Before you book — meet Marc in person
Bordeaux Preview Evening at Straydog Brewing
6:30 – 9:00 PM · Straydog Brewing Co. · 501 Lacolle Way, Orleans ON
A relaxed evening over a beer to walk through the Taste of Bordeaux itinerary, taste a few things from the region, and answer every question you have about the trip — flights, cabins, insurance, day-by-day. Light apps and your first round are on Phoenix Voyages. Cash bar after that.
No pressure to book on the night. Just an evening to see if it’s the right fit. Limited to 30 guests — RSVP below.
Savings Per Person
Off published rates
Bordeaux Roundtrip
All-inclusive river cruise
Included
Complimentary — $343/pp value
French Balcony Staterooms
AmaDolce — 71 staterooms, 4 decks
What is a Hosted Voyage? When you join a Hosted Voyage, you travel with a dedicated Phoenix Voyages host — your personal travel advisor who sails with the group, handles every detail, and ensures an unforgettable experience from booking to disembarkation. Your host for this sailing is Marc Plante, an experienced travel advisor who will be with you every step of the way.
Marc has secured exclusive group pricing on AmaWaterways' beloved Taste of Bordeaux sailing aboard the AmaDolce — a 7-night all-inclusive river cruise through one of France's premier wine regions. This part-charter means our guests enjoy significant savings off published rates, with all the hallmarks of an AmaWaterways voyage: gourmet dining, daily guided excursions, complimentary wine at every meal, and gratuities fully included.
The Garonne and Dordogne rivers wind through UNESCO-listed villages, medieval châteaux, and vineyards that produce some of the world's most renowned wines. From the cobblestone streets of Saint-Émilion to the Grand Cru châteaux of Pauillac, every day brings a new immersion in French culture, cuisine, and wine.
Your Itinerary — Day by Day
Day 1: Bordeaux — Embarkation
Arrive in Bordeaux and board the AmaDolce. Settle into your stateroom, explore the ship, and join your fellow travellers for a welcome reception and dinner as the sun sets over the Garonne River.
Day 2: Libourne — Saint-Émilion Excursion
Cruise to Libourne and travel to the medieval village of Saint-Émilion — a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Bordeaux's most prestigious wine appellations. Tour the underground monolithic church, wander the limestone streets, and taste Grand Cru wines at a local château.
Day 3: Libourne → Blaye — Markets & Breadmaking
Morning at a traditional French market in Libourne, followed by a hands-on breadmaking workshop. In the afternoon, cruise to Blaye along the Dordogne and Gironde estuary.
Day 4: Blaye → Bourg — UNESCO Citadel & Wine Festival
Explore the Citadelle de Blaye, a UNESCO-listed Vauban fortress overlooking the Gironde. Cruise to the charming village of Bourg for a wine and food pairing experience in the local vineyards.
Day 5: Cussac Fort-Médoc / Pauillac — Grand Cru Tasting
Enter the legendary Médoc wine region — home to Château Margaux, Château Latour, and Château Mouton Rothschild. Visit a classified growth château for a private tasting of world-renowned Cabernet Sauvignon blends.
Day 6: Cadillac → Bordeaux — Château Visits
Visit the sweet wine capital of Cadillac, known for its Sauternes and Loupiac appellations. Tour a local château and taste dessert wines before cruising back to Bordeaux for the Captain's Gala Dinner.
Day 7: Bordeaux — UNESCO City Tour & Cité du Vin
A full day in Bordeaux — one of France's most vibrant cities. Join a guided walking tour of the UNESCO-listed city centre, visit the iconic Cité du Vin wine museum, or explore the vibrant neighbourhood of Saint-Pierre on your own. Farewell dinner aboard the AmaDolce.
Day 8: Bordeaux — Disembarkation
After breakfast, disembark and transfer to the airport or extend your stay with a pre- or post-cruise visit to Paris, the Loire Valley, or the Basque Country.
No commitment — your host Marc will walk you through the options
Your Stateroom
Every stateroom aboard the AmaDolce is an inviting retreat. 86% feature French balconies that open to let the sounds and scents of the French countryside drift in. Expect plush bedding, marble bathrooms, and views that change with every bend in the river.
Cabin Categories & Pricing
Exclusive group pricing — save up to $1,856 per person compared to published AmaWaterways rates. All prices in Canadian dollars, per person, double occupancy. Port charges ($392/pp) and gratuities ($343/pp) are included in the prices below.
| Category | Description | Published Price | Your Price | You Save |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category E | Fixed Window — Violin Deck | $7,559/pp | $6,533/pp | $1,025 |
| Category D | Fixed Window — Violin Deck | $7,629/pp | $6,590/pp | $1,038 |
| Category B | French Balcony — Cello Deck | $10,077/pp | $8,252/pp | $1,825 |
| Category A | French Balcony — Piano Deck | $10,217/pp | $8,361/pp | $1,856 |
Pricing note: All prices CAD per person, double occupancy. Port charges ($392/pp) included. Gratuities ($343/pp) included. Cruise-only pricing — international airfare not included. Additional cabin categories (C, A+, Suite) may be available upon request.
