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 own pace with a private vehicle, driver and English-speaking guide at your service. You will have the flexibility and independence to design your itinerary ashore according to your own interests. On this half day option you can combine an itinerary in Lisbon only or choose its charming surroundings as Sintra, Cascais, Guincho or Cabo da Roca.

 

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 in Lisbon, Sintra, Cascais, Guincho or Cabo da Roca areas and for 4 hours duration. 
 

 

 

 

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 own pace with a private vehicle, driver and English-speaking guide at your service. You will have the flexibility and independence to design your itinerary ashore according to your own interests. On this full day option you can combine an itinerary in Lisbon only or choose its charming surroundings as Sintra, Cascais, Guincho or Cabo da Roca.

 

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 in Lisbon, Sintra, Cascais, Guincho or Cabo da Roca areas and for 8 hours duration. 

            

 

 

 

Your motor coach and English-speaking guide will take you via the beautiful coastal road bordering the River Tagus, driving through the fashionable resort of Estoril - the home of several international royal exiles during the Second World War – to the lively scenic village of Cascais.  Here you will have a guided tour around its plaza and enjoy its colorful setting of seaside café terraces, small shops, and sailboats. For six centuries Sintra was the favorite summer residence of the kings of Portugal, who were attracted by the cool climate and the lush beauty of the town’s setting.  Writers and poets in general – Lord Byron, Alfred Tennyson, Hans Christian Andersen, and Isaac Bashevis Singer chose Sintra as a preferred destination. The tall conical chimneys of the National Palace and the fabulous Pena Palace, are two unmistakable landmarks of this area. You will have the opportunity to taste local pastry in one of the cafés in Sintra followed by a guided walk to explore this town recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995. Return back to your Windstar Hotel in Lisbon.

                                                        

Please note:  Tour order may vary but all sites will be covered.

           

 

 

 

Lisbon is a city of contrasts, where modern trends merge with ancient ones, accentuating Lisbon’s variety and intensity of color. You will continue along Liberty Avenue a charming old boulevard place of several international stores (such as Prada or Armani) lined with gardens and known for its unique black and white mosaics on the sidewalks on the way to Marquês de Pombal Square. The highlight of your visit is the church of the Jeronimos Monastery (outside visit only), a masterpiece of Manueline architecture, widely acknowledged to be the finest sight in Lisbon, built in the 16th century to commemorate the discoveries of Portuguese navigators. Nearby, you will see the lavishly decorated Belem Tower, and the Monument to the Discoveries, built to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the death of Prince Henry the Navigator. On the way to the hotel or to the airport, you will see, stretching across the Tagus River, the April 25th Bridge, sister to the Golden Gate, and the towering Christ the King statue on the far side.
 
Please note: This tour is only for guests who have a flight later than 2:00 p.m. or an overnight stay in Lisbon. This tour includes transport in a private bus and a qualified English-speaking guide. We recommend respectful clothes when visiting religious sites. Visit to the church is conditioned to religious celebrations which may take place without prior notice. Tour order may vary but all sites will be covered.


          

 

 

 

From the ship your tuk tuk will take you on a journey through the city in an up close and personal way. Lisbon is a city of contrasts and during your ride you can admire both the modern and historic aspects. As you travel through the streets, allow yourself to become immersed in the atmosphere.  Admire the city’s fine architecture, enjoy splendid views across the River Tagus and take a step back in time in the Old Town with its narrow alleyways and cobblestone streets. During your tour, several photo stops will be made along the way. You’ll also have the opportunity to sample regional cheese, bread and port wine, as well as one of Lisbon’s famous custard cream cakes.   

 

Please note:  Wear comfortable walking shoes and sunscreen and bring your camera. This tour returns to the pier and does not include a transfer to the airport or hotel. It is intended for intransit guests. Price is per Tuk Tuk not per person.

          

 

 

 

Discover Oporto, Matosinhos, and Vila Nova de Gaia in a unique way - on board an electric tricycle called a "Tuk Tuk" in Thailand. Your tour will start with a panoramic drive along the Matosinhos seaside road toward the mouth of the Douro River and the right river bank. Your first stop will be by the 18th century Baroque-style Clérigos Tower. Ride to the Sao Bento Train Station built in the early 20th century, famous for its tiles; and to the 12th century Cathedral, one of the oldest monuments in Oporto.  Cross the King Luís I Bridge, a metal arch bridge that spans the Douro River between the cities of Oporto and Vila Nova de Gaia. At the time of construction its span of 646 feet was the longest of its type in the world. You will stop at the beautiful Serra do Pilar Monastery with its exceptional view over the Douro and Oporto. Back aboard your Tuk Tuk you will return to Oporto passing by Batalha Square, Santa Catarina Street, and the famous 1920s neo-classical style "Café Majestic." Enjoy your panoramic drive back to the pier.

