Your tour today begins with a panoramic tour of the city of Edinburgh. See the Georgian Architecture of the New Town, Princes Street and drive down parts of the famous medieval Royal Mile with the imposing Edinburgh Castle at one end and the 17th century Palace of Holyroodhouse at the other. The Palace was the home of Mary Queen of Scots and is now the King’s official residence in Edinburgh.  Drive up to one of the city’s high vantage points for some spectacular views over the city before visiting the castle. This majestic landmark which dominates the capital city’s skyline just as it has dominated Scotland’s long and colorful history, is the best known and most visited of Scotland’s historic buildings. Perched on an extinct volcano and offering stunning views, this instantly recognizable fortress is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Once inside, you will have the opportunity to see the castle’s many different architectural styles, reflecting its importance throughout the history of Scotland, with the oldest section dating back to the 12th century. Also take the opportunity to view the Crown Jewels of Scotland and the Stone of Destiny. You will be transferred to the airport.

Please note:  Bring local currency, a light jacket or cardigan as it can be windy at Edinburgh Castle. Any guests with limited mobility wishing to see the Crown Jewels can ask for a guide to take them up in the lift instead of the stairs.  Airport drop off for guests with flights no later than 3:00PM.       

 

 

Your tour today begins with a panoramic tour of the city of Edinburgh. See the Georgian Architecture of the New Town, Princes Street and drive down parts of the famous medieval Royal Mile with the imposing Edinburgh Castle at one end and the 17th century Palace of Holyroodhouse at the other. The Palace was the home of Mary Queen of Scots and is now the King’s official residence in Edinburgh.  Drive up to one of the city’s high vantage points for some spectacular views over the city before visiting the castle. This majestic landmark which dominates the capital city’s skyline just as it has dominated Scotland’s long and colorful history, is the best known and most visited of Scotland’s historic buildings. Perched on an extinct volcano and offering stunning views, this instantly recognizable fortress is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Once inside, you will have the opportunity to see the castle’s many different architectural styles, reflecting its importance throughout the history of Scotland, with the oldest section dating back to the 12th century. Also take the opportunity to view the Crown Jewels of Scotland and the Stone of Destiny. You will be transferred to the Windstar-appointed hotel.

 

Please note:  Bring local currency,  a light jacket or cardigan as it can be windy at Edinburgh Castle. Any guests with limited mobility wishing to see the Crown Jewels can ask for a guide to take them up in the lift instead of the stairs.  

 

 

 

Gain exclusive access to Castle Leod with an expert historian guide and enjoy a private tour on a day when the castle is closed to the public. Castle Leod is the home of the Chief of the Clan Mackenzie, the Earl of Cromarty, whose family has lived there for 500 years. It is one of the few castles in Scotland still to be occupied by the original family and remains very much a family home today. Occupying a magnificent setting below Ben Wyvis and just outside the Victorian spa town of Strathpeffer, Castle Leod's parkland boasts some of the finest trees in Scotland, the star attractions being the largest tree in the UK, a Wellingtonia, and a Spanish chestnut which was planted for a visit by Mary of Guise in 1550, the earliest known planting date of any tree in Britain. Occasionally the Earl of Cromarty himself may even personally welcome you to his ancestral home and conduct your private tour today. Enjoy the lived-in atmosphere and the fascinating history of the castle as well as the collection of fine portraits, maps and furniture and the Mackenzie Room situated in the old kitchen. A dram of fine malt or a soft drink will be included in this tour.

 

Please note: Wear comfortable walking shoes. This tour is not wheelchair accessible.

 

 

 

Head north with your knowledgeable guide into the wilds of Scotland for a fascinating opportunity to learn more about the geology of this dramatic and beautiful area.  At Knockan Crag you will have the opportunity to see the geological feature first identified right here – the ‘Thrust’ (in which enormous forces move rocks sideways) has since been recognized in rocks around the world, including the Himalayas and Alps. At Knockan Crag, the Moine thrust has resulted in an unusual situation where older Moine rocks have come to rest over much younger rocks.  The rocks at and around Knockan Crag also record the last 3,000 million years of history for the landmass we now know as Scotland. Accompanied by an expert in the area’s geology, you will learn about this fascinating natural feature, spend some time in the excellent visitor center and walk along the Thrust Trail where you can bridge 500 million years with your bare hands. For the less energetic, the ‘Quarry Trail’ allows a return before the short climb that rises to the thrust.  There will be plenty of time for independent exploration on any of the trails. 

Please note: Wear comfortable walking shoes and layered clothing.

