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We offer great value and affordable river cruises throughout worldwide destinations with CroisiEurope River Cruises

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From the French Basque Country to Bordeaux - Fine French cuisine at the foot of the Pyrenees and a cruise to discover Bordeaux and its outlying areas (port-to-port cruise)

Dive into the French Basque experience before a cruise on the Garonne and Gironde Rivers. Vacation in the heart of the famous seaside resort of Biarritz. Indulge in Basque culinary traditions and heritage—Espelette chili peppers, chocolate and ham in Bayonne, and Irouléguy wines. This trip will bring you to well-known pilgrimage points such as Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port—the last stage of the Way of St. James before the Pyrenees. Then, kick back and enjoy a delightful cruise while discovering the region surrounding Bordeaux.

Trip code : BIS_PP

Duration : 8 days

Destination : BIARRITZ - FRENCHBASQUECOUNTRY - BAYONNE - BORDEAUX - CUSSAC - FORT - MEDOC - THEMéDOC(1) - GIRONDEESTUARY - BLAYE(2) - LIBOURNE(2) - SAINT - EMILION - BORDEAUX

Operator : CroisiEurope Cruises

Trip Highlights
  • Original back-to-back journeys to explore the French Basque Country and the Gironde region
  • Discover the Gironde Estuary
  • All meals included - DRINKS INCLUDED with meals and at the bar
  • Refined French cuisine - Gala dinner and evening - Welcome cocktail
  • Free Wi-Fi onboard
  • Headsets are included for excursions
  • Official welcome from the captain and crew
  • Onboard activities
  • Travel assistance and repatriation insurance
  • All port fees included

Booking Confirmation

After purchase, you will receive a Booking Confirmation and Passenger Information Form by email. Within 24 hours of purchase you need to send us a copy of your passport together with your Passenger Information Form.

After purchase, you are required to make a deposit or full payment for your order. Please note most of our deposit is non-refundable. Please check your booking and your invoice for the Terms and Conditions which apply specifically to your booking.

If you would like to cancel your booking, please refer to our cancellation terms.

Please notes:

  • Any special requests, preferences MUST be clearly stated in your Passenger Information Form
  • Any change requested after submitting your Passenger Information Form cannot be guaranteed, is strictly subject to availability and will incur surcharges

Cruise Cabin

European river cruises*

  • All cabins are tastefully decorated and equipped with air conditioning, central heating, shower / toilets, satellite TV, safe, hairdryer— each providing a view of the river. Some cabins have French balconies or private terraces.
  • Our fleet of Premium ships offers additional comfort providing more space in the cabins.

Customers can choose between 3 categories of cabins:

  • Category A: premium location
  • Category B: intermediate location
  • Category C: standard location (close to public areas such as entrance, restaurants, public lavatory) - same size or sometimes slightly smaller than Cat A & Cat B cabin
  • PRM Cabin: Cabin for passengers with reduced mobility. This cabin is not recommended for passengers without mobility difficulties.

*The above cabin description is applicable to all ships except the canal barges, the ocean ships and the fleet of exotic river ships outside of Europe.

Dining Experience & Cuisine

On European river cruises, your meals are carefully designed and planned, and menus are developed in the pure tradition of fine French gastronomy. Each meal on your cruise will give you a delightful experience of French haute cuisine. For our gastronomic cruises, such Michelin-starred greats as Marc Haeberlin and the expert staff surrounding Paul Bocuse have been happy to join forces with CroisiEurope to take you on a memorable culinary voyage.

For cruises outside of Europe, our Chefs prepare local cuisine, colorful and tasty, while adapted to Western tastes.

Buffet Breakfast

  • Your day will start with an impressive self-served buffet breakfast in the onboard restaurant, which may include pastries, coffee, tea, juice, breads, jams and jellies, a variety of sausages and cold cuts, eggs, fresh fruit, and yogurt.

Lunch & Dinner

Lunch can be either buffet lunch or sit-down meals, while dinner will be 3-course sit-down meals. A menu of local specialties is prepared on a daily basis from fresh ingredients.

  • Please state your specific needs at the time you make your reservation (food allergies or special dietary needs)
  • Both lunch and dinner meals are paired with excellent complimentary wines. Complimentary wines may not be available for cruises outside of Europe. Check specific inclusions for your cruise.

