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Vineyards, Chateaux & Bordeaux with Swiss Alps, 3 Nights in Lake Como & 1 Night in Lucerne
Operated by Avalon
Tripcode: WZX1
Overview
Destination:
France,
Italy,
Start:Milan, Italy
Finish:Bordeaux, France
Finish:Bordeaux, France
Duration:26 days
Type:Group tour (max 90)
Travel Period
May 2026 - October 2027
26 days from Lucerne to Bordeaux
Immerse yourself in German and French culture on this fabulous Europe river cruise vacation along the Rhine, Seine, Garonne, and Dordogne Rivers. Your extraordinary European vacation begins with a 3-night stay in Lake Como and 1 night stay in Lucerne, with a special excursion up Mount Pilatus (or Mount Stanserhorn per seasonal accessibility) for spectacular Swiss Alpine panoramas. Next, transfer to Breisach, Germany, the gateway to unrivaled beauty of Germany’s Black Forest. Soak in the sights of Strasbourg, France, located on the French-German border—perfectly blending the cultures of both countries. Sail through the dramatic Rhine Gorge, the most beautiful view of the Rhine River where ancient castles peer from 400-foot cliffs above the shores. History comes to life in Cologne, Germany—the 2,000-year-old city best known for its Gothic architecture and towering twin-spired cathedral. Continue to Amsterdam and board a canal cruise for an immersive view of the tall, narrow houses in the capital of Holland. Be whisked away via high-speed train to Paris to board your Seine River cruise to be wined, dined, and delighted by French culture, cuisine, and captivating charm. Discover the true heart of Paris on a guided walk or see the legendary landmarks of this enchanting city.Your European river cruise vacation gets even better with a captivating cruise on France’s Garonne and Dordogne Rivers. Sail through the brilliant Bordeaux region—famed for its legendary vineyards and lovely villages. Be carried away with your choice of Avalon’s included Classic, Active, and Discovery experiences—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!
Immerse yourself in German and French culture on this fabulous Europe river cruise vacation along the Rhine, Seine, Garonne, and Dordogne Rivers. Your extraordinary European vacation begins with a 3-night stay in Lake Como and 1 night stay in Lucerne, with a special excursion up Mount Pilatus (or Mount Stanserhorn per seasonal accessibility) for spectacular Swiss Alpine panoramas. Next, transfer to Breisach, Germany, the gateway to unrivaled beauty of Germany’s Black Forest. Soak in the sights of Strasbourg, France, located on the French-German border—perfectly blending the cultures of both countries. Sail through the dramatic Rhine Gorge, the most beautiful view of the Rhine River where ancient castles peer from 400-foot cliffs above the shores. History comes to life in Cologne, Germany—the 2,000-year-old city best known for its Gothic architecture and towering twin-spired cathedral. Continue to Amsterdam and board a canal cruise for an immersive view of the tall, narrow houses in the capital of Holland. Be whisked away via high-speed train to Paris to board your Seine River cruise to be wined, dined, and delighted by French culture, cuisine, and captivating charm. Discover the true heart of Paris on a guided walk or see the legendary landmarks of this enchanting city.Your European river cruise vacation gets even better with a captivating cruise on France’s Garonne and Dordogne Rivers. Sail through the brilliant Bordeaux region—famed for its legendary vineyards and lovely villages. Be carried away with your choice of Avalon’s included Classic, Active, and Discovery experiences—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!
Highlights:
Itinerary
Expand all 
Collapse all
Collapse allLAKE COMO, ITALY
Welcome to Italy! The remainder of the day is free to start exploring Lake Como and its surroundings at your own pace.