Take a scenic drive north from Ullapool through the dramatic and beautiful mountain scenery of the Northwest of Scotland Geopark.  On reaching Loch Assynt you will pass the atmospheric ruins of Calda House and Ardvreck Castle where you’ll have a photo stop, before continuing along the banks of the Loch towards Lochinver. Lochinver is a busy little fishing port and boasts a truly stunning setting on Loch Inver with a backdrop of the dramatic mountains of Suilven and Canisp.   Some free time here will give you the opportunity to explore at your leisure.  Return through the beautiful countryside to Ullapool, stopping briefly at Knockan Crag for a photo opportunity.

Please note: Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring your camera.

Departing Oban, your coach will take you through the picturesque scenery of the Pass of Brander and around the tip of Loch Awe with views of Kilchurn Castle before continuing to Tyndrum where a short stop will be made. The route climbs to Rannoch Moor, one of the last remaining wildernesses in Europe.  Your coach will take you into the majestic Glencoe – scene of the infamous 1692 massacre and now a center for serious mountaineering providing some of the finest climbing and walking in Scotland.  A stop will be made at the award-winning Glencoe Visitor Centre to learn more about the history, geology and nature of this region.  Leaving the visitor centre the route will continue along Loch Linnhe.  You will see the islands of Lismore and Mull as you follow the shoreline of this sea loch.  You will pass Castle Stalker, a tower house situated on its own islet set against a dramatic backdrop of mountains before arriving back in the coastal town of Oban.  

Please note: Wear comfortable walking shoes, warm clothing and bring currency/credit cards and your camera.

The area surrounding the village of Kilmartin in Argyll is incredibly rich in ancient monuments and can justifiably be called Scotland’s Stonehenge.  The area is home to hundreds of monuments including cairns, megaliths, inscribed stones and hill-top forts.  Their origins and meanings remain uncertain although in many cases their orientation and alignment seem to link people with the cycle of the seasons and the movements of the sun, moon and stars. Your journey will take you south along the beautiful coast before heading inland where you will travel back over 5,000 years to discover the mystery of Kilmartin Glen.   On foot, accompanied by your expert guide, visit three of these prehistoric monuments in Kilmartin Glen taking in the Nether Largie Stones, Temple Wood with its stone circles and the Nether Largie South Cairn.  You will hear of the history and theories of these remarkable monuments and their place in this unique landscape.

Please note: Wear comfortable walking shoes, warm clothing and bring currency/credit cards and your camera.

 

Explore at your leisure with a private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide. This exclusive tour will allow you to customize your time ashore and explore the most interesting sites in the comfort and privacy of your own car. With your private vehicle, and the personalized attention of your driver and English-speaking guide, you will have the flexibility and independence to design your itinerary ashore. See the iconic sites of the city, or create your own personal stops to make the experience your own. Sites to see include  the Giants Causeway, Titanic Belfast, Crumlin Road Gaol, Bushmills Distillery and Georges Market.

Please note:  Capacity: 1-2 guests. Private cars are ordered per vehicle (not per person). This tour includes transport in a private car, driver and English Speaking Guide. Itinerary can be adjusted with tour guide as long as it’s in the area and does not exceed the duration of 4 hours.  Recommended for physically challenged guests.

Depart the port of Belfast and drive 75 minutes inland through the Northern Counties of Down and Antrim. Stop to photograph Dunluce Castle, a dramatic and picturesque ruin on a rocky headland. Next,you will arrive at the UNESCO World Heritage Giant’s Causeway Site. The Interpretative Centre  there will allow you to decide for yourself which explanation of how the causeway’s 40,000 basalt stones were formed is most likely (or simply most interesting!). To stroll the Giants Causeway is to voyage back in time. Your imagination will travel along stepping-stones that lead to either the creative turbulence of a bygone volcanic age or into the myths and legends of the past. You can board the “Causeway Coaster” minibus to bring you to the causeway itself.  Enjoy lunch at a nearby hotel.  Your return journey will take you along Northern Ireland’s Antrim Coast  Some of the worlds most spectacular and unspoiled scenery is to be found in the county of Antrim. A stop will be made for you to view Carrick A Rede Rope Bridge. Spanning a chasm some 80 feet deep, its construction once consisted of a single rope handrail and widely spaced slats. The single handrail was subsequently replaced by a two-hand railed bridge, the current cage bridge was installed during Easter 2000.  Travel via the Coast Road to reveal an unrivaled seascape, towering cliffs, white sandy beaches, tranquil glens and lush forest parks. From the magnificent vantage point at Fair Head and Murlough Bay, on a clear day you can enjoy uninterrupted views of Scotland’s Mull of Kintyre, as well as the wild and mysterious island of Rathlin just seven miles off the coast. 

