Vineyards, Chateaux & Bordeaux 2025

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Description

Summary

Starts
Basel
Duration
22 days
Languages
English
Difficulty
Easy
Minimum age
8 years

Description

Embark on an extraordinary multi-day tour through the heart of Europe, where breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and vibrant cultures await. From the picturesque towns of Switzerland and Germany to the romantic allure of France, this journey offers a perfect blend of exploration and relaxation. Discover the enchanting Black Forest, the historic Normandy beaches, and the charming villages of Bordeaux's wine region. With luxurious accommodations onboard your Suite Ship® and a variety of guided tours and activities, each day promises new adventures and unforgettable experiences. Whether you're exploring medieval castles, savoring local delicacies, or cruising through scenic waterways, this tour offers a captivating journey through Europe's most iconic destinations.

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Included

Chef-prepared onboard meals with regional cuisine and familiar favorites

Seasonal cuisine featuring the freshest local ingredients

Avalon Fresh® healthy cuisine options at every meal

Spacious, open-seating Panorama Dining Room

Daily breakfast buffet with full range of classic breakfast items, healthy Avalon Fresh® options and daily a la carte specials

Complimentary room service for Continental breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Daily lunch buffet featuring regional specialties, classic dishes, healthy Avalon Fresh® options and rotating chef’s features including carving & pasta stations. Alternatively, you may dine al fresco at our Sky Grill on the Sky Deck (weather and itinerary permitting) or enjoy a light lunch in the Panorama Lounge.

Afternoon Tea featuring tea, coffee, and sweet treats

Four-course dinners with choice of appetizers, soups, salads, entrées and desserts or cheese

Linger over several selections from the Panorama Bistro's tasting menu for a less formal "sit-down" atmosphere

Complimentary wine, beer, or soft drinks with lunch and dinner

Avalon FlexDining® flexible dining times with menu & venue options

Vegetarian options at every meal, as well as vegan, low calorie, low fat, high fiber, low cholesterol, high energy and allergy-free selections

Panorama Lounge & Bar with premium spirits, cozy seating, panoramic windows & dance floor

Welcome & farewell cocktails with sparkling wine & canapés

New in 2023 - included Happy Hour every evening featuring house beer, wine, cocktails and a drink of the day

Cocktails with a view on the Sky Deck

Specialty coffees, espresso drinks and beWell Essence flavored and infused water available throughout each day

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Avalon cruise ships

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Open–Air Balconies® and Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Windows in all Panorama SuitesSM

Comfort Collection BedsSM with choice of mattress firmness

Egyptian super-combed cotton linens

Bathrobes & slippers

Premium L'Occitane® bath products & hairdryer

Large bathroom featuring shower with glass door

Wide selection of free movie channels and English-speaking TV

Individual climate control and in-room safe

Full-size closet and mirror

Additional under-bed storage

Well-stocked mini-bar

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Friendly, English-speaking crew & Cruise Director

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Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the ship

Panoramic windows throughout the ship

Elegant, contemporary design & decor

Sky Deck with whirlpool, shade awnings, game area and premium lounges

Covered Observation Lounge

Club Lounge with 24-hour self-serve beverage station with complimentary cappuccinos, lattes, tea, hot chocolate & premium coffees, as well as treats throughout the day

Elevator

Non-smoking interior and staterooms

Avalon Waterways offers a selection of included excursions in every port of call, with something for everyone within their "Classic", "Discovery" and "Active" collections

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Destinations

Mainz - city in GermanyMainz
Amsterdam Netherlands dancing houses over river Amstel landmark in old european city spring landscape.Amsterdam
Saint-Émilion
View of the Old Town of Basel with red stone Munster cathedral and the Rhine river, Switzerland.Basel
Paris, France. Panoramic view from Arc de Triomphe. Eiffel Tower and Avenue des Champs Elysees. Europe.Paris
Photo of traditional half-timbered houses on picturesque canals in La Petite France in the medieval fairytale town of Strasbourg, France.Strasbourg
Photo of Bordeaux aerial panoramic view. Bordeaux is a port city on the Garonne river in Southwestern France.Bordeaux
Cologne Aerial view with trains move on a bridge over the Rhine River on which cargo barges and passenger ships ply. Majestic Cologne Cathedral in the background.Cologne
Les Andelys
photo of The Old Mill of Vernon in Vernon Normandy France.Vernon
Rouen - city in FranceRouen

