Bid bonjour to the bountiful beauty of Bordeaux with a captivating cruise on the Garonne and Dordogne Rivers to delight in one of France’s most exquisite regions. This river cruise through France begins in style with two overnights in Paris—one of the world’s most romantic and vibrant cities! Explore the “City of Light” with a guided city tour to see its famous landmarks, such as Notre Dame Cathedral, the Eiffel Tower, and the Louvre Museum with its elegant glass pyramid contrasting its ancient architecture. Embark from Bordeaux itself, the capital of the splendid Nouvelle-Aquitaine region—famed for its legendary vineyards and wines. Be carried away by Avalon’s signature included Classic, Active, or Discovery experiences of your choice—from the regal histories of castles and Châteaux to the romantic cellars where wine bouquets and bon-vivant cuisine tempt the palate. While the landscapes and lush pastoral treasures are plentiful along the shores of the Garonne and Dordogne, Avalon elevates each immersive experience for a deeper discovery of the cultural and architectural treasures that recall the rich traditions of Southwest France. From unparalleled panoramic drives to forested two-wheel excursions by bike to the delicacies of seaside Arcachon—the world is your oyster on this adventure in la belle vie of Bordeaux!
Disclaimer: Prices listed are per person, based on double occupancy, and in USD. All promotions are valid for new bookings only, capacity controlled and valid on select dates and departures. Individual Terms and Conditions will apply to all promotions. Any promotion can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Please speak with your Pavlus Travel Planner for complete vendor terms and conditions, including eligible tour and cruise dates.
TGV from Paris to Bordeaux; onboard welcome reception
Day 4 Cadillac-sur-Garonne:
Wine introduction; Choice of guided visit to Château de la Brède or Sauternes tasting in a local wine estate
Day 5 Cussac Fort Médoc–Blaye:
Choice of wine tasting in a Médoc-area wine estate or e-bike guided tour in the vineyards
Day 6 Blaye–Bourg:
Choice of Panoramic drive with visit to the Citadel of Blaye or art and wine experience or power walk with Adventure Host; orientation walk in Bourg
Day 7 Libourne–Bordeaux:
Choice of Libourne walking tour, visit to Saint-Émilion village or visit to Saint-Émilion village with wine tasting
Day 8 Bordeaux:
Pastry demonstration; choice of guided walking tour or bike with your Adventure Host
Day 9 Bordeaux:
Choice of guided visit to Arcachon with oysters tasting or biking with your Adventure Host
Day 10 Bordeaux (Disembarkation):
Your cruise ends this morning
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.
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
Day 2
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 Breakfast
Day 3
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*
*Ship may sail in the evening to Cadillac-sur-Garonne based on tide and water levels.
BORDEAUX_CITY.jpg
Day 4
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
*Sailing to Cadillac-sur-Garonne pending tides and water levels. Alternative motorcoach transportation for today’s excursions provided.
CADILLAC-SUR-GARONNE.jpg BreakfastLunchDinner
Day 5
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
CUSSAC FORT MEDOC_BIKING.jpg BreakfastLunchDinner
Day 6
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
BLAYE_CITADEL.jpg BreakfastLunchDinner
Day 7
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
SAINT-EMILION.jpg BreakfastLunchDinner
Day 8
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
BORDEAUX_PLACE DE LA BOURSE.jpg BreakfastLunchDinner
Day 9
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
ARCACHONS BAY_OYSTERS.jpg BreakfastLunchDinner
Day 10
BORDEAUX (DISEMBARKATION) Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.
BORDEAUX_CORKS.jpg
Accommodations
Paris
Paris
Paris
Paris
Bordeaux
Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel Superior First-Class
Hotel as shown or similar
18,Avenue De Suffren Paris France
Enjoying an unbeatable location next to the iconic Eiffel Tower, this 456-room sleek, modern hotel offers free Wi-Fi internet access throughout and has a California-inspired Brasserie with open kitchen and stylish wine bar. Other amenities include a large gym on the 9th floor with panoramic rooftop vistas.
Paris Marriott Opéra Ambassador Superior First-Class
Hotel as shown or similar
16 Bld.Haussmann Paris France
With an exceptional location in the heart of Paris' illustrious Opera District, this stylish 297-room hotel has impressive Haussmann-style architecture and effortlessly combines Art Deco-styling dating back from its original opening in 1927 with state-of-the-art amenities. Free Wi-Fi access is available in all guestrooms and public areas of the hotel and there is also a fitness room. All-day dining including elegant French cuisine is available in the smart contemporary restaurant and the tranquil lobby bar offers an extensive selection of drinks and light meals.
Hotel du Collectionneur Arc de Triomphe Paris Deluxe
Hotel as shown or similar
51-57 Rue De Courcelles Paris France
Grand chandeliers; plenty of seating for conversations in the lobby; high tech conference rooms awash with natural light.
Le Meridien Etoile Superior First-Class
Hotel as shown or similar
81 Bd Gouvion St Cyr Paris Cedex 17 France
Located just a short distance away from the Champs Elysees and the Arc de Triomphe, this elegant 1025-room hotel has a captivating mid-century modern design with boutique amenities reflective of the lively surroundings. Artfully appointed accommodation includes modern technology such as complimentary Wi-Fi and air conditioning, luxurious bath products and the Le Méridien Signature Bed. The legendary Paris Jazz Club is the place to enjoy snacks and hand crafted cocktails with a backdrop of live music on weekends, the welcoming restaurant serves a creative international menu composed of fresh seasonal produce and there is also a 24 hour fitness center on-site.
Le Burdigala Deluxe
115 Rue Georges Bonnac Bordeaux France
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 the pace of the neighbourhood, bringing travellers and Bordeaux locals together.
Far from the hustle and bustle of the city, our rooms are calm and peaceful. Every detail helps guests to focus on themselves and find new energy to better reconnect with others.
Disclaimer: Prices listed are per person, based on double occupancy, and in USD. All promotions are valid for new bookings only, capacity controlled and valid on select dates and departures. Individual Terms and Conditions will apply to all promotions. Any promotion can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Please speak with your Pavlus Travel Planner for complete vendor terms and conditions, including eligible tour and cruise dates.
Pavlus Travel tells you there's a wide World out there just waiting to be explored on river cruises by you, and Avalon Waterways like Pavlus Travel knows there is more than a river cruise for you and your family to see it all. Why not experience local cities, villages, and countrysides your way with a wide selection of active excursions and activities brought to you by Avalon River Cruises that put you right in the middle of it all. Borrow a bike to ride through the streets of Amsterdam, grab a Nordic walking stick to capture the castle with a hike up the vineyard off the Rhine River, or paddle a canoe along Austria’s river shores. Pavlus makes it easy to turn sightseeing into doing your adventure in real time. You’ll find all the guidance and gear you from Avalon Waterways staff to embark on an expedition of your own. From a complimentary yoga class aboard your Avalon River Cruise to a jogging tour of Vienna or an optional kayaking excursion. Know that Pavlus Travel discounts Avalon River Cruises be they in Europe or the Far East. You'll enjoy every Avalon River Cruises Ship.