Vineyards, Chateaux & Bordeaux with 2 Nights in Lucerne 2025 - 24 Day River Cruise from Lucerne to Bordeaux

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Vineyards, Chateaux & Bordeaux with 2 Nights in Lucerne 2025

24 Day River Cruise from Lucerne to Bordeaux



Tour Description:

Immerse yourself in German and French culture on this fabulous Europe river cruise vacation along the Rhine, Seine, Garonne, and Dordogne Rivers. Your extraordinary European vacation begins with a 2-night stay in Lucerne, Switzerland. Enjoy a guided walking tour including the Lion Monument, Old Town, Chapel Bridge, the Water Tower, Jesuit Church, and a special excursion to Mount Pilatus (or Mount Stanserhorn per seasonal accessibility). Next, transfer to Breisach, Germany, the gateway to unrivaled beauty of Germany’s Black Forest. Soak in the sights of Strasbourg, France, located on the French-German border—perfectly blending the cultures of both countries. Sail through the dramatic Rhine Gorge, the most beautiful view of the Rhine River where ancient castles peer from 400-foot cliffs above the shores. History comes to life in Cologne, Germany—the 2,000-year-old city best known for its Gothic architecture and towering twin-spired cathedral. Continue to Amsterdam and board a canal cruise for an immersive view of the tall, narrow houses in the capital of Holland. Be whisked away via high-speed train to Paris to board your Seine River cruise to be wined, dined, and delighted by French culture, cuisine, and captivating charm. Discover the true heart of Paris on a guided walk or see the legendary landmarks of the Louvre Museum, Arc de Triomphe, and Eiffel Tower—to name a few.

Your European river cruise vacation gets even better with a captivating cruise on France’s Garonne and Dordogne Rivers. Sail through the brilliant Bordeaux region—famed for its legendary vineyards and lovely villages. Be carried away with your choice of Avalon’s included Classic, Active, and Discovery experiences—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!

Map for Vineyards, Chateaux & Bordeaux with 2 Nights in Lucerne 2025 - 24 Day River Cruise from Lucerne to Bordeaux
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Dates & Pricing

Saturday 26 Jul 25 — Tuesday 19 Aug 25Starting at $9,329Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Saturday 09 Aug 25 — Tuesday 02 Sep 25Starting at $9,529Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Check Mark Icon 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.


Destination & Sightseeing

Day 1 Lucerne, Switzerland: Welcome to Switzerland
Day 2 Lucerne: Guided walking tour with the Lion Monument and Chapel Bridge
Day 3 Lucerne, Swiss Alps–Basel (Embarkation): Excursion to Mount Pilatus or Mount Stanserhorn per seasonal accessibility (in case of bad weather, visit the Swiss Transport Museum instead); onboard welcome reception
Day 4 Breisach: Choice of excursion to Black Forest, or sightseeing of Freiburg or bike with your Adventure Host
Day 5 Kehl. Excursion to Strasbourg: Choice of guided sightseeing, visit La Petite France district and the Gothic cathedral or bike with your Adventure Host
Day 6 Mainz: Choice of guided tour of Heidelberg Castle, see the Great Vat, or walk Philosophers’ Way with your Adventure Host, or visit the Gutenberg Museum in Mainz
Day 7 Rüdesheim–Rhine Gorge–Koblenz: Visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum in Rüdesheim or hike in the vineyards with your Adventure Host; cruise through the scenic Rhine Gorge with breathtaking views of ancient castles, towering cliffs, and the legendary Rock of the Lorelei; free time in Koblenz
Day 8 Cologne: Choice of “Cologne Highlights” walking tour, or Jewish Heritage walking tour or bike with your Adventure Host
Day 9 Amsterdam: Choice of canal cruise or off-the-beaten path walking tour or walk with your Adventure Host
Day 10 Amsterdam–Paris: Travel from Amsterdam to Paris by high speed train; onboard welcome reception
Day 11 Vernon–Les Andelys: Choice of excursions to Giverny or Bizy Castle or walk with your Adventure Host; choice of guided walk or guided hike in Les Andelys; onboard crêpe tasting and Pastry Demonstration
Day 12 Caudebec: Choice of excursion along the “Normandy Abbeys Route” or bike with your Adventure Host
Day 13 Caudebec: Choice of full-day excursions to Normandy landing beaches or Normandy excursion
Day 14 Rouen: Choice of guided sightseeing, see the Astronomical Clock and visit the cathedral or bike tour
Day 15 Conflans: Choice of excursions to Auvers-sur-Oise or Napoleon and Josephine's Château de Malmaison or bike with your Adventure Host
Day 16 Paris: Choice of guided sightseeing or historic sights on 'Heart of Paris' walking tour or walk with your Adventure Host
Day 17 Paris (Disembarkation)–Bordeaux (Embarkation): Transfer to Bordeaux; onboard welcome reception
Day 18 Cadillac-sur-Garonne: Choice of guided visit to Château de la Brêde or Sauternes tasting in a local Château
Day 19 Cussac Fort Médoc–Blaye: Choice of wine tasting in a Médoc-area Château or e-bike guided tour in the vineyards
Day 20 Blaye–Bourg: Choice of Panoramic drive with visit to the Citadel of Blaye or art and wine experience; free time in Bourg
Day 21 Libourne–Bordeaux: Visit to Saint-Émilion village
Day 22 Bordeaux: Guided walking tour
Day 23 Bordeaux: Choice of guided visit to Arcachon with oysters tasting or biking with your Adventure Host
Day 24 Bordeaux (Disembarkation): Your vacation 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.
•Due to the “SAIL Amsterdam” event coinciding with August 10 departure, Amsterdam excursions commence from ship docking location in Rotterdam.

