CHATEAUX, WINERIES & CHARMING VILLAGES 7 Nights | April 21–28, 2026
Day 1: Bordeaux (Embarkation)
Board Avalon’s Suite Ship® in Bordeaux and settle into your Panorama Suite®.
Meals: Dinner
• No excursions scheduled — embarkation day.
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Day 2: Bordeaux – Cadillac-sur-Garonne
On the Steps of Montesquieu
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
🔹 Excursion Options:
• Discovery: Onboard wine presentation with a Bordeaux sommelier
• Classic: Tour of Château de la Brède, home of Montesquieu
• Discovery: Wine tasting at a local Sauternes estate
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Day 3: Cussac Fort Médoc
Bikes, Vines, and Wines
Leisurely morning sailing. Visit the Adventure Center for today’s guided options.
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
🔹 Excursion Options:
• Active: E-bike tour through the Médoc vineyards
• Discovery: Wine tasting and château visit in Margaux
• Classic: Scenic wine country drive and tasting
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Day 4: Blaye → Bourg
Fine Art, Fine Bubbly, and a Fine Day for a Drive
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
🔹 Excursion Options:
• Active: Power walk through the Citadel of Blaye
• Discovery: Wine tasting + local art gallery visit in Blaye
• Classic: Scenic drive along the Route de la Corniche & Citadel tour (UNESCO site)
• Classic: Walking tour of Bourg and Carriage Museum
• Optional $: Rémy Martin Cognac tasting
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Day 5: Libourne – Saint-Émilion
The Village Amid the Vineyards
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
🔹 Excursion Options:
• Discovery: Wine tasting and guided visit in Saint-Émilion
• Classic: Tour of Saint-Émilion medieval village (UNESCO site)
• Classic: Walking tour of Libourne
• Discovery: Onboard WWII history lecture
• Optional $: Pastry class, wine blending, or chocolate/wine pairing
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Day 6: Bordeaux
Bordeaux Sights and Brilliant Lights
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
🔹 Excursion Options:
• Discovery: Onboard pastry demonstration
• Active: Guided bike ride along Les Quais
• Classic: Walking tour of Bordeaux’s squares, cathedrals, and riverfront
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Day 7: Bordeaux – Arcachon’s Bay
Seas, Shells, and Sips
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
🔹 Excursion Options:
• Active: Riverside bike ride along Bordeaux
• Classic: Guided tour of La Cité du Vin (wine museum)
• Classic: Full-day guided excursion to Arcachon — wine + oysters
• Optional $: Immersive art tour at Les Bassins des Lumières
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Day 8: Bordeaux (Disembarkation)
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast
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You’ll board the Avalon Artistry II, your floating boutique hotel for the week—think elegant staterooms, wall-to-wall windows, and easy luxury while you cruise through France’s wine heartland.
What’s Included
✦ 7-night river cruise aboard Avalon’s award-winning Suite Ship®
✦ Elegant accommodations with thoughtful details like floor-to-ceiling windows (Panorama Suites®), premium linens, and modern bathrooms
✦ Daily guided excursions — castles, vineyards, market strolls, bike rides, and more
✦ Most meals including buffet breakfast, lunch, and four-course dinners
✦ Regional wines and drinks included with lunch and dinner
✦ Complimentary happy hour with wine, beer, cocktails, and a daily signature drink
✦ Afternoon tea, espresso bar, and 24-hour beverage station
✦ Prepaid gratuities
✦ Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout
✦ Support from Maureen of mg travels before, during, and after your journey
Open-Air BalconySM & panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows (stateroom dependent)
Egyptian cotton linens, bathrobes & slippers
Comfort Collection BedsSM with adjustable mattress firmness
Premium L’Occitane® bath products
Large ensuite with glass-door shower
Individual climate control, in-room safe, and minibar
Flatscreen TV with free movies and English channels
Buffet breakfasts, regional lunch buffets, and à la carte daily specials
Four-course dinners with soups, salads, entrées, and desserts or cheese
Avalon Fresh® healthy cuisine and vegetarian/vegan/gluten-free options
Afternoon tea, cocktails on the Sky Deck, and Bistro tasting menu
Welcome and farewell cocktails with sparkling wine & canapés
Panorama Lounge & Bar with dance floor and panoramic views
Sky Deck with lounge chairs, whirlpool, and al fresco dining
Observation Lounge and library with games and books
Daily DJ music, onboard entertainment, and optional evening activities
Fitness Center with equipment and yoga mats
Avalon Adventure Center with bikes, walking sticks, Fitbits®, maps, and more
Active, Discovery, and Classic excursions tailored to your pace
Complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi
Elevator service onboard
Non-smoking ship interior and staterooms
Friendly English-speaking crew and Cruise Director