Bonjour Bordeaux: Chateaux, Wineries & Charming Villages

Embarkation from Porto

Pricing based on Deluxe Stateroom for departure date 19th Aug 2025

Plan in advance and take advantage of latest offer with wide range of departures available.

Itinerary highlights

Ship: Avalon Artistry II

Cabin: Deluxe Stateroom - Category E

Sail Date: 19th Aug 2025

Duration: 07 Nights

Day-wise itinerary:

DAY 1: BORDEAUX, FRANCE (EMBARKATION)

Welcome to France! Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding

Flights into Bordeaux must arrive by 3 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.

Your day is free to explore the city before starting your cruise on the Garonne and Dordogne. Get acquainted with this city, capital of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region and famous worldwide for its vineyards and wines.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BORDEAUX*

*Ship may sail in the evening to Cadillac-sur-Garonne based on tide and water levels.

Meals: Dinner

DAY 2: CADILLAC-SUR-GARONNE

On the Steps of Montesquieu

Classic Excursion

Take a guided tour of Château de la Brêde—birthplace of Montesquieu—political philosopher and author of “The Spirit of Law.” Visit the fortress-style castle still reflected in its impressive moat, OR:

Discovery Excursion

Join a Guided Visit with wine tasting at a local château. Sip the sweet notes and fresh acidity of Sauternes, the beloved golden-yellow wine.

This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board your Suite Ship® .

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN CADILLAC-SUR-GARONNE

*Sailing to Cadillac-sur-Garonne pending tides and water levels. Alternative motorcoach transportation for today’s excursions provided.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

DAY 3: CUSSAC FORT MÉDOC

Bikes, Vines, and Wines

This morning, enjoy a leisurely sailing to Cussac Fort Médoc

Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.

Active Excursion

Enjoy a relaxing E-bike guided tour in Bordeaux’s finest wine region. You will be amazed by the picturesque countryside while you enjoy a wonderful ride through the vineyards, OR:

Discovery Excursion

Take a Guided Visit to an historic Château in the Médoc area and enjoy a tasting of their wonderful wines, with Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon as protagonists.

This evening, enjoy a brief sailing to Blaye.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BLAYE

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

DAY 4: BLAYE–BOURG

Fine Art, Fine Bubbly, and a Fine Day for a Drive

Ask your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.

Classic Excursion

Take a guided visit to the Citadel of Blaye, an UNESCO World Heritage site, followed by a panoramic drive following the famed Route de la Corniche along the right banks of the River Dordogne, OR:

Discovery Excursion

Join a Guided Tour to discover Blaye from a different perspective, including a visit to a local art gallery with wine tasting.

Scenic afternoon sailing on the Dordogne River to Bourg. Enjoy free time to explore this storybook village or join an optional guided excursion to learn how the Fine Champagne of Cognac is made while enjoying a Rémy Martin tasting.

Later, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BOURG

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

DAY 5: LIBOURNE. EXCURSION TO SAINT-ÉMILION

The Village Amid the Vineyards

Classic Excursion

Join a guided tour of the medieval village of Saint-Émilion—a UNESCO World Heritage site of legends and legendary landscapes.

Later, sail Bordeaux.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BORDEAUX

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

DAY 6: BORDEAUX

Bordeaux Sights and Brilliant Lights

Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.

Classic Excursion

Join a guided walking tour to discover the heart of Bordeaux with a stroll amid its stunning squares, avenues, and cathedrals sights.

This afternoon, consider an optional guided excursion to Les Bassins des Lumières for a breathtaking visit to the submarine base where art and music surround you in an immersive experience.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BORDEAUX

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

DAY 7: BORDEAUX. EXCURSION TO ARCACHON’S BAY

Seas, Shells, and Sips

Active Excursion

Join your Adventure Host for a bike ride along Bordeaux’ postcard river views of the Les Quais, OR:

Classic Excursion

Join a full-day guided tour of the seaside resort of Arcachon on the Atlantic coast. Gaze upon its 19th-century architectural treasures and taste its local delicacy of oysters and wine.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BORDEAUX

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

DAY 8: BORDEAUX (DISEMBARKATION)

Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.

Meals: Breakfast

Cruise Overview

Bid bonjour to the bountiful beauty of Bordeaux with a captivating cruise on the Garonne and Dordogne Rivers to delight in one of France’s most exquisite regions. Embark from Bordeaux itself, the capital of the splendid Nouvelle-Aquitaine region—famed for its legendary vineyards and wines. Be carried away by Avalon’s signature included Classic, Active, or Discovery experiences of your choice—from the regal histories of castles and Châteaux to the romantic cellars where wine bouquets and bon-vivant cuisine tempt the palate. While the landscapes and lush pastoral treasures are plentiful along the shores of the Garonne and Dordogne, Avalon elevates each immersive experience for a deeper discovery of the cultural and architectural treasures that recall the rich traditions of Southwest France. From unparalleled panoramic drives to forested two-wheel excursions by bike to the delicacies of seaside Arcachon—the world is your oyster on this adventure in la belle vie of Bordeaux!

Your Ship: Avalon Artistry II

Part of Avalon's award-winning fleet of Suite Ships, the Avalon Artistry II features two full decks of Panorama Suites with wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows that transform the living space into river cruising's only Open-Air Balcony. With 200 square feet, Panorama Suites are more than 30% larger than the industry standard, affording you the incomparable opportunity to wake each morning to splendid passing scenery from your window-facing bed. Stretch out on your Comfort Collection bed and cruise with the world at your feet. Onboard amenities include an alternative light dining option in the Panorama Bistro, a Fitness Center, complimentary Wi-Fi access, and a spacious Sky Deck with premium lounge chairs, whirlpool, and light al fresco lunches at the Sky Bistro on the Sky Deck. A true work of art in relaxed luxury on board and amazing adventures on shore!

Enquire Now!

All fares are displayed in Great British Pound, and pricing is per person based on twin share occupancy unless stated otherwise. Although all due care is taken to keep information as up-to-date as possible, pricing and availability are subject to change without notice: due to varying timing schedules of supplier automated update processes; currency fluctuations; fuel surcharges or government tax & fee changes and may not be guaranteed until paid in full. Gratuities may be an additional onboard charge depending on particular cruise line selected. Please ask your cruise consultant for any clarification of Terms & Conditions.