Ha Penny Bridge in Dublin, Ireland at sunset with calm water, white bridge & multicolored buildings at dusk .
Brick ruins with fuchsia-colored flowers & palm trees on a sunny day seen while navigating the Atlantic Coast on a cruise.
Harbor of small boats on moorings facing beige brick wall under a partly sunny sky, seen on a cruise navigating the Atlantic coast.
White lighthouse at end of long, walled brick walkway sits atop rocky outcrop by turquoise water, seen on an Atlantic coast cruise.
Ships figureheads salvaged from the Isles of Scillys many wrecked vessles at Tresco Abbey Valhalla museum in England
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Europe Northern Europe Cruise

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

On these Atlantic Coast cruises, trace coastal connections from Bordeaux to Dublin. 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 on this voyage from Bordeaux to Dublin.

Tick off some bucket list items while sailing 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 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.

Departures are aboard the 148-guest National Geographic Explorer, a home base that is perfect for exploring the best of the region, including well-known visitor spots and rarely visited, hard-to-reach gems. Equipped with National Geographic guides, historians, photographers and expert leaders, and built as a polar expedition vessel, this ship slices through the North Sea waters with speed, stability and grace, navigating easily to small, ancient islands as well as larger city ports.

Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Northern Europe cruises and Northern Europe trips.



Itinerary

Navigating The Atlantic Coast: Brittany, Wales & England's Channel Islands Itinerary

This 9-day Atlantic Coast cruise embarks in Bordeaux, France and disembarks in Dublin, Ireland.

Route map of Navigating The Atlantic Coast: Brittany, Wales & England's Channel Islands cruise, from Bordeaux, France, to Dublin, Ireland, plus visits to The United Kingdom.
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Day 1
Embark Bordeaux, France

Arrive in Bordeaux and transfer from the airport to the riverside city. From the stunning symmetrical architecture of Place de la Bourse to charming side streets brimming with cafés, Bordeaux has no shortage of nooks and crannies to discover. After a morning exploring this riverside city and lunch in town, embark the ship. Settle into life on board as the cruise gets underway on the River Garonne en route to Royan.

Accommodations

National Geographic Explorer

Meals

lunch, dinner

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Day 2
Royan, Cognac & La Rochelle

Today, there’s an option to taste the famous food and drink produced along the banks of two rivers. Along the Charente River in Cognac, sample the region’s best eau de vie, known the world over, and walk cobblestone streets that pre-date the Hundred Years’ War. Alternatively, stay on the coast and visit a tidal oyster farm on the Seudre River. Learn how these delicate mollusks are cultivated, and then after a tutorial, shuck and eat your own oysters. Sail out of the ramparts in La Rochelle as the ship makes her way towards the Brittany coast.

Accommodations

National Geographic Explorer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 3
Brest

Surrounded by water, the Finistère region of Brittany is known for its naval history and natural attractions as well as picturesque ports, lighthouses and sheltered beaches. In the Iroise Marine Park, which covers half of Finistère, pelagic birds and seals thrive in protected waters. Other habitats ranging from dunes to cliffs offer an abundance of biodiversity, trails and cultural heritage. Known as the “force of France” for its military port that has been fortified since the 3rd century, Brest has played a role in many conflicts over the centuries. The imposing castle and Tanguy Tower protect the entrance to the Penfeld River and have many stories to tell.

Accommodations

National Geographic Explorer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 4
Saint-Malo, Dinan & Mont-Saint-Michel

Wake up in charming Saint-Malo and take a walking tour of this fortified city, known for its 12th-century ramparts and 15th-century privateer history. In the afternoon, visit an oyster farm or venture into the heart of Brittany to practice photography in Dinan, known for its half-timbered houses and cobblestone streets. An excursion to the iconic abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel, a UNESCO World Heritage site poised dramatically on a rocky tidal island, is a third option.

