Bonjour Bordeaux
April 6-13, 2027
Bonjour Bordeaux: Chateaux, Wineries & Charming Villages
8 Day River Cruise roundtrip from Bourdeaux, France
Two Rivers • One Iconic Wine Region • Escorted by Blue Skies Travel
This is Bordeaux in motion.
This immersive river cruise along the Garonne and Dordogne Rivers is built for travelers who want to do more — taste more, ride more, walk more, and choose their own pace every day.
Whether your passion is wine, cycling through vineyards, strolling medieval towns, or savoring food the moment it’s made, this journey delivers something for everyone — often on the same day.
Start in Bordeaux, one of Europe’s great food and wine capitals, then spend the week exploring its surrounding wine country. Bike through the Médoc past endless rows of vines. Walk fortified citadels and historic river towns. Step inside family-run estates for tastings and conversations with winemakers. Learn as you sail with onboard wine presentations, pastry demonstrations, and expert-led talks that deepen every experience ashore.
Prefer lots of movement? Daily guided bike rides and power walks take you through vineyards, along riverbanks, and into towns you’d never reach on your own. Prefer lots of flavor? Wine tastings, cellar visits, pastry demos, and oyster tastings bring the region to life bite by bite. Prefer balance? Avalon’s Classic, Active, and Discovery excursions let you mix it up — bike one day, sip the next, or do both all in one day.
From vineyard rides and château tastings to coastal breezes and scenic river sailing, this is Bordeaux experienced actively, deliciously, and your way.
Call 302-893-4571
or email: margo@blueskiestravelcenter.com
DAY-BY-DAY
Itinerary
Day 1: Bordeaux, France (Embarkation)
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.
This evening, enjoy a very special sailing featuring the illuminated skyline of Bordeaux.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BORDEAUX
Day 2: Bordeaux - Pauillac
On the Steps of Montesquieu
Classic Excursion: Take a guided tour of Château de la Brède—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 Excursion: Join a guided visit with wine tasting at a local wine estate. Sip the sweet notes and fresh acidity of Sauternes, the beloved golden-yellow wine.
Discovery Excursion: Join a delicious onboard Bordeaux wine experience while sailing to Pauillac with a presentation by a world-class wine sommelier.
This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board your Suite Ship®.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN PAUILLAC
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included this day.
Day 3: Cussac Fort Médoc
This morning, enjoy a leisurely sailing to Cussac Fort Médoc
Active Excursion: 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 Excursion: Join a guided tour to discover the culture and traditions of the southern Médoc region at one of Margaux' beautiful château and enjoy a wine tasting
OR:
Classic Excursion: Take a scenic drive through the famed Médoc wine country and enjoy a tasting of wonderful wines, featuring Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.
This evening, enjoy a brief sailing to Blaye.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BLAYE
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included this day.
Day 4: Blaye - Bourg
Active Excursion: Join a refreshing power walk through the historic Citadel of Blaye with your Adventure Host
OR:
Discovery Excursion: Join a guided tour to discover Blaye from a different perspective, including a visit to a local art gallery with wine tasting
OR:
Classic Excursion: Take a panoramic drive following the famed Route de la Corniche along the right banks of the River Dordogne, followed by a guided visit to the Citadel of Blaye, an UNESCO World Heritage site.
Enjoy a relaxing afternoon sailing on the Dordogne River to Bourg.
Classic Excursion: Take a wonderful walking tour in the Citadel of Bourg on the banks of the Dordogne River and visit the carriage museum.
Alternatively, 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
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included this day.
Day 5: Rouen
Discovery Excursion: Enjoy a guided visit to Saint-Émilion to discover one Bordeaux’ must-see wine-growing towns and celebrate your day with a wine tasting
OR:
Classic Excursion: Join a guided tour of the medieval village of Saint-Émilion—a UNESCO World Heritage site of legends and legendary landscapes
OR:
Classic Excursion: Take an orientation walking tour to discover the history and beauty of Libourne, where wine and wonderful views are cherished in the 12th-century fortified town.
Discovery Excursion: Onboard lecture about WWII hosted by a history expert.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LIBOURNE
Optional Tour: Pastry Chef for a day: Baking Class
Learn the art of the perfect French cream puff with a local chef at Château Fleur de Lisse.
Optional Tour: Chocolate & Wine at Château Fleur de Lisse
Discover one of the world's most perfect pairings with a chocolate-and-wine tasting at Château Fleur de Lisse!
Optional Tour: Wine Blending Experience
Create your own custom wine blends under the guidance of expert winemakers during a hands-on experience at a local wine property.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included this day.
Day 6: Bordeaux
Bordeaux Sights, Bikes, and Bites
Discovery Excursion: While sailing to Bordeaux, enjoy a pastry demonstration.
Active Excursion: Join your Adventure Host for a bike ride along Bordeaux’ postcard river views of the Les Quais
OR:
Classic Excursion: Join a guided walking tour to discover the heart of Bordeaux with a stroll amid its stunning squares, avenues, and cathedrals sights.
Later, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BORDEAUX
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included this day.
Day 7: Bordeaux
Seas, Shells, and Sips
Active Excursion: Join your Adventure Host for a bike ride along Bordeaux’ postcard river views of the Les Quais
OR:
Classic Excursion: Take a guided tour to La Cité du Vin, Bordeaux’s iconic wine museum and cultural center
OR:
Classic Excursion: 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.
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
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included this day.
Day 8: Bordeaux (Disembarkation)
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.
Breakfast included this day.
Pricing
Deluxe Staterooms: Prices starting at $3,651 per person, cruise only based on double occupancy.
Panorama Suites: Prices starting at $5,550 per person, cruise only based on double occupancy.
Solo occupancy staterooms and suites available upon request. Book early for best solo pricing.
A deposit of $250 per person is due upon reservation. Space is limited and reservations are made on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Ask me about airfare as well as extra nights in Bordeaux.
Rates, availability and all terms and conditions subject to change until booking is confirmed.
Contact Margo McDonough at Blue Skies Travel Center today.
302-893-4571 or margo@blueskiestravelcenter.com.
Your Host
About Your Group Trip Coordinator
Margo McDonough started Blue Skies Travel Center in 2016, after earlier work in the travel industry for such companies as J.P. Morgan Chase. She has planned and escorted numerous trips, both domestically and internationally, for local organizations, including University of Delaware’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, Food Bank of Delaware, Kennett Area Community Service, and Traditions at Longwood community.
McDonough is a member of the American Society of Travel Advisors, is fully insured, and is supported by host agency Uniglobe Travel Center and Virtuoso, a luxury travel consortium.
