Come On An Insider’s Journey to the Cognac Region in France. Enjoy one of our Cognac Tours. Visit prestigious Houses such as Hennessy or Otard. Large number of experiences available including Louis XIII tasting at Rémy Martin.
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Why you’ll love this tour
Enjoy tastings of world-class Cognac varieties
Learn from a local guide specializing in Cognac
Customize your itinerary to match your interests
Explore two renowned Cognac distilleries
Visit Two Famed Houses of Cognac
Your day at a glance
Private Shore Excursion: Discover the Cognac Brandy Region from La Rochelle Embark on an unforgettable full-day private shore excursion from La Rochelle / La Pallice Port of Call and explore the world-renowned Cognac brandy-producing region. Discover the artistry, history, and flavors of Cognac, France, on this exclusive guided tour. Tour Highlights Convenient pickup: Begin your journey with hassle-free ...
Private Shore Excursion: Discover the Cognac Brandy Region from La Rochelle
Embark on an unforgettable full-day private shore excursion from La Rochelle / La Pallice Port of Call and explore the world-renowned Cognac brandy-producing region. Discover the artistry, history, and flavors of Cognac, France, on this exclusive guided tour.
Tour Highlights
Convenient pickup: Begin your journey with hassle-free pickup directly from La Rochelle Cruise Port. Meet your professional English-speaking driver-guide, who will outline the itinerary and enrich your experience with expert insights.
Comfortable premium transport: Travel in a spacious, air-conditioned minivan equipped with an advanced PA system for clear commentary wherever you sit. Enjoy a private, comfortable ride designed for up to 8 guests.
Explore Cognac’s heritage: Visit the historic town of Cognac in the Charente region, home to over 300 years of brandy-making tradition. Stroll its charming streets and enjoy free time for lunch and personal exploration.
Visit & Taste at Iconic Cognac Distilleries
Your journey includes exclusive visits to two contrasting Cognac distilleries:
World-famous Cognac houses: Experience renowned names such as Hennessy, Martell, Rémy Martin, or Camus. Discover their state-of-the-art facilities, learn about their meticulous production processes, and enjoy tastings of their premium brandies.
Family-owned distilleries: Get an intimate look at a smaller-scale producer. Compare traditional methods and sample unique Cognacs crafted by passionate artisans.
Each visit dives into grape varieties, distillation methods, and the intricate aging and blending processes. Tastings at each distillery highlight the nuanced differences between large-scale and boutique productions.
Optional Gourmet Experiences
Enhance your day with a personalized lunch (at own expense) at a prestigious Cognac house or choose from local dining options in the town of Cognac. Let us curate a memorable culinary experience to pair with your brandy discoveries.
Discover the Cognac Region
Learn about the region's six production zones, including Grande Champagne and Petite Champagne, considered the finest crus for Cognac. Understand the role of local grape varieties such as Ugni Blanc, and why the region’s dry, acidic wines are ideal for distillation and aging.
Immerse yourself in the world of Cognac on this private shore excursion and return to your cruise ship with a deeper appreciation for this exquisite French spirit. Book now to secure your spot and elevate your La Rochelle port experience.
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Pickup at cruise ship in La Rochelle
Meet your English-speaking driver-guide at the terminal and board your comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle.
Meet your English-speaking driver-guide at the terminal and board your comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle.
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Scenic drive to Cognac region
Travel through the Charente countryside toward Cognac, with commentary on the area’s history and brandy production.
Travel through the Charente countryside toward Cognac, with commentary on the area’s history and brandy production.
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Morning distillery visit and guided tasting
Tour your first Cognac house, learn about vineyards, distillation, and aging, then enjoy a curated tasting of their signature spirits.
Tour your first Cognac house, learn about vineyards, distillation, and aging, then enjoy a curated tasting of their signature spirits.
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Lunch break in historic Cognac (own expense)
Enjoy free time in the town of Cognac to choose your preferred restaurant, savor local cuisine, and stroll atmospheric streets.
Enjoy free time in the town of Cognac to choose your preferred restaurant, savor local cuisine, and stroll atmospheric streets.
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Afternoon distillery visit and second tasting
Visit a contrasting Cognac distillery—often a family-owned house—to compare styles and deepen your understanding with another guided tasting.
Visit a contrasting Cognac distillery—often a family-owned house—to compare styles and deepen your understanding with another guided tasting.
