Bonjour Bordeaux: Chateaux, Wineries & Charming Villages with 2 Nights in Paris (Artistry II)
Bonjour Bordeaux: Chateaux, Wineries & Charming Villages with 2 Nights in Paris (Artistry II)
$9292
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Bonjour Bordeaux: Chateaux, Wineries & Charming Villages with 2 Nights in Paris" tour, a delightful journey through France's most enchanting regions. Begin your adventure in the romantic city of Paris, where you'll explore iconic landmarks and indulge in exquisite cuisine. Travel by TGV to Bordeaux, where your river cruise begins, taking you through the picturesque landscapes of the Garonne and Dordogne Rivers. Discover the rich history and flavors of Cadillac-sur-Garonne, Cussac Fort Médoc, and Blaye, with options for wine tastings, guided tours, and e-bike adventures. Visit the medieval village of Saint-Émilion, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and enjoy a pastry demonstration in Bordeaux. Conclude your journey with a visit to Arcachon Bay, savoring local oysters and wine. This tour offers a perfect blend of culture, history, and gastronomy, promising an unforgettable French experience. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Paris,France
Location: Paris
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Bienvenue en France!Take free time today to fall in love with the world’s most romantic city. Get inspired by its architectural icons, exquisite cuisine, chic boutiques, and priceless artistic treasures.
PARIS, FRANCE Bienvenue en France!
Take free time today to fall in love with the world’s most romantic city. Get inspired by its architectural icons, exquisite cuisine, chic boutiques, and priceless artistic treasures. ...more ...less
Day 2: Paris
Location: Paris
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Spend your free time strolling through the Champs-Élysées for café au lait and croissants, see the exhibits at the Louvre, or visit Montmartre’s Basilica of the Sacré Cœur. Consider browsing Paris’ classic shopping avenues and literary cafés for a true Parisian experience, or have your portrait sketched by a Parisian artist in the square at Place du Tertre.
Join a Guided City Tour that shows the iconic sites of Paris, such as the Louvre Museum, the Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower, Opéra Garnier, and the famous Champs-Élysées.
PARIS Cafés, Cathedrals and Canvases in the city of Light
CLASSIC Join a Guided City Tour that shows the iconic sites of Paris, such as the Louvre Museum, the Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower, Opéra Garnier, and the famous Champs-Élysées.
Spend your free time strolling through the Champs-Élysées for café au lait and croissants, see the exhibits at the Louvre, or visit Montmartre’s Basilica of the Sacré Cœur.
Consider browsing Paris’ classic shopping avenues and literary cafés for a true Parisian experience, or have your portrait sketched by a Parisian artist in the square at Place du Tertre.
(B)
Day 3: Paris-Bordeaux (Embarkation)
Location: Bordeaux
Accommodation Name: Suite Ship
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
*Ship may sail in the evening to Cadillac-sur-Garonne based on tide and water levels.
PARIS-BORDEAUX (EMBARKATION) Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding
This morning, travel to Bordeaux to board your Suite Ship® and start your cruise on the Garonne and Dordogne Rivers.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BORDEAUX*
(B,D)
*Ship may sail in the evening to Cadillac-sur-Garonne based on tide and water levels.
Day 4: Cadillac-Sur-Garonne
Location: Cadillac-sur-Garonne
Accommodation Name: Suite Ship
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
*Sailing to Cadillac-sur-Garonne pending tides and water levels. Alternative motorcoach transportation for today’s excursions provided.
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.
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:
CADILLAC-SUR-GARONNE* On the Steps of Montesquieu
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, OR:
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.
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.
Day 5: Cussac Fort Médoc
Location: Cussac Fort Médoc
Accommodation Name: Suite Ship
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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.
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 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 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
(B,L,D)
Day 6: Blaye,Bourg
Location: Blaye
Accommodation Name: Suite Ship
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Join a guided tour to discover Blaye from a different perspective, including a visit to a local art gallery with wine tasting, OR:
Take a wonderful walking tour in the Citadel of Bourg on the banks of the Dordogne River and visit the carriage museum.
BLAYE–BOURG Fine Art, Fine Bubbly, and a Fine Day for a Drive
Ask your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.
ACTIVE Join a refreshing power walk through the historic Citadel of Blaye with your Adventure Host, OR:
DISCOVERY Join a guided tour to discover Blaye from a different perspective, including a visit to a local art gallery with wine tasting, OR:
CLASSIC Take a a panoramic drive following the famed Route de la Corniche along the right banks of the River Dordogne, followed by guided visit to the Citadel of Blaye, an UNESCO World Heritage site.