Group rates are limited — secure your cabin today
What’s Included
- All gourmet meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Chef’s Table speciality restaurant
- Regional wines, beer & soft drinks at meals
- Complimentary Happy Hour (5 evenings)
- Captain’s reception & gala dinner
- All daily shore excursions with expert guides
- Wine tastings at Grand Cru châteaux
- Hands-on breadmaking & cooking classes
- Bicycles & helmets in every port
- Quietvox headsets for group tours
- Wi-Fi throughout the ship
- In-cabin entertainment system
- Sun deck with pool & walking track
- Fitness room & massage services
- Gratuities ($343/pp) fully included
About the AmaDolce
The AmaDolce is purpose-built for the rivers of France, with a shallow draft that allows navigation of the Garonne and Dordogne rivers that larger ships cannot access. Carrying just 144 guests in 71 staterooms across 4 decks, the AmaDolce offers an intimate, unhurried atmosphere that feels more like a floating boutique hotel than a cruise ship.
Maximum Guests
Intimate small-ship experience
Staterooms
Across 4 decks with elevator
Stateroom Size
Cat E/D — French Balcony rooms larger
Built / Refurbished 2019
AmaWaterways fleet
Why Book This Hosted Voyage
TICO-registered and fully bonded. As Ontario's consumer protection body for travel, TICO registration (#50028032) means your deposit and payments are protected by the Ontario Travel Industry Compensation Fund. Every booking through Phoenix Voyages comes with the legal safeguards that booking directly or through unregistered sellers cannot provide.
- Your host sails with you — Marc Plante travels with the group as your personal host, available throughout the voyage for anything you need
- Exclusive group pricing — Save up to $1,856/pp through our part-charter allocation, gratuities included
- End-to-end personal service — Marc handles every detail from cabin selection and flights to travel insurance and special requests
- Flexible payment plans — Secure your cabin with a deposit, balance due approximately 90 days before departure
- Travel insurance guidance — We help you find the right medical and trip cancellation coverage for international travel
Request Your Cabin
Complete the form below and your host Marc Plante will contact you within 24 hours to discuss cabin availability, pricing, and next steps. As a Hosted Voyage, Marc will personally guide you through the entire process — no commitment required.
Phoenix Voyages • 600 du Golf Rd. Hammond, ON K0A 2A0 • TICO Registration #50028032 • All prices in Canadian dollars, per person, double occupancy. Port charges included. Gratuities included. International airfare not included. Prices subject to availability and may change without notice. © 2026 Phoenix Voyages Inc.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Hosted Voyage?
A Hosted Voyage means you travel with your own dedicated Phoenix Voyages host — Marc Plante — who sails with the group and is available throughout the voyage for anything you need, from dinner reservations to excursion recommendations. Marc has also secured exclusive group pricing through a part-charter arrangement, meaning you enjoy the full AmaWaterways experience at significantly reduced rates, with gratuities included.
Is airfare included?
No — this is cruise-only pricing. Your advisor Marc can arrange flights to Bordeaux (BOD) from any Canadian city, including connecting options through Paris CDG. Pre- and post-cruise hotel packages are also available.
What is the deposit and payment schedule?
A deposit secures your cabin. Final payment is due approximately 90 days before departure (around May 28, 2027). Your advisor will confirm the exact amounts and deadlines when you inquire.
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellation terms vary by cabin category and booking date. Generally, cancellations made well in advance receive a full deposit refund less any applicable fees. Closer to departure, penalties increase. Marc will provide the complete cancellation schedule when you book, and we recommend travel insurance to protect your investment. Learn about trip cancellation coverage.
Can I extend my trip?
Yes — AmaWaterways offers land packages. Popular extensions include Paris, the Loire Valley, and the Basque Country (Bilbao & San Sebastián). Ask Marc for details.
Is travel insurance included?
Travel insurance is not included but is strongly recommended for international travel. Marc can help you find appropriate medical and trip cancellation coverage. Learn more about travel insurance.
What if I’m travelling solo?
Single occupancy is available at a supplement. Contact Marc for current single-traveller pricing.
Is this sailing suitable for families?
River cruises are generally best suited to adults and older teens. AmaWaterways does not restrict ages, but the itinerary is designed around wine tastings, cultural tours, and fine dining.
Questions? Email us at info@phoenixvoyages.ca