ITINERARY

Day 1
LUCERNE, SWITZERLAND Welcome to Switzerland! The day is free to start exploring this delightful town on the Reuss River. Discover the many squares and churches and how tradition and modernity stand side-by-side or spend your free time to enjoy some shopping in the city center. LUCERNE-CITY.jpg

Day 2
LUCERNE A Historic Bridge and Heart of a Lion CLASSIC Join a Guided Walking Tour, which includes the poignant Lion Monument, Old Town, Chapel Bridge, the Water Tower, and Jesuit Church. LUCERNE-CHAPEL-BRIDGE.jpg
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Day 3
LUCERNE–SWISS ALPS–BASEL (EMBARKATION) Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding CLASSIC This morning, enjoy a special Highlight Excursion to Mount Pilatus (or Mount Stanserhorn per seasonal accessibility) for spectacular views over central Switzerland (in case of bad weather, visit the Swiss Transport Museum instead). EVENING CRUISE TO BREISACH MOUNT-PILATUS.jpg

Day 4
BREISACH, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO BLACK FOREST German Winemaking and the Beautiful Black Forest Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host. ACTIVE Enjoy the view on a relaxing bike ride along the Rhine with your Adventure Host, OR: DISCOVERY Join a full-day Guided Tour to the magical Black Forest to experience the Vogtsbauernohf open-air-museum, visit an authentic water mill, and see a traditional butter-making demonstration, OR: CLASSIC Join A Guided Tour to explore Freiburg’s medieval city center, sheltered by the Black Forest amid vineyards and gardens of the Upper Rhine Valley. You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to visit the charming village of Colmar in the morning, with its half-timbered medieval and early renaissance buildings. EVENING CRUISE TO KEHL BLACK-FOREST-SCENIC.jpg
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Day 5
KEHL. EXCURSION TO STRASBOURG A Grand Cathedral and La Petite France ACTIVE Discover Strasbourg by bike with your Adventure Host, OR: CLASSIC Join a City Sightseeing Tour, including Strasbourg’s Gothic, stained-glass cathedral with its celebrated ancient murals and astronomical clock, as well as the magical La Petite France District. You may also choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to the historic Maginot Line—the pre-WWII fortifications designed to protect the eastern border of France, or visit Alsace’s wine country today. Alternatively, take some free time in Strasbourg to visit a museum or stroll across the city center. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MAINZ STRASBOURG-PETIT-FRANCE.jpg
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Day 6
MAINZ. EXCURSION TO HEIDELBERG Castle Walls and the World’s Biggest Wine Barrel ACTIVE Join your Avalon Adventure Host for an inspiring walk in Heidelberg, the Philosophers' Way, OR: CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided Tour to Heidelberg Castle to see the ruins of the magnificent renaissance treasure towering above the city, and its famed Great Vat, the “World’s Largest Wine Barrel,” OR: CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided City Walk in Mainz, including a visit to the Gutenberg Museum to see the captivating history of printing. This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship after a short sailing to Rüdesheim. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN RÜDESHEIM HEIDELBERG.jpg
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Day 7
RÜDESHEIM–RHINE GORGE Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country ACTIVE Enjoy a hike with your Avalon Adventure Host through the picturesque vineyards of Rüdesheim, OR: DISCOVERY Take a Guided Tour of the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience; enjoy a tasting of the authentic Rüdesheimer coffee. En route to Koblenz, sail through the Rhine Gorge (a UNESCO World Heritage site). Take in the breathtaking views of ancient castles perched on cliffs 400 feet above the water and pass the legendary Rock of the Lorelei—where the mythological siren’s songs lured ill-fated sailors. KOBLENZ 2000 Years Of Monumental History Enjoy free time in Koblenz before a relaxing evening on board with dinner and live entertainment. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN KOBLENZ RUDESHEIM-VINEYARDS.jpg
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Day 8
COLOGNE Prost! Celebrate in the Rhineland Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities. ACTIVE Enjoy a bike ride like the locals in Cologne with your Adventure Host, OR: DISCOVERY Choose a Guided Walking Tour of Cologne’s important Jewish heritage sites, OR: CLASSIC Take a Guided City Walk of Cologne—with its soaring twin-steepled Gothic cathedral. Spend free time over a glass of Kölsch pale lager—locally brewed for over 100 years! AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO AMSTERDAM COLOGNE-BEER.jpg
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Day 9
AMSTERDAM*, HOLLAND Canals of Colorful Amsterdam ACTIVE Start your day joining your Adventure Host on an early morning walk in Amsterdam, OR: DISCOVERY Discover the true beauty of Amsterdam with an off-the-beaten-path Guided Walking Tour through its cobblestone streets for a captivating look at this legendary city, OR: CLASSIC Explore the iconic waterways of Amsterdam on a Guided Canal Cruise past stately homes of Amsterdam’s “Golden Age.” During tulip season, you may take a Guided Optional Excursion to Keukenhof gardens—with more than seven million tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths, as well as other bulbs, planted each year. Outside of tulip season, join a Guided Optional Excursion to Zaanse Schans to see historic windmills and charming Dutch houses. You may also choose an Optional Biking Tour to discover the countryside. Take some free time to explore Amsterdam’s colorful streets, canal houses, galleries, and shops. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AMSTERDAM *Due to the “SAIL Amsterdam” event from August 15 to 19, Amsterdam excursions commence from ship docking location in Rotterdam. AMSTERDAM-CANAL-CRUISE.jpg
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Day 10
AMSTERDAM* (DISEMBARKATION)–PARIS, FRANCE (EMBARKATION) This morning, board a high-speed train for Paris to embark on your Avalon Suite Ship® and enjoy dinner onboard this evening. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VERNON *Due to increased harbor traffic expected for the 2025 “SAIL Amsterdam” event, departure August 10 will disembark in Rotterdam. PARIS-CROISSANT.jpg

