Stops on the sailings will include the river towns of Cadillac-Sur-Garonne, Libourne, Bourg and Blaye. These locations will serve as jumping-off points for visits to many wineries in the region but also other attractions including historic sites.
"Obviously people think about Bordeaux and think about the wine, and that's a big part of the experience. [But] we wanted to create something that had more than that," Avalon president Pam Hoffee said Sunday during a press conference onboard Avalon Artistry 2.
The press conference came during an abbreviated, four-night preview of the new itinerary for media and travel agents that included a taste of some of the experiences in store for passengers.
As TPG saw firsthand during the preview, these included lots of excursions involving visits to wineries and wine tastings, from a wine-blending class at a winery with expert vintners to a wine and chocolate tasting at a chateau in Margaux. But they also included non-wine-related excursions to such historic sites as the massive 17th-century Citadel of Blaye, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
As is typical for Avalon trips, tour choices also included active options such as a lengthy hike through vineyards in Margaux area (starting at Chateaux Margaux) and a bike tour through vineyards around St. Emilion.
During Sunday's press conference onboard, Hoffee said Avalon was trying to do things differently by offering excursions to unusual spots such as Arcachon, known for its Victorian villas and oyster farms. Winery tours were designed to be more intimate and off-the-beaten-path.
"We're going to small family-owned wineries and really having an immersive experience," she said.
All excursions including winery tours are included in cruise prices. Originally built for Rhine River sailings where it has been based since 2013, Avalon Artistry 2 underwent major renovations before moving to Bordeaux. The makeover brought fresh decor in public spaces; revamped sky deck furnishings; upgraded internet service among other improvements.
Like all vessels currently in Avalon's fleet which began debuting Suite Class ships since 2011; Avalon's Suite Class ships are known for their large numbers extra-wide cabins called Panorama Suites offering panoramic views compared standard rooms found many other river ships
Avalon Artistry II features fifty-two Panorama Suites each providing two- hundred square feet living space approximately thirty percent more square footage than standard cabin
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Fares seven night start two thousand eight hundred thirty per person
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