 

Please note: This tour is not suitable for wheelchair guests. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Prices are per Tuk Tuk

 

 

 

Portugal’s first capital of Guimarães cradles a wealth of magnificent buildings, a rich legacy of its glorious past. You will take a 1-hour drive of 34 miles to this magnificent city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the European Capital of Culture in 2012. You will visit the medieval King’s Castle and 15th century Palace of the Dukes of Braganca, a museum and art gallery with portraits, tapestries, fine furniture and porcelain. While strolling on your walking tour past the Old Town’s quiet alcoves and along its narrow streets, you will glimpse an imposing former manor house, a 10th century church dedicated to the Virgin Mary and the Customs Tower emblazoned with the slogan “Portugal was born here.” Nearby is stately Guimarães Castle. You will have a  guided visit to Guimaraes city center and shortly thereafter, you will return to the yacht..

 

Please note: Comfortable shoes are recommended as you will have to walk approximately ¾ of a mile along cobbled and uneven surfaces in Guimarães.  Bring a hat, sunscreen and sunglasses. This excursion is not suitable for guests who have mobility issues, use canes, walkers, or wheelchairs. 

 

 

 

Oporto, once a mercantile city connected to the port wine trade, stands quite variegated architecturally with medieval as well as modern living side by side. As you head to the city center you will pass by Foz, an exclusive and cosmopolitan waterfront district. Enjoy the view of the iconic Cristal Palace and the 18th century Clerigos Tower,  the highest point of the town at 245 feet. Enjoy an outside photostop at the cathedral, originally a 12th  century Romanesque building adorned by some of the greatest Portuguese artists.  You will then proceed to Ribeira, the city’s most characteristic district. Here you will board one of the traditional boats.  In the past the boats sailing the Douro River used to carry port wine barrels from the wineries to the cellars at Vila Nova de Gaia. As you cruise along the Douro passing beneath some of the many bridges connecting the two parts of the city,  you will admire wonderful views of the historic district with its narrow streets, houses and buildings that slope picturesquely down toward the riverbanks. Following the cruise visit to one of the famous port wine cellars on Vila Nova de Gaia, where you will learn about Oporto’s wine history and taste local snacks, accompanied by excellent port wines before returning to the ship.

Please note:  Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

Board your motor coach for the 30-minute ride to Passeio Alegre, a lovely garden that graces the point where the Douro River meets the Atlantic Ocean. Here you will board the tram, which dates from the early 20th century, for a memorable ride along the riverfront. Take in the beautiful views and discover old sections of the town that offer a glimpse into the past, when fishermen predominately lived here. During the ride you will sample some wine and aperitifs.  The next part of your outing will take place in the medieval Porto-Ribeira Quarter. A walk through the enchanting streets will give you an intimate look at this historic part of town, before a guided visit at Ribeira Quarter. Be sure to notice the 19th century iron bridges in the distance and the traditional Rabelo boats clustered around the pier. They were once used to transport casks of port wine from the Douro Valley to the cellars in Gaia. Fascinating sights continue to unfold as you travel back to your yacht through the heart of the city, a panoramic drive that will reveal how Oporto developed into a modern town while still honoring its past.

 

Please note: This tour is not suitable for wheelchair guests. Please wear comfortable walking shoes.

 

 

 

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 sites most interesting to you in the comfort and privacy of your own car. With your private vehicle, and the personalized attention of your driver and guide, you will have the flexibility and independence to design your own unique tour.  The iconic sites include Ribeira, the Port Wine Cellars, the São Francisco Church, the world-renowned Modern Art Museum at Serralves,  and travel the six bridges connecting Porto to Gaia over the Douro River.

Please note:  Capacity: 2 guests. Private cars are ordered per vehicle (not per person).The number of vehicles is limited, so reserve as early as possible. The price shown is the total for the vehicle so only one person will need to reserve it. The price includes vehicle, driver, and personal guide to take you to the sites of your choice.  It does not include entrance fees to any particular sites.

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 area 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. You will have the flexibility and independence to design your itinerary ashore. See the iconic sites of  El Ferrol  like the UNESCO San Felipe Castle and Fortress or the Exponav Museum or create your own personal stops to make the experience your own.

Please note:  Capacity: 1-3 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 El Ferrol 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. You will have the flexibility and independence to design your itinerary ashore. See the iconic sites of  El Ferrol  like the UNESCO San Felipe Castle and Fortress or the Exponav Museum or create your own personal stops to make the experience your own.

