Vineyards, Chateaux & Bordeaux 2025
22 Day River Cruise Basel 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 adventure begins in 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!
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Dates & Pricing
Monday 30 Jun 25 — Tuesday 22 Jul 25 | Starting at $10,897 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
Monday 28 Jul 25 — Tuesday 19 Aug 25 | Starting at $7,950 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
Monday 11 Aug 25 — Tuesday 02 Sep 25 | Starting at $8,000 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
Monday 08 Sep 25 — Tuesday 30 Sep 25 | Starting at $12,497 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
Monday 22 Sep 25 — Tuesday 14 Oct 25 | Starting at $12,197 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
Monday 06 Oct 25 — Tuesday 28 Oct 25 | Starting at $11,797 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
Destination & Sightseeing
Day 1 Basel (Embarkation): | Onboard welcome reception |
Day 2 Breisach: | Choice of excursion to Black Forest, or sightseeing of Freiburg or bike with your Adventure Host |
Day 3 Kehl. Excursion to Strasbourg: | Choice of guided sightseeing, visit La Petite France district and the Gothic cathedral or bike with your Adventure Host |
Day 4 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 5 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 6 Cologne: | Choice of “Cologne Highlights” walking tour, or Jewish Heritage walking tour or bike with your Adventure Host |
Day 7 Amsterdam: | Choice of canal cruise or off-the-beaten path walking tour or walk with your Adventure Host |
Day 8 Amsterdam–Paris: | Travel from Amsterdam to Paris by high speed train; onboard welcome reception |
Day 9 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 10 Caudebec: | Choice of excursion along the “Normandy Abbeys Route” or bike with your Adventure Host |
Day 11 Caudebec: | Choice of full-day excursions to Normandy landing beaches or Normandy excursion |
Day 12 Rouen: | Choice of guided sightseeing, see the Astronomical Clock and visit the cathedral or bike tour |
Day 13 Conflans: | Choice of excursions to Auvers-sur-Oise or Napoleon and Josephine's Château de Malmaison or bike with your Adventure Host |
Day 14 Paris: | Choice of guided sightseeing or historic sights on 'Heart of Paris' walking tour or walk with your Adventure Host |
Day 15 Paris (Disembarkation)–Bordeaux (Embarkation): | Transfer to Bordeaux; onboard welcome reception |
Day 16 Cadillac-sur-Garonne: | Choice of guided visit to Château de la Brêde or Sauternes tasting in a local Château |
Day 17 Cussac Fort Médoc–Blaye: | Choice of wine tasting in a Médoc-area Château or e-bike guided tour in the vineyards |
Day 18 Blaye–Bourg: | Choice of Panoramic drive with visit to the Citadel of Blaye or art and wine experience; free time in Bourg |
Day 19 Libourne–Bordeaux: | Visit to Saint-Émilion village |
Day 20 Bordeaux: | Guided walking tour |
Day 21 Bordeaux: | Choice of guided visit to Arcachon with oysters tasting or biking with your Adventure Host |
Day 22 Bordeaux (Disembarkation): | Your cruise ends this morning |
- 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 “Sail Amsterdam” departure August 12 will end in Rotterdam instead of Amsterdam with modifications to the itinerary.
ITINERARY
BreakfastLunch Dinner
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BreakfastLunch Dinner
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BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch Dinner
Accommodations
Zurich | Bordeaux |
Superior First-Class
Hotel as shown or similar
Zuerich Flughafen Zurich Switzerland
This modern, stylish hotel 330-room property conveniently offers direct access to the airport terminal, the perfect location for arrivals & departures. Dining options include an Italian restaurant specializing in fresh Italian dishes crafted with a modern twist and a Grill restaurant offering seafood and steaks dishes prepared in an open kitchen. The atrium bar has a 16m-high glass wine tower with over 4,000 bottles of wine and champagne and the outdoor terrace is the place for cocktails and light bites. Other amenities include two fitness centers (one on site and one at the airport), a hammam, as well as a sauna set in a plane's cockpit. Free internet access is available throughout the entire hotel.