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 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.
Welcome to France! Flights into Bordeaux should arrive by 3 pm, and all guests must be on board the ship by 5 pm. The afternoon is free to explore Bordeaux, the capital of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, known worldwide for its vineyards and wines. In the evening, enjoy a scenic sailing along the Garonne and Dordogne rivers.
Start the day with a delicious onboard wine experience, featuring a presentation by a world-class sommelier. Choose a Classic Excursion with a guided tour of Château de la Brède, the birthplace of Montesquieu, or enjoy a Discovery Excursion with a guided visit and wine tasting at a local wine estate, including the sweet, golden Sauternes wine. In the evening, relax with live entertainment on board your Suite Ship.
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.
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
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:
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
Below is an optional excursion 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 Château Fleur de Lisse.
3h 0m
Chocolate & Wine at Château Fleur de Lisse
Discover one of the world's most perfect pairings with a chocolate-and-wine tasting at Château Fleur de Lisse!
3h 0m
Wine Blending Experience
Create your own custom wine blends under the guidance of expert winemakers during a hands-on experience at a local wine property.
2h 30m
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 cathedral sights.
Active Excursion- Join your Adventure Host for a bike ride along Bordeaux’ postcard river views of the Les Quais, OR:
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.
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.
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.
$4,2512-3 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
Port Fees
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
Cruise taxes
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
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!