Accommodations

National Geographic Explorer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 5
Jersey & Guernsey, Channel Island, England

The Bailiwicks of Jersey and Guernsey may be Crown Dependencies of the United Kingdom, but they have their own unique history, culture and laws. Experience life on the Channel Islands, both past and present with a walk through the Jersey War Tunnels Complex used in World War II; or see a more serene side of the islands, admiring lush botanical gardens and breathing fresh salt air on a cliffside path.

Accommodations

National Geographic Explorer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 6
Penzance

Awake to a view of Land’s End, England’s most westerly point, renowned for its breathtaking panoramic vistas. Part of Cornwall and steeped in legend, this is a region of dramatic cliffs, rocky coves, heather-carpeted moors and ocean as far as the eye can see. Associated with King Arthur and smugglers who inspired Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Pirates of Penzance, its real-life historic sites include remnants of early Christian and Bronze Age settlements and St. Michael’s Mount, a centuries-old island castle still inhabited today. Cornwall shares cultural, natural and industrial heritage with Brittany and is enjoying a cultural renaissance, drawing artists inspired by its coastlines, harbors and quiet garden retreats.

Accommodations

National Geographic Explorer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 7
Tresco, Isles of Scilly

According to Arthurian legend, the Isles of Scilly are all that remain of Lyonnesse, a lost land said to have vanished into the Atlantic. Join a naturalist to explore the flora and fauna of these mythical islands and discover the surprising variety of tropical plants that flourish at the world-class Tresco Abbey Gardens.

Accommodations

National Geographic Explorer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 8
Holyhead, Wales

Arrive in Wales, which has more castles per square mile than any other country in the world, and choose to tour some that are part of the Iron Ring of Castles, built by King Edward. Alternatively, stay on the Isle of Anglesey and walk the Coast Path, designated An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, alongside a member of the local mountain rescue team. Spot falcons, seals and springtime wildflowers along the way. Finally, the Welsh were known for slate mining and the remnants of that era can still be experienced today. Tour the manor house of a slate baron and descend into a former mine to learn about the technical achievements and grueling work of this important contribution to the Industrial Revolution.

Accommodations

National Geographic Explorer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 9
Disembark Dublin, Ireland

After breakfast, disembark and depart to the airport for flights home.

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast

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Details
Inclusions, Terms & Notes

Included

Accommodations; meals indicated; excursions; services of expedition leader, naturalist staff and expert guides; use of kayaks; entrance fees; all port charges and service taxes. Gratuities for all departures of National Geographic Explorer, Orion, Endurance, Resolution, Sea Cloud, Jahan and Lord of the Glens. Complimentary beer & wine on National Geographic Venture, National Geographic Quest, National Geographic Sea Lion, National Geographic Sea Bird, with a complimentary full bar on all other ships (2023); beer, wine & full bar (2024).

Exclusions

Immigration fees; air transportation; extensions; meals not indicated; reserve wines & premium spirits; gratuities for all departures of Delfin II, Endeavour II, Islander II, Venture, Quest, Sea Bird and Sea Lion; personal items such as emails, laundry, voyage DVD, etc.; and insurance of any kind.

Payment & Cancellation

For expeditions departing April 1, 2024 onward:
In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 15% of the total trip cost is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 120 days before the departure date. Special payment terms apply for groups of 8 or more; inquire for details. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person fees, based on number of days prior to departure:
120 or more days – 100% of deposit**
119 to 90 days – 50% of total trip cost
89 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost

**Advance payments will be credited in the form of a Lindblad Expeditions Travel Certificate, valid for 12 months from the date of cancellation, and which may only be applied towards final payment on any future booking.

Terms & Conditions

This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.

Arrival & Departure

The 9-day Navigating The Atlantic Coast: Brittany, Wales & England’s Channel Islands cruise begins in Bordeaux, France (BOD), and ends in Dublin, Ireland (DUB). Group flights are recommended for this cruise and your AdventureSmith Specialist can assist with group flight details. General recommendations are to arrive to Bordeaux anytime on Day 1 of the itinerary. Disembarkation is after breakfast on the final day of the itinerary. Plan to depart Dublin on the final day of the cruise no earlier than 2:00pm. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.

