Avalon Waterways

Daily Itinerary

1. Day 1

   Paris

   France

   

   Paris rewards every arrival as though it were the first — the sweep of the Seine, the Gothic tracery of Notre-Dame rising again from its 2019 ashes, the Eiffel Tower somehow managing to astonish at each encounter, the Louvre's glass pyramid reflecting clouds in the courtyard of a palace that served French kings for four centuries. Beyond the monuments, Paris is a city of neighbourhoods: the Belle Époque brasseries of Montparnasse, the covered passages of the 2nd arrondissement, the rooftop terraces of Le Marais. The Luxembourg Gardens in April, or a late-September evening on the Canal Saint-Martin, are among the most civilised experiences in the world.

2. Day 2

   Paris

   France

   

   Paris rewards every arrival as though it were the first — the sweep of the Seine, the Gothic tracery of Notre-Dame rising again from its 2019 ashes, the Eiffel Tower somehow managing to astonish at each encounter, the Louvre's glass pyramid reflecting clouds in the courtyard of a palace that served French kings for four centuries. Beyond the monuments, Paris is a city of neighbourhoods: the Belle Époque brasseries of Montparnasse, the covered passages of the 2nd arrondissement, the rooftop terraces of Le Marais. The Luxembourg Gardens in April, or a late-September evening on the Canal Saint-Martin, are among the most civilised experiences in the world.

3. Day 3

   Bordeaux

   France

   

   Bordeaux, France's premier port city, is renowned for its historical significance, stunning architecture, and world-class wine. Must-do experiences include savoring local delicacies at Marché des Quais and exploring the breathtaking art installations at Place de la Bourse. The best season to visit is during the late spring and early autumn, when the weather is pleasant and the vineyards are in full bloom.

4. Day 4

   Cadillac

   France

   

   Cadillac, a picturesque commune in the Gironde department, is celebrated for its rich history, charming architecture, and exquisite culinary offerings. Must-do experiences include savoring local delicacies like foie gras and exploring the historical Château de Cadillac. The best season to visit is during the spring and early autumn, when the weather is delightful, and local markets are bustling with fresh produce.

5. Day 5

   Cussac Fort Médoc

   France

   

   Where the Gironde estuary broadens toward the Atlantic, Cussac-Fort-Médoc occupies a quietly magnificent corner of Bordeaux wine country, its landscape shaped by Vauban's seventeenth-century star-shaped citadel — a UNESCO World Heritage fortification — and by centuries of châteaux producing some of the Left Bank's most distinguished Haut-Médoc cuvées. River cruisers dock here for château visits and private cellar tastings amid working vineyards, far from the tourist circuits of Saint-Émilion. September brings the harvest, filling the air with the intoxicating scent of fermenting Cabernet Sauvignon; the temperate maritime climate makes spring and autumn equally rewarding.

6. Day 6

   Blaye

   France

   

   Crowned by a Vauban citadel that UNESCO recognises as one of Europe's finest military fortifications, Blaye guards the Gironde estuary with a watchful grandeur unchanged since Louis XIV's engineers completed their work in 1689. Taste the local delicacy of poutargue de Blaye — cured mullet roe from the estuary — explore the merlot vineyards of the Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux appellation, and take an excursion south to Bordeaux's grand neoclassical boulevards. September and October bring the heady aromas of harvest season to the surrounding wine country.

7. Day 6

   Blaye

   France

   

   Crowned by a Vauban citadel that UNESCO recognises as one of Europe's finest military fortifications, Blaye guards the Gironde estuary with a watchful grandeur unchanged since Louis XIV's engineers completed their work in 1689. Taste the local delicacy of poutargue de Blaye — cured mullet roe from the estuary — explore the merlot vineyards of the Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux appellation, and take an excursion south to Bordeaux's grand neoclassical boulevards. September and October bring the heady aromas of harvest season to the surrounding wine country.

8. Day 7

   Libourne

   France

   

   Founded in 1270 by an English lieutenant of Edward I at the confluence of the Isle and Dordogne rivers, Libourne is the fortified bastide heart of Bordeaux wine country — and the historic trading capital of some of the world's most celebrated appellations: Pomerol and Saint-Émilion both lie within minutes. The medieval market square, ringed by arcaded stone buildings, still hosts produce markets and wine négociant houses that have traded here for centuries. A half-day excursion to the UNESCO-listed hilltop village of Saint-Émilion, with its monolithic church carved from a single limestone cliff, is unmissable. Libourne is most rewarding during harvest (September–October) and spring flowering (April–May).

9. Day 8

   Bordeaux

   France

   

   Bordeaux, France's premier port city, is renowned for its historical significance, stunning architecture, and world-class wine. Must-do experiences include savoring local delicacies at Marché des Quais and exploring the breathtaking art installations at Place de la Bourse. The best season to visit is during the late spring and early autumn, when the weather is pleasant and the vineyards are in full bloom.