Please note:  Wear flat, comfortable shoes preferably with non-slip soles. Order of sights visited may vary. Bring your camera, local currency and a  waterproof jacket.

 

 

 

 

Please note: It is recommended that guests dress in warm, layered clothing and wear flat, comfortable shoes.

This panoramic tour of Belfast will introduce you to the many varied features of Northern Ireland’s largest city. Built with 19th century industrial money, many fine buildings from this era grace the city still and are reminders of its prosperous past.  Your guide will provide insights as you see the Grand Opera House and the Albert Memorial before passing Queen’s University, home to the Botanic Gardens.  Located in these gardens is the Palm House – a superb structure of cast iron and curved glass panels. You will drive past Belfast City Hall – an impressive building with a 300-ft.-long façade of Portland stone. A stop here will allow you to photograph what is perhaps the most noteworthy of the statues here - the marble figure of "Thane,” commemorating the sinking of the R.M.S. Titanic. Visit the Titanic Belfast, the signature building telling the story of Titanic  that contains nine galleries with a variety of interpretative materials and media. Take a ride though the visual gantries where the Titanic was under construction. The adventure begins the moment you walk through the door and into the building's giant atrium surrounded by the four high impact ‘hull’ shaped sections which house the experience.  You will experience a thrilling ride through the re-construction of the shipyards and the Titanic under construction. The stories of passengers, crew and the heroes of the day will be told in an exciting and modern way. At the conclusion, you can visit the wreck at her resting place on the floor of the North Atlantic. Rejoin your motor coach and guide for your return drive to the port and your awaiting ship.

Please note:  Wear flat, comfortable shoes preferably with non-slip soles. Order of sights visited may vary. Bring your camera, local currency and a  waterproof jacket.

Dublin's official date of establishment was in 988 A.D. although evidence of its existence dates back to the second century in which it was named Eblana. Norman Vikings were the first settlers of the city, and many artifacts, old walls and buildings are still present today.  Departing from the pier, you will soon reach St. Patrick's Cathedral. A stop will be made to visit the Cathedral - founded in 1190. St. Patrick’s is perhaps best known for its association with Jonathan Swift, who was Dean there from 1713 to 1745.  The pulpit from which he preached can still be seen. A short drive will take you to Dublin Castle. Upon arriving at the Dublin Castle complex, you'll marvel at this imposing structure. A symbol of British rule over Ireland for seven centuries, the castle began as a 13th century Anglo-Norman fortress. Your guided tour takes you through State Apartments adorned with Killybeg carpets and Waterford chandeliers. Once home to the Viceroy, the apartments are now used for important state functions. Rejoin your coach and guide for return journey to port.

 

Please note: Wear warm comfortable clothing and flat shoes. Bring your camera , local currency and a waterproof jacket. 

 

 

 

Your tour today  will leave from the harbor town of Dún Laoghaire. Your panoramic drive of the city takes you past Dublin Castle, City Hall and Christchurch Cathedral before a visit the Guinness Storehouse, located in the heart of the Guinness brewery in Dublin city. The tour of the Storehouse will be followed by an opportunity to taste the world famous stout.  In the Guinness Storehouse, you will discover what goes into making a pint of the “blackstuff” – the ingredients, the processes, the effort. It is a dramatic story that began over 250 years ago and will end in Gravity, the sky bar, which has astonishing views of Dublin.  Often surprising, always entertaining, the adventure begins the moment you walk through the door and into the building’s giant, pint shaped heart of glass.  You’ll “meet” Arthur Guinness and find out how the drink that carries his name has traveled around the world. You will also have the opportunity to spend some time in the Advertising Gallery in the Storehouse, where you will find a display of all Guinness advertising material past and present.  At the end of the tour, discover how important it is to “pull the perfect pint “ the way to hold the glass, the speed it enters the glass, the time for the pint to settle and the final touch that gives the pint a creamy head.   Now sit back, relax and enjoy the Guinness and the view.

Please note:  Entry to the brewery itself is not permitted. Wear warm comfortable clothing and flat shoes. Bring your camera and  sunscreen when necessary. Guests must be 18 or older to consume alcohol.