Activities

Whether you are looking for light activity options or more challenging outdoor pursuits, the ship’s crew can tailor most excursions to suit your skill level. Adventure activities may include walking, hiking, inflatable boat/skiff excursions, photography and morning yoga and stretching.

Room Configuration

In addition to listed Solo cabin rates, select double-occupancy cabins may be available for single occupancy with a single supplement fee. If you would like to share accommodations with another guest of the same gender, we will be happy to try to accommodate you in select cabin categories. This program allows you to pay the per person double-occupancy rate whether or not a roommate is found. Contact AdventureSmith for further details and availability.

Families & Children

Children under the age of 18 are eligible for $500 off the double occupancy rate. Skilled staff members trained with National Geographic Education organize activities that inspire curiosity in young people of all ages. Programming for kids may include activities like photo workshops, journaling, scavenger hunts, Zodiac-driving lessons, hands-on nature and science programming and kid-friendly menu options.

Travel Insurance

Protect your travel investment with insurance. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. Coverage for a pre-existing medical condition is also available if you purchase the Travel Select plan within 15 days of the initial trip payment; refer to plan details. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.

Itinerary Notes

Use the itinerary as a guide only. Itineraries may be altered due to weather, wildlife, national park regulation or at the captain’s discretion. The ability to be flexible makes this type of small ship cruising unique.

Rates & Dates

Cruise Rates & Dates

Rates are variable per remaining availability and are subject to change.

May 20 - May 28, 2024
National Geographic Explorer • 9 days
From $10268USD
Per Person
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Accommodation

Learn About the Small Ship on Your Itinerary 

Expedition Ship
National Geographic Explorer

The National Geographic Explorer is a state-of-the-art expedition ship accommodating 148 guests in 81 outside cabins. She is fully stabilized, enabling her to navigate polar passages while providing comfort.

Deals

Current Deals on This Trip

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Offer expires June 30th, 2023
No Single Supplement On Select 2023 & 2024 Expedition Cruises Worldwide

Solo travelers! Take your pick between a variety of 2023 trip departures worldwide and pay no single supplement fee.

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Offer expires June 30th, 2023
Groups Save 5% On National Geographic Expeditions

Save 5% when traveling as a group of 8 or more on National Geographic expeditions in this special deal.

Book with the confidence that comes from experience.

100+ combined years of experience, 7 continents explored, decades of expedition cruising around the world & here to help you find & book your dream trip.

Extend Your Trip

Additional Travel Options Before or After Your Cruise

In conjunction with this cruise, the following pre- or post-cruise options are available for a seamless land-and-sea group travel experience with National Geographic guides and fellow passengers. Contact AdventureSmith Explorations for pricing and further details.

The Bordeaux Pre-Voyage Extension is a 3-day expert-led tour of this global center for wine and gastronomy, with tastings, market visits and restaurants featuring regional specialties. Also visit the medieval village of Saint-Émilion with its underground church and catacombs.

The Dublin Post-Voyage Extension is a 3-day guided tour of the city (from medieval to modern times) and its surrounding rolling, sheep-dotted countryside, plus monastic ruins, beautiful Palladian mansions, St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Dublin Castle.

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On this 7-day Ireland barge cruise aboard 10-guest Shannon Princess, enjoy Irish music, falconry, castles, pubs, the world's oldest licensed whiskey distillery, artisan craft villages and the welcoming people of The Emerald Isle.

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On this 7-day barge cruise in England, explore London, castles, gardens, churches, rural villages and the charming English countryside aboard the intimate and stylish 8-guest Magna Carta, with biking and walking options along the way.

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On this relaxed 7-day barge cruise, meander through the Scottish Highlands, taking in castles, bagpipes, whiskey and rich cultural heritage. The 8-guest Scottish Highlander or 12-guest Spirit of Scotland offer cozy respite, gourmet food and wine, and bikes on board.

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