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| 12th12 | AugAug | 202525 | Bordeaux, France, embark on the Avalon Artistry II | | |
| Bordeaux as a whole, rather than any particular points within it, is what you'll want to visit in order to understand why Victor Hugo described it as Versailles plus Antwerp, and why the painter Francisco de Goya, when exiled from his native Spain, chose it as his last home (he died here in 1828). The capital of southwest France and the region's largest city, Bordeaux remains synonymous with the wine trade: wine shippers have long maintained their headquarters along the banks of the Garonne, while buyers from around the world arrive for the huge biennial Vinexpo show (held in odd-number years).Bordeaux is, admittedly, a less exuberant city than many others in France, but lively and stylish elements are making a dent in its conservative veneer. The cleaned-up riverfront is said by some, after a bottle or two, to exude an elegance reminiscent of St. Petersburg, and that aura of 18th-century élan also permeates the historic downtown sector—“le vieux Bordeaux"—where fine shops invite exploration. To the south of the city center are old docklands undergoing renewal—one train station has now been transformed into a big multiplex movie theater—but the area is still a bit shady. To get a feel for the historic port of Bordeaux, take the 90-minute boat trip that leaves Quai Louis-XVIII every weekday afternoon, or the regular passenger ferry that plies the Garonne between Quai Richelieu and the Pont d'Aquitaine in summer. A nice time to stroll around the city center is the first Sunday of the month, when it's pedestrian-only and vehicles are banned. BORDEAUX, FRANCE (EMBARKATION) Welcome to France! Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding Flights into Bordeaux must arrive by 3 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm. Your day is free to explore the city before starting your cruise on the Garonne and Dordogne. Get acquainted with this city, capital of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region and famous worldwide for its vineyards and wines. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BORDEAUX* *Ship may sail in the evening to Cadillac-sur-Garonne based on tide and water levels. BORDEAUX_CITY.jpg |
| 13th13 | AugAug | 202525 | Cadillac, France | | |
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 |
| 14th14 | AugAug | 202525 | Cussac-Fort-Médoc, France | | |
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. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN CUSSAC FORT MÉDOC CUSSAC FORT MEDOC_BIKING.jpg |
| 15th15 | AugAug | 202525 | Blaye, France | | |
BLAYE–BOURG Fine Art, Fine Bubbly, and a Fine Day for a Drive A brief morning sailing to Blaye. 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. Scenic 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 |
| 16th16 | AugAug | 202525 | Libourne, France | | |
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 |
| 17th17 | AugAug | 202525 | Bordeaux, France | | |
| Bordeaux as a whole, rather than any particular points within it, is what you'll want to visit in order to understand why Victor Hugo described it as Versailles plus Antwerp, and why the painter Francisco de Goya, when exiled from his native Spain, chose it as his last home (he died here in 1828). The capital of southwest France and the region's largest city, Bordeaux remains synonymous with the wine trade: wine shippers have long maintained their headquarters along the banks of the Garonne, while buyers from around the world arrive for the huge biennial Vinexpo show (held in odd-number years).Bordeaux is, admittedly, a less exuberant city than many others in France, but lively and stylish elements are making a dent in its conservative veneer. The cleaned-up riverfront is said by some, after a bottle or two, to exude an elegance reminiscent of St. Petersburg, and that aura of 18th-century élan also permeates the historic downtown sector—“le vieux Bordeaux"—where fine shops invite exploration. To the south of the city center are old docklands undergoing renewal—one train station has now been transformed into a big multiplex movie theater—but the area is still a bit shady. To get a feel for the historic port of Bordeaux, take the 90-minute boat trip that leaves Quai Louis-XVIII every weekday afternoon, or the regular passenger ferry that plies the Garonne between Quai Richelieu and the Pont d'Aquitaine in summer. A nice time to stroll around the city center is the first Sunday of the month, when it's pedestrian-only and vehicles are banned. 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 |
| 18th18 | AugAug | 202525 | Bordeaux, France | | |
| Bordeaux as a whole, rather than any particular points within it, is what you'll want to visit in order to understand why Victor Hugo described it as Versailles plus Antwerp, and why the painter Francisco de Goya, when exiled from his native Spain, chose it as his last home (he died here in 1828). The capital of southwest France and the region's largest city, Bordeaux remains synonymous with the wine trade: wine shippers have long maintained their headquarters along the banks of the Garonne, while buyers from around the world arrive for the huge biennial Vinexpo show (held in odd-number years).Bordeaux is, admittedly, a less exuberant city than many others in France, but lively and stylish elements are making a dent in its conservative veneer. The cleaned-up riverfront is said by some, after a bottle or two, to exude an elegance reminiscent of St. Petersburg, and that aura of 18th-century élan also permeates the historic downtown sector—“le vieux Bordeaux"—where fine shops invite exploration. To the south of the city center are old docklands undergoing renewal—one train station has now been transformed into a big multiplex movie theater—but the area is still a bit shady. To get a feel for the historic port of Bordeaux, take the 90-minute boat trip that leaves Quai Louis-XVIII every weekday afternoon, or the regular passenger ferry that plies the Garonne between Quai Richelieu and the Pont d'Aquitaine in summer. A nice time to stroll around the city center is the first Sunday of the month, when it's pedestrian-only and vehicles are banned. 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 |
| 19th19 | AugAug | 202525 | Bordeaux, France, disembark the Avalon Artistry II | | |
| Bordeaux as a whole, rather than any particular points within it, is what you'll want to visit in order to understand why Victor Hugo described it as Versailles plus Antwerp, and why the painter Francisco de Goya, when exiled from his native Spain, chose it as his last home (he died here in 1828). The capital of southwest France and the region's largest city, Bordeaux remains synonymous with the wine trade: wine shippers have long maintained their headquarters along the banks of the Garonne, while buyers from around the world arrive for the huge biennial Vinexpo show (held in odd-number years).Bordeaux is, admittedly, a less exuberant city than many others in France, but lively and stylish elements are making a dent in its conservative veneer. The cleaned-up riverfront is said by some, after a bottle or two, to exude an elegance reminiscent of St. Petersburg, and that aura of 18th-century élan also permeates the historic downtown sector—“le vieux Bordeaux"—where fine shops invite exploration. To the south of the city center are old docklands undergoing renewal—one train station has now been transformed into a big multiplex movie theater—but the area is still a bit shady. To get a feel for the historic port of Bordeaux, take the 90-minute boat trip that leaves Quai Louis-XVIII every weekday afternoon, or the regular passenger ferry that plies the Garonne between Quai Richelieu and the Pont d'Aquitaine in summer. A nice time to stroll around the city center is the first Sunday of the month, when it's pedestrian-only and vehicles are banned. BORDEAUX (DISEMBARKATION) Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning. BORDEAUX_CORKS.jpg |