Please note:  Capacity: 3 - 5 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 El Ferrol area and does not exceed the duration of 4hours. Recommended for physically challenged guests.

Begin your exploration of El Ferrol with a panoramic drive in your air-conditioned bus. You will continue on to Betanzos where you will be met by your guide. Declared a Joint Historical and Artistic Heritage in 1970, Betanzos is home to one of the most interesting old quarters of Galicia. The large city guards artistic treasures of incalculable value.  Your walking tour will include sites like the Consistorial Palace, raised in the 18th century by Luck Rodriguez and surrounded by palaces and buildings with galleries. See the Palace of Bendana, constructed in the 15th century. You will see the 11th century Church of Santiago, and the Palace of Lanzós, constructed around 1620. Your stroll with continue to the Gothic District, the Palace of Counts de Taboada and the impressive churches of Santa Maria and San Francisco (external view) , jewels of Gothic Gallego constructed by Fernán the Perez de Andrade in the  14th century, one of the most beautiful examples of the Galician medieval architecture. After this guided visit you will have some of free time before returning to your yacht.

Please note: Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring sunscreen. 

Santiago, the city where, according to a legend, the remains of the apostle Saint James were found is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Board your motor coach where you will meet your guide who will impart some of the region's history on your 75-minute drive to Santiago. Once in Santiago, your walking tour will begin. You’ll see a town full of  life, with one of the most famous universities, a reputation for the best seafood in Galicia and an enormous amount of culture. You will enter the Cathedral of Santiago. The present building was begun in 1075. It is a key Romanesque work in which numerous architectonic styles converge. Highlights of the Cathedral include the Portico de la Gloria constructed in 1188, the Obradoiro façade of the Cathedral ,considered one of the greatest expressions of the Spanish Baroque period., the Main Altar also in the Baroque style and the crypt of the Apostle St. James located beneath it. Following your visit to the Cathedral, you will walk through the quiet streets and picturesque squares of Santiago, admiring the Plaza del Obradoiro, the real heart of the town and where the Hostal de los Reyes Católicos, a 17th century building declared National Monument,  is located.   You will also see  the Palacio Rajoy, an enormous and elegant neoclassic building near the Cathedral.  A 4-course lunch with wine will be served at Parador Reyes Catolicos situated near the Cathedral and also declared a National Monument. Following lunch, you  will  be shown how a queimada is made including the spell and lighting of the liquid by  the wizard. On your return trip to El Ferrol , you will be able to admire the impressive Galician landscape of the coastline full of wide beaches and large marshes.

Please note:  Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring sunscreen.  To enter the Cathedral you will need to wear clothing that covers your knees and shoulders. This tour is not recommended for those with mobility issues as the walking surfaces are uneven cobblestone.

You will begin your adventure with a  1-hour panoramic drive from El Ferrol to the city of A Coruña.  Admire the Riazor and Orzen beaches, the House of Mankind (a work of Japanese architect Arata Isozaki), and the Aquarium Finisterrae.  You will have time to take some photos at the Tower of Hercules, built in the 2nd  century by the Emperor Trajan and the oldest Roman lighthouse in the world and, unbelievably, still in use today. Re-board the coach and follow the coastline past the window houses that gave A Coruña its Crystal City nickname. Watch for the Archaeological Museum housed in San Anton Castle and the Mendez Nuñez Gardens. Next, you will  leave your motor coach and make your way on foot down the narrow cobblestone streets to Plaza Maria Pita, a vast pedestrian square surrounded by terraced cafés and arcades. Delight in the friendly and social atmosphere of a local Spanish bar, where you will be treated to tapas - snacks of local cheese, crusty homemade bread, cured ham and local specialties complemented by Galician wine. Tapas are a very important part of Spanish culture and are often enjoyed by locals at the pub with a glass of wine or during a quick stop at a restaurant between meals. Afterward, walk the short distance back to the harbor with your guide or take the opportunity to browse on your own in the quaint Old Town before returning to the pier at your leisure.

Please note: Comfortable walking shoes  are recommended.

Visit the ceramic factory of Sargadelos, the greatest example of Galician pottery worldwide and stroll through the charming streets of the Roman town of Betanzos. The history of Sargadelos Ceramics illustrates 200 years of constant innovation. Sargadelos products stand out for the exquisite craftsmanship applied in the process of manufacturing each of its pieces and the originality of its designs, inspired by traditional forms and motifs of Galician culture.  All of its chinaware, figures and jewelry are decorated and finished by hand after leaving the kilns at its two factories. The original combination of industry, design and culture contributes towards giving a unique flair to the company’s products, a traditional process that you will witness first hand. After your visit to the Sargadelos factory, you will continue to the Roman town of Betanzos for a guided walk through its charming historic streets. You’ll visit the Santa María de Azogue and St. Francisco Church and enjoy some free time to explore the village independently before returning to Ferrol..

