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Peregrine Travel Centre

Navigating the Atlantic Coast: Brittany, Wales & England’s Channel Islands

Navigating the Atlantic Coast: Brittany, Wales & England’s Channel Islands

From AUD $12,450

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Description

Travel along the spectacularly scenic coastlines of France and Britain, each with their own unique essence, yet intertwined throughout history by geography. Castle-guarded ports and picturesque fishing harbors reveal a reliance on the sea for protection, trade, and sustenance. Explore the cultural connections of Brittany and Cornwall and the pastoral landscapes of Wales while sampling regional culinary specialties and renowned wines and spirits. In locations known for cliffs that drop to expansive seas, enjoy coastal walks in Finistère, Land’s End, and Anglesley. Magnificent castles, gardens, and seaside villages will be highlights as we voyage from Bordeaux to Dublin.

Trip Name
Navigating the Atlantic Coast: Brittany, Wales & England’s Channel Islands
Days
9
Overview
Vessel Type: Luxury Expedition Length: 108 meters Passenger Capacity: 148 (single & twin cabins) Built / Refurbished: 1982 / 2008 National Geographic Explorer is a state-of-the-art expedition ship. It is a fully stabilized, ice-class vessel, enabling it to navigate polar passages while providing exceptional comfort. It carries kayaks and a fleet of Zodiac landing craft. An Undersea Specialist operates a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) and sophisticated video equipment, extending access to the underwater world. Public areas: Bistro Bar; Chart Room; Restaurant; Global Gallery; Library, Lounge with full service bar and state-of-the-art facilities for films, slideshows and presentations; Mud Room with lockers for expedition gear, and Observation Lounge. Our “Open Bridge” provides guests an opportunity to meet our Officers and Captain and learn about navigation. Meals: Served in single seatings with unassigned tables for an informal atmosphere and easy mingling. Menu is international with local flair. Cabins: A New Look for National Geographic Explorer Suites National Geographic Explorer recently debuted updated suites, enhanced with the sleek, Scandinavian design that has become the hallmark of our polar fleet. Each of these elegant cabins now holds a Command Center, which allows guests to continue to explore from the comfort of their suites with a set of tools that includes a barometer, a National Geographic Atlas, a television that broadcasts entertainment and ship navigation, a coffee maker, and multiple USB and universal electric ports for cameras and other devices. 81 outside cabins All feature windows or portholes, private facilities, climate controls, hair dryers, and TV, plus Ethernet, Wi-Fi connections, and USB ports for mobile devices. Some cabins have balconies. Single cabins in Category SA and Category SB are located on the main deck and upper deck.  Expedition Equipment: Zodiac landing craft, kayaks, Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV), hydrophone, SplashCam, underwater video camera, Crow’s Nest remote controlled camera, video microscope, snorkeling gear. Special Features: A full-time doctor, Undersea Specialist, LEX Photo Specialist and Video Chronicler, Internet Cafe and laundry. Wellness: The vessel is staffed by two Wellness Specialists and features a glass enclosed Fitness Center, outdoor stretching area, two LEXspa treatment rooms and Sauna.

