Set sail on an 8-day cruise aboard Avalon Artistry II, and explore Bordeaux's stunning wine region, starting and ending in the vibrant city of Bordeaux. Visit Cadillac-sur-Garonne for wine tastings and Chateau de la Brede, then continue to Cussac Fort Medoc and Blaye, where historic citadels and panoramic drives await. Explore Bourg’s carriage museum or opt for a Cognac tasting. In Libourne, tour the medieval village of Saint-Emilion and sample celebrated wines. Return to Bordeaux for guided tours of its iconic sights and the La Cite du Vin wine museum. This adventure blends wine, culture, and history, offering unforgettable experiences at every destination.
Highlights
Explore Bordeaux's vibrant city and iconic wine regions
Walk through Blaye's UNESCO-listed Citadel and art gallery
Taste Medoc wines during a guided vineyard tour
Stroll through Libourne's charming 12th-century fortified town
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
Arrive in Bordeaux by 3 p.m., ensuring you board the ship by 5 p.m. Spend the afternoon exploring Bordeaux, the heart of Nouvelle-Aquitaine and renowned for its wine heritage. Wander through this historic city, celebrated for its vineyards and cultural landmarks.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BORDEAUX*
*Departure for Cadillac-sur-Garonne may occur in the evening, depending on tides and water levels.
Discovery Excursion
Experience an engaging Bordeaux wine presentation delivered by a top sommelier.
Classic Excursion
Explore Château de la Brede, the historic home of Montesquieu, author of The Spirit of Law. Walk through the fortress-like castle and admire its preserved moat, OR:
Discovery Excursion
Tour a local wine estate and sample the vibrant flavors of Sauternes, a renowned golden wine with distinctive sweetness and crisp acidity. Spend the evening enjoying live performances on board your ship.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN CADILLAC-SUR-GARONNE
*Ship departure for Cadillac-sur-Garonne depends on tides and water levels. Motorcoach transportation may be provided for scheduled activities.
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
Take a scenic drive through the famous Médoc wine country and enjoy a tasting of their wonderful wines, with Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon as protagonists.
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 famous Route de la Corniche along the right banks of the River Dordogne, followed by a guided visit to the Citadel of Blaye, a 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 Remy Martin tasting.
Later, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BOURG
Below is an optional excursion that may be available for purchase on your cruise.
Visit to Cognac House & Tasting at Remy Martin
Duration: 5h 15m
Discovery Excursion
Enjoy a guided visit to Saint-Emilion to discover one of 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 -Emilion—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.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LIBOURNE
Below are optional excursions that may be available for purchase on your cruise.
Pastry Chef for a Day: Baking Class
Learn the art of the perfect French cream puff with a local chef at Chateau Fleur de Lisse.
Duration: 3h 0m
Chocolate & Wine at Chateau Fleur de Lisse
Discover one of the world's most perfect pairings with a chocolate-and-wine tasting at Chateau Fleur de Lisse!
Duration: 3h 0m
Wine Blending Experience
Create your custom wine blends under the guidance of expert winemakers during a hands-on experience at a local wine property.
Duration: 3h 0m
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's 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.
Active Excursion
Join your Adventure Host for a bike ride along Bordeaux's postcard river views of the Les Quais, OR:
Classic Excursion
Take a guided tour to La Cite 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 Lumieres for a breathtaking visit to the submarine base where art and music surround you in an immersive experience.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BORDEAUX
Below is an optional excursion that may be available for purchase on your cruise.
Les Bassins des Lumieres
Discover Bordeaux' stunning art installation of Bassins des Lumieres in the former WWII German submarine base.
Duration: 2h 30m
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$4,2092-3 travelers
Rates are subject to change without notice. Book early to get the best rate.
Cat. E
Avalon Deluxe Stateroom: 172 SQ. FT.
Comfort Collection Beds, Bedside tables with reading lamps, L'Occitane bath products, Under-bed luggage storage, Complimentary bottled water, Individual climate control, Mirror in the bathroom, Full shower with glass door, Vanity, Memory foam mattress, European-style duvets, Extra blankets, Hairdryer, and Spacious 3-door closets.
Cat. D
Avalon Deluxe Stateroom: 172 SQ. FT.
Comfort Collection Beds, Bedside tables with reading lamps, L'Occitane bath products, Under-bed luggage storage, Complimentary bottled water, Individual climate control, Mirror in the bathroom, Full shower with glass door, Vanity, Luxurious mattress, European-style duvets, Extra blankets, Hairdryer, and Spacious 3-door closets.
Cat. B
Panorama Suite: 200 SQ. FT.
Comfort Collection Beds, Bedside tables with reading lamps, L'Occitane bath products, Under-bed luggage storage, Telephone, In-room safe, Contemporary design, Marble countertops in the bathroom, 6-person sitting area, Writing desk, Sofa, Memory foam mattress, European-style duvets.
Cat. A
Panorama Suite: 200 SQ. FT.
Comfort Collection Beds, Bedside tables with reading lamps, L'Occitane bath products, Under-bed luggage storage, Telephone, In-room safe, contemporary design, Marble countertops in the bathroom, 6-person sitting area, Writing desk, Sofa, Luxurious mattress, European-style duvets
Initial deposit is $450, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure by check, money order, Visa, MasterCard, Discover/Novus, and American Express. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 7 Dinners
7 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Onboard Adventure Center with active gear, bikes, maps, canoe, kayak and jogging excursions
Wifi
Complimentary fresh fruit available daily
Captain’s Welcome and Farewell Receptions
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
Panoramic windows
Friendly, English-speaking crew & Cruise Director
Sky Deck with whirlpool, shade awnings, game area and premium lounges
Complimentary sparkling wine with breakfast; wine, beer, or soft drinks with every lunch and dinner
Excluded
Gratuities
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Flight costs (please request a quote)
Additional excursions during free time
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
Alcohol, beverages, and food outside of the contracted menu as presented at a hotel or restaurant or on board your vessel
Port Fees
Porterage
Passport or Visa fees
Prices do not include airfare, taxes and other government-imposed fees
Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
Jane Packer, our advisor, took care of all of our questions and our booking details. Great job!
Joe Swety
3 weeks ago
I am travelling alone on Bordeaux river cruise. Very prompt and informative responses. No issues.
Cliff Jones
3 months ago
Careful service
older gentleman
7 months ago
Good understanding and careful service. Utter approach
older gentleman
8 months ago
My experience with Sandra at Adventure Life was wonderful. She was very thorough, not only emailed me cruise information to review, she followed up with phone calls to answer any questions. We also received a couple of discounts which helped with our decision. I would recommend Adventure Life to my family and friends.