The Isles of Scilly are an archipelago of five inhabited islands and other small rocky islets situated 28 miles from Lands End, the most southwesterly point of the British Isles. With a total population of just over 2,000, an exceptionally mild climate, beautiful flowers and countless white sandy beaches, they are also known for their friendliness, birds, clear turquoise sea, and ancient sites and monuments. Your local guide will meet you at St Mary’s quay and give a short introductory talk about the history of the Isles. Then venture off on foot to enjoy a scenic tour of the Garrison on the isle of St Mary’s and look across to Bryher and Tresco, marveling that even though you can walk between them, they are so utterly different. Enjoy the beautiful views before ending up in Star Castle to enjoy a tea or coffee in the 16th Century Castle Dungeon Bar. Star Castle is now a hotel, but it was built as an impregnable fortress back in 1593 and gets its name from the shape of its eight-sided central keep, curtain wall and dry moat. Just to the right of the castle you'll see a campsite and just right of this a footpath branches right and takes you down to Steval Point Battery, which marks the island's most westerly point. On a clear day you'll enjoy fabulous views over to St Agnes and distant, lonely Bishop's Rock Lighthouse. Following refreshments return to the pier with your guide.

Please note: Wear comfortable walking shoes.  subject to the ship's tender schedule, after the tour, it may be possible for you to explore Hugh Town at your leisure which is the main and largest settlement on the Island, before returning to your ship.

Tender ashore to the island of Tresco for your self-guided exploration of the famed Abbey Gardens. Tresco is best known for its Abbey Gardens, laid out by the remarkable Augustus Smith – a wealthy merchant banker who purchased the islands from the Duchy of Cornwall in the mid-1830s. Work on the gardens commenced in 1834 on the site of the old Benedictine Abbey. By building tall wind-breaks, Smith channeled the weather up and over the network of walled enclosures he built around the Priory ruins. He also carved the three terraces from the rocky, south-facing slope looking towards St. Mary’s.  Tresco, shrugging off salt spray and Atlantic gales is host to 20,000 exotic plants, many of which would stand no chance on the Cornish mainland, less than 30 miles away. Yet even at the winter equinox more than 300 plants will be in flower. All in all, the garden is home to glorious species from 80 countries, ranging from Brazil to New Zealand and Burma to South Africa. Subsequent generations have continued the development of the Garden, which is today a major attraction of the islands.

 

Please note:  Access is not a problem, the gardens are terraced but most have slopes that can be negotiated by  a wheelchair although there are some steps. Wheelchair guests must be accompanied as the guide cannot undertake responsibility for them during the tour.  Dress for the weather and comfortable sturdy footwear is recommended. If guests struggle to walk a distance there is a complimentary small shuttle bus from the pier to the gardens.

 

 

 

 

A 30-minute drive from the port will bring you to lovely Bruges where your guided walk will start. Smaller and more contained than many other Flemish cities, Bruges makes it easy to believe you have entered a time warp. It is an exquisitely preserved medieval town-a jewel beribboned with picturesque canals. Before enjoying the beautiful city of Bruges you’ll have the opportunity to relax and enjoy the taste of a real Belgian waffle at a local waffle house. Your guide will walk with you through the narrow, twisting cobblestone streets, passing by picturesque scenes of ancient buildings, tree-lined canals and gabled façades. See the bustling marketplace, the Belfry Tower, the Town Hall and the Chapel of the Holy Blood. Belgium's finest export product is undoubtedly chocolate and you will learn why its longstanding reputation is well deserved. Walk to a Belgian chocolatier  to see a demonstration how raw chocolate bars are made into fine Belgian chocolates using only the freshest and best ingredients. At the end, there is some time to purchase some Belgian chocolates if you wish and pay a brief visit to the Chocolate Museum (on your own at no additional expense). Your free time will allow you to shop for the perfect souvenir among Bruges' lace and chocolate shops. Finally, your guide will lead you past the romantic Lake of Love and back to your coach for the drive back to the ship.

Please note:  The drive each way to Bruges is approximately 30 minutes. As coaches are not permitted in the city center, all coach transfers from Zeebrugge drop at the same coach park, this is a scenic 20 minute stroll into the center, with a few steps en route. Wear comfortable walking shoes.

