River Cruises in Bordeaux & Dordogne
Explore a wide diversity of river cruises through Bordeaux & Dordogne. We have 35 cruises that vary from 5 days to 16 days. With the greatest number of departures in August, this is also the most popular time of the year.
10 best river cruise Bordeaux & Dordogne tours
Compiled by
MelissaBordeaux & Dordogne travel expert at TourRadar
- Taste of Bordeaux 2026
- Taste of Bordeaux (Wine Cruise) 2026
- Brilliant Bordeaux (2027) (Bordeaux to Bordeaux, 2027)
- Christmas in the Bordeaux region (port-to-port cruise)
- Bordeaux Affair
- Beautiful Bordeaux with Highlights of Paris
- Beautiful Bordeaux with Madrid
- Bordeaux Affair with Highlights of Paris (9 destinations)
- Tastes of Bordeaux – A Wine Cruise with Madrid
- Beautiful Bordeaux with Paris & Madrid
The AmaDolce winds through Bordeaux's waterways, showcasing Saint-Émilion's limestone church, Blaye's UNESCO citadel, and medieval Bourg. Guests attend exclusive wine festivals, tour Roquetaillade Castle, and savor regional cuisine with unlimited wine pairings.
Duration 8 days Destinations Bordeaux, Libourne, Blaye, Bourg, Cussac-Fort-Médoc, Cadillac Age Range Ages 12+ Ship AmaDolce Operator AmaWaterways From
- US$4,099+$250 upfront costs
The AmaDolce glides through Bordeaux's waterways, offering access to Saint-Émilion's limestone caves and Médoc's prestigious châteaux. Guests visit Château Latour and Château Mouton Rothschild while enjoying French balcony views and gourmet dining between ports.
Duration 8 days Destinations Bordeaux, Libourne, Blaye, Bourg, Cussac-Fort-Médoc, Cadillac Age Range Ages 12+ Ship AmaDolce Operator AmaWaterways From
- US$4,099+$250 upfront costs
Duration 8 days Destinations Bordeaux, Cussac-Fort-Médoc, Pauillac, Blaye, Bourg, Libourne Age Range Ages 16+ Ship S.S. Bon Voyage Operator Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection From $3,899
20% Off- US$3,119You save $780
MS Cyrano de Bergerac sails the Gironde estuary, stopping in Cussac-Fort-Médoc and Saint-Emilion. The voyage features Christmas Eve dinner onboard, visits to prestigious Médoc vineyards, and tours of Blaye's historic citadel. Gala dinners showcase regional wines and French gastronomy.
Duration 5 days Destinations Bordeaux, Pauillac, Blaye, Libourne, St Emilion Age Range All Ages Welcome Ship MS Cyrano de Bergerac Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From
20% Off- US$1,302
Travel the Garonne and Dordogne rivers on the 5-star Scenic Diamond, which has just 147 guests in spacious suites with innovative Sun Lounges. Head to the UNESCO-listed medieval village of Saint-Émilion for wine tastings at prestigious châteaux. Cycle through the famous Médoc vineyards and see the 17th-century Citadelle de Blaye overlooking the Gironde Estuary.
Duration 8 days Destinations Bordeaux, Libourne, Blaye, Cussac-Fort-Médoc, Bourg, Cadillac Age Range Ages 18+ Ship Scenic Diamond Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $10,890
68% Off- US$3,445You save $7,445
Cruise aboard the 5-star Scenic Diamond through Bordeaux's waterways, stopping at Médoc wine estates along the Route des Châteaux and tasting wines at places like Château Siaurac. Get exclusive after-hours access to Bassins des Lumières in a former WWII submarine base. Try oysters from Arcachon Bay and attend a classical concert at 13th-century Château d'Agassac in the Médoc countryside.
Duration 13 days Destinations Paris, Bordeaux, Libourne, Port Médoc, Cadillac, Bourg, Blaye Age Range Ages 18+ Ship Scenic Diamond Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $16,055
57% Off- US$6,960You save $9,095
Cruise the Gironde, Garonne, and Dordogne rivers aboard the 167-passenger Scenic Diamond, checking out Bordeaux's wine country in depth. Taste sweet Sauternes wines at local châteaux, visit the UNESCO-listed citadel in Blaye, and tour the 13th-century walled town of Saint-Émilion. Try oysters fresh from Arcachon Bay, cycle through Loupiac's vineyards to Château Benauge, and see Cognac's Rémy Martin estate. The 10-night cruise includes exclusive after-hours access to Bordeaux's Bassins des Lumières digital art installation.
Duration 14 days Destinations Bordeaux, Libourne, Cussac-Fort-Médoc, Cadillac, Bourg, Blaye, Madrid Age Range Ages 18+ Ship Scenic Diamond Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $15,625
55% Off- US$7,070You save $8,555
Cruise aboard the 167-passenger Scenic Diamond through the Bordeaux wine region, traveling the tidal Gironde, Dordogne, and Garonne river systems. You'll visit a Sauternes château for wine tasting in the rolling vineyards near Cadillac and check out the 13th-century fortified harbor of Libourne. Attend an exclusive classical string quartet concert at the medieval Château d'Agassac in the Médoc countryside. Try wine tastings at prestigious Médoc estates, cycle along Bourg's scenic Captain's Road, and tour the UNESCO-listed citadel of Blaye designed by architect Sébastien Vauban.
