Itinerary
Join Stein Travel as the Irish Rugby Team commence their Rugby World Cup 2023 adventure. While our rugby players prepare for their matches, we will explore the beauty, culture, and history of the country. When they are ready to take on their opponents, we will be right there cheering them on.
Thursday, 7 September
Your RWC 2023 adventure begins here. You will fly from Ireland to Bordeaux, one of France’s most elegant cities and the host city for Ireland’s first match. After we check-in to our hotel, the rest of the evening is free.
Discover how breathtakingly beautiful Bordeaux can be. Wander its medieval streets full of bars, restaurants, and trendy boutiques. Climb the Pey-Berland bell tower for one of the best views of the city. Take a selfie beside the Porte Caillhau Gateway, a building that looks like it has sprung straight from a fairy tale.
Friday, 8 September
After breakfast, we set off on a half day city tour of Bordeaux. We will discover the elegance of this captivating city and learn the connections between Ireland and it’s wine trade.
In the afternoon, we will return to our hotel and the rest of the day is at leisure. Why not end your day with a stroll along the Garonne River, where you will find shops, bars, cafés, and gardens galore. Don’t miss the Place de la Bourse, a square that is one of the grandest in all of France.
Saturday, 9 September
A free morning to enjoy Bordeaux at your own pace. Delve deeper into the city. Visit its golden triangle of boulevards which enclose architectural marvels such as the Grand Theatre and France’s biggest square. Stroll through the Chartrons district where the Irish, English and Dutch of old set up wine houses that came to dominate the city’s wine trade.
In the evening, it’s time to switch gears and let your adrenaline soar as you cheer on the Irish rugby team in their first match of RWC 2023.
Sunday, 10 September
Today, you leave Bordeaux and travel to the seaside city of La Rochelle. After we check in to our hotel the rest of the day is free to explore La Rochelle at your own pace.
Get your bearings in the old port. Take in the views of the medieval towers that stand guard at the entrance to the port and then take a seat under the awnings of a quayside restaurant for a seafood dinner.
Monday, 11 September
After breakfast, a half day tour is included to discover La Rochelle and the surrounding area. We will cross the sea bridge to L’Ile de Ré, an island of whitewashed villages, long sandy beaches, vineyards, and sea marshes.
Tuesday, 12 September
Today, we leave La Rochelle for Tours. Set in the Loire Valley and surrounded by rolling hills, it’s known as the garden of France. After we check in to our hotel, the rest of the day is free to explore Tours at your own pace.
Its botanical garden is a perfect introduction to the city. Come sunset, make your way to Place Pomerleau in the old town. This square of timber-framed houses is the social heart of the city. With its bars and open-air restaurants, it virtually hums with life.
Wednesday, 13 September
A full day to explore Tours at your own pace.
Thursday, 14 September
Today, we leave Tours for Nantes, one of France’s most eccentric cities. Nantes will be our home for the next 3 nights.
Friday, 15 September
After breakfast, we set off on a half day tour of Nantes and it many sights. Afterwards, we return to our hotel and the rest of the day is at leisure.
Why not discover it’s whimsical side with a visit to the Ile de Nantes, where animatronic creatures inspired by Jules Verne’s writings have been brought to life by artists. These extraordinary machines include a 12-metre-high elephant that can carry up to 52 passengers on its back.
Saturday, 16 September
The morning and early afternoon are yours to explore the city at your own pace, perhaps exploring the Cathedral of Saint Pierre and Paul or marvelling at modern art in the Musée d’Arts. Why not indulging in some shopping in the Passage Pommerave, a light-filled covered alleyway of elegant sculptures and luxury boutiques.
This evening will be spent in Nantes’ Stade de la Beaujoire where we will shout our support for the Irish team as they play their second match at RWC 2023.
Sunday, 17 September
Farewell to France. We depart Nantes for our return flight to Ireland.
Cost, deposit and payment plans.
The price for this ticket-inclusive travel package is €3,890 per person sharing.
The single supplement is €1499
The deposit is €750 per person. The deposit is non-refundable.
The balance is due 15 March 2023. The balance payment should be made by bank transfer.