Special Occasion

  •  Please let us know your special occasion requirements – such as cakes, champagne, or flowers – at the time of booking and ideally one month or more before departure, and we will do our best to accommodate your wishes

Languages

European river cruises

Onboard staff and crews speak French, English and many of them speak other major European languages such as German, Italian and Spanish. Notices and announcements are in French and English, as well as other languages based upon the needs of the passengers on board.

River cruises outside of Europe

Onboard staff and crews speak English and local languages.

Excursion Package

For European river cruises, two optional different excursion packages provide guests, who are looking for new experiences, adventures and sensations, with a range of dynamic, fun-filled and out-of-the-ordinary activities. Make your choice between these two options:

  • CLASSIC Package: Containing classic excursions based on culture, architecture and history. We’ve revamped several of our tours to give you a more authentic experience!
  • DISCOVERY Package: Discovery tours are for the adventurous, the offbeat, or those who are looking for something new.

It is recommended to book optional shore excursions prior to your cruise to ensure their availability and to benefit from cheaper prices than buying them on board.

Excursions on European canal barge cruises and exotic river cruises outside of Europe are included (except certain optional excursions).

Tipping & Gratuity

Tipping customs vary from country to country and culture to culture, and we understand that tipping is a way for passengers to show appreciation for services, quality and attention received during the cruise whether it be for the meals, rooms, reception or visits. To leave a tip, please use the envelope found in your cabin your last evening on board, and place this envelope in the specially designated box in the reception area as you disembark with the understanding that tipping is entirely at your discretion.

Tipping is not compulsory and is not included in this package. We believe that if you choose to tip, you should only pay for the service you receive. In general, tipping is widely accepted as a way to show your appreciation of good service but is not compulsory. Tipping is expected and often makes up a large part of people's wages.

If you are travelling on a river cruise and happy with the services provided by your crews and service onboard:

- Recommended tips - For the crews and guides - $10US per day per passenger.


Smoking

Smoking is not permitted inside all ships.  You may smoke in designated smoking areas on deck only.

Pets

Pets are not allowed on board.

Telephone and Internet

Free wi-fi is available on all ships in the reception area and lounge bar on most ships. On the newest ships such as the Ms Gerard Schmitter, the MS Cyrano de Bergerac, the MS Lafayette and the fleet of four hotel barges, Wi-Fi is available throughout. For exotic river cruises outside of Europe, wifi may not be available when cruising in remote areas.

Your ship’s emergency telephone number will be provided in your on-board documentation, so that your family may reach you in the event of urgent need or emergency. If you would like to make or receive phone calls on a non-emergency basis, we recommend that you make arrangements with your mobile phone provider for more information.

Dress Code

You’ll be most comfortable during the day in smart casual clothing.  You may wish to bring items that do not wrinkle easily, or that transport well after being ironed at home, as there is no iron provided on the ship.  Bring a variety of clothing for the environments expected during your cruise, including light clothing and bathing suits for hot weather, a sweater or jacket for cooler weather, and of course a raincoat and/or small umbrella.

Please check the weather for your specific cruise countries, as the weather can vary quite a bit between the northern and Mediterranean areas.  Don’t forget to bring comfortable and sturdy walking shoes for sightseeing excursions.

For evening meals, as well as for cocktails or gala events ‘casual dressy’ clothing is appropriate.

Currency

On European river cruises, the primary currency is the Euro. Visa, MasterCard and American Express credit cards are accepted. There are no currency exchange facilities on-board, so please ensure you have sufficient cash before boarding. Traveller’s cheques are not accepted.

On exotic river cruises outside of Europe, the primary currency is the US Dollar. Visa, MasterCard and American Express credit cards are accepted. There are no currency exchange facilities on-board, so please ensure you have sufficient cash before boarding. Traveller’s cheques are not accepted.

Electricity

Onboard electrical service is 220V; most standard American electrical appliances are 120V.

If you have any items that require electricity you must bring a two-pin plug European adaptor that will fit your item.  Many items such as cell phone chargers come already equipped with international adaptors – check the equipment that came with your cell phone.  In addition, you may find that you need to bring adaptors for other items such as your own razor, electric toothbrush, or curling iron (220V hair dryers are provided in each cabin).