Map

Attractions

Normandy American CemeteryNormandy American Cemetery
Lahr Park
photo of on the way in the beautiful valley of the Seine at Château Gaillard in Les Andelys, Normandy, France.Château Gaillard
Photo of beautiful summer view of Louvre Museum, one of the world's most important museums, historic monument and parisian landmark, Paris, France.Louvre Museum
Parc Lecoq
The cathedral Notre-Dame de Bayeux. Antique Norman-Romanesque cathedral is located in the Bayeux, Calvados department of Normandy, France.Bayeux Cathedral
Gisors Castle
photo of the National Opera of Bordeaux in Bordeaux, France.National Opera of Bordeaux
Siegfried's Mechanical Museum
Photo of Arc de Triomphe  Early in the morning with the French flag, France.Arc de Triomphe
Heidelberg Palace, Altstadt, Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg, GermanyHeidelberg Palace
Photo of Eiffel Tower in Paris, France best Destinations in Europe.Eiffel Tower
Photo of Cologne Cathedral, a Roman Catholic Gothic cathedral in Cologne, Germany.Cologne Cathedral
Château de la BredeChâteau de la Brede
Gutenberg MuseumGutenberg Museum
Cathedral of Our Lady of Évreux, Normandy, FranceÉvreux Cathedral
photo of Amsterdam Museum (Rijksmuseum) with I Amsterdam sign, Netherlands.Amsterdam Museum
Strasbourg Zoological Museum, Strasbourg, Bas-Rhin, Grand Est, Metropolitan France, FranceStrasbourg Zoological Museum
Saint Eligius Church
Welterbe Kulturlandschaft Oberes MittelrheintalWelterbe Kulturlandschaft Oberes Mittelrheintal

Daily Itinerary

Day 1

Day 1 – Day 1: Basel

  • Basel - Arrival day
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Welcome to the enchanting landscapes of Switzerland! Begin your journey in the vibrant city of Basel, where your luxurious Suite Ship® awaits. Arrive by 3 pm to ensure a smooth boarding process, and by 5 pm, you'll be all set to embark on this unforgettable adventure. Settle into your comfortable accommodations and enjoy a delightful dinner onboard. As the sun sets, explore the ship and prepare for the exciting days ahead. Overnight, the ship will gently cruise towards Breisach, setting the tone for a remarkable journey.

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Day 2

Day 2 – Day 2: Breisach

  • Strasbourg
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  • Schwarzwaldmuseum
  • Wutach Gorge
  • Freiburger Rieselfeld
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Immerse yourself in the scenic beauty of Germany as you explore the charming town of Breisach. Choose from a variety of activities, including a leisurely bike ride along the Rhine or a guided tour of the mystical Black Forest. Discover the Vogtsbauernhof Open-Air Museum, an authentic water mill, and traditional butter-making demonstrations. Alternatively, explore Freiburg's medieval city center, nestled amidst vineyards and gardens. For those seeking more, an optional excursion to the picturesque village of Colmar is available. Enjoy a delightful day filled with cultural and natural wonders before cruising to Kehl for the night.

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Day 3

Day 3 – Day 3: Strasbourg

  • Strasbourg
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  • St Thomas Church
  • Petite France
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Discover the captivating city of Strasbourg, where history and modernity blend seamlessly. Opt for a bike tour to explore the city's hidden gems or join a guided sightseeing tour to admire the Gothic architecture of Strasbourg Cathedral, famous for its stained-glass windows and astronomical clock. Wander through the enchanting La Petite France District, with its charming canals and half-timbered houses. For history enthusiasts, an optional excursion to the Maginot Line or Alsace's wine country is available. Spend the evening cruising towards Mainz, enjoying the serene ambiance onboard.

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Day 4

Day 4 – Day 4: Mainz

  • Mainz
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  • Heidelberg Palace
  • Gutenberg Museum
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Step into the rich history of Mainz, a city renowned for its cultural heritage. Embark on a guided tour to Heidelberg Castle, where you'll marvel at the ruins of this Renaissance masterpiece and its famous Great Vat, the world's largest wine barrel. Alternatively, explore Mainz itself with a guided city walk, including a visit to the Gutenberg Museum, which showcases the fascinating history of printing. As the day concludes, enjoy live entertainment onboard as the ship sails to Rüdesheim, where you'll dock for the night.

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Day 5

Day 5 – Day 5: Rüdesheim to Koblenz

  • Mainz
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  • Gutenberg Museum
  • Welterbe Kulturlandschaft Oberes Mittelrheintal
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Experience the charm of Rüdesheim, a picturesque town nestled in the heart of wine country. Choose to hike through the scenic vineyards or visit the Mechanical Music Museum for a unique instrumental experience. As you sail towards Koblenz, pass through the breathtaking Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and admire the ancient castles perched on cliffs. Arrive in Koblenz, where you can explore the city's rich history before enjoying a relaxing evening onboard with dinner and live entertainment.

