Bonjour Bordeaux: Chateaux, Wineries & Charming Villages
France
Seven nights round-trip from Bordeaux on the Garonne and Dordogne aboard the Avalon Artistry II: Pauillac and the Médoc by e-bike or château visit, the Citadel of Blaye, Bourg, Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux itself and a day at Arcachon Bay for oysters. Wine tastings most days, an onboard sommelier session, a pastry demonstration, a choice of Classic, Active or Discovery excursion each day, and all meals on board with wine and beer at lunch and dinner. Flights, transfers and hotel nights are extra.
Pricing varies by date — ask us
Per person, two sharing · lowest cabin, cruise only — flights from home not included · 8 days
- Meals
- 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners
- Operator
- Avalon Waterways (Globus)
Or call / text 954-698-4438
Itinerary, hotels and inclusions checked against Avalon Waterways (Globus)'s own page on Sep 3, 2026. Dates and prices are read live from the operator's feed.
Our take
A wine-region cruise for people who would rather taste than tour. Bordeaux's rivers are short, so the ship spends more time docked than the Danube does, which suits travelers who like getting off and exploring. Every day has a wine element, and the Arcachon oyster day is the one people mention afterwards. It sails round-trip from Bordeaux, so flights are simple — and it is one of the pricier cruises we list because the Artistry II is almost all suites.
Highlights
- Sails on the Avalon Artistry II — 52 Panorama Suites and 12 staterooms, every cabin exterior-facing
- All meals on board with wine and beer at lunch and dinner, one included excursion a day, bikes and Wi-Fi
- 8 Day River Cruise Bordeaux to Bordeaux
- No departures currently bookable — we check Avalon's next release for your dates
Who this trip suits
- Wine lovers who want Médoc, Saint-Émilion and Sauternes without driving between them
- Couples and friends who prefer a round-trip port and a slower, docked-more-often pace
- Food-first travelers — oysters at Arcachon, pastry and sommelier sessions on board
- People who like a bike option every day; the Médoc e-bike ride is a highlight
Who should look elsewhere
- Anyone who wants big-city stops — this is villages, châteaux and one city
- Travelers who dislike wine-focused itineraries; nearly every excursion involves a tasting
- People on a tight budget; suite-heavy ships run higher
- Those who want long sailing days; this route spends much of its time in port
Day by day
Avalon Waterways (Globus)'s published itinerary, checked Sep 3, 2026
1Bordeaux, France (embarkation)Bordeaux, France (embarkation)Dinner
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.
Meals: Dinner · Overnight docking in Bordeaux
2On the Steps of MontesquieuBordeaux–PauillacBreakfastLunchDinner
This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board your Suite Ship®.
Your choice · Included Avalon Choice options — 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 · 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.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner · Overnight docking in Pauillac
3Bikes, Vines, and WinesCussac Fort MédocBreakfastLunchDinner
This morning, enjoy a leisurely sailing to Cussac Fort Médoc Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host. This evening, enjoy a brief sailing to Blaye.
Your choice · Included Avalon Choice options — 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 · 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 · 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.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner · Overnight docking in Blaye
4Fine Art, Fine Bubbly, and a Fine Day for a DriveBlaye–BourgBreakfastLunchDinner
Ask your Adventure Host for today’s special activities. Relaxing afternoon sailing on the Dordogne River to Bourg. 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.
Your choice · Included Avalon Choice options — Active: Join a refreshing power walk through the historic Citadel of Blaye with your Adventure Host · Discovery: Join a guided tour to discover Blaye from a different perspective, including a visit to a local art gallery with wine tasting · 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. · Active: Alternatively, bike from Blaye to Bourg with your Adventure Host. · Classic: Take a wonderful walking tour in the Citadel of Bourg on the banks of the Dordogne River and visit the carriage museum.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner · Overnight docking in Bourg
5The Village Amid the VineyardsLibourne. excursion to Saint-ÉmilionBreakfastLunchDinner
Ashore today, your day is built around the included Avalon Choice options below — you pick one.
Your choice · Included Avalon Choice options — 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 · Classic: Join a guided tour of the medieval village of Saint-Émilion—a UNESCO World Heritage site of legends and legendary landscapes · 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.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner · Overnight docking in Libourne
6Bordeaux Sights and Brilliant LightsBordeauxBreakfastLunchDinner
Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.
Your choice · Included Avalon Choice options — 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 · Classic: Join a guided walking tour to discover the heart of Bordeaux with a stroll amid its stunning squares, avenues, and cathedrals sights.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner · Overnight docking in Bordeaux
7Seas, Shells, and SipsBordeaux. excursion to Arcachon’s BayBreakfastLunchDinner
Ashore today, your day is built around the included Avalon Choice options below — you pick one.
Your choice · Included Avalon Choice options — Classic: Take a guided tour to La Cité du Vin, Bordeaux’s iconic wine museum and cultural center · 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.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner · Overnight docking in Bordeaux
8Bordeaux (disembarkation)Bordeaux (disembarkation)Breakfast
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.
