Explore the Bordeaux Region on an AmaWaterways River Cruise thoughtfully designed for wine lovers.

Dec 6 - 17, 2026

This isn't just about "seeing France".

This is about slowing down and experiencing it. Tasting it. Savoring it.

Being in the moment instead of rushing from landmark to landmark.

If your favorite travel memories revolve around the table-wine with friends, sharing a meal, spontaneous afternoons at a sidewalk cafe-then this is the trip for you.

🎄 And, if you've always wanted to visit European Christmas Markets, this trip will give you a chance to do that, too!

🍷 WHAT THIS TRIP FEELS LIKE

Sitting at a winery tasting wines you can’t get at home

Long, relaxed meals that feel like part of the experience—not a break from it

Walking through small towns that feel lived-in, not crowded

Evenings where you don’t feel rushed to move on

✨ WHY BORDEAUX (AND WHY THIS TRIP)

Bordeaux is different from other parts of France.

It’s quieter.
More focused.
Less about checking off sights—and more about experiencing place through food and wine.

This itinerary is designed around that:

iconic wine regions

smaller, more intimate towns

a pace that lets you actually enjoy where you are

It’s not trying to do everything.
It’s doing the right things, well.

Itinerary

Sun, Dec 6: Bilbao
1. Optional 4 night pre-cruise Land Package in Bilbao and San Sebastian from $1050/person
2. Welcome reception in Bilbao
Mon, Dec 7: San Sebastián
Tue, Dec 8: San Sebastián
1. Evening walk of Old Town San Sebastián
Wed, Dec 9: Bordeaux
1. San Sebastián "City by the Bay of Biscay" tour
2. Transfer from San Sebastián to Bordeaux
Thu, Dec 10: Bordeaux
Fri, Dec 11: Libourne
Sat, Dec 12: Libourne
Sun, Dec 13: Bourg
Mon, Dec 14: Pauillac
Tue, Dec 15: Cadillac
Wed, Dec 16: Bordeaux
Thu, Dec 17: Bordeaux
1. Disembarkation in Bordeaux

Full Itinerary

Trip Overview
December 10-17, 2026
Ship: AmaDolce
Roundtrip from Bordeaux (with an optional pre-trip stay in Bilbao and San Sebastian to experience the Basque region of Spain).
This itinerary is created especially for wine lovers, and we will have a wine host on board to guide our tasting and pair wine with foods. There will also be a paired tasting dinner. And, as mentioned above, non-wine lovers are welcome too and we know you'll have a wonderful time.
🛳️ THE EXPERIENCE ONBOARD
You’ll spend 7 nights aboard a beautifully designed river ship that feels more like a boutique hotel than a cruise.
- exceptional, regionally inspired cuisine
- curated wine experiences throughout the trip
- a relaxed, uncrowded atmosphere
- spaces designed to enjoy the journey—not just pass through it
This is where the experience becomes effortless.
The AmaDolce only carries 140 passengers, so if your only experience with cruising is on ocean cruise ships with 20-30 times as many passengers, you're in for a treat.
Inclusions and Details
AmaWaterways provides a luxurious experience and most of your experiences on board are included in your fare.
🍷wine and beer with lunch and dinner, as well as a Sip and Sail cocktail hour every day that includes wine, beer, and a special cocktail and mocktail of the day. Local wines are brought on board for all the dinners.
🥐all food on board, including the Chef's table (available for all passengers at least once per trip), and fine dining in multiple venues.
🚲 Small group guided excursions, with a variety of choices at each port.
🧘 Guided fitness classes by an on-board Wellness Host.
Optional land package includes hotel accommodations, breakfast, city tours, transportation between the ship and the hotel, and support from a cruise director.
If reserved by June 30, 2026, pricing starts at $3398 a person after a $1000/person discount (or you can choose a free land package!). An additional 10% off is available for the first 10 people who book. This offer includes a complimentary one cabin category upgrade (like to like category only and not applicable to suites and A+ staterooms) and $100/cabin on board credit.
Not included:
*Airfare (though you can book that at special promotional rates through AmaWaterways-I can help!)
*Gratuities
*$250/person port charge
Pricing and room options if booked by June 30, 2026.
The prices below include the $1000/person savings (and will be that much higher if you choose the free land package instead). Prices below are BEFORE the additional 10% deduction for the first ten people to book.
Suite: French Balcony, 255 square feet $6298/person
A+: French Balcony, 225 square feet: $5998/person
A: French Balcony, 170 square feet: $4998/person
B: French Balcony, 170 square feet: $4898/person
C: French Balcony, 170 square feet: $4598/person
D: Fixed window, 170 square feet: $3398/person
E: Fixed window, 150 square feet: $3099/person
Pre-trip package in Bilbao and San Sebastian, Spain, from $1050/person
Deposit: $400/person ($200 for the first 10 people to book)
Final Payment: September 4, 2026,
Highlights
During our voyage, you'll have the option to choose from multiple excursions a day, including experiences like:
A visit to the Bordeaux Christmas Market
Medoc Grand Cru Classé wine tasting and scenic vineyard tour.
Bordeaux bike tour.
Travel Protection
Travel insurance is HIGHLY recommended for all travelers on this (and all) trips. A quote will be provided to you after booking. You also have the option to purchase travel insurance elsewhere.