Life for the modern traveller is exciting. There’s so much to see, but with time often short, making the most of the trip means heading straight for the good stuff...
And for 30% of travellers surveyed by American Express Platinum Charge Card*, that is a trip to a vineyard. Bordeaux is a traveller’s dream. The vibrancy of the city, the tranquillity of vineyards, the history of the communes and the sheer brilliance of the wines means that it’s the obvious destination for a quick dose of culture, relaxation and enjoyment.
The one thing
To do:
Hire a car and drive up the D2, famously known as Route du Médoc and play chateaux spotting, passing all the famous vineyards and iconic buildings of Pichon-Baron, Latour, Palmer and many more.
To eat:
Macaroons in St. Emilion. Head for the centre, order them with a coffee and watch the world go by overlooking the terracotta rooftops of this historic UNESCO world heritage site. Nobody makes macaroons like them, so grab a few to bring back with you.
To see:
The circular barrel cellar at Chateau Lafite-Rothschild. It really has to be seen to be believed. Arrange for a guided tour of the chateau, and just breathe in the atmosphere as the latest vintage of this famous first-growth slowly matures by flickering candle-light, deep under the ground.
To taste:
It has to be Sauternes. In Bordeaux, they serve Fois Gras at all times of the day, and chilled Sauternes is its ideal partner. If you don’t fancy the sweetness, try one of Bordeaux’s mouth-watering and refreshing dry whites. And, don’t worry, it’s perfectly acceptable to switch to red for your main course.
To visit:
Pencil in a decent chunk of time in your schedule to visit Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte. Set amongst the vines of Pessac-Léognan, you can do everything from a vineyard tour and tasting, to having a grape-inspired spa, staying at its four star hotel and eating at the Michelin-starred restaurant.
To take:
Without doubt, an American Express Platinum Charge Card. A personal travel planning service is just one of the benefits that make the Platinum Card your ultimate travelling companion. With the Card in your pocket, you’ll enjoy peace of mind, thanks to extensive travel protection as well as access to preferential rates on hotels and car hire.
You’ll earn Membership Reward points as you spend to be redeemed against a wide range of luxury and everyday items. An introductory offer runs until midnight on 31 October 2011 offering 40,000 points if you spend and charge £1,500 on your Card in your first three months of card membership – that’s enough to cover your return flights to Bordeaux**. Taxes and terms apply.
*American Express Platinum Charge Card research conducted week commencing 1st Aug 2011. **Based on airline transfer redemption with British Airways Executive Club as of 1 June 2011. Excludes taxes, fees, charges and surcharges. Terms and Conditions apply. Membership Rewards Points can also be used to pay for tickets and packages, including taxes and surcharges and on any airline that is offered through American Express Travel. Certain airlines are not available through American Express Travel. They can also be used in part payment for a ticket.
If you’d prefer a Card without any rewards, other features or a Card membership fee, an alternative option is available – the Basic Card. Terms and conditions apply. The Platinum Charge Card is offered by American Express Services Europe Limited. Registered office: Belgrave House, 76 Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1W 9AX. American Express Services Europe Limited is authorised in the United Kingdom by the Financial Services Authority under the Payment Services Regulations 2009 (reference number 415532) for the provision of payment services.
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