LAKE COMO
Historic Center and Gothic StyleCLASSIC Join a Guided Walking Tour which includes the charming historic center, the Broletto (Town Hall) with its fascinating gothic façade, and the imposing, marble-clad Duomo. Embark on a Boat Ride on Lake Como which includes a stop in beautiful Bellagio.(B)
LAKE COMO
Breathtaking ViewsEnjoy the day at leisure to relax, recharge or explore the lakeshores. There is no shortage of ways to enjoy your free time in Lake Como! Choose a boat trip on the lake, a relaxing walk on the riverbanks or some shopping. And be sure to taste the authentic Italian specialties in a local restaurant!(B)
LAKE COMO–LUCERNE, SWITZERLAND
A Historic Bridge and Heart of a LionTravel to Lucerne. CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided Walking Tour to explore beautiful Lucerne which includes Thorvaldsen’s poignant Lion Monument and the famous Chapel Bridge.(B)
LUCERNE–SWISS ALPS–BASEL (EMBARKATION)
Your Suite Ship® is Ready for BoardingCLASSIC This morning, enjoy a special Highlight Excursion to Mount Pilatus (or Mount Stanserhorn per seasonal accessibility) for spectacular views over central Switzerland (in case of bad weather, visit the Swiss Transport Museum instead).Transfer to Basel to board your Suite Ship®.EVENING CRUISE TO BREISACH (B,D)
BREISACH, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO BLACK FOREST
German Winemaking and the Beautiful Black Forest Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.ACTIVE Enjoy the view on a relaxing bike ride along the Rhine with your Adventure Host, OR:CLASSIC Join a full-day Guided Tour to the magical Black Forest to experience the Vogtsbauernohf open-air-museum, visit an authentic water mill, and see a traditional butter-making demonstration, OR: CLASSIC Join a Guided Tour to explore Freiburg’s medieval city center, sheltered by the Black Forest amid vineyards and gardens of the Upper Rhine Valley.You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to visit the charming village of Colmar in the morning, with its half-timbered medieval and early renaissance buildings. EVENING CRUISE TO KEHL(B,L,D)
KEHL. EXCURSION TO STRASBOURG, FRANCE
A Grand Cathedral and La Petite FranceACTIVE Discover Strasbourg by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:CLASSIC Join a City Sightseeing Tour, including Strasbourg’s Gothic, stained-glass cathedral with its celebrated ancient murals and astronomical clock, as well as the magical La Petite France District.You may also choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to the historic Maginot Line—the pre-WWII fortifications designed to protect the eastern border of France—or visit Alsace’s wine country today. Alternatively, take some free time in Strasbourg to visit a museum or stroll across the city center. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MAINZ(B,L,D)
MAINZ, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO HEIDELBERG
Castle Walls and the World’s Biggest Wine BarrelACTIVE Join your Avalon Adventure Host for an inspiring walk in Heidelberg, the Philosophers' Way, OR:CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided Tour to Heidelberg Castle to see the ruins of the magnificent renaissance treasure towering above the city, and its famed Great Vat, the “World’s Largest Wine Barrel,” OR: CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided City Walk in Mainz, including a visit to the Gutenberg Museum to see the captivating history of printing.This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship after a short sailing to Rüdesheim.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN RÜDESHEIM(B,L,D)
RÜDESHEIM–RHINE GORGE
Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine CountryACTIVE Enjoy a hike with your Avalon Adventure Host through the picturesque vineyards of Rüdesheim, OR:CLASSIC Take a Guided Tour of the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience; enjoy a tasting of the authentic Rüdesheimer coffee, OR:DISCOVERY Take a Guided Visit to the historic 18th-century wooden-barrel cellar of Johannisberg Castle and enjoy a delicious wine tasting.*En route to Koblenz, sail through the Rhine Gorge (a UNESCO World Heritage site). Take in the breathtaking views of ancient castles perched on cliffs 400 feet above the water and pass the legendary Rock of the Lorelei—where the mythological siren’s songs lured ill-fated sailors. Travel Through 2000 Years Of Monumental History Enjoy free time in Koblenz before a relaxing evening on board with dinner and live entertainment. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN KOBLENZ*This excursions will not be operated on departure June 19 and will be replaced by a Guided Tour to Eberbach Monastery with a wine tasting.(B,L,D)
COLOGNE
Prost! Celebrate in the Rhineland Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.ACTIVE Enjoy a bike ride like the locals in Cologne with your Adventure Host, OR:DISCOVERY Choose a Guided Walking Tour of Cologne’s important Jewish heritage sites, OR:CLASSIC Take a Guided City Walk of Cologne—with its soaring twin-steepled Gothic cathedral.Spend free time over a glass of Kölsch pale lager—locally brewed for over 100 years! AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO AMSTERDAM(B,L,D)
AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND
Canals of Colorful AmsterdamACTIVE Start your day joining your Adventure Host on an early morning walk in Amsterdam, OR:CLASSIC Discover the true beauty of Amsterdam with an off-the-beaten-path Guided Walking Tour through its cobblestone streets for a captivating look at this legendary city, OR:CLASSIC Explore the iconic waterways of Amsterdam on a Guided Canal Cruise past stately homes of Amsterdam’s “Golden Age.” During tulip season, you may take a Guided Optional Excursion to Keukenhof gardens—with more than seven million tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths, as well as other bulbs, planted each year. Outside of tulip season, join a Guided Optional Excursion to Zaanse Schans to see historic windmills and charming Dutch houses. You may also choose an Optional Biking Tour to discover the countryside. Take some free time to explore Amsterdam’s colorful streets, canal houses, galleries, and shops. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AMSTERDAM(B,L,D)
AMSTERDAM (DISEMBARKATION)–PARIS, FRANCE (EMBARKATION)
On to ParisThis morning, board a high-speed train for Paris to embark on your Avalon Suite Ship® and enjoy dinner onboard this evening. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VERNON(B,D)
VERNON
Monet’s Fleurs and Crêpes du JourVisit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.ACTIVE Explore Vernon's Chateau des Tourelles by foot with your Adventure Host, OR:CLASSIC Take a Guided Tour of Giverny, home and inspiration of the master impressionist painter Claude Monet. Walk the grounds and see Monet’s charming residence, and the flower and water gardens captured in his masterpieces*, OR:CLASSIC Join a Guided Visit to Bizy Castle—called “Normandy’s Versailles” for its magnificent courtyard, water garden, and stables.DISCOVERY While sailing, enjoy a traditional French luncheon of authentic French crêpes, followed by a Pastry Demonstration.This afternoon, enjoy a beautiful cruise to the picturesque town of Les Andelys. Serenity on the SeineACTIVE Join a Guided Hike up to the castle ruins of Château Gaillard—historic home of King Richard the Lionheart, OR:CLASSIC Take a Guided Walking Tour of Les Andelys—one of France’s most picturesque spots on the Seine.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO CAUDEBEC(B,L,D)*Monet’s House is closed in March and November. During this period, this excursion will be replaced with a Guided Tour of La Roche-Guyon and its castle.
