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8 Night Navigating the Atlantic Coast Brittany Wales and Englands Channel Islands Cruise from Bordeaux

Ship: National Geographic Explorer
Cruise Line: Lindblad Expeditions
Sailed:  Monday, May 20, 2024 from Bordeaux, France
Ended: Tuesday, May 28, 2024
The itinerary information below reflects the original day-by-day port of call schedule for the Monday, May 20, 2024 departure of the National Geographic Explorer. If Lindblad Expeditions modified this itinerary for weather or operational reasons after departing , the modified schedule would not be reflected here.
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Day by Day Summary and Map

Day 1 - Monday - May 20, 2024
Bordeaux, France
Bordeaux, France      
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 cafes, 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.
Day 2 - Tuesday - May 21, 2024
Royan, France, France
Royan, France, France      
Bus Travel      
Cognac, France      
Bus Travel      
La Rochelle, France      
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.
Day 3 - Wednesday - May 22, 2024
Brest, France
Brest, France      
Surrounded by water, the Finistere region of Brittany is known for its naval history and natural attractions as well as picturesque ports, lighthouses, and sheltered beaches. In the Iroise National Nature Reserve, which covers half of Finistere, 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 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.
Day 4 - Thursday - May 23, 2024
St Malo, France
St Malo, France      
Bus Travel      
Mont St Michel, France      
Bus Travel      
St Malo, France      
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.
Day 5 - Friday - May 24, 2024
Jersey
Jersey      
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.
Day 6 - Saturday - May 25, 2024
Penzance, United Kingdom
Penzance, United Kingdom      
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.
Day 7 - Sunday - May 26, 2024
Tresco, United Kingdom      
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.
Day 8 - Monday - May 27, 2024
Holyhead, United Kingdom
Holyhead, United Kingdom      
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.
Day 9 - Tuesday - May 28, 2024
Dublin, Ireland
Dublin, Ireland      
After breakfast, disembark and depart to the airport for flights home.