Relaxing afternoon sailing on the Dordogne River to Bourg.
CLASSIC 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 Rémy Martin tasting.
Later, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BOURG
(B,L,D)
Day 7: Libourne. Excursion To Saint-Émilion
Location: Saint-Émilion
Accommodation Name: Suite Ship
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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:
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.
LIBOURNE. EXCURSION TO SAINT-ÉMILION The Village Amid the Vineyards
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, OR:
CLASSIC Join a guided tour of the medieval village of Saint-Émilion—a UNESCO World Heritage site of legends and legendary landscapes,OR:
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.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LIBOURNE
(B,L,D)
Day 8: Bordeaux
Location: Bordeaux
Accommodation Name: Suite Ship
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
While sailing to Bordeaux, enjoy a pastry demonstration.
Join a guided walking tour to discover the heart of Bordeaux with a stroll amid its stunning squares, avenues, and cathedrals sights.
BORDEAUX Bordeaux Sights and Brilliant Lights
Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.
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, OR:
CLASSIC 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
(B,L,D)
Day 9: Bordeaux. Excursion To Arcachon’S Bay
Location: Bordeaux
Accommodation Name: Suite Ship
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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.
BORDEAUX. EXCURSION TO ARCACHON’S BAY Seas, Shells, and Sips
ACTIVE Join your Adventure Host for a bike ride along Bordeaux’ postcard river views of the Les Quais, OR:
CLASSIC Take a guided tour to La Cité du Vin, Bordeaux’s iconic wine museum and cultural center, 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.
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.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BORDEAUX
(B,L,D)
Day 10: Bordeaux (Disembarkation)
Location: Bordeaux
Meals Included: Breakfast
BORDEAUX (DISEMBARKATION) Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.
(B)
What's Included
-
Guided Sightseeing in Paris
Enjoy a guided city tour that showcases the iconic sites of Paris, including the Louvre Museum, the Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower, Opéra Garnier, and the famous Champs-Élysées.
-
TGV from Paris to Bordeaux
Travel from Paris to Bordeaux on the TGV high-speed train.
-
Wine Tasting Experiences
Participate in various wine tasting experiences at local wine estates, including Sauternes and Médoc-area wines.
-
Guided Tours of Historic Sites
Take guided tours of historic sites such as Château de la Brède, the Citadel of Blaye, and the medieval village of Saint-Émilion.
-
Adventure Host Activities
Join your Adventure Host for activities such as e-bike tours, power walks, and biking along Bordeaux's river views.
-
Pastry Demonstration
Enjoy a pastry demonstration while sailing to Bordeaux.
-
Visit to Arcachon
Join a full-day guided tour of the seaside resort of Arcachon, including oyster tasting.
What's Not Included
-
Visa Requirements
Responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.
-
Weather Contingencies
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.
-
Technical or Water Level Issues
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.
Mode of Transport
Travel from Paris to Bordeaux via TGV, then embark on a river cruise along the Garonne and Dordogne Rivers. Enjoy scenic drives and guided tours with alternative motorcoach transportation provided for certain excursions.
Accommodation
In Paris, enjoy stays at the Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel, Paris Marriott Opéra Ambassador, Hotel du Collectionneur Arc de Triomphe Paris, and Le Meridien Etoile. In Bordeaux, relax at Le Burdigala, offering comfort and elegance throughout your journey.
Notes
•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.
•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.
•Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.
...more ...less
Rivers
Garonne
Check out our Q&As
-
What kind of activities are available during the tour in Bordeaux?
In Bordeaux, you can enjoy a pastry demonstration while sailing, join a guided walking tour to explore the city's stunning squares, avenues, and cathedrals, or take a bike ride along the river with your Adventure Host.
-
What options are available for exploring the wine regions during the tour?
You can choose to visit a local wine estate in Cadillac-sur-Garonne for a Sauternes wine tasting, take a scenic drive through the Médoc wine country with wine tasting, or explore the medieval village of Saint-Émilion with a wine tasting experience.
-
Are there any special experiences included in the tour related to local culture or cuisine?
Yes, the tour includes a pastry demonstration in Bordeaux, a visit to Arcachon with oyster tasting, and a guided tour of La Cité du Vin, Bordeaux's iconic wine museum.
-
What are the options for exploring the city of Paris during the tour?
