2022-11-02
2025-01-01
from$ 14150 AUD
Note: Current p/p indicative rate. Final price may change due to currency fluctuations.
Ship
National Geographic Resolution
National Geographic Resolution
City
Bordeaux to Dublin
Bordeaux to Dublin
Special Offers
2022-11-02
2025-01-01
Overview
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.
Departures
Note: Current p/p indicative rate. Final price may change due to currency fluctuations.
Cruise Itinerary
Arrive in Bordeaux. 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 National Geographic Resolution. Settle into life on board as we get underway on the River Garonne en route to Royan. (L,D)
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, you can shuck and eat your own oysters. Sail out of the ramparts in La Rochelle as we make our way towards the Brittany coast. (B,L,D)
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. (B,L,D)
Wake up in charming Saint-Malo and take a walking tour of this fortified city, known for its 12thcentury ramparts and 15th-century privateer history. In the afternoon, visit an oyster farm or venture into the heart of Brittany to practice your photography skills in Dinan, known for its halftimbered houses and cobblestone streets. An excursion to the iconic abbey of Mont-SaintMichel, a UNESCO World Heritage site poised dramatically on a rocky tidal island, is a third option. (B,L,D)
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. (B,L,D)
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. (B,L,D)
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. (B,L,D)
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. (B,L,D)
After breakfast, disembark and depart to the airport for flights home.
Itineraries are subject to change.
National Geographic Resolution
Vessel Type: Expedition Ship Passenger Capacity: 126 Built: 2020 A next-generation expedition ship, purpose-built for polar navigation. National Geographic Resolution is a next-generation expedition ship, purpose-built for polar navigation. A twin to National Geographic Endurance, she is a fully stabilized, highly strengthened, ice-class Polar Class 5 (PC5) vessel, it is designed to navigate polar passages year-round, and safely explore uncharted waters, while providing exceptional comfort. Its patented X-BOW® is key to its design; its powerful wave-slicing action provides an extremely smooth ride in even adverse conditions, and even reduces spray on deck, for superior observation. She carries a full suite of expedition tools and offers a variety of experience-enhancing amenities. The luxury of comfort on expedition. National Geographic Resolution comfortably accommodates 126 guests in 69 outside-facing cabins. Cabins are efficiently designed, with sizes range from the 140-square-foot solo cabin to the 430-square-foot category 7 suite. Fifty-three of the 69 cabins, including all 12 of the solo cabins, will feature small balconies with floor-to-ceiling sliding doors that bring in the spectacular views and ample natural light. Comfort & convenience in every room. Every cabin has two portholes, a large window or balcony, and temperature controls. Bathrooms are modern and stocked with botanically inspired hair products, soap, and shower gel, plus a hairdryer. Cabins are equipped with expedition command centers with tablets and USB/mobile device docking, TVs, Wi-Fi connections, and hair dryers. Dining. Food served aboard is fresh, local, and delicious, and sourced from suppliers who share our values of sustainable use whenever possible. Meals aboard are almost always served in the dining room, located aft of the lounge deck. When weather conditions allow, lighter fare may be served on the observation deck. There is no assigned seating and our dining room accommodates the entire expedition community in a single seating. During meals your expedition leader, naturalists, and any guest speakers aboard will join you. Public Areas: Two restaurants, a Chef’s Table for small group dining, Observation Lounge with bar, gym, Wellness area, infinity-style outdoor hot tubs, library, main lounge with full service bar, 24-hour beverage, state-of-the-art facilities for films, slideshows and presentations, and a photo workshop area; plus, an expedition base with lockers for expedition gear, and an “open bridge” for access to our captain, officers and the art of navigation. Meals: Two restaurants, featuring local, sustainable choices and unassigned seating for flexible, inclusive dining; plus a Chef’s table for intimate, small group dining. Main restaurant has 270º views, and the Observation deck restaurant features lighter, made-to-order fare. Special Features: A full-time doctor, undersea specialist, National Geographic photographer, Lindblad-National Geographic certified photo instructor and video chronicler, an internet cafe and laundry. Wellness: The vessel is staffed by our wellness specialists and features a glass-enclosed yoga studio, gym, treatment rooms and spa relax area, and high- and low-heat saunas with ocean views. Expedition Landing Craft. Key to our operation is our fleet of expedition landing craft, which we use to land in places that would otherwise be inaccessible. With 14 of these boats and two loading stations used every time we disembark, we’re able to transfer guests off the ship quickly, so you can be out on adventures, not idly waiting. The expedition landing craft we use are 19 feet long, powered by four-stroke outboard engines, and are capable of comfortably carrying 10-12 people. They are widely recognized as the safest and most versatile small boats afloat. Remotely Operated Vehicle. Capable of reaching 1,000 feet, far beyond the range of any Scuba diver, the ROV allows you to literally view parts of the undersea that are as unexplored as the moon. Chances are you, like many of our guests, will be struck by how surprisingly colorful undersea life is in these unlikely places. And this glimpse may fundamentally change how you view the ocean. Kayaks. National Geographic Resolution will be equipped with a fleet of kayaks large enough to ensure everyone who wants to can paddle at every opportunity. Consequently, prior kayaking experience isn’t necessary—many of our guests have their first kayaking experience in extraordinary locations. Our custom-designed floating platform lets us deploy kayaks from the ship, or any location we want—including far from shore. Kayakers are usually free to explore where they want within boundaries set by the undersea specialist and officer of the watch. Underwater camera. Our undersea specialist will dive often during your expedition, even in polar regions, with cold-water gear, to shoot high-definition, Cousteau-like footage of the deep. Colorful nudibranchs, swimming, plant-like crinoids, and mysterious fish with antifreeze blood that thrive in the frigid sea will give you an entirely new appreciation of the marine environment. Video microscope. Naturalists will use the video microscope to help explain all elements of the environment, including tiny organisms that are the building block of the marine ecosystem. Spellbinding live views of krill at 80x magnification fills the high-definition screens in the lounge with vivid detail, and fills every onlooker with a sense of wonder at the importance of otherwise unobservable creatures. Hydrophone. This underwater microphone is deployed to listen to the vocalizations of marine mammals. Real time transmissions of their eerie, haunting sounds can be broadcast through the ship or recorded for later playback. Few experiences in nature are as captivating as watching humpback whales feed close to the ship as their vocalizations play through the ship’s PA system. Electronic charts. An electronic chart showing the ship’s location, course, and speed is almost always on display in the lounge. Open bridge. You’ll find our captains are engaged, knowledgeable members of your expedition who are eager to share their passion with you. National Geographic Resolution's open bridge features comfortable spaces to sit, enjoy the view, drink your morning coffee, or simply chat with the officers. Snorkeling gear & wetsuits. On warm weather itineraries where there will be snorkeling, you’ll select a mask, snorkel, fins, and wetsuit that remain yours for the duration of the expedition. There’s no need to pack and tote your own gear, although guests who prefer to are welcome to bring their own.
Highlights
• 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.
Map