For exotic cruises outside of Europe, an adaptor to the local plug standard is recommended.

Entertainment on board

While your  cruise is all about discovering wonderful destinations, on many days there will be entertainment activities to add an extra dimension to your voyage. A traditional evening of entertainment with a “Titi Parisien” theme or an evening with songs and guitares that capture the spirit of La Camargue. Dinner in Spain may be accompanied by a guitar player from the region. A classical string quartet could come aboard in Germany, or an entrancing fado singer in Portugal. On the Volga, you can choose to take part in a tea drinking ceremony or Russian classes. Or simply do nothing except relax to some light music in the lounge. In exotic river cruise, cooking class or destination lectures are available. 

Travel Insurance

Our cruise products DO NOT include Travel Insurance. Travel insurance is not included in our tours, cruises, day tours, private tours, group tours, transfers, and any of our packages.

For your protection, we strongly recommend that you purchase comprehensive travel insurance for your travel arrangements (without limitation) that include coverage for medical expenses, loss of luggage, cruise, land content and airfare charges that may occur. You need to provide us your Travel Insurance details upon booking, or at least before 30 days prior to your departure.

If you do not have travel insurance prior to your departure, we retain the rights to refuse boarding/joining our tours or cruises. We might refund / provide travel credits for you, less any unrecoverable fees including but not limited to admin fees, visas fees, other suppliers’ cancellation fees. We won’t be held liable for any costs associated with this matter.

DAY 1

We'll welcome you at your four-star hotel (or similar accommodations) in Biarritz at 5:00 p.m., where you'll check in and enjoy a welcome cocktail.(1) Dinner and evening in Biarritz.Although once a whaling village, Biarritz is now an upscale seaside resort. The city's destiny changed forever when Napoléon III and his wife, Eugénie, came to take advantage of the ocean's health benefits. Enjoy some free time on the Atlantic coast by walking along the cliffs or even having a swim!
Breakfast will be served at the hotel. Set out on a full-day excursion to the French Basque Country. The tour will begin in Espelette, a small, colorful city decorated with its signature festoons—dried chili pepper strings. Mildly hot Espelette peppers are a cornerstone of French Basque cuisine. Take some time on your own to explore the city.We'll enjoy a traditional Basque lunch in Espelette.In the afternoon, we'll tour Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port and indulge in a tasting of Irouléguy wine. A charming village in the heart of the Pyrenees, Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port was named one of the most beautiful villages in France in 2016. Its unique position as the last stop on the Way of St. James makes it popular with pilgrims and hikers. After a guided tour, we'll head over to the Irouléguy wine cellars for a visit and tasting. At the end of the day, we'll return to Biarritz. Dinner. You'll spend the night at the hotel.
Breakfast will be served at the hotel.This morning, join us for a guided tour of Bayonne and a salted-meat workshop. The guided tour of old Bayonne introduces you to the history of the French Basque Country and its culture. Strolling down the quaint, narrow streets, you'll learn about the city center's rich architectural heritage, including the cathedral, cloister, and fortifications. We'll then visit a salted-meat workshop to see how dried ham is made and taste a few of its products.Enjoy a traditional Basque meal at lunch in a local cider house. Have a glass of cider directly from the barrel!After your tour, you'll leave by coach for Bordeaux, where you'll board our ship at 6 p.m. We'll introduce our crew at a welcome cocktail.
We will cruise down towards Cussac-Fort-Médoc.In the afternoon, join us for the optional CLASSIC / DISCOVERY excursion proposed: Following the trail of the grands crus wines of Médoc, a renowned region where the most famous of all red wines in the world are cultivated.We'll return on board for dinner and an evening of entertainment.
We'll start sailing early this morning towards Blaye, whose Citadel built by Vauban is not to be missed. Join us on the optional excursions proposed:CLASSIC: The Route de la Corniche Fleurie and the Blaye Citadel, journey through tradition and authenticity.DISCOVERY: Tour Blaye and its underground monuments on foot. After our tour, we'll get to taste some regional products with an excellent glass of wine*.We'll return on board and cruise on the Gironde all the way to the estuary. Enjoy an evening of dancing.
We'll cruise to Libourne, a town rich with history and full of character located at the confluence with the Isle and the Dordogne Rivers. Upon arrival, join us for the optional excursions proposed:CLASSIC: tour of Saint-Emilion.DISCOVERY: Libourne by bike and wine tasting.We'll return on board in Libourne. Tonight is our festive gala dinner and evening.
We'll cruise towards Bordeaux this morning. Join us on the optional excursions proposed:CLASSIC: The Chartrons District, Wine and Commerce Museum.DISCOVERY: The Bassins des Lumières.Enjoy an evening of entertainment.