In Paris, you can join a guided city tour to see iconic sites like the Louvre Museum, the Arc de Triomphe, and the Eiffel Tower. You also have free time to explore the Champs-Élysées, visit Montmartre, or have your portrait sketched at Place du Tertre.
-
What kind of entertainment is provided on the cruise ship?
The cruise ship offers live entertainment on board during the evenings, providing a relaxing and enjoyable experience after a day of excursions.
-
Cuisine
All meals on board are prepared by accomplished chefs who prepare regional specialties as well as familiar favorites with only the freshest, local ingredients. Our Suite Ships® feature daily buffet-style breakfast and lunch with your choice of soups, main courses with starter, salad, or sandwich, and, of course, dessert. Complimentary room service is also available with Continental breakfast, lunch, and dinner. On the Mekong and Ganges, a mix of Western and local dishes is offered; in the Galápagos, you'll be able to taste some Ecuadorian specialties; and in the Amazon, you will be able to sample Peruvian specialties along with Western dishes.
-
Cruise Director
A professional, experienced, English-speaking Cruise Director accompanies every departure. Naturalists are on board in the Amazon and Galápagos. Special Interest cruises typically include an expert specific to the cruise theme—from Wine Masters to History Experts.
-
What about young travellers and children?
In our many years of cruising experience, we have found that children under the age of eight typically are too young to fully enjoy a cruise vacation. Because of this and for the safety and enjoyment of all passengers, we do not accept children under eight years of age. In addition, please note that there are no special arrangements or activities for children on our ships.
-
What are single room supplements?
For single travellers who prefer the privacy of their own room and stateroom, single accommodation can, of course, be requested.
-
Clothing & Dress Code
Your comfort is our first concern. Onboard and onshore dress codes are casual. Please bring comfortable walking shoes for sightseeing. Dinner attire is casual—open-neck shirts and slacks for men; slacks, skirts, or dresses for ladies. Coats and ties may be worn if preferred. The Welcome and Farewell Dinners in Europe are dressy, but not formal. On the Mekong, Ganges, Amazon, and Galápagos, dress attire, including coats and ties, is not recommended due to the warm, humid climate.
-
When will I receive my digital travel documents?
Avalon will email you a set of travel documents, which includes a copy of your itinerary and, where applicable, information on your hotels and optional excursions. Electronic Travel documents, including applicable eTicket receipts, itineraries, and other information are sent approximately 2-3 weeks prior to departure, provided full payment has been received.
-
Where can I find the docking location for my cruise ship?
Avalon Waterways strives to bring you the best docking locations along Europe’s rivers. In many cities, this includes multiple docking sites. Docking positions at each port are assigned by local authorities, and may vary depending upon the number of ships in port on any given day. This can sometimes result in double-docking with more than one ship assigned to the same dock and the ships “rafted” together, temporarily obstructing some views from on board the ships. Exact docking locations will be available 24-72 hours prior to embarkation. Before your cruise’s docking location is available, you can download a map of all possible docking sites for your embarkation city at www.AvalonWaterwaysPorts.com. Once your ship’s docking assignment is available, you can download a map that shows only that specific location, including address.
-
Are Avalon River Cruises Handicap Accessible?
Avalon Waterways makes reasonable attempts to accommodate the special needs of disabled and mobility impaired travellers but is not responsible in the event it is unable to do so. Because we cannot provide individual assistance to travellers in many situations, and most of our transportation services are not equipped with wheelchair ramps, we recommend that you view our terms and conditions for details or contact us to learn more.
-
Internet Access
All Avalon ships in Europe have complimentary Wi-Fi available. On the Mekong and Ganges, complimentary Wi-Fi access is available in the Panorama Lounge. The signal is not always reliable, as you will be cruising through remote areas. To access the ship's Wi-Fi Internet network, you will be given a PIN number at reception to use on your laptop, tablet, or mobile device. Wi-Fi is not available in the Amazon or Galápagos.
-
Onboard Language
The language on board is English. All staff, crew, and tour guides speak English. All announcements and commentary will be in English.
Reviews of this operator
1 Select your preferred date
Book with Confidence
-
Low Deposit
Avalon Waterways requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of avalon waterways charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 35% of booking price.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Bonjour Bordeaux: Chateaux, Wineries & Charming Villages with 2 Nights in Paris (Artistry II)
10 Days Starting in Paris, France and ending in Bordeaux, France
Visiting: Paris, Bordeaux, Cadillac-sur-Garonne, Cussac Fort Médoc, Blaye, Saint-Émilion
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