10. Day 9

    Bordeaux

    France

    

    Bordeaux, France's premier port city, is renowned for its historical significance, stunning architecture, and world-class wine. Must-do experiences include savoring local delicacies at Marché des Quais and exploring the breathtaking art installations at Place de la Bourse. The best season to visit is during the late spring and early autumn, when the weather is pleasant and the vineyards are in full bloom.

11. Day 10

    Bordeaux

    France

    

    Bordeaux, France's premier port city, is renowned for its historical significance, stunning architecture, and world-class wine. Must-do experiences include savoring local delicacies at Marché des Quais and exploring the breathtaking art installations at Place de la Bourse. The best season to visit is during the late spring and early autumn, when the weather is pleasant and the vineyards are in full bloom.

Cabin Categories

Deluxe Stateroom

Outside

172 sq ftMax 2E

Comfort Collection Beds Luxurious mattress toppers Bedside tables with reading lamps Hairdryer L'Occitane bath products Spacious 3-door closets with shelves for ample storage Easy under-bed luggage storage Direct-dial telephone Bathrobes & slippers Well-stocked minibar Complimentary water In-room safe Individual climate control Elegant, contemporary design Large mirror in bathroom Full shower with glass door Writing desk and chair Complimentary Wi-Fi

Queen or Twin ConfigurationShowerToiletries ProvidedRoom Service AvailableTVFree Wi-Fi+6

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Deluxe Stateroom

Outside

172 sq ftMax 2D

Comfort Collection Beds Luxurious mattress toppers Bedside tables with reading lamps Hairdryer L'Occitane bath products Spacious 3-door closets with shelves for ample storage Easy under-bed luggage storage Direct-dial telephone Bathrobes & slippers Well-stocked minibar Complimentary water In-room safe Individual climate control Elegant, contemporary design Large mirror in bathroom Full shower with glass door Writing desk and chair Complimentary Wi-Fi

Queen or Twin ConfigurationShowerToiletries ProvidedRoom Service AvailableTVFree Wi-Fi+6

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Panorama Suite

Suite

200 sq ftMax 2P

Comfort Collection Beds Luxurious mattress toppers Bedside tables with reading lamps Hairdryer L'Occitane bath products Spacious 3-door closets with shelves for ample storage Easy under-bed luggage storage Make-up mirror Direct-dial telephone Bathrobes & slippers Well-stocked minibar Complimentary water In-room safe Individual climate control Elegant, contemporary design Large mirror in bathroom Full shower with glass door Writing desk and chair Sofa Complimentary Wi-Fi

Queen or Twin ConfigurationShowerToiletries ProvidedRoom Service AvailableTVFree Wi-Fi+6

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Panorama Suite

Suite

200 sq ftMax 2A

Comfort Collection Beds Luxurious mattress toppers Bedside tables with reading lamps Hairdryer L'Occitane bath products Spacious 3-door closets with shelves for ample storage Easy under-bed luggage storage Make-up mirror Direct-dial telephone Bathrobes & slippers Well-stocked minibar Complimentary water In-room safe Individual climate control Elegant, contemporary design Large mirror in bathroom Full shower with glass door Writing desk and chair Sofa Complimentary Wi-Fi

Queen or Twin ConfigurationShowerToiletries ProvidedRoom Service AvailableTVFree Wi-Fi+6

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Panorama Suite

Suite

200 sq ftMax 2B

Comfort Collection Beds Luxurious mattress toppers Bedside tables with reading lamps Hairdryer L'Occitane bath products Spacious 3-door closets with shelves for ample storage Easy under-bed luggage storage Make-up mirror Direct-dial telephone Bathrobes & slippers Well-stocked minibar Complimentary water In-room safe Individual climate control Elegant, contemporary design Large mirror in bathroom Full shower with glass door Writing desk and chair Sofa Complimentary Wi-Fi

Queen or Twin ConfigurationShowerToiletries ProvidedRoom Service AvailableTVFree Wi-Fi+6

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Royal Suite

Suite

300 sq ftMax 2S

Comfort Collection Beds Luxurious mattress toppers Bedside tables with reading lamps Hairdryer L'Occitane bath products Spacious 3-door closets with shelves for ample storage Easy under-bed luggage storage Make-up mirror Direct-dial telephone Bathrobes & slippers Well-stocked minibar Complimentary water In-room safe Individual climate control Elegant, contemporary design Large mirror in bathroom Full shower with glass door Writing desk and chair Sofa Complimentary Wi-Fi One King-Sized Bed or Two Twins

King or Twin ConfigurationLounge AreaShowerToiletries ProvidedRoom Service AvailableMini Bar (Additional Cost)+7

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