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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!
The Avalon Experience
Rooms with a view
The window of opportunity to see and experience the world just got a whole lot wider. Beyond the widest views on the water is an open invitation to experience your destination in more ways, in exceptional ways, in your way.
Relaxed Luxury
Delight in the difference and comfort. Leaving the rules behind, but not the luxury. Avalon's job is to bring you the world. Your job is to love it your way.
Unpack Once
An extraordinary place to call your own. A space to get into it, or away from it - to be with friends or retreat to where you can invite the view (but no one else) in.
Taste the World
Great food feeds your soul, fuels your passion, and shapes your memories. Taste decadent local delicacies, fresh regional wine and produce - Unrivalled foodie moments.
*Advertised pricing is based on per solo traveller on 7 April 2026 departure, correct as of 27 February 2026. Other departures may incur surcharges.
Inclusions
7 nights cruising from Bordeaux return
Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner
Wine, beer & soft drinks during lunch, dinner
Choice of Active, Discovery or Classic Excursions
Live entertainment onboard
Itinerary
Day 1 | Bordeaux, France (Embarkation)
Welcome to France! Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding
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.
Overnight docking in Bordeaux
Meals: dinner
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®.
Overnight docking in Pauillac.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 3 | Cussac Fort Médoc
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 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.
Overnight Docking in Blaye
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
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 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.
Active Excursion
Alternatively, bike from Blaye to Bourg with your Adventure Host.
Classic Excursion
Take a wonderful walking tour in the Citadel of Bourg on the banks of the Dordogne River and visit the carriage museum.
Later, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship.
Overnight Docking in Bourg
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 5 | Libourne. Excursion To Saint-Émilion
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:
Classic Excursion
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.
Overnight Docking in Libourne
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 6 | Bordeaux
Bordeaux Sights and Brilliant Lights
Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.
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.
Overnight Docking in Bordeaux
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 7 | Bordeaux. Excursion to Arcachon’s Bay
Seas, Shells, and Sips
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.
Overnight Docking in Bordeaux
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 8 | Bordeaux (Disembarkation)
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.
Meals: breakfast
*Itinerary is subject to change.
Booking terms and conditions apply.
*
Term and conditions apply: All pricing subject to change and availability. Advertised prices are per person twin share unless stated otherwise. Offers may be withdrawn at any time. Itineraries are subject to change. Booking Conditions and Phil Hoffmann Travel Schedule of Professionalism* applies. Please speak to your Phil Hoffmann Travel Consultant for more information.