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Day 6

Day 6 – Day 6: Cologne

  • Cologne
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  • Cologne Cathedral
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Discover the vibrant city of Cologne, where history and modernity coexist harmoniously. Join a guided walking tour to explore the city's important Jewish heritage sites or take a city walk to admire the iconic twin-steepled Gothic cathedral. Enjoy some free time to savor a glass of Kölsch, the local pale lager, brewed for over a century. As the day winds down, relax onboard as the ship cruises towards Amsterdam, offering a perfect blend of cultural exploration and relaxation.

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Day 7

Day 7 – Day 7: Amsterdam

  • Amsterdam
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  • Amsterdam Museum
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Explore the vibrant city of Amsterdam, renowned for its picturesque canals and rich cultural heritage. Start your day with a guided walking tour through the city's cobblestone streets or embark on a canal cruise to admire the stately homes from Amsterdam's Golden Age. During tulip season, consider an optional excursion to Keukenhof Gardens, or visit Zaanse Schans to see historic windmills. Spend the afternoon exploring Amsterdam's colorful streets, galleries, and shops at your leisure. Enjoy a delightful evening onboard as the ship remains docked in Amsterdam.

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Day 8

Day 8 – Day 8: Paris

  • Paris
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Embark on a high-speed train journey to the romantic city of Paris, where your Suite Ship® awaits. Settle into your luxurious accommodations and enjoy a delightful dinner onboard as you prepare for the next leg of your adventure. Overnight, the ship will cruise towards Vernon, offering a serene and picturesque start to your exploration of France.

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Day 9

Day 9 – Day 9: Vernon to Les Andelys

  • Vernon
  • Les Andelys
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  • Château Gaillard
  • Fondation Monet in Giverny
  • Biotropica, animal gardens
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Explore the artistic and historical treasures of Vernon, with options to visit the Chateau des Tourelles or take a guided tour of Giverny, the inspiration for Claude Monet's masterpieces. Alternatively, explore Bizy Castle, known as Normandy's Versailles. As you sail to Les Andelys, enjoy a traditional French luncheon onboard. Upon arrival, choose between a guided hike to the castle ruins of Château Gaillard or a walking tour of the picturesque town. Overnight, the ship will cruise to Caudebec, offering a serene and scenic journey.

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Day 10

Day 10 – Day 10: Caudebec

  • Les Andelys
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  • Valmont Abbey
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Delve into the rich history of Normandy as you explore the ancient abbeys along the Seine. Choose between a relaxing bike ride along the river or a guided trip along the Normandy Abbeys Route, where you'll discover medieval Benedictine and Augustine abbeys. In the afternoon, consider an optional excursion to the charming seaside town of Honfleur. Enjoy a peaceful evening onboard as the ship remains docked in Caudebec, offering a perfect blend of exploration and relaxation.

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Day 11

Day 11 – Day 11: Normandy

  • Rouen
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  • Tour Vauban de Tatihou
  • Botanical Garden
  • Arbre de la Liberté
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Step back in time as you explore the historic Normandy beaches, where heroic acts of bravery took place during WWII. Choose between a guided tour of the U.S. landing sites, including Omaha Beach, Pointe du Hoc, and the American Cemetery, or explore the British and Canadian commemorative sites. Alternatively, immerse yourself in the traditions of Normandy with a tour that includes a brandy tasting in Calvados. Enjoy live entertainment onboard as the ship cruises to Rouen, offering a perfect blend of history and relaxation.

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Day 12

Day 12 – Day 12: Rouen

  • Rouen
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  • Évreux Cathedral
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Explore the historic city of Rouen, known for its medieval architecture and rich cultural heritage. Choose between a guided bike tour to discover the city's famous monuments and hidden gems or a walking tour to see the site of Saint Joan of Arc's martyrdom and the medieval quarter. Admire the stunning Notre-Dame Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. As the day concludes, enjoy a relaxing evening onboard as the ship cruises to Conflans, offering a perfect blend of exploration and relaxation.

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Day 13

Day 13 – Day 13: Conflans

  • Paris
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  • Château de Malmaison
  • Queen's House
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Follow in the footsteps of famous artists and historical figures as you explore the charming town of Conflans. Choose between a guided visit to Auvers-sur-Oise, the home and resting place of Vincent van Gogh, or a tour of the opulent Château de Malmaison, the residence of Napoléon Bonaparte and his wife Josephine. For those seeking more, an optional excursion to the Palace of Versailles is available. Enjoy a delightful evening onboard as the ship cruises to Paris, offering a perfect blend of cultural exploration and relaxation.

