Oct 15 2026 - Oct 18 2026

Indulge Yourself with the Flavors of France during the Fascinating Wine Weekend!

All of France is renowned for wine and vineyards, but Bordeaux holds the undisputed title of the world's wine capital. This October, you have the exclusive opportunity to visit during the highly anticipated Fascinating Wine Weekend (Fascinant Week-end). During this annual autumn celebration, the region's finest cellars, restaurants, and historic wine houses open their doors to offer special tastings, unique gastronomic pairings, and festive events.

By traveling on our comfortable overnight coach, you will arrive in Bordeaux on Friday morning ready to explore. With a four-star hotel in the city center serving as your personal urban château, you have the complete freedom to curate your own perfect wine themed weekend. You can remain in the heart of Bordeaux to marvel at its elegant architecture, visit the spectacular Cité du Vin museum, and dine at world-class bistros. If you want to venture further, use your open schedule to book independent excursions to legendary nearby wine regions like Saint-Émilion or the Médoc to taste vintages right at the châteaux where they are made.

This autumn harvest-season celebration is a true bucket-list experience for any wine lover. Because you have the flexibility to design your own itinerary, this trip appeals to casual fans and serious connoisseurs alike. The first 20 travelers to book will unlock our exclusive Early Bird discount, but just like a rare vintage, those discounted seats are a scarce commodity. Don't wait to secure yours! Reserve your Fascinating Wine Weekend with Army Outdoor Recreation today!

Price, Seats 1-20

• Double Occupancy: $899 per person
• Single Occupancy: $1099

Price, Seats 21-46

• Double Occupancy: $999 per person
• Single Occupancy: $1199

Bus seat assignment preference in rows 2-5: $50 per seat - Does not guarantee a specific seat.

Reservations made on or after Tuesday, August 11 may be subject to hotel rebooking fees based on the dynamic room rate on the date of rebooking.

• Children aged 2-11 on extra bed in double room with 2 paid adults: $579
• Children under 2 sharing existing bedding with 1 or 2 paid adults: $349

Trip Includes:

• Round trip tour bus transportation from your choice of Pulaski or Smith Barracks
• Free on-post parking
• 2 hotel overnights at Mercure Bordeaux Centre Gare**** or equivalent
• Daily breakfast
   
• Pay in US Dollars
• Support your local Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) programs

What to Bring:

• Comfortable, weather appropriate shoes and clothing
• Credit/Debit Card or Euro
• Power Banks (ODR cannot guarantee charging capability on 3rd party contracted busses)
• Military ID and Passport

Any required paper or electronic travel documentation is the personal responsibility of each traveler. 

Departure:

• 9 p.m. from Wagon Wheel Theater, Smith Barracks
• 10 p.m. from Kaiserslautern Outdoor Recreation, Pulaski Barracks, bldg. 2905

Return: Sunday Night

Estimated Itinerary

Thursday: Departure for the Wine Capital

Your oenophile's dream adventure begins this evening when you board your comfortable coach at your choice of either Pulaski or Smith Barracks. Settle into your seat, lean back, and relax as we whisk you across the border toward the Atlantic coast of France. Remember to pack your overnight essentials. Blankets, pillows, power banks, and drinks will make your overnight journey much more enjoyable, ensuring you wake up refreshed and ready to taste the best of Bordeaux.

Friday: Arrival in Bordeaux

All of France is famous for wine, but Bordeaux is the undisputed world capital of wine. Producing over 700 million bottles annually across 54 distinct appellations, this region is a wine lover's paradise. Upon arriving in the city this morning, drop your luggage at your four-star hotel in the city center and dive straight into wine culture, perhaps by visiting the spectacular Cité du Vin, a high-tech interactive museum dedicated to the global history and heritage of wine. Because you are arriving during France's annual Fascinating Wine Weekend, the city's restaurants, wine bars, and cellars will be buzzing with special tastings, exclusive pairings, and incredible gastronomic flair.

Saturday: Fascinating Wine Weekend in Bordeaux

How will you curate your tasting experience today? You can choose to remain in Bordeaux to explore its elegant 18th-century architecture and bustling food markets. Take time to marvel at the iconic Miroir d'Eau reflecting the stunning Place de la Bourse, or shop for French fashions along the expansive Rue Sainte-Catherine, the longest pedestrian shopping street in Europe. Alternatively, you can book an excursion with a third-party guide to one of the many vineyards, wine houses, or distilleries in the nearby area. Famous nearby regions like Saint-Émilion and the Médoc offer endless opportunities for independent exploration, allowing you to discover medieval underground cellars and sample world-class vintages right at the historic châteaux.

Sunday: Return to Germany

Enjoy a final French breakfast before checking out of your hotel and boarding the coach for your mid-morning departure. Relax and watch the beautiful French countryside roll by through the windows. You will arrive back at your starting point in Germany this evening, carrying unforgettable memories and perhaps a few bottles of your newly discovered favorite vintages.