Duration 10 days Destinations Paris, Bordeaux, Libourne, Blaye, Cussac-Fort-Médoc, Bourg, Cadillac Age Range Ages 18+ Ship Scenic Diamond Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $13,090
55% Off- US$5,932You save $7,158
Duration 11 days Destinations Bordeaux, Libourne, Blaye, Cussac-Fort-Médoc, Pauillac, Bourg, Cadillac, Madrid Age Range Ages 18+ Ship Scenic Diamond Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $12,400
44% Off- US$6,955You save $5,445
You'll cruise aboard the luxury Scenic Diamond with visits to Saint-Émilion's UNESCO World Heritage medieval village and underground Monolithic Church carved from limestone. The itinerary includes Château d'Agassac in Médoc for an exclusive classical concert and a chance to cycle through Sauternes vineyards for fortified wine tastings. Blaye's UNESCO-listed Vauban citadel is on the route, and fresh oysters delivered from Arcachon Bay are served while docked in Bordeaux.
Duration 16 days Destinations Paris, Bordeaux, Libourne, Port Médoc, Cadillac, Bourg, Blaye, Madrid Age Range Ages 12+ Ship Scenic Diamond Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $16,925
40% Off- US$10,130You save $6,795
Bordeaux & Dordogne River Cruise Reviews
- New Year in the Bordeaux region (port-to-port cruise)
The tour was a great value. I was disappointed the the helicopter ride was cancelled. The did refund money for the cancellation. Food was great. Staff was great and spoke adequate English. Would travel with them again.
What our customers ask about River Cruises in Bordeaux & Dordogne
What is the best time of year to take a Bordeaux & Dordogne river cruise?
Bordeaux river cruises operate from April through October with the busiest season running June through September. The spring months bring mild temperatures and flowering vineyards in Saint-Émilion and Médoc while fall coincides with grape harvesting. Popular vessels like the Scenic Diamond and AmaDolce run frequent trips during these months taking advantage of the reliable weather for both river travel and vineyard visits. A TourRadar traveler noted "The September timing was perfect - we got to see the harvest in action at several vineyards and the weather was ideal for outdoor activities."
What are the typical cabin options available on Bordeaux river cruise ships?
Ships sailing the Bordeaux region provide accommodations ranging from entry-level rooms to premium suites. The Scenic Diamond features six room types including Royal Owner's Suites that come with living spaces and Royal Panorama Suites showcasing wall-length windows. Most AmaDolce staterooms include French balconies while Viking's Forseti offers Veranda and Explorer Suites. According to a TourRadar traveler "Our suite on the Scenic Diamond was exceptionally comfortable with the innovative Sun Lounge system that converted our balcony into an all-weather sitting area."
What wine regions and experiences are included in Bordeaux river cruise itineraries?
Tours cover major wine areas like Saint-Émilion Médoc Sauternes and Pomerol. Guests can expect Grand Cru Classé tastings at notable estates such as Château d'Agassac and Château Siaurac along with vineyard tours and wine education sessions. Some itineraries add special touches like classical music performances at historic wine properties. A TourRadar traveler shared "The wine tasting at Château Siaurac in Pomerol was a highlight - we learned so much about the terroir and winemaking process while sampling exceptional vintages."
Which rivers do Bordeaux & Dordogne cruise itineraries typically cover?
These cruises travel three key waterways: the Garonne Dordogne and Gironde Estuary. Vessels like the Scenic Diamond depart Bordeaux following the Garonne to Cadillac then proceed to the Gironde to explore Blaye and Bourg before entering the Dordogne to reach Libourne and Saint-Émilion. One TourRadar traveler noted: "The diversity of landscapes was amazing - from the urban beauty of Bordeaux to vineyard-covered hills and historic ports like Blaye with its UNESCO citadel."
What are the docking locations and ports visited during Bordeaux river cruises?
These journeys begin and end in Bordeaux city with stops at Libourne Blaye Bourg Cadillac and Pauillac. Ships anchor near town centers including Port de la Lune in Bordeaux and Libourne's port close to Saint-Émilion. Vessels like the S.S. Bon Voyage and Scenic Diamond are built specifically for navigating these waters and accessing historic harbors. A TourRadar traveler shared "The docking locations were incredibly convenient - we could walk right into the heart of each town from the ship."
How long are typical Bordeaux river cruise itineraries?
Standard trips last 7-8 days though some companies offer longer 10-11 day packages combining river cruising with land tours. Scenic provides both an 8-day Bordeaux Affair cruise and a 10-day version including Paris. Week-long journeys from AmaWaterways and Uniworld typically start and finish in Bordeaux exploring the Garonne Dordogne and Gironde rivers. According to a TourRadar traveler "The 8-day format was perfect - enough time to explore the region thoroughly without feeling rushed."