Overview
While the landscapes and lush pastoral treasures are plentiful along read more 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!
Itinerary
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 sailing featuring the illuminated skyline of Bordeaux.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BORDEAUX
On the Steps of Montesquieu.
- Discovery: Join a delicious onboard experience in Bordeaux wines with a presentation by a worldclass wine sommelier.
- Classic: 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: 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 PAUILLAC
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: 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: 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
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 Rémy Martin tasting. Later, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BOURG
The Village Amid the Vineyards.
- Discovery: 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
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
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
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.
Life On Board
Just imagine gliding away down the world’s most spectacular rivers, all while enjoying a unique vantage point from your own private oasis. Our floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows in our suites blur the line between where the world ends, and your suite begins; allowing you to experience the world less seen from the comfort of your bed. This is river cruising from a unique point of view.
Float along Europe's most famous waterways in relaxed luxury aboard one of Avalon's award-winning Suite Ships. Read more
With the only Open-Air Balconies in river cruising, experience Europe with a view like no other in a Panorama Suite. Read more
Avalon features all the right inclusions which compliment your luxurious river cruise experience. Read more
Personalise your cruise to make it your own with Avalon Choice. Select whichever included excursions interest you the most. Read more
Avalon's Active & Discovery river cruises offer activities for travellers with varying interests & for all energy and fitness levels. Read more
Savour regional cuisine and familiar favourites using the freshest local ingredients throughout your river cruise. Read more
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Avalon River Cruises (2026)
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Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Avalon. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