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Day 14

Day 14 – Day 14: Paris

  • Paris
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  • Champ de Mars
  • Louvre Museum
  • Eiffel Tower
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Immerse yourself in the timeless allure of Paris, the City of Light. Join a guided walk to explore the ancient heart of the city, including the Palais-Royal, Louvre pyramid, and Île de la Cité. Alternatively, embark on a city tour to see iconic landmarks such as the Louvre Museum, Eiffel Tower, and Champs-Élysées. Spend the afternoon strolling through Paris at your leisure or relax in a literary café on the Left Bank. Enjoy a delightful evening onboard as the ship remains docked in Paris, offering a perfect blend of exploration and relaxation.

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Day 15

Day 15 – Day 15: Bordeaux

  • Bordeaux
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Embark on a scenic journey to Bordeaux, where your Suite Ship® awaits to take you on a captivating cruise along the Garonne and Dordogne Rivers. Settle into your luxurious accommodations and enjoy a delightful dinner onboard as you prepare for the next leg of your adventure. Overnight, the ship will remain docked in Bordeaux, offering a serene and picturesque start to your exploration of this renowned wine region.

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Day 16

Day 16 – Day 16: Cadillac-sur-Garonne

  • Bordeaux
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  • Château Peixotto
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Explore the historic town of Cadillac-sur-Garonne, where you'll have the opportunity to visit Château de la Brède, the birthplace of Montesquieu. Discover the fortress-style castle and its impressive moat, or join a guided visit with wine tasting at a local château. Savor the sweet notes and fresh acidity of Sauternes, the beloved golden-yellow wine. Enjoy live entertainment onboard as the ship remains docked in Cadillac-sur-Garonne, offering a perfect blend of cultural exploration and relaxation.

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Day 17

Day 17 – Day 17: Cussac Fort Médoc to Blaye

Day 17: Cussac Fort Médoc to Blaye

Embark on a leisurely sailing to Cussac Fort Médoc, where you'll have the opportunity to explore Bordeaux's finest wine region. Choose between a relaxing E-bike guided tour through the picturesque countryside or a guided visit to a historic château in the Médoc area, complete with wine tasting. In the evening, enjoy a brief sailing to Blaye, where the ship will dock for the night, offering a perfect blend of exploration and relaxation.

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Day 18

Day 18 – Day 18: Blaye to Bourg

Day 18: Blaye to Bourg

  • National Opera of Bordeaux
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Discover the historic town of Blaye, where you'll have the opportunity to visit the Citadel of Blaye, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Enjoy a panoramic drive along the famed Route de la Corniche or explore Blaye from a different perspective with a visit to a local art gallery and wine tasting. In the afternoon, sail to Bourg, where you can explore the storybook village or join an optional guided excursion to learn about the Fine Champagne of Cognac. Enjoy live entertainment onboard as the ship remains docked in Bourg, offering a perfect blend of exploration and relaxation.

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Day 19

Day 19 – Day 19: Saint-Émilion to Bordeaux

  • Saint-Émilion
  • Bordeaux
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  • Monolithic Church of Saint-Emilion
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Explore the medieval village of Saint-Émilion, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its legends and legendary landscapes. Join a guided tour to discover the village's rich history and stunning architecture. In the afternoon, sail back to Bordeaux, where the ship will dock for the night, offering a perfect blend of exploration and relaxation.

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Day 20

Day 20 – Day 20: Bordeaux

  • Bordeaux
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  • Tour Pey-Berland
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Discover the heart of Bordeaux with a guided walking tour, exploring its stunning squares, avenues, and cathedrals. In the afternoon, consider an optional excursion to Les Bassins des Lumières, where art and music create an immersive experience in a former submarine base. Enjoy a delightful evening onboard as the ship remains docked in Bordeaux, offering a perfect blend of exploration and relaxation.

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Day 21

Day 21 – Day 21: Bordeaux

  • Bordeaux
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  • Parc Mauresque
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Join your Adventure Host for a bike ride along Bordeaux's picturesque river views or embark on a full-day guided tour to the seaside resort of Arcachon. Discover its 19th-century architectural treasures and savor the local delicacy of oysters and wine. Enjoy a relaxing evening onboard as the ship remains docked in Bordeaux, offering a perfect blend of exploration and relaxation.

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Day 22

Day 22 – Day 22: Bordeaux

  • Bordeaux - Departure day
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Conclude your unforgettable journey with a delightful breakfast onboard as you bid farewell to the enchanting landscapes and cultural treasures of Europe. Your cruise ends in the vibrant city of Bordeaux, leaving you with cherished memories of an extraordinary adventure.

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