the last Duke of Brittany – and later by his daughter, Anne of Brittany, who was twice Queen of France. This castle is filled with six centuries of history, and a palatial residence with sophisticated façades and Renaissance-era loggias.

Back on board indulge in a delicious lunch before setting off on your choice of afternoon excursions.
The included excursion is the Muscadet Wine Route and Clisson, a charming medieval town. The Clisson valley is situated in the département of Loire-Atlantique in the heart of the Nantes vineyards. Here, the grapes for the well-known Muscadet wine are grown. The valley boasts many architectural monuments which are testimony to its splendid past and also illustrate its extraordinary history dating back to the 10th century.
The historical centre of Clisson boasts numerous sights, including the town gate, market halls, the Church of Notre Dame, the valley bridge, the Convent of Cordeliers, the St. Antoine bridge, the viaduct, the Church of the Trinity, the Garenne Valentin, the Chapel of the Templars, the Church of St. Jacques, the mills, the mediaeval fortress and the gardens of Garenne-Lemot with the gardener’s house and Villa Lemot. This 13-hectare park was created in the 19th century on the banks of the Sèvre. The pine trees, grottoes and statues in the picturesque park are also reminiscent of Italy.

OR for an additional fee you can choose to take a Helicopter ride of the Loire from above.

We'll meet back up with the Loire Princesse in Ancenis. Once onboard relax with a cocktail, dinner and another night of Brand g signature entertainment.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 Day 6 - Ancenis / Chalonnes-Sur-Loire / Angers
Today, we'll cruise towards Chalonnes-sur-Loire. Join us for a tour of Brissac Castle and its cellars complete with a wine-tasting session.
Dubbed as the ‘tallest castle in France’, the Château de Brissac is said to have originally built as a castle by the Counts of Anjou during the 11 ^th century. During the 15 ^th century, the château was rebuilt as a fort-like structure by one of Charles VII’s ministers. During the French Wars of Religion, which broke out during the 16 ^th century, the château was made into his possession by Henry of Navarre (who would later reign as Henry IV of France). When Henry became the King of France, the château was given to Charles II of Cossé as a reward for his support. Charles was also awarded the title ‘Duke of Brissac’.

Tonight on board, enjoy another evening of socializing with your fellow Brand g guests, dinner and more fabulous Brand g entertainment.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7 - Chalonnes-Sur-Loire / The Châteaux of the Loire Valley / Ancenis
Today, join us on a full-day excursion to discover the Castles of the Loire Valley.

With its sweeping vineyards and quaint towns, the Loire valley spans 280 kilometres (170 miles) in central France. The entire region is a UNESCO world heritage site, making it the largest one in France.

We'll return on board in Ancenis for tonight's farewell gala dinner and evening, while our ship sails towards Nantes.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 8 - Nantes (Disembarkation)
Enjoy one last breakfast before disembarking by 10:00 a.m. Your transfer to the train station, airport, or local hotel is included.
Breakfast