Day 11
VERNON Monet’s Fleurs and Crêpes du Jour Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host. ACTIVE Explore Vernon's Chateau des Tourelles by foot with your Adventure Host, OR: CLASSIC Take a Guided Tour of Giverny, home and inspiration of the master impressionist painter Claude Monet. Walk the grounds and see Monet’s charming residence, and the flower and water gardens captured in his masterpieces*, OR: CLASSIC Join a Guided Visit to Bizy Castle—called “Normandy’s Versailles” for its magnificent courtyard, water garden, and stables. DISCOVERY While sailing, enjoy a traditional French luncheon of authentic French crêpes, followed by a Pastry Demonstration. This afternoon, enjoy a beautiful cruise to the picturesque town of Les Andelys. LES ANDELYS Serenity on the Seine ACTIVE Join a Guided Hike up to the castle ruins of Château Gaillard—historic home of King Richard the Lionheart, OR: CLASSIC Take a Guided Walking Tour of Les Andelys—one of France’s most picturesque spots on the Seine. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO CAUDEBEC *Monet’s House is closed in March and November. During this period this excursion will be replaced with a Guided Tour of La Roche-Guyon and its castle. VERNON.jpg
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Day 12
CAUDEBEC Ancient Abbeys Along the Seine ACTIVE Enjoy a relaxing bike ride along the river with your Adventure Host, OR: CLASSIC Take a Guided Trip along the Normandy Abbeys Route—where more than 100 medieval Benedictine and Augustine abbeys and churches were built along the Seine. This afternoon, you may choose a Guided Optional Excursion to the old seaside town of Honfleur. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN CAUDEBEC CAUDEBEC.jpg
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Day 13
CAUDEBEC. EXCURSION TO NORMANDY Heroic Bravery on Normandy Beaches and French Farming Traditions CLASSIC Join a Guided Tour of Normandy’s WWII landing beaches, visit significant U.S. sites, including Omaha Beach, the Pointe du Hoc monument, and the American Cemetery, OR: CLASSIC Take a full-day Guided Tour of the British and Canadian commemorative sites, including the British cemetery, Pegasus Memorial, the seaside town of Arromanches, the Juno Beach Center, and the Bény-sur-Mer Canadian War Cemetery, OR: CLASSIC Join a Guided Tour to get a taste of authentic tradition in the beautiful region of Normandy. Toast the day with a brandy tasting in Calvados. Later, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship. EVENING CRUISE TO ROUEN NORMANDY-OMAHA-BEACH.jpg
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Day 14
ROUEN The Cathedral of Our Lady and a Heroine for France ACTIVE Take a Guided Bike Tour to discover and explore the most famous monuments and the lesser known hidden gems of Rouen on two wheels, OR: CLASSIC Take a Guided Walking Tour of Rouen—site of Saint Joan of Arc’s martyrdom—and see the medieval quarter with its 16th-century Astronomical Clock, and Notre-Dame Cathedral. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO CONFLANS ROUEN.jpg
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Day 15
CONFLANS The Footsteps of Van Gogh, Bonaparte, and Louis XIV ACTIVE Enjoy a relaxing bike ride along the Seine with your Adventure Host, OR: CLASSIC Join a Guided Visit to Auvers-sur-Oise, home and resting place of Vincent van Gogh, OR: CLASSIC Take a Guided tour of the opulent Château de Malmaison*—home of Napoléon Bonaparte and his wife Josephine. Perhaps, join a Guided Optional Excursion to the Palace of Versailles—home to a succession of French kings. EVENING CRUISE TO PARIS *Château de Malmaison is closed the 1st Sunday of each month and on 21st September. On these dates, this excursion will be replaced by a visit to Château de Chantilly. CONFLANS.jpg