 

Please note: Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring sunscreen. You will need to wear clothing that covers your knees and shoulders. Flash photography is not permitted inside the churches. This tour is not recommended for those with mobility issues as the walking surfaces are uneven cobblestone. 

            

 

 

 

Lugo is the only city in the world surrounded completely by intact Roman walls, with heights ranging between 33 to 49 feet in a 6949-foot circle with 71 towers. The walk along the top is continuous around the circuit, and features 10 gates. These 3rd century walls are protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will board your air-conditioned bus for the 90-minute drive to Lugo where you will be met by your English-speaking guide to begin your walking tour.  In addition to the walls other sites include the Cathedral, built about 1129, though the actual main facade and towers date only from 1769. You will see the convent and church of St. Francis, built in Gothic style, currently housing the Museo Provincial, with a display of Galician art and 18th century architecture. Your walk will continue on to the Church of St. Dominic, the Palace of the Arts and the Town Hall, a large Baroque structure with a mid-18th century façade. After the guided visit you will have some free time for shopping. Then you will enjoy a delicious lunch in the Hostal Porta de Santiago.

Please note: Comfortable walking shoes and sunscreen are recommended.

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.

La Cité du Vin is a unique cultural facility where wine comes to life through an immersive, sensorial approach, all set within an evocative architectural design. La Cité du Vin gives a different view of wine, across the world, across the ages, across all cultures and all civilizations. At first sight, the architecture of the building is a place filled with symbols of identity: the knotted vine stocks, wine turning in the glass, the swirls and eddies of the Garonne river. Each and every architectural detail evokes liquid elements and the very soul of wine. The bold architectural design by architects Anouk Legendre and Nicolas Desmazières from is impressive for its shape and curves, as well as its ever-changing reflections depending on the season, the day or the time.  You will take a tour,  a journey through time and space to discover wine in its universal, heritage, civilizational and cultural dimensions. Whether mythical, sacred, religious or magical, experience the culture of wine as it has shaped mankind and the way we live, which has been a source of inspiration in both past and present. Throughout your visit you will be guided by the travel companion, an innovative and technological tool available in 8 languages, helping you to explore the circuit at your own pace and adapted to your own profile. The final phase of the journey will take you up to the Belvedere of La Cité du Vin where you can take in a 360° view of the city, a unique panorama to enjoy while sipping a glass of wine from one of the great vineyards of the world.

 

Please note:  Wear comfortable and flat walking shoes.  Heels are not recommended.

 

 

 

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.

 

 

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.

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. 

 

 

 

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. Your tour will conclude at your Wiindstar hotel.

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.

Your tour today will leave from the harbor town of Dún Laoghaire and travel by motor coach to Dublin where you will enjoy a panoramic drive showing you some of the highlights of this delightful city.  You will ride past the Georgian squares of Merrion and Fitzwilliam to see the famous “Doorways of Dublin.”  Then, it’s on past the National Gallery of Ireland, Government Buildings, and St Stephen’s Green. From the outside you will also see The Old Parliament House which is now home to the Bank of Ireland and across the road, Trinity College, Ireland’s oldest college, founded in 1592. Your tour of the city will continue past Dublin Castle, City Hall, and Christchurch Cathedral en route to visit St. Patrick’s 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. Your tour will conclude at the airport.

 

Please note:  Guests with physical difficulties must be accompanied as the tour guide cannot undertake responsibility for them.

 

 

 

Your tour today will leave from the harbor town of Dún Laoghaire and travel by motor coach to Dublin where you will enjoy a panoramic drive showing you some of the highlights of this delightful city.  You will ride past the Georgian squares of Merrion and Fitzwilliam to see the famous “Doorways of Dublin.”  Then, it’s on past the National Gallery of Ireland, Government Buildings, and St Stephen’s Green. From the outside you will also see The Old Parliament House which is now home to the Bank of Ireland and across the road, Trinity College, Ireland’s oldest college, founded in 1592.  Your tour of the city will continue past Dublin Castle, City Hall, and Christchurch Cathedral en route to visit St. Patrick’s 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. Your tour will conclude at the Windstar Hotel.

 

Please note:  Guests with physical difficulties must be accompanied as the tour guide cannot undertake responsibility for them.