10 Days - Impressionist France
Itinerary
Day Bordeaux, France / Cruising Gironde EstuaryArrive 01:00 PM Depart 08:00 PM
"Situated on the Garonne River in the southwest of France, Bordeaux is above all famous for one thing: wine. Its full-bodied reds (and to a lesser degree its whites, rosés and sparkling wines) have made this a flourishing port since ancient times when it was the capital of the Roman province of Aquitania. But there's much more to see than wine cellars and vineyards. Explore the quays of the Port de la Lune and the crescent-shaped area along the Garonnes Rive Gauche, resplendent with neoclassical buildings, elegant fountains and grand squares. As you wander the streets here, step into the landscaped green spaces or fine art institutions that give Paris a run for its money. The restaurants here are among the country's best (naturally, to pair with the regions wines, from the three-euro refreshers to the premier grand crus), and include old-school brasseries and sleek on-the-cutting-edge newcomers."
Cruising Gironde Estuary
Eighty kilometers (50 miles) long and 13 kilometers (eight miles) at the point where it enters the Atlantic, the Gironde Estuary in southwest France is so vast that as you sail along it you may think youre at sea. The estuary, formed by the confluence of the Dordogne and Garonne rivers, was officially declared a Marine Nature Park in 2015. Sail upstream and youll reach Bordeaux, the UNESCO World Heritage city whose waterfront and historic center have gone through a successful urban renewal. Along the way, you pass one of Frances great wine regions, the Médoc. For centuries, Irish and British navigated these waters as wine growers and traders, and some of them also as pirates.
"Situated on the Garonne River in the southwest of France, Bordeaux is above all famous for one thing: wine. Its full-bodied reds (and to a lesser degree its whites, rosés and sparkling wines) have made this a flourishing port since ancient times when it was the capital of the Roman province of Aquitania. But there's much more to see than wine cellars and vineyards. Explore the quays of the Port de la Lune and the crescent-shaped area along the Garonnes Rive Gauche, resplendent with neoclassical buildings, elegant fountains and grand squares. As you wander the streets here, step into the landscaped green spaces or fine art institutions that give Paris a run for its money. The restaurants here are among the country's best (naturally, to pair with the regions wines, from the three-euro refreshers to the premier grand crus), and include old-school brasseries and sleek on-the-cutting-edge newcomers."
Cruising Gironde Estuary
Eighty kilometers (50 miles) long and 13 kilometers (eight miles) at the point where it enters the Atlantic, the Gironde Estuary in southwest France is so vast that as you sail along it you may think youre at sea. The estuary, formed by the confluence of the Dordogne and Garonne rivers, was officially declared a Marine Nature Park in 2015. Sail upstream and youll reach Bordeaux, the UNESCO World Heritage city whose waterfront and historic center have gone through a successful urban renewal. Along the way, you pass one of Frances great wine regions, the Médoc. For centuries, Irish and British navigated these waters as wine growers and traders, and some of them also as pirates.

Day La Rochelle, FranceArrive 09:00 AM Depart 05:00 PM
La Rochelle has been an important harbor on the Bay of Biscay for over a thousand years. It has housed naval fleets ranging from the crusading Knights Templar to the German U-boat fleet in World War II. The Vieux Port at La Pallice is still a scenic highlight, and the U-boat pens are still on view. Nearby is Les Minimes, Europes largest pleasure yacht marina. A majestic cathedral and a well-preserved Old Town are well worth exploring. The city also has a long history of producing fine porcelain faience. In the surrounding region, many visitors enjoy at scenic boat ride on the shaded canals known as Venise Verte, the Green Venice, in the marshlands of Poitevin near La Garette. A short causeway also connects the town to the Ile de Ré. Others prefer to head to Cognac, for a tour and tasting of the eponymous spirits produced by the local vineyards.
La Rochelle has been an important harbor on the Bay of Biscay for over a thousand years. It has housed naval fleets ranging from the crusading Knights Templar to the German U-boat fleet in World War II. The Vieux Port at La Pallice is still a scenic highlight, and the U-boat pens are still on view. Nearby is Les Minimes, Europes largest pleasure yacht marina. A majestic cathedral and a well-preserved Old Town are well worth exploring. The city also has a long history of producing fine porcelain faience. In the surrounding region, many visitors enjoy at scenic boat ride on the shaded canals known as Venise Verte, the Green Venice, in the marshlands of Poitevin near La Garette. A short causeway also connects the town to the Ile de Ré. Others prefer to head to Cognac, for a tour and tasting of the eponymous spirits produced by the local vineyards.

Day Le Palais, Belle-Ile-en-Mer, FranceArrives 08:00 AM Departs 05:00 PM
The city of Le Palais is a small town located north west of France. The city of Le Palais is located in the department of Morbihan of the french region Bretagne. The city of Le Palais is located in the township of Belle-Île part of the district of Lorient.
The city of Le Palais is a small town located north west of France. The city of Le Palais is located in the department of Morbihan of the french region Bretagne. The city of Le Palais is located in the township of Belle-Île part of the district of Lorient.