Meals: Breakfast
Dates & prices
Read from Avalon Waterways (Globus)'s departures feed · per person, two sharing · lowest cabin category, cruise only — flights from home not included
| Departs | Returns | Group | From pp | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 3, 2026 | Nov 10 | Cruise | $4,330 | Sold out |
Prices are the operator's current published rates and can change until a deposit is paid; we reconfirm on enquiry.
Where you stay
Hotels as listed by Avalon Waterways (Globus), “as shown or similar.” Tap a hotel name to see it on Google Maps.
Bordeaux — pre/post-cruise night option
Le BurdigalaDeluxe
Located in Bordeaux city centre, Le Burdigala is a lifestyle hotel synonymous with good living, day and night. It features large, open spaces where the watchword is `sharing'. This vibrant venue sets…
What's included
- 7 nights on the Avalon Artistry II in the cabin category you choose (the 'from' price is the lowest category)
- 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners on board
- All meals on board — wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, plus a nightly happy hour (except the first night)
- One included Avalon Choice excursion each day — Classic, Active or Discovery — led by Local Guides or your Adventure Host
- Bikes and e-bikes to borrow in port, Adventure Host wellness classes, and complimentary Wi-Fi on board
- Live entertainment and Avalon After Dark evenings on board
- Port charges and the services of the Cruise Director and Adventure Host
What's not included
- International airfare — prices are cruise only; we quote flights from South Florida with your dates
- Airport and port transfers unless booked with Avalon air
- Pre- and post-cruise hotel nights (optional add-ons — see the hotels listed below)
- Optional excursions marked as such in the day-by-day
- Gratuities for the Cruise Director, crew and Local Guides
- Travel protection, and a single supplement for solo travelers unless a waiver promotion applies
The real cost of this trip
The “from” price is the operator's land-only rate. This is what sits on top of it, so the number you budget is the number you pay.
| Flights from South Florida | Not included. We price them with your dates; the ship's boarding cutoff is mid-afternoon on Day 1, so arriving the day before is the safe play. |
| Transfers | Airport-to-ship transfers are included only when air is booked through Avalon; otherwise we arrange a car. |
| Optional excursions | The Cognac and Rémy Martin tasting is optional and priced separately. |
| Pre- and post-cruise nights | Avalon offers Bordeaux hotel nights as add-ons; arriving the day before is wise given the 3 pm boarding cutoff. |
| Cabin category | The 'from' price is the lowest category. Panorama Suites with the open-air balcony cost more; we quote the exact deck and category. |
| Gratuities | Crew, Cruise Director and Local Guide tips are extra; Avalon publishes guidance we share before you sail. |
| Travel protection | Not included. We recommend it for a cruise at this price point and quote it with the fare. |
| Solo travelers | A single supplement applies unless a waiver promotion is running on your departure — the dates feed shows current promotions. |
Good to know
- Water levels
- 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.
- Schedules
- 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.
- Visas
- Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.
- 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.
- Price basis
- Per person, based on two sharing the lowest cabin category, cruise only — flights from home not included. Higher categories and suites are quoted on request.
- Start and finish
- 8 Day River Cruise Bordeaux to Bordeaux.
Group minimums
Group rates and amenities unlock at these tiers. Negotiated through Travel Connects' supplier relationships.
| Tier | What you get |
|---|---|
| 8+ cruisers | Group discounts begin at 8 travelers. |
| 10+ cruisers | Avalon's published group terms include a free traveler at 10+ — we'll confirm exact terms when we quote. |
| 20+ cruisers | Custom pre- or post-cruise itinerary; larger groups can explore partial or full ship charters. |
Gallery
Questions we get about this trip
Is airfare included?
No. Prices on this page are cruise-only (plus the Cairo hotel nights on the Egypt itinerary). We quote flights from Fort Lauderdale or Miami with your dates, and Avalon can bundle air with transfers.
How wine-heavy is it?
Very. Sauternes, Médoc, Saint-Émilion and Blaye all feature, plus an onboard sommelier presentation. There are non-wine choices most days (guided walks, bike rides, Château de la Brède), but if wine is not your thing, look at the Danube instead.
Which cabin is the 'from' price?
The lowest category on the Artistry II. Most of the ship is Panorama Suites with the open-air balcony; we quote the exact category with your dates.
How much walking is there?
Excursions are guided walks in old towns, on cobbles and steps; the ship itself is easy to move around. Active options add bike rides and hikes; Classic options are the gentlest. Tell us if mobility is a concern and we will match the choices to it.
Which dates are cheapest?
Prices vary by departure and cabin — the dates table on this page reads Avalon's own feed, so what you see is current. Shoulder-season sailings are usually the lower-priced ones.
What if we need to cancel?
Avalon's published terms apply and the fee schedule depends on the departure and whether air is booked through them. We link the terms rather than restate them, and we walk you through the exact figures on your reservation before you pay a deposit.
Cancellation policy
Avalon Waterways' published Travel Terms & Conditions apply. Deposit amounts, final payment dates and the cancellation fee schedule vary by cruise, cabin category and departure date; the exact figures are confirmed on your reservation. Full terms: avalonwaterways.com/terms
