Arrive in Bordeaux and transfer from the airport to the riverside city. From the stunning symmetrical architecture of Place de la Bourse to charming side streets brimming with cafés, Bordeaux has no shortage of nooks and crannies to discover. After a morning exploring and lunch in town, embark in the early afternoon. Settle into life on board as we get underway on the River Garonne en route to Royan.

Today, there’s an option to taste the famous food and drink produced along the banks of two rivers. Along the Charente River in Cognac, sample the region’s best eau de vie, known the world over, and walk cobblestone streets that pre-date the Hundred Years’ War. Alternatively, visit a tidal oyster farm on the Seudre River. Learn how these delicate mollusks are cultivated, and then, after a tutorial, shuck and eat your own oysters. At day's end, we will sail out of the ramparts in La Rochelle and make our way towards the Brittany coast. 

Surrounded by water, the Finistère region of Brittany is known for its naval history and natural attractions as well as picturesque ports, lighthouses, and sheltered beaches. In the Iroise Marine Park, which covers half of Finistère, pelagic birds and seals thrive in protected waters. Other habitats ranging from dunes to cliffs offer an abundance of biodiversity, trails, and cultural heritage. Known as the “force of France” for its military port that has been fortified since the third century, Brest has played a role in many conflicts. The imposing castle and Tanguy Tower protect the entrance to the Penfeld River and have many stories to tell. 

Wake up in charming Saint-Malo and take a walking tour of this fortified city, known for its 12th-century ramparts and 15th-century privateer history. In the afternoon, venture into the heart of Brittany to photograph Dinan, known for its half-timbered houses and cobblestone streets. Alternatively, join an all-day excursion to the iconic abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel, a UNESCO World Heritage site poised dramatically on a rocky tidal island.

The Bailiwicks of Jersey and Guernsey may be Crown Dependencies of the United Kingdom, but they have their own unique history, culture, and laws. Experience life on the Channel Islands, both past and present with a walk through the Jersey War Tunnels Complex used in World War II; or see a more serene side of the islands, admiring lush botanical gardens and breathing fresh salt air on a cliffside path. 

Awake to a view of Land’s End, England’s most westerly point, renowned for its breathtaking panoramic vistas. Part of Cornwall and steeped in legend, this is a region of dramatic cliffs, rocky coves, heather-carpeted moors, and ocean as far as the eye can see. Associated with both King Arthur and the smugglers who inspired Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Pirates of Penzance, its real-life historic sites include remnants of early Christian and Bronze Age settlements and St. Michael’s Mount, a centuries-old island castle still inhabited today. Cornwall shares cultural, natural, and industrial heritage with Brittany and is enjoying a cultural renaissance, drawing artists inspired by its coastlines, harbors, and quiet garden retreats. 

According to Arthurian legend, the Isles of Scilly are all that remain of Lyonnesse, a lost land said to have vanished into the Atlantic. Join a naturalist to explore the flora and fauna of these mythical islands and discover the surprising variety of tropical plants that flourish at the world-class Tresco Abbey Gardens.

Arrive in Wales, which has more castles per square mile than any other country in the world. Choose to visit a section of the Iron Ring of Castles, built by King Edward; or stay on the Isle of Anglesey and walk the Coast Path, designated An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. With a local guide, we will spot falcons, seals, and springtime wildflowers along the way. Finally, the Welsh were known for slate mining and the remnants of that era can still be experienced today. A third option for today is to tour the manor house of a slate baron and descend into a former mine to learn about the technical achievements and grueling work of this important contribution to the Industrial Revolution. 

After breakfast, disembark and depart to the airport for flights home. You may also choose to explore Dublin on a post-voyage extension, or Bordeaux and surrounding wine country on a pre-voyage extension.