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Relaxing return to La Rochelle cruise port
Sit back as your driver returns you to your ship on time, ending the day with new knowledge, great photos, and favorite Cognacs discovered.
Sit back as your driver returns you to your ship on time, ending the day with new knowledge, great photos, and favorite Cognacs discovered.
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Informations
Language spoken
EnglishFrançais
Know before you book
Pickup and drop-off at La Rochelle cruise port.
Small Group private option, max 8 participants
Visits two Cognac houses with guided tastings.
Know before you go
Tour involves walking in vineyards and cellars.
Wear comfortable shoes and weather-ready clothing.
Tastings feature different styles of Cognac brandy.
Lunch in Cognac town is at your own expense.
Bring questions—guides love explaining the craft.
Included
Pick up and drop off at Cruise Ship
Travel in premium, spacious vehicles
English-speaking driver/guide
Reservation for 2 selected Cognac Houses
Cognac tastings includede
Excluded
Personal travel insurance & expenses
Meals & drinks (lunch)
Gratuities for the driver/guide
Must know
Pickup and drop-off at La Rochelle cruise port.
Small Group private option, max 8 participants
Visits two Cognac houses with guided tastings.
Additional information
If you want to share your tour with others, you can put it on Cruise Critic. Most of the time this gives good results. You must do this yourself as we are not accepted on their site as a professional business. We accept split payment transactions by credit card.
This Cognac shore excursion is best for cruise passengers who want to dive into France’s brandy culture rather than spend the day shopping or doing a quick city stroll. It’s ideal for spirits enthusiasts and wine lovers eager to understand how Cognac is crafted, from vineyard to alembic to aging cellar.
The tour suits curious beginners as much as seasoned connoisseurs, thanks to guided tastings and clear explanations at two contrasting Cognac houses. It’s a strong fit for small groups, couples, and adult friends who appreciate a relaxed pace, in-depth storytelling, and the chance to ask questions in an intimate setting. Finally, it appeals to culture-focused travelers who enjoy historic towns, gourmet lunches, and learning the stories behind iconic French exports.
Voucher information
Please note: This tour is timed to your ship’s schedule. Your guide will meet you just outside the cruise terminal after disembarkation holding a sign with your name. In case of any last‑minute changes by the cruise line, please check your ship’s daily program and contact us as soon as possible so we can adjust timings accordingly.
Terms and conditions
Refund Policy:
You must notify us at least 48 hours in advance if your ship cannot dock (due to weather or port changes) to qualify for a refund.
All our terms and conditions can be found here: https://www.ophorus.com/terms-sales
Cancellation policy
Cancellation deadline: 72 hours
Up to 72 hours before the beginning of the activity: full refund
Less than 72hours before the beginning of the activity or no-show: no refund
Departure : Mole d'escale, La Rochelle
Please proceed to exit where your guide will be waiting for you with a sign bearing lead traveler name.
Proceed to exit where your guide will be waiting for you with a sign bearing lead traveler's name.
Departure
Pick up at Cruise Ship – La Rochelle Port of Call. Please proceed to exit where your guide will be waiting for you with a sign bearing lead traveler name.
Return
Drop off at Cruise Ship – La Rochelle Port of Call
Group information
We can handle any group size (from 8 people) ranging from small groups to larger groups. Transportation options include private vehicles, mini-vans, mini-buses and large buses.
Just get in touch to find out more! Contact us by email: groups@ophorus.com (groups from 8 people)
For groups of 2-8 people please fill out this form: ophorus.com/contact-us/
Reviews
5.0/5
(3 reviews)
All
Ophorus
TripAdvisor
R
Robert & Peter Haas
23, Oct 2023Ophorus
My son and I would like to commend you, Hélène, and your team at Ophorus for providing us the experience of a lifetime! The 4-day tour of Bordeaux’s great wine regions and Cognac had NO WEAK LINKS, not a single flaw, no…My son and I would like to commend you, Hélène, and your team at Ophorus for providing us the experience of a lifetime! The 4-day tour of Bordeaux’s great wine regions and Cognac had NO WEAK LINKS, not a single flaw, no lapses, no dead spots. The entire itinerary and layout was perfect: beautiful landscapes, magnificent wineries and gracious vignerons/presenters, delicious and charming lunch venues, and a very comfortable ride. We learned and experienced so much, more than we ever imagined. Our appreciation and understanding of the great wines of France has been exponentially enhanced, thanks to your expertly planned and implemented tour. And then there’s Hélène. Like Mathilde, she is absolutely a superstar, a guide touristique et expert en vins très excellent. Her impressive knowledge and experience are only topped by her enthusiasm, passion, and sparkling personality. She not only conducted an engaging master class on Bordeaux wine and viticulture, but assisted us at every turn in getting the most out of the entire venture. She even made sure that we saw and stopped at ALL FIVE of the Medoc/Graves Premier Crus Chateau, and arranged a fantastic excursion to Sauternes/Barsac with a fascinating visit to the biodynamic Château Climens, and a drive-by at Chateau Yquem! And Cognac. Wow!! There can be nothing left to say except: thank you, muchas gracias, graze mille
M
Mary L.