DAY 8

Enjoy one last buffet breakfast on board before disembarking at 9:00 a.m. End of our services. For an optimal organization of the cruise, the organization of excursions can be modified according to the tide.Note to coach: double-decker buses are not allowed on many roads in Gironde, including Libourne, Saint Emilion, Blaye and Cadillac.
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The Bassins des Lumières - 2026

The Bassins des Lumières With our guide leading you, discover this unique digital art center within a former submarine base built by the Germans during their occupation of France during World W

DURATION 03:00 hours

PRICE PER PERSON

Pre-paid : 141.00 AUD

On-board : 157.00 AUD

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1 TRIPS OF DAY
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The Bassins des Lumières - 2025

The Bassins des Lumières With our guide leading you, discover this unique digital art center within a former submarine base built by the Germans during their occupation of France during World W

DURATION 03:00 hours

PRICE PER PERSON

Pre-paid : 141.00 AUD

On-board : 157.00 AUD

SEE MORE
1 TRIPS OF DAY
PM
Detail Addon Image
The Bassins des Lumières - 2024

The Bassins des Lumières With our guide leading you, discover this unique digital art center within a former submarine base built by the Germans during their occupation of France during World W

DURATION 03:00 hours

PRICE PER PERSON

Pre-paid : 132.00 AUD

On-board : 146.00 AUD

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1 TRIPS OF DAY
PM
Detail Addon Image
Excursion on the Route de la Corniche Fleurie and guided tour of Bourg and Blaye - 2024

We'll leave by coach with a tour guide for a journey along the Route de la Corniche Fleurie. You'll see the old, traditional fishing huts on stilts and the remarkable limestone cliffs. We'

DURATION 04:00 hours

PRICE PER PERSON

Pre-paid : 101.00 AUD

On-board : 112.00 AUD

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1 TRIPS OF DAY
PM
Detail Addon Image
Blaye and its underground monuments - 2025

We'll leave on foot to visit the Blaye Citadel, built in the 17th century by Vauban in order to better protect the city of Bordeaux. You will explore the underground passages that soldiers once us

DURATION 04:00 hours

PRICE PER PERSON

Pre-paid : 133.00 AUD

On-board : 148.00 AUD

SEE MORE
1 TRIPS OF DAY
PM
Detail Addon Image
Blaye and its underground monuments - 2024

We'll leave on foot to visit the Blaye Citadel, built in the 17th century by Vauban in order to better protect the city of Bordeaux. You will explore the underground passages that soldiers once us

DURATION 04:00 hours

PRICE PER PERSON

Pre-paid : 128.00 AUD

On-board : 142.00 AUD

SEE MORE
1 TRIPS OF DAY
PM
Detail Addon Image
Bordeaux, the Chartrons District, Wine and Commerce Museum - 2026

The Chartrons District, Wine and Commerce Museum. Set out with your guide on foot to explore the old neighborhood where wine merchants performed their trade—the Chartrons District. You'll vi

DURATION 03:00 hours

PRICE PER PERSON

Pre-paid : 97.00 AUD

On-board : 108.00 AUD

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1 TRIPS OF DAY
PM
Detail Addon Image
Bordeaux, the Chartrons District, Wine and Commerce Museum - 2025

The Chartrons District, Wine and Commerce Museum. Set out with your guide on foot to explore the old neighborhood where wine merchants performed their trade—the Chartrons District. You'll vi

DURATION 03:00 hours

PRICE PER PERSON

Pre-paid : 97.00 AUD

On-board : 108.00 AUD

SEE MORE
1 TRIPS OF DAY
PM
Detail Addon Image
Bordeaux, the Chartrons District, Wine and Commerce Museum - 2024

