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Bonjour Bordeaux: Chateaux, Wineries & Charming Villages

Avalon Artistry II

25th Aug 26

7 Nights

From

£1,849PP

Itinerary
Ship

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.

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®.

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

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. 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 Rémy Martin tasting. Later, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship.

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: 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

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

Day 7

Bordeaux. Excursion to Arcachon’s Bay

Seas, Shells, and Sips 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.

Day 8

Bordeaux (Disembarkation)

Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.

Why Book

Stateroom Options:

Deluxe Stateroom from £1,849pp
Panorama Suite from £2,549pp

Why Book This Avalon River Cruise?

Return Flights & Overseas Transfers
Complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi
Friendly, English-speaking crew & Cruise Director
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
Chef-prepared onboard meals with regional cuisine and familiar favorites
Complimentary room service for Continental breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Afternoon Tea featuring tea, coffee, and sweet treats
Complimentary wine, beer, or soft drinks with lunch and dinner
Included Happy Hour every evening featuring house beer, wine, cocktails and a drink of the day
Active shore excursions, both included and optional

Departure Information:

Departures Available March - November 2026
Based on 25th August 2026

Get in touch now to book this deal or make an enquiry

Avalon Artistry II

Overview

Avalon Artistry II joined the Avalon Waterways Suite Ship® fleet in 2013. Avalon Artistry II is an intimate ship with an elegant and contemporary design. The ship is lined with wall-to-wall panoramic windows offering fantastic views and you can sail in comfort in the suites, which are 30% larger than the industry standard. You can also expect exquisite cuisine in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. There is a wide range of luxury amenities for you to enjoy - unwind on the outdoor Sky Deck and admire the view or relax in the whirlpool. The hair salon is the perfect place to be pampered, lose yourself in a book in the library, or why not work-out in the well-equipped fitness centre?

Food & Drink

Avalon Artistry II offers a variety of tasty culinary experiences. In the morning, the spacious, open-seating Dining Room serves a full breakfast with sparkling wine and a made-to-order egg station. Enjoy a light lunch and dinner in the Panorama Bistro or try the lunch option in the Sky Bistro on the Sky Deck. The lunch buffet offers a range of international cuisines and includes carving and pasta stations. A welcome dinner is served on your first evening and a five-course farewell dinner on your final night. Each evening, you can enjoy a four-course dinner with a variety of choices. Breakfast room service is also available and you can savour afternoon tea looking out at the breath-taking views. Enhance your cruising experience and visit one of the tasting stations and sample the famous delicacies of your destinations. There is a bar or lounge to suit your every mood on Avalon Artistry II. Enjoy the Captain's reception with sparkling wine and canapés. The bar serves premium spirits while the Sky Deck offers cocktails with a view; Happy Hour takes place every evening and includes featured drink specials. Complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks are available with lunch and dinner. Coffee and tea are served after dinner and there is also a self-serve beverage station with complimentary tea, hot chocolate, and premium coffee round-the-clock.

Entertainment

Entertainment on board Avalon Artistry II can be as relaxed or as exciting as you wish. Discover a wide range of on-board lectures, activities, and nightly entertainment for your enjoyment. The customs, cultures, and tastes of your destinations are brought to life with on-board local entertainers, artisans, and experts. Destination excursions include a choice of leisurely, traditional, and independent sightseeing including bike hire, treks, and walking adventures. After dark, ambient background music sets the scene for socialising with your fellow guests over drinks.

Health & Fitness

Fit for All.

Saying hello to adventure doesn’t mean you have to say goodbye to your healthy habits and restorative rituals. From heart-healthy menu options and heart-pumping activities–from mindful yoga moves to more bikes to explore on shore and innovative ways to work out in our refreshed onboard fitness center, Avalon makes it easy to remain a picture of health amidst the most beautiful scenery in the world.

Kids & Teens

Avalon allow travellers from the ages of 8 and over although there are no children’s facilities on-board.

Terms & Conditions

Book Select 2026 Cruises with Avalon Waterways and we will include return flights from £1,999 per person, based on a twin share in a Deluxe Stateroom. Offer is valid for NEW bookings deposited from 19th March 2025 for travel on selected dates in 2026. The package price includes round-trip economy flights from London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Birmingham, Edinburgh & Dublin subject to airline availability. Departures from Manchester, Newcastle, Bristol, Glasgow & Cork are available as a supplement. Please note this offer has no cash alternative, however, alternate schedules may be available at an additional cost. Limited to new bookings for UK originating travellers and economy class air tickets. This promotion cannot be applied retroactively to existing bookings, offer is not combinable with any other offers aside from welcome-back credits and can be withdrawn at any time. Offer does not apply to instant purchase air or groups of 8 passengers or more. Promotional discounts do not carry forward on voluntarily changed air bookings; other promotions at time of change may be available. Once ticketed, air reservations are subject to change/cancellation penalties of between £35 per ticket and 100% of ticket value. Flight schedules, routings and air carriers are at the discretion of Globus family of brands.