Overview
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.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BORDEAUX* (D)
*Ship may sail in the evening to Cadillac-sur-Garonne based on tide and water levels.
On the Steps of Montesquieu
- 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 chateau. 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.
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 Guided Visit to an historic Chateau in the Medoc area and enjoy a tasting of their wonderful wines, with Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon as protagonists.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN CUSSAC FORT MEDOC (B/L/D)
Fine Art, Fine Bubbly, and a Fine Day for a Drive
A brief morning sailing to Blaye. Ask your Adventure Host for today's special activities.
- Classic: 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: 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 Remy Martin tasting.
Later, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BOURG (B/L/D)
The Village Amid the Vineyards
- Classic: Join a guided tour of the medieval village of Saint-Emilion - a UNESCO World Heritage site of legends and legendary landscapes.
Later, sail Bordeaux.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BORDEAUX (B/L/D)
Bordeaux Sights and Brilliant Lights
Join your Adventure Host for today's special activities.
- Classic: 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 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)
Seas, Shells, and Sips
- Active: Join your Adventure Host for a bike ride along Bordeaux' postcard river views of the Les Quais, 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.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BORDEAUX (B/L/D)
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Life Onboard Avalon Artistry II
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
Brochure
Avalon River Cruises (2024-25)
Availability
AUD
Port charges, taxes and fees included.
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 Avalon. These 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.