Itinerary



Day 1 - DAY 1: Bordeaux, France / Embark
Arrive in Bordeaux and transfer from the airport tothe riverside city. From the stunning symmetricalarchitecture of Place de la Bourse to charmingside streets brimming with cafés, Bordeaux has noshortage of nooks and crannies to discover. Aftera morning exploring and lunch in town, embark inthe early afternoon. Settle into life on board as weget underway on the River Garonne en route toRoyan. (L,D)
Day 2 - DAY 2: Royan / Cognac / La Rochelle
Today, there’s an option to taste the famous foodand drink produced along the banks of two rivers.Along the Charente River in Cognac, sample theregion’s best eau de vie, known the world over,and walk cobblestone streets that pre-date theHundred Years’ War. Alternatively, stay on thecoast and visit a tidal oyster farm on the SeudreRiver. Learn how these delicate mollusks arecultivated, and then after a tutorial, you can shuckand eat your own oysters. Sail out of the rampartsin La Rochelle as we make our way towards theBrittany coast. (B,L,D)
Day 3 - DAY 3: Brest
Surrounded by water, the Finistère region ofBrittany is known for its naval history and naturalattractions as well as picturesque ports,lighthouses, and sheltered beaches. In the IroiseMarine Park, which covers half of Finistère,pelagic birds and seals thrive in protected waters.Other habitats ranging from dunes to cliffs offer anabundance of biodiversity, trails, and culturalheritage. Known as the “force of France” for itsmilitary port that has been fortified since the 3rdcentury, Brest has played a role in many conflictsover the centuries. The imposing castle andTanguy Tower protect the entrance to the PenfeldRiver and have many stories to tell. (B,L,D)
Day 4 - DAY 4: Saint-Malo / Dinan / Mont-Saint-Michel
Wake up in charming Saint-Malo and take awalking tour of this fortified city, known for its 12thcentury ramparts and 15th-century privateerhistory. In the afternoon, visit an oyster farm orventure into the heart of Brittany to practice yourphotography skills in Dinan, known for its halftimbered houses and cobblestone streets. Anexcursion to the iconic abbey of Mont-SaintMichel, a UNESCO World Heritage site poiseddramatically on a rocky tidal island, is a thirdoption. (B,L,D)
Day 5 - DAY 5: Jersey & Guernsey, Channel Island, England
The Bailiwicks of Jersey and Guernsey may beCrown Dependencies of the United Kingdom, butthey have their own unique history, culture, andlaws. Experience life on the Channel Islands, bothpast and present with a walk through the JerseyWar Tunnels Complex used in World War II; or seea more serene side of the islands, admiring lushbotanical gardens and breathing fresh salt air on acliffside path. (B,L,D)
Day 6 - DAY 6: Penzance
Awake to a view of Land’s End, England’s mostwesterly point, renowned for its breathtakingpanoramic vistas. Part of Cornwall and steeped inlegend, this is a region of dramatic cliffs, rockycoves, heather-carpeted moors, and ocean as faras the eye can see. Associated with King Arthurand smugglers who inspired Gilbert and Sullivan’sThe Pirates of Penzance, its real-life historic sitesinclude remnants of early Christian and BronzeAge settlements and St. Michael’s Mount, acenturies-old island castle still inhabited today.Cornwall shares cultural, natural, and industrialheritage with Brittany and is enjoying a culturalrenaissance, drawing artists inspired by itscoastlines, harbors, and quiet garden retreats.(B,L,D)
Day 7 - DAY 7: Tresco, Isles of Scilly
According to Arthurian legend, the Isles of Scillyare all that remain of Lyonnesse, a lost land saidto have vanished into the Atlantic. Join a naturalistto explore the flora and fauna of these mythicalislands and discover the surprising variety oftropical plants that flourish at the world-classTresco Abbey Gardens. (B,L,D)
Day 8 - DAY 8: Holyhead, Wales
Arrive in Wales, which has more castles persquare mile than any other country in the world,and choose to tour some that are part of the IronRing of Castles, built by King Edward.Alternatively, stay on the Isle of Anglesey and walkthe Coast Path, designated An Area ofOutstanding Natural Beauty, alongside a memberof the local mountain rescue team. Spot falcons,seals, and springtime wildflowers along the way.Finally, the Welsh were known for slate mining andthe remnants of that era can still be experiencedtoday. Tour the manor house of a slate baron anddescend into a former mine to learn about thetechnical achievements and grueling work of thisimportant contribution to the Industrial Revolution.(B,L,D)
Day 9 - DAY 9: Dublin, Ireland / Disembark
After breakfast this morning, disembark andtransfer to the airport for your flight home. (B)
Day 10 - Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
20-05-202428-05-2024AUD $12,450Category 1
20-05-202428-05-2024AUD $13,320Category 2
20-05-202428-05-2024AUD $14,150Category 3
20-05-202428-05-2024AUD $14,650Category 4
20-05-202428-05-2024AUD $16,680Category SA (solo)
20-05-202428-05-2024AUD $17,200Category 5
20-05-202428-05-2024AUD $17,720Category SB (solo)
20-05-202428-05-2024AUD $20,170Category 6
20-05-202428-05-2024AUD $23,270Category 7

Inclusions

    • With the luxurious National Geographic Resolution—sister ship to the National Geographic Endurance—as your base camp, sail along the picturesque and culturally rich coasts of Brittany, Cornwall, and Wales.
    • Sample culinary specialties including freshly harvested oysters, Bordeaux’s world-famous wines, and Cognac’s renowned eau de vie.
    • In Brittany, experience the historic harbor of Brest, and with a National Geographic Photography Expert by your side, explore charming Dinan, known for its medieval ramparts and half-timbered houses.
    • Discover Land’s End, Cornwall’s peninsula known for its scenic headlands, artists’ community, and intriguing history.
    • Delve into Welsh history at castles built by King Edward or take in the country’s spectacular natural beauty with a coastal walk on the Isle of Anglesey.

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