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 tour highlights
- Bordeaux
- Cussac Fort Medoc
- Pauillac
- Blaye
- Bourg
- Libourne
- Saint-Emilion
Tour itinerary
Day
1
Bordeaux, France
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.
This evening, enjoy a very special scenic sailing in Bordeaux.
Day
2
Bordeaux-Pauillac
On the Steps of Montesquieu!
Discovery Excursion
Join a delicious onboard experience in Bordeaux wines with a presentation by a worldclass wine sommelier.
Classic Excursion
Take a guided tour of Château de la Brède—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 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®.
Day
3
Cussac Fort Medoc
Bikes, Vines, and Wines!
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
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 Excursion
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.
Day
4
Blaye-Bourg
Fine Art, Fine Bubbly, Fine Day for Drive
Ask your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.
Active Excursion
Join a refreshing power walk through the historic Citadel of Blaye with your Adventure Host, 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, OR:
Classic Excursion
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 Excursion
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.
Day
5
Libourne and Saint-Emilion
The Village Amid the Vineyards
Discovery Excursion
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 Excursion
Join a guided tour of the medieval village of Saint-Émilion—a UNESCO World Heritage site of legends and legendary landscapes, OR:
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 Excursion
Onboard lecture about WWII hosted by a history expert.
Day
6
Bordeaux
Bordeaux Sights and Brilliant Lights
Discovery Excursion
While sailing to Bordeaux, enjoy a pastry demonstration.
Active Excursion
Join your Adventure Host for a bike ride along Bordeaux’ postcard river views of the Les Quais, OR:
Classic Excursion
Join a guided walking tour to discover the heart of Bordeaux with a stroll amid its stunning squares, avenues, and cathedrals sights.
Day
7
Bordeaux - 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
Take a guided tour to La Cité du Vin, Bordeaux’s iconic wine museum and cultural center, 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.
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.
Day
8
Bordeaux
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.
What you’ll see on the tour
Tour pricing:
from $4,385
per person twin/double share*
*prices per person, based on double occupancy for 3 November 2026 departure
*prices per person, based on double occupancy for 3 November 2026 departure
To secure your place now:
Phone: 03 364 3400 or 0800 747 737
Email: [email protected]
Tour Inclusions:
Avalon suite fleet:
- Complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi (Standard Wi-Fi where available in Asia)
- Panoramic windows throughout the ship
- Elegant, contemporary design & decor
- Friendly, English-speaking crew & Cruise Director
- Sky Deck with whirlpool, shade awnings, game area and premium lounges
- Covered Observation Lounge
- Club Lounge with 24-hour self-serve beverage station with complimentary cappuccinos, lattes, tea, hot chocolate & premium coffees, as well as treats throughout the day
- Elevator
- Non-smoking interior and staterooms
Dining:
- Chef-prepared onboard meals with regional cuisine and familiar favorites
- Seasonal cuisine featuring the freshest local ingredients
- Avalon Fresh® healthy cuisine options at every meal
- Spacious, open-seating Panorama Dining Room
- Daily breakfast buffet with full range of classic breakfast items, healthy Avalon Fresh® options and daily a la carte specials
- Complimentary room service for Continental breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Daily lunch buffet featuring regional specialties, classic dishes, healthy Avalon Fresh® options and rotating chef’s features including carving & pasta stations. Alternatively, you may dine al fresco at our Sky Grill on the Sky Deck (weather and itinerary permitting) or enjoy a light lunch in the Panorama Lounge.
- Afternoon Tea featuring tea, coffee, and sweet treats
- Four-course dinners with choice of appetizers, soups, salads, entrées and desserts or cheese
- Linger over several selections from the Panorama Bistro’s tasting menu for a less formal “sit-down” atmosphere
- Complimentary wine, beer, or soft drinks with lunch and dinner
- Avalon FlexDining® flexible dining times with menu & venue options
- Vegetarian options at every meal, as well as vegan, low calorie, low fat, high fiber, low cholesterol, high energy and allergy-free selections
- Panorama Lounge & Bar with premium spirits, cozy seating, panoramic windows & dance floor
- Welcome & farewell cocktails with sparkling wine & canapés
- Included Happy Hour every evening featuring house beer, wine, cocktails and a drink of the day
- Cocktails with a view on the Sky Deck
- Specialty coffees, espresso drinks and beWell Essence flavored and infused water available throughout each day
Not included:
Flights.
Conditions:
AVA
Save $7,000 per couple on select 2026 Avalon Waterways Europe cruises*
* Book select 2026 Avalon Waterways Europe river cruises and save $3,500 per person. Saving is dependent upon cruise and cabin availability and will be confirmed at time of reservation. Applicable cruise dates and savings can be viewed online, on each cruise's dates & prices page. Offer applicable across all cabin categories. Offer valid for new 2026 bookings made and deposited by 30/04/26 or until sold out. Non-refundable, non-transferable deposit of $750 per person/per cruise required at time of booking to secure reservation and offers. Cruises including intra-tour flights require additional deposit, confirmed at time of reservation. Offers cannot be combined with any other promotion except Welcome Back Credit and/or Second Tour Discount (may be applied when multiple cruises are booked at the same time for travel within the same calendar year). Offer applies to new 2026 bookings only and cannot be applied retrospectively. Offer applicable for singles - single supplement applies. Offer can be withdrawn or amended at any time without notice. Additional restrictions may apply.PRSW258
November 3, 2026
•In the event of technical or water level issues, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or alter the program, including hotel overnight when necessary.
•Guided Tours, Optional Excursions, activities, sailing and docking schedules may be contingent on weather conditions or other issues outside of our control and could therefore be subject to change at any time.
•Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.