Enjoy one of the most beautiful historic cities in Europe by exclusive canal boat. Board your motor coach for the 1-hour drive from Zeebrugge.  You will arrive in the Old City of Ghent and begin your walking tour to St. Michael’s Bridge with its spectacular view of the city, the Castle of Counts, and the Row of the Three Towers.  Your tour will continue passing the old port, the Meat House, and the City Hall as well as St. Bavo’s Cathedral. Your guide will lead you to the pontoon where you will board a canal boat for a fun and thorough exploration of the city. As you cruise through the historic city see highlights such as the impressive castle of the counts, St. Michael’s Bridge, 13th century monasteries and the ancient port of Ghent along with its mercantile houses. Once your canal cruise ends, you will have plenty of time to independently explore this gracious city. You may choose to enjoy a locally brewed beer in one of the stylish bars, or maybe a coffee in one of the waffle houses (at your own expense). Strolling along the narrow streets, many of which are pedestrian, you will be enthralled by the unique architecture, while the shops will tempt you with their fine chocolates, Flemish lace and other locally crafted wares. After your free time, you will board another exclusive canal boat for a short transfer back to the coach and begin your trip back to Zeebrugge.

 
Please note: It is approximately an hour each way to Ghent. There are three steps to board the motor coach.  Comfortable shoes are recommended and there are cobblestones/uneven surfaces. This tour is also not recommended for limited mobility.

 

 

 

Explore at your leisure with a private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide. This exclusive tour will allow you to customize your time ashore and explore the most interesting sites in the comfort and privacy of your own car. With your private vehicle, and the personalized attention of your driver and English-speaking guide, you will have the flexibility and independence to design your itinerary ashore. See the iconic sites of the city, or create your own personal stops to make the experience your own.

Please note:  Capacity: 1-2 guests. Private cars are ordered per vehicle (not per person). This tour includes transport in a private car, driver and English Speaking Guide. Itinerary can be adjusted with tour guide as long as it’s in the area and does not exceed the duration of 4 hours.  Recommended for physically challenged guests.

Explore at your leisure with a private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide. This exclusive tour will allow you to customize your time ashore and explore the most interesting sites in the comfort and privacy of your own van. With your private vehicle, and the personalized attention of your driver and English-speaking guide, you will have the flexibility and independence to design your itinerary ashore. See the iconic sites of the city, or create your own personal stops to make the experience your own.

Please note:  Capacity: 3 - 6 guests. Private vans are ordered per vehicle (not per person). This tour includes transport in a private van, driver and English Speaking Guide. Itinerary can be adjusted with tour guide as long as it’s in the area and does not exceed the duration of 4 hours. Recommended for physically challenged guests.

Explore at your leisure with a private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide. This exclusive tour will allow you to customize your time ashore and explore the most interesting sites in the comfort and privacy of your own car. With your private vehicle, and the personalized attention of your driver and English-speaking guide, you will have the flexibility and independence to design your itinerary ashore. See the iconic sites of the city, or create your own personal stops to make the experience your own.

Please note:  Capacity: 1-2 guests. Private cars are ordered per vehicle (not per person). This tour includes transport in a private car, driver and English Speaking Guide. Itinerary can be adjusted with tour guide as long as it’s in the area and does not exceed the duration of 8 hours.  Recommended for physically challenged guests.

Explore at your leisure with a private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide. This exclusive tour will allow you to customize your time ashore and explore the most interesting sites in the comfort and privacy of your own van. With your private vehicle, and the personalized attention of your driver and English-speaking guide, you will have the flexibility and independence to design your itinerary ashore. See the iconic sites of the city, or create your own personal stops to make the experience your own.

Please note:  Capacity: 3 - 6 guests. Private vans are ordered per vehicle (not per person). This tour includes transport in a private van, driver and English Speaking Guide. Itinerary can be adjusted with tour guide as long as it’s in the area and does not exceed the duration of 8 hours. Recommended for physically challenged guests.

Departing from Saint Malo, drive to Dinan via Barrage de la Rance, a unique power station that works with the tides.  About 45 minutes along the winding road through lovely countryside will bring you to Dinan, located at the head of the Rance estuary on which its little port is built. On arrival you will start a walking tour of this charming medieval town.  See the houses of the Old Town clustered together behind the long circuit of walls built by the Dukes of Brittany in the 14th century as protection against the Normans.  You will see St. Sauveur’s Basilica; Place des Merciers, with its triangular gables and porches, and Rue du Jerzual, which links the main part of the town with the port. After this tour you will enjoy a refreshment and local pancake together with some time at leisure before returning back to St.-Malo.

Please note: You will be walking on cobblestones at Dinan. It is recommended that you dress in warm, layered clothing and wear flat, comfortable shoes. You should also bring raingear in case of inclement weather. 