The Chartrons District, Wine and Commerce Museum. Set out with your guide on foot to explore the old neighborhood where wine merchants performed their trade—the Chartrons District. You'll vi

DURATION 03:00 hours

PRICE PER PERSON

Pre-paid : 97.00 AUD

On-board : 108.00 AUD

SEE MORE
1 TRIPS OF DAY
PM
Detail Addon Image
Guided tour of Saint Emilion and wine tasting - 2026

Departure by coach from Libourne for the excursion to Saint-Emilion. Guided tour of the underground monuments in Saint-Emilion village. Your guide will tell you all about the history of the medieval t

DURATION 03:00 hours

PRICE PER PERSON

Pre-paid : 142.00 AUD

On-board : 159.00 AUD

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1 TRIPS OF DAY
PM
Detail Addon Image
Guided tour of Saint Emilion and wine tasting - 2025

Departure by coach from Libourne for the excursion to Saint-Emilion. Guided tour of the underground monuments in Saint-Emilion village. Your guide will tell you all about the history of the medieval t

DURATION 03:00 hours

PRICE PER PERSON

Pre-paid : 142.00 AUD

On-board : 159.00 AUD

SEE MORE
1 TRIPS OF DAY
PM
Detail Addon Image
Guided tour of Saint Emilion and wine tasting - 2024

Departure by coach from Libourne for the excursion to Saint-Emilion. Guided tour of the underground monuments in Saint-Emilion village. Your guide will tell you all about the history of the medieval t

DURATION 03:00 hours

PRICE PER PERSON

Pre-paid : 142.00 AUD

On-board : 159.00 AUD

SEE MORE
1 TRIPS OF DAY
PM
Detail Addon Image
Libourne by bike and wine tasting - 2026

Libourne by bike and wine tasting.Guided tour of Libourne. Discover this former English bastide. Located at the confluence of the Isle and Dordogne Rivers, Libourne expanded around its port. We'll see

DURATION 04:00 hours

PRICE PER PERSON

Pre-paid : 172.00 AUD

On-board : 190.00 AUD

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1 TRIPS OF DAY
PM
Detail Addon Image
Libourne by bike and wine tasting - 2025

Libourne by bike and wine tasting.Guided tour of Libourne. Discover this former English bastide. Located at the confluence of the Isle and Dordogne Rivers, Libourne expanded around its port. We'll see

DURATION 04:00 hours

PRICE PER PERSON

Pre-paid : 172.00 AUD

On-board : 190.00 AUD

SEE MORE
1 TRIPS OF DAY
PM
Detail Addon Image
Libourne by bike and wine tasting - 2024

Libourne by bike and wine tasting.Guided tour of Libourne. Discover this former English bastide. Located at the confluence of the Isle and Dordogne Rivers, Libourne expanded around its port. We'll see

DURATION 04:00 hours

PRICE PER PERSON

Pre-paid : 155.00 AUD

On-board : 172.00 AUD

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1 TRIPS OF DAY
PM
Detail Addon Image
Médoc Grands Crus discovery tour - 2026

Departure by coach to discover the Médoc, prestigious wine-growing region. A corner of the world that produces the most prestigious red wines on the planet, tightly wedged between an ocean and an

DURATION 04:00 hours

PRICE PER PERSON

Pre-paid : 142.00 AUD

On-board : 0.00 AUD

SEE MORE
1 TRIPS OF DAY
PM
Detail Addon Image
Médoc Grands Crus discovery tour - 2025

Departure by coach to discover the Médoc, prestigious wine-growing region. A corner of the world that produces the most prestigious red wines on the planet, tightly wedged between an ocean and an

DURATION 04:00 hours

PRICE PER PERSON

Pre-paid : 142.00 AUD

On-board : 0.00 AUD

SEE MORE
1 TRIPS OF DAY
PM
Detail Addon Image
Médoc Grands Crus discovery tour - 2024

Departure by coach to discover the Médoc, prestigious wine-growing region. A corner of the world that produces the most prestigious red wines on the planet, tightly wedged between an ocean and an

DURATION 04:00 hours

PRICE PER PERSON

Pre-paid : 142.00 AUD

On-board : 0.00 AUD

SEE MORE