CAUDEBEC
Ancient Abbeys Along the SeineACTIVE Enjoy a relaxing bike ride along the river with your Adventure Host, OR:CLASSIC Take a Guided Trip along the Normandy Abbeys Route—where more than 100 medieval Benedictine and Augustine abbeys and churches were built along the Seine.This afternoon, you may choose a Guided Optional Excursion to the old seaside town of Honfleur. DISCOVERY Enjoy an Onboard Lecture about the days before and after the Normandy landing of D-Day.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN CAUDEBEC(B,L,D)
CAUDEBEC. EXCURSION TO NORMANDY
Heroic Bravery on Normandy Beaches and French Farming Traditions CLASSIC Join a Guided Tour of Normandy’s WWII landing beaches, visit significant U.S. sites, including Omaha Beach, the Pointe du Hoc monument, and the American Cemetery, OR: CLASSIC Take a full-day Guided Tour of the British and Canadian commemorative sites, including the British cemetery, Pegasus Memorial, the seaside town of Arromanches, the Juno Beach Center, and the Bény-sur-Mer Canadian War Cemetery, OR: CLASSIC Join a Guided Tour to get a taste of authentic tradition in the beautiful region of Normandy. Toast the day with a brandy tasting in Calvados.Later, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship. EVENING CRUISE TO ROUEN(B,L,D)
ROUEN
The Cathedral of Notre-Dame and a Heroine for France ACTIVE Take a Guided Bike Tour to discover and explore the most famous monuments and the lesser known hidden gems of Rouen on two wheels, OR:CLASSIC Take a Guided Walking Tour of Rouen—site of Saint Joan of Arc’s martyrdom—and see the medieval quarter with its 16th-century Astronomical Clock, and Notre-Dame Cathedral.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO CONFLANS(B,L,D)
CONFLANS
The Footsteps of Van Gogh, Bonaparte, and Louis XIV ACTIVE Enjoy a relaxing bike ride along the Seine with your Adventure Host, OR:CLASSIC Join a Guided Visit to Auvers-sur-Oise, home and resting place of Vincent van Gogh, OR:CLASSIC Take a Guided tour of the opulent Château de Malmaison*—home of Napoléon Bonaparte and his wife Josephine.Perhaps, join a Guided Optional Excursion to the Palace of Versailles—home to a succession of French kings. This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship.AFTERNOON/EVENING CRUISE TO PARIS(B,L,D)*Château de Malmaison is closed the 1st Sunday of each month. On these dates, this excursion will be replaced by a visit to Château de Chantilly.
PARIS
Cafés, Cathedrals and Canvases in the City of Light Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.ACTIVE Experience the Seine river by foot with your Adventure Host, OR:CLASSIC Discover the ancient heart of Paris on a captivating Guided Walk featuring the Palais-Royal, Louvre pyramid, ancient sites on Île de la Cité, the Left Bank, bustling Latin Quarter, and more, OR: CLASSIC Join a Guided City Tour featuring the iconic sites of Paris, which make the City of Light the most romantic and remarkable city in the world.Stroll through Paris on your own or linger over wine in a literary café on the Left Bank.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN PARIS(B,L,D)
PARIS (DISEMBARKATION)–BORDEAUX (EMBARKATION)
Your Suite Ship® is Ready for BoardingThis morning, travel to Bordeaux to board your Suite Ship® and start your cruise on the Garonne and Dordogne Rivers.This evening, enjoy a very special sailing featuring the illuminated skyline of Bordeaux.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BORDEAUX(B,D)
CUSSAC FORT MÉDOC
Bikes, Vines, and Wines This morning, enjoy a leisurely sailing to Cussac Fort MédocVisit the Adventure Center 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:CLASSIC Join a guided tour to discover the culture and traditions of the southern Médoc region at one of Margaux' beautiful château and enjoy a wine tasting, OR: CLASSIC Take a scenic drive through the famed Médoc 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)
BLAYE–BOURG
Fine Art, Fine Bubbly, and a Fine Day for a DriveAsk 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 Rémy Martin tasting.Later, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BOURG(B,L,D)
LIBOURNE. EXCURSION TO SAINT-ÉMILION
The Village Amid the VineyardsDISCOVERY Enjoy a guided visit to Saint-Émilion 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-Émilion—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.DISCOVERY Onboard lecture about WWII hosted by a history expert.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LIBOURNE(B,L,D)
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)
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 Cité du Vin, Bordeaux’s iconic wine museum and cultural center, 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 Lumières 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)
BORDEAUX (DISEMBARKATION)
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Dates
Select a date or submit general enquiry
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.
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