You will depart from pier for the 75-minute drive to Fort Lalatte. This spectacular headland, set on 229-foot-high pink sandstone cliffs, offers breathtaking sceneries, among the most beautiful ones in Brittany. Heathland, covered with a wide variety of heather and gorse species, creates a landscape of colors changing with the seasons. Follow your guide on about  a 2-hour walk along the coastal guard’s path. Listen to the stories of the two lighthouses standing there, admire seabirds nesting in the neighboring small island. End your hike at the Cap Fréhel where you will enjoy a time at leisure for a personal discovery before you drive back to St. Malo.

Please note: Wear casual comfortable clothes and flat walking shoes. Bring rain protection.

Mont St. Michel is considered one of the great religious sites in all of Europe and is often compared to St. Peter’s, Chartres, and Durham. First built following the appearance of Archangel Michael to the Bishop of Avranches, the abbey is constructed at the summit of an immense granite precipice 250 feet above the sea – a monument to the heyday of Norman power and influence in the world. Mont St. Michel makes its strongest impression when seen from a distance, on the approach from a 5-mile long causeway at Pontorson where Mont St. Michel joins the mainland.  Once at the abbey, your guided tour on foot will involve numerous stairs and steep paths – yet you are rewarded with magnificent views at every juncture. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. You’ll have free time to stroll the labyrinth of streets, browse the shops, and take in this magnificent architectural achievement. Following your exploration, return to the yacht along the coastal road, passing small towns and traditional fishing harbors along the way. 

 

Please note: Inside the abbey, proper attire is required (no shorts or bare shoulders) and flash photography is not permitted. Due to its great popularity large crowds of visitors must be expected at the site. This tour requires heavy walking; up and downhill and on cobblestones. To reach the very top takes climbing between 197-350 steps.  Due to new regulations motor coaches are no longer allowed to enter Mont St. Michel.  There is a 20-30 minute from the parking lot to the shuttle bus that will take you to Mont St. Michel. 

 

 

 

Known as the oyster capital of Brittany, Cancale is an ideal destination for anyone interested in an authentic taste of French culture.  Situated on the bay of Mont St. Michel, Cancale garners most of its resources from the sea. In particular, oysters have been a famed harvest since the days of Julius Caesar, when these sea delicacies were savored by his soldiers.  King Louis XIV also enjoyed oysters and received daily deliveries of these delicious mollusks.  You will discover why Cancale is renowned for its oysters as you independently experience the town. Stroll the pier where you can see the expansive oyster beds and stop in one of numerous restaurants to sample the oversized oysters for which the region is so well known. With a guided visit to an oyster farm, you will taste 9 oysters. Return to the ship with your appetite for local food and culture having been satisfied.

Please note: This excursion involves walking over uneven surfaces, and is not recommended for guests with walking difficulties or limited mobility.  It is recommended that you dress in warm, layered clothing, wear flat, comfortable shoes, and bring raingear in case of inclement weather. 

St.-Malo was named after the 6th century monk who converted the locals to Christianity. Once a haven for pirates, it was also an important port in the voyages of discovery. Cartier sailed from here to Canada in 1534. Soon after, St.-Malo began to flourish as a trading port, not only through the furs sent back from the New World, but also due to the plentiful cod fishing. Meet your guide pierside to begin your walking discovery of the charms of the Old City of St. Malo.  Your knowledgeable guide points out the sites of historical interest as you stroll the narrow streets.  View the castle, part of the ramparts protecting the town, the town's typical streets, the house of Duchess Ann, and the cathedral.  Also get acquainted with the more famous personalities of St. Malo, such as Jacques Cartier, Duguay-Trouin, Surcouf and the well known romantic writer Chateaubriand.  Enjoy a stop at a creperie for  a refreshment before returning to the ship.

 

Please note: This excursion involves walking over uneven surfaces, and is not recommended for guests with walking difficulties.  It is recommended that you dress in warm, layered clothing, wear flat, comfortable shoes, and bring raingear in case of inclement weather. 

 

 

 

Enjoy a 40-minute panoramic transfer from your ship to St. Martin-de-Ré on Ré Island, the historical capital of the island, where you will meet your bicycle guides at the bicycle rental next to the harbor. You will listen to a quick presentation and then bicycles, helmets, baskets and lockers will be distributed. You will then depart for the 10-mile guided bicycle tour starting from the harbor and finishing in Ars-en-Ré village. You will tour St Martin-de-Ré, a bustling town with houses steeped in history, outside terrace cafés, and a vast urban surrounding wall of huge dimensions and semicircle shape declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2008.  You will get on one of the most beautiful cycle paths of the island towards La Couarde. Passing by oyster huts, just next to the Atlantic Ocean, you can have a break with a lovely ocean view or just enjoy the beautiful scenery.  After La Couarde, you now cross a salt marsh area where annually about 2,500 tons of salt and 250 tons of Fleur de Sel are mined, Fleur de Sel is considered one of the world's finest salts. Finally you will arrive in Ars-en-Ré with its picturesque harbor, the most important  one of the island, and its white and black church tower. The village is as well classified as one of the “most beautiful villages of France” and is well known for its hollyhock lined streets and the surrounding salt pans, which have been in use for the last 800 years.

