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Bonjour Bordeaux: Chateaux, Wineries & Charming Villages

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Operated by Avalon Waterways
Tripcode: WXX
Overview
Destination:
France
Start:Bordeaux, France
Finish:Bordeaux, France
Duration:8 days
Type:Group tour (max 90)
Style:
River/Small ship/Barge,
Travel Period
March 2025 - November 2026
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!
Standard inclusions
  • 7 breakfasts.
    6 lunches.
    7 dinners.
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Itinerary
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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* (D) *Ship may sail in the evening to Cadillac-sur-Garonne based on tide and water levels.
Day 2 - CADILLAC-SUR-GARONNE*
On the Steps of Montesquieu DISCOVERY Join a delicious onboard experience in Bordeaux wines with a presentation by a world class wine sommelier. CLASSIC Take a guided tour of Chateau de la Brede-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 Join a guided visit with wine tasting at a local wine estate. 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 (B,L,D) *Sailing to Cadillac-sur-Garonne pending tides and water levels. Alternative motorcoach transportation for today's excursions provided.
Day 3 - CUSSAC FORT MEDOC
Bikes, Vines, and Wines This morning, enjoy a leisurely sailing to Cussac Fort Medoc. Visit the Adventure Centre for today's activities with your Adventure Host. ACTIVE 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 Take a scenic drive through the famed Medoc wine country 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 (B,L,D)
Day 4 - BLAYE-BOURG
Fine Art, Fine Bubbly, and a Fine Day for a Drive Ask your Adventure Host for today's special activities. ACTIVE Join a refreshing power walk through the historic Citadel of Blaye with your Adventure Host, OR: DISCOVERY Join a guided tour to discover Blaye from a different perspective, including a visit to a local art gallery with wine tasting, OR: CLASSIC Take a panoramic drive following the famed Route de la Corniche along the right banks of the River Dordogne, followed by a guided visit to the Citadel of Blaye, an UNESCO World Heritage site. Relaxing afternoon sailing on the Dordogne River to Bourg. CLASSIC Take a wonderful walking tour in the Citadel of Bourg on the banks of the Dordogne River and visit the carriage museum. Alternatively, join an optional guided excursion to learn how the Fine Champagne of Cognac is made while enjoying a Remy Martin tasting. Later, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BOURG (B,L,D)
Day 5 - LIBOURNE. EXCURSION TO SAINT-EMILION
The Village Amid the Vineyards DISCOVERY Enjoy a guided visit to Saint-Emilion to discover one Bordeaux' must-see wine-growing towns and celebrate your day with a wine tasting, OR: CLASSIC Join a guided tour of the medieval village of Saint-Emilion-a UNESCO World Heritage site of legends and legendary landscapes, OR: CLASSIC Take an orientation walking tour to discover the history and beauty of Libourne, where wine and wonderful views are cherished in the 12th-century fortified town. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LIBOURNE (B,L,D)
Day 6 - BORDEAUX
Bordeaux Sights and Brilliant Lights Join your Adventure Host for today's special activities. DISCOVERY While sailing to Bordeaux, enjoy a pastry demonstration. ACTIVE Join your Adventure Host for a bike ride along Bordeaux' postcard river views of the Les Quais, OR: CLASSIC Join a guided walking tour to discover the heart of Bordeaux with a stroll amid its stunning squares, avenues, and cathedrals sights. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BORDEAUX (B,L,D)
Day 7 - BORDEAUX. EXCURSION TO ARCACHON'S BAY
Seas, Shells, and Sips ACTIVE Join your Adventure Host for a bike ride along Bordeaux' postcard river views of the Les Quais, OR: CLASSIC Take a guided tour to La Cite du Vin, Bordeaux's iconic wine museum and cultural centre, OR: CLASSIC 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. This afternoon, consider an optional guided excursion to Les Bassins des Lumieres for a breathtaking visit to the submarine base where art and music surround you in an immersive experience. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BORDEAUX (B,L,D)
Day 8 - BORDEAUX (DISEMBARKATION)
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Departure dates

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Travellers

Operator
Avalon Waterways

Designed from the bottom up for comfort, space, and room to dream, each Avalon Suite Ship consists of 80% Panorama Suites—offering the widest view in river cruising. Larger suites result in fewer passengers, so you’ll never feel crowded anywhere on board. From reclining on the open-air Sky Deck, relaxing in the spacious Panorama Lounge, or feeling the wind over the bough In the Observation Lounge, there’s never a shortage of comfortable spots to stretch out, day dream, or just watch the world go by. From our inception, Avalon Waterways has cast a light on the world’s most fascinating places and people – inviting wayfarers and wanderers like you to bask in their glory, intrigue and wonder. Along the way, we’ve helped travellers uncover ancient traditions while meeting the locals dedicated to preserving them; to meander historic hallways while giving back to the societies that safeguard them; and to put down the guidebooks and pick up a greater understanding of the world and its people.

Important Information
*Terms and conditions
Please note: We are proud to be an independent agent to travel providers of hotels, flights and other related services. We are not a tour operator. Details and information on the offer are provided by 3rd party businesses and although we do our best to verify the information, we cannot guarantee its accuracy on all occasions. These offers are not available in conjunction with any other offer unless otherwise stated. Pricing and availability are subject to change without notice. For more information, please see Terms of Use
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$5,726*
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7 nights
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