10, Aug 2022Ophorus
I just wanted to comment on our tour with Ilia on the 17th of June. We absolutely loved it! Ilia was great. Right on time and very helpful. It felt like we had made a friend in France. He made sure to get our priorities…I just wanted to comment on our tour with Ilia on the 17th of June. We absolutely loved it! Ilia was great. Right on time and very helpful. It felt like we had made a friend in France. He made sure to get our priorities for lunch and I ended up having the best Brie I have ever tasted. He went above and beyond and probably took the picture on our Christmas card. Ha! The communication & payments beforehand were great and very easy as well. Thank you for providing us with our favorite day of our trip.
G
Greta K
15, Jun 2021TripAdvisor
My boyfriend has always wanted to go to Cognac to experience house of Cognac, to see how they produce Cognac. So for his 30th birthday, I wanted to give him this experience. I searched online, and I found Ophorus. I sent…My boyfriend has always wanted to go to Cognac to experience house of Cognac, to see how they produce Cognac. So for his 30th birthday, I wanted to give him this experience. I searched online, and I found Ophorus. I sent an email and asked for a lift to Cognac and 2 visits in House of Cognac.
This is what I got:
We were picked up at our hotel in Bordeaux and driven to Cognac in a minivan with air condition. The driver, our English speaking guide, seemed to me to be a walking encyclopedia. She knew everything! So nice and so easy for us to understand. She told us about History of France, places we drove through, buildings we saw, everything. It didn't matter what we asked, she knew. Amazing!
First she took us to Hennessy where we got a private guiding tour with cognac tasting. What a place and what an experience - wonderful!!! Then she took us to a park near by where we had lunch in this wonderful restaurant. Our guide order for us, she translated everything, she did everything for us.
After lunch we drove to Remy Martin where we entered a bigger group for guiding tour. Remy Martin has to be a must for everyone who wants to see Cognac production. We had cognac tasting here as well, and our guide helped us and followed us, so if we didn't understand everything, she was there to translate and explain. We went back to Bordeaux same day, after a overwhelming experience - Once in a lifetime Experience. Best service ever.
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Quick answers
What is the maximum group size for the private tour?
The tour can accommodate small groups of two to eight participants and larger groups with prior arrangements for transportation
Are there any requirements for the tour?
The tour involves walking in vineyards and cellars, so participants are advised to wear comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing
How long does the excursion last?
The excursion is a full-day experience, designed to fit within your ship's schedule
What is the cancellation policy for the tour?
You can receive a full refund if you cancel up to 72 hours before the activity, but there is no refund for cancellations made within 72 hours or for no-shows
Is lunch included in the tour?
Lunch is not included in the excursion and will be at your own expense in the historic city of Cognac, where you can choose a restaurant. We can pre-book a restaurant for you and your party.
What can I expect during the Cognac tastings?
You will sample exquisite spirits during the tastings while learning about the craftsmanship behind each glass from your guide
Is there a guide for the excursion?
Yes, a local English-speaking guide will accompany you, providing expert insights and fascinating stories about the history of Cognac
What types of Cognac houses will we visit?
You will visit two esteemed Cognac houses that blend traditional methods with modern artistry in their production processes
How customizable is the tour itinerary?
The tour is highly customizable, allowing you to choose the Cognac houses you want to visit (depending on availability at time of booking), pacing, and time spent in town to suit your interests
What is included in the private shore excursion from La Rochelle to Cognac?
The excursion includes pick up and drop off at the cruise ship, travel in premium vehicle, an English-speaking driver/guide, reservations for two selected Cognac houses, and tastings of Cognac varieties
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Easy cancellation
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