Please note: Wear flat, comfortable walking shoes and sportswear. Bring bottled water from ship.

Discover the town of La Rochelle with its picturesque harbor, surrounded by medieval fortifications and a wide skyline which opens to you along this half-day motor coach tour departing from the pier. Take a scenic drive along the picturesque sea front of La Rochelle: La Corniche, the elegant gardens of Le Mail, the Harbor and its two towers. One of the towers is called the Chain Tower which for centuries safely chained off the harbor each night. The Great Clock will welcome you to the Old District where your walking tour will start.  La Rochelle Old Town ancient arcades once sheltered the 16th century craftsmen’s workshops on cobblestone streets. You will discover architectural treasures from many different periods: 15th  and 16th  century half-timbered houses, splendid 18th century Hotel de la Bourse, the Law Court with its Corinthian façade and the Renaissance-style house of Henry II. The imposing Town Hall features a Renaissance lodge in the courtyard and a monumental staircase. Continue your guided tour to the stomach of the city : the bustling food market where you can discover the local gems and produce!  Continue your gourmet time with an oyster tasting paired with wine! You will then have some free time to explore this interesting town and its food market on your own. The return journey will take you through the very fine gardens established on the site of the ancient ramparts. Before re-boarding your ship you will pass by the commercial harbor of La Pallice, once used as a submarine base during World War Two.

Please note: Wear flat, comfortable walking shoes. The order of sites visited may vary. Total walking time will be about 3 hours (including exploration on your own). This tour is not recommended for those with mobility issues. 

Near La Rochelle, there is a famous area of unique charm: The Poitevin Marshland, described as “The Green Venice,” a patchwork of marshes offering unique scenery and a glimpse of fascinating wildlife. Driving through the countryside, located along the quiet canals, you will stop nearby the village of Coulon. Local boatmen will take you for a ride in their flat-bottomed punts to discover a picturesque universe in a labyrinth of shaded canals, concealed in a forest of trees: these wet marshes offer unique and original scenery. The Green Venice's exceptional ecosystem and location on the Atlantic coast has earned it a spot on the list of Regional Natural Parks. As your boat slips across the water's placid surface, marvel at the astonishing quiet of the marsh, completely silent except for the occasional sounds of the resident wildlife and the ones coming from the scattered small white-washed houses, homes of the happy inhabitants of this land. You may see plovers, swans, snipes, and ashen and crimson herons. Depending on the season, you may even observe hundreds of wild geese making their migration to Spain. Your skilled captain will guide your boat through the tunnels created by the arched limbs of poplars and ash, along the shores of property owned by prosperous farmers and past small, picturesque villages. But be warned: the "red hand," which according to legend lurks below the thick carpet of duckweed, may reach out and catch you. Having spied the many intriguing creatures of the marsh, disembark your boat and, after a short transfer, enjoy some free time to venture through the streets and traditional houses of this little village of Coulon settled in the heart of the marshland

Please note: Total walking time is about 30 minutes. Wear comfortable walking shoes.

At a distance of about 9 miles  from La Rochelle, Ré is one of the jewels of the Charentaise coast. A bridge nearly two miles long has linked it to the continent since the beginning of 1988. As soon as you reach the Island, you will be won over by the atmosphere and brightness (the Island inspired many painters) and charmed by its quiet but lively fishing ports surrounded with ramparts. First, you will stop in the village of St Martin-de-Ré, the Island capital which is known for its penitentiary. After a guided walking tour of the village to explore the port, you will have time at leisure to enjoy the narrow streets or simply enjoy a refreshment at one of the numerous café terraces with a view of the Atlantic Ocean. 

 

Please note: Wear flat, comfortable walking shoes. Order of sights visited may vary.

