AVALON WATERWAYS have just announced an exciting new destination for their award-winning river ships. As always, Traveltalk is across the news with all the details of this enchanting new cruise.
IN THE world of river cruising, there are not many destinations quite as enchanting as Bordeaux.
Avalon Waterways is excited to bring this destination to life in 2025 with their newest cruise ‘Bonjour Bordeaux: Chateaux, Wineries & Charming Villages’.
This captivating river cruise will take guests on a crescent shaped journey along the Garonne and Dordogne rivers through one of France’s most exquisite regions.
Located in the heart of southwest France, Bordeaux is the charming capital of the splendid Nouvelle-Aquitaine region.
Known globally as the wine capital of the world, it possesses a unique blend of natural wonders, cultural richness and culinary delights, and it continues to fascinate travellers from all corners of the globe.
What truly sets Bordeaux apart is it’s warm and welcoming spirit. The locals share their passion for culture, traditions and world class wines with open hearts.
What better way to experience Bordeaux than with Avalon Waterways. Onboard the Avalon Artistry II, guests will be treated to Avalon’s unique style of relaxed luxury. The possibilities are as wide open as the award-winning views.
The Panorama Suites, which are 30 per cent larger than the industry standard, feature the industry’s only open-air balconies with floor to ceiling, wall-to-wall windows that maximise the room space with Comfort Collection Beds that face the ever-changing view.
Each Avalon Suite Ship consists of 80 per cent Panorama Suites, offering the widest view in river cruising. Larger suites result in fewer passengers, so guests never feel crowded anywhere on board.
From reclining on the open-air Sky Deck, relaxing in the spacious Panorama Lounge, or feeling the wind over the bow in the Observation Lounge, there’s never a shortage of comfortable spots to stretch out, daydream, or just watch the world go by.
No two travellers are the same, so Avalon would never expect all passengers to enjoy the same activities.
Guests will be carried away by Avalon’s signature included Classic, Active, or Discovery experiences to offer your clients the freedom to cater the cruise to their interests.
Classic excursions present a collection of guided walking tours through ancient fortresses, capitals and castles. Guests can enjoy an Active excursion with biking, hiking and boating tours for a real get-up-and-go for the more active traveller.
Discovery excursions offer heartwarming, brain-tingling, hands-on adventures for an awakening of the senses. With an expert Local Guide who is actually local, guests can finish their holiday with a true understanding of the destination.
Let’s take a closer look into the new ‘Bonjour Bordeaux’ itinerary:
This seven-night cruise will feature less sailing to focus on the land program.
What makes this itinerary so special is that it’s not just for wine lovers, but it includes the perfect balance of experiences that are both wine and non-wine related, making the cruise suitable for anyone.
Guests will travel to Cadillac-sur-Garonne and spend a day with either a Classic guided tour of Château de la Brêde where they will discover the residence of writer and philosopher Montesquieu or a Discovery experience in a local Château for Sauternes tasting, the famous golden-yellow coloured wine.
In Cussac Fort Médoc, guests can choose either an Active excursion, a relaxing E-bike guided tour through the vineyards with a quick stop at a local ‘chocolaterie’ or a Discovery excursion for the wine lovers with a guided visit to a historic château in the Médoc area where they will enjoy the wonderful wines, including Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.
In Blaye, guests can choose a Classic guided visit to the Citadel of Blaye, with a panoramic drive down the famed Route de la Corniche along the banks of the River Dordogne or a Discovery experience for wine enthusiasts meeting a fascinating couple, an artist and a wine maker/collector guiding guests through their art gallery, art studio, vintage car collection and more with a wine tasting in their shop.
Guests will experience a Classic guided walking tour to discover the heart of Bordeaux with it’s beautiful squares, avenues and cathedrals.
Exciting cruise combinations are available including ‘French Masterpiece: Paris, Normandy & Bordeaux’ adding a seven-night Seine River cruise. ‘France Uncorked: The Rhone, Seine & Bordeaux’ adds a seven-night Seine River and a seven-night Rhine and Saone River cruise with the option to begin the trip with two nights in Nice.
‘Vineyards, Chateaux & Bordeaux’ adds a seven-night Seine River and seven-night Rhine River cruise with the option to begin the trip with two extra nights in Lucerne.
Avalon Waterways invites guests in 2025 to experience Bordeaux like never before and embark on an adventure that promises to be nothing short of extraordinary.