Day At Sea
Days at Sea
Days at Sea

Day St-Malo, FranceArrives 08:00 AM Departs 12:00 PM
Saint-Malo, known as the Corsaires city, is situated at the Cote d'Emeraude on the Rance River in the north-east of Brittany. The city's name stems from the Welsh Monk MacLow Saint-Malo. The city, which has been a seaward fortress since the end of the 17th century, had one of the most important ports in France. The mighty fortifications and ramparts were designed by Simon Garangeau, a disciple of the famous Vauban. Founded in the 6th century as a monastic settlement, the city retains much of its august, historic and dignified veneer. Saint-Malo is now a city of granite rebuilt after WWII to its original style and skyline. Nearby is the island monastery of Mont St. Michel, founded in 708. A focal point for tourists and the faithful alike, early pilgrims risked their lives crossing the treacherous mud flats to reach this site. Now a dam is needed to keep Mont St. Michel's flats from silting up.
Saint-Malo, known as the Corsaires city, is situated at the Cote d'Emeraude on the Rance River in the north-east of Brittany. The city's name stems from the Welsh Monk MacLow Saint-Malo. The city, which has been a seaward fortress since the end of the 17th century, had one of the most important ports in France. The mighty fortifications and ramparts were designed by Simon Garangeau, a disciple of the famous Vauban. Founded in the 6th century as a monastic settlement, the city retains much of its august, historic and dignified veneer. Saint-Malo is now a city of granite rebuilt after WWII to its original style and skyline. Nearby is the island monastery of Mont St. Michel, founded in 708. A focal point for tourists and the faithful alike, early pilgrims risked their lives crossing the treacherous mud flats to reach this site. Now a dam is needed to keep Mont St. Michel's flats from silting up.

Day St Malo (Le Mont Saint Michel), FranceArrives 12:00 PM Departs 12:00 PM
The towering monastery of Mont Saint Michel rises from the tidal flats, cut off twice a day by the sea. Ascend the spiral street to see the spare monastic chambers.
The towering monastery of Mont Saint Michel rises from the tidal flats, cut off twice a day by the sea. Ascend the spiral street to see the spare monastic chambers.

Day Cadiz, SpainArrives 08:00 AM Departs 08:00 PM
Cádiz is the most southern province of the Iberian Peninsula. It is extremely rich in natural beauty and some of the most important Natural Parks of Spain and Europe are found here including Sierra de Grazalema and los Alcornocales. Both are rich in flora and fauna, including species under threat of extinction. Many birds find their resting and feeding place here just after or before making the jump from or to Africa.
Cádiz is the most southern province of the Iberian Peninsula. It is extremely rich in natural beauty and some of the most important Natural Parks of Spain and Europe are found here including Sierra de Grazalema and los Alcornocales. Both are rich in flora and fauna, including species under threat of extinction. Many birds find their resting and feeding place here just after or before making the jump from or to Africa.

Day RouenArrives 08:00 PM Departs 10:45 PM
Rouen, port city and capital of Seine-Maritime département, Haute-Normandie région, northwestern France. It is located about 78 miles (125 km) northwest of Paris, on the Seine River. Known to the Romans as Rotomagus, the city first became important in the 3rd century ce, when Christianity was introduced there by St. Mellon, who was its first bishop. Invaded by the Normans in 876, it became subject to the English crown after the Norman Conquest of England (1066).
Rouen, port city and capital of Seine-Maritime département, Haute-Normandie région, northwestern France. It is located about 78 miles (125 km) northwest of Paris, on the Seine River. Known to the Romans as Rotomagus, the city first became important in the 3rd century ce, when Christianity was introduced there by St. Mellon, who was its first bishop. Invaded by the Normans in 876, it became subject to the English crown after the Norman Conquest of England (1066).

Day RouenArrive 09:00 AM Depart 04:00 PM
Rouen, port city and capital of Seine-Maritime département, Haute-Normandie région, northwestern France. It is located about 78 miles (125 km) northwest of Paris, on the Seine River. Known to the Romans as Rotomagus, the city first became important in the 3rd century ce, when Christianity was introduced there by St. Mellon, who was its first bishop. Invaded by the Normans in 876, it became subject to the English crown after the Norman Conquest of England (1066).
Rouen, port city and capital of Seine-Maritime département, Haute-Normandie région, northwestern France. It is located about 78 miles (125 km) northwest of Paris, on the Seine River. Known to the Romans as Rotomagus, the city first became important in the 3rd century ce, when Christianity was introduced there by St. Mellon, who was its first bishop. Invaded by the Normans in 876, it became subject to the English crown after the Norman Conquest of England (1066).

Day At Sea
Days at Sea
Days at Sea

Day London, EnglandArrives 08:00 AM Departs 05:00 PM
London, one of the world's top destinations, is a city begging to be explored. Steeped in history, the well-known sites of Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, and Trafalgar Square beckon, or get a modern perspective from the top of the London Eye. This cosmopolitan city offers all the world cuisines youre used to, but there are still places to find traditional British fare like bangers and mash or shepherds pie.
London, one of the world's top destinations, is a city begging to be explored. Steeped in history, the well-known sites of Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, and Trafalgar Square beckon, or get a modern perspective from the top of the London Eye. This cosmopolitan city offers all the world cuisines youre used to, but there are still places to find traditional British fare like bangers and mash or shepherds pie.