 

 

 

Your tour will begin driving by the outside of the submarine base built by the German navy during World War II which became the setting for the movie Das Boot. A German stronghold, La Rochelle was the last French city to be freed at the end of the war. En route to La Rochelle pass the sea front, Port-Neuf district, and the elegant gardens of Le Mail. Enter the city center from the Verdun Square and La Rochelle Cathedral.  You will disembark  the tour bus close by the Saint Sauveur Church and continue the guided tour on foot: discover the Old Harbor with the two towers at the entrance of the harbor, the larger of these is Tour Saint-Nicolas (15th century, 138 feet high), the other, Tour de la Chaîne (14th century), was built to house the great chain now lying at its base, which used to be strung across to St Nicolas each night to safely close off the harbor from attack. Continue towards the archway of the Great Clock giving access to the mostly pedestrian Old District. See the many arcaded streets and elegant architectural buildings from different periods: The Hôtel de la Bourse (18th century, with its two wings joined by a columned gallery), the Law Court (rebuilt in the 18th century with a Corinthian style façade), the House of Henry II (Renaissance), the Town Hall (Renaissance building, Henri IV period) in the heart of old town, protected by a surrounding Gothic wall. During the walking tour, visit the WWII Museum located in a former German underground bunker in the heart of the city. This bunker was used as refuge by the German Kriegsmarine officers and the museum represents the life of La Rochelle during the Second World War.  Enjoy some free time to discover the city on your own before re-boarding your coach and driving back to ship

Please note: Wear flat, comfortable walking shoes.

You will board your motor coach at the pier and drive along the famous Quai des Chartrons, the center of the Bordeaux wine trade. Your tour of Médoc will start just north of the city. The Medoc Wine Road, located between the Gironde estuary and the Landes forest, will provide magnificent views of vine-covered gravelly rises as far as the eye can see. You will have the opportunity to take photos of some of the most famous Châteaux of the area such as Margaux, and Pichon Longueville.  Médoc vineyards are orderly and well-kept almost to the point of fanaticism, and the region's world famous châteaux produce wine that are nothing short of divine... Moulis, Listrac, Saint Julien, Saint Estèphe, Pauillac, Médoc, Haut Médoc and Margaux (with the celebrated château of the same name). You will be able to visit the cellars of one of these famous châteaux -  Giscours, Lynch Bages, Siran,Lagrange, Dauzac, Desmirail, Camensac,Palmer, Issan, Kirwan, Prieuré Lichine, Rausan Ségla, or d'Arsac. You will learn the techniques of wine making during your visit of the cellars and before a wine tasting.

Please note: There will be stairs to get to the chateau cellar. Wear comfortable walking shoes.

There can be no better place to start a visit to this attractive region than Saint Emilion, heartland of the merlot grape, which produces delicious, rich, round wines. The vines on the "hill with a thousand châteaux," reach right up to Saint Emilion's 13th century town walls and surrounding moat dug out of solid rock.  You will stop at one of the nearby wine chateaux and will learn the techniques of wine making during your visit to their cellar and enjoy a wine tasting. Arriving in the village, your guide will take you for a walking tour to see the main attractions: the Collegiale Church and its magnificent cloister from the 12th century, the Ramparts, the Market Place, and the Monolithic Church. Strolling in the streets, you will also see the Cadene Gate and the King's Tower. Then, you will have some time at leisure for exploring the village on your own.

Please note:  The order of sites visited may vary. Flat, comfortable shoes are recommended as well as a warm garment.  Some of the walk is difficult on steep cobblestone streets  and not recommended for people with mobility issues.

Depart by coach from the ship for a panoramic drive of Bordeaux, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007. This distinction recognizes the beauty and unity of style of Bordeaux's architectural heritage, which has developed harmoniously over the centuries and remains remarkably well-preserved. Discover the city’s major highlights : the Chartrons Riverfront where the wine trade started, L’Esplanade des Quinconces  which is one of Europe’s largest squares with its column commemorating the French Revolution, the 18th century Place de la Bourse, the Cailhau Gate (15th century), the Big Bell (14th century), the Palais Rohan (18th century) now the City Hall, the St. Andrew Cathedral (13th century )  where Alienor d'Aquitaine married Louis VII and the Grand Theatre (18th century), the Bordeaux Opera built by Victor Louis in 1773. Then, to continue your discovery of Bordeaux’s history and culture, you will drive to a nearby vineyard surrounding Bordeaux  and highlighting its really famous heritage: the wine culture. You will stop at one of the prestigious estates to visit their cellars, be introduced to the art of wine making and enjoy a wine tasting before heading back to your ship.

Please note: The order of sights visited may vary. Flat, comfortable shoes are recommended.