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Day 16
PARIS Cafés, Cathedrals and Canvases in the City of Light Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities. ACTIVE Experience the Seine river by foot with your Adventure Host, OR: CLASSIC Discover the ancient heart of Paris on a captivating Guided Walk featuring the Palais-Royal, Louvre pyramid, ancient sites on Île de la Cité, the Left Bank, bustling Latin Quarter, and more, OR: CLASSIC Join a Guided City Tour, that shows you the iconic sites of Paris, such as the Louvre Museum, the Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower, Opéra Garnier, and the famous Champs-Élysées. Stroll through Paris on your own or linger over wine in a literary café on the Left Bank. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN PARIS PARIS-EIFEL-TOWER.jpg
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Day 17
PARIS (DISEMBARKATION)–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. PARIS-MACARONS.jpg

Day 18
CADILLAC-SUR-GARONNE On the Steps of Montesquieu CLASSIC Take a guided tour of Château de la Brêde—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 château. 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
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Day 19
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 Guided Visit to an historic Château in the Médoc area 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
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Day 20
BLAYE–BOURG Fine Art, Fine Bubbly, and a Fine Day for a Drive Ask your Adventure Host for today’s special activities. CLASSIC Take a guided visit to the Citadel of Blaye, an UNESCO World Heritage site, followed by a panoramic drive following the famed Route de la Corniche along the right banks of the River Dordogne, OR: DISCOVERY Join a Guided Tour to discover Blaye from a different perspective, including a visit to a local art gallery with wine tasting. Relaxing afternoon sailing on the Dordogne River to Bourg. Enjoy free time to explore this storybook village or 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
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Day 21
LIBOURNE. EXCURSION TO SAINT-ÉMILION The Village Amid the Vineyards CLASSIC Join a guided tour of the medieval village of Saint-Émilion—a UNESCO World Heritage site of legends and legendary landscapes. Later, sail Bordeaux. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BORDEAUX SAINT-EMILION.jpg
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Day 22
BORDEAUX Bordeaux Sights and Brilliant Lights Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities. CLASSIC Join a guided walking tour to discover the heart of Bordeaux with a stroll amid its stunning squares, avenues, and cathedrals sights. 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 BORDEAUX_PLACE DE LA BOURSE.jpg
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Day 23
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 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. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BORDEAUX ARCACHONS BAY_OYSTERS.jpg
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Day 24
BORDEAUX (DISEMBARKATION) Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. BORDEAUX_CORKS.jpg

Accommodations

LucerneLucerneBordeaux
Renaissance
Superior First-Class

Hotel as shown or similar

Pilatusstrasse 15 Lucerne Switzerland

A contemporary 87-room hotel set in an elegant turn-of-the-century building located in the heart of Lucerne. Amenities include a lively South American-inspired restaurant, hip cocktail bar, small fitness center, and a contemporary lounge area where complimentary tea and coffee can be enjoyed during the day.
Check Mark 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.

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