London is a fascinating city with storied landmarks, iconic attractions, and countless hidden gems. Photographers often want to head toward central London near the Westminster Bridge. With Big Ben and Westminster Palace on one side and the London Eye on the other side of the river, it's the best spot for the ultimate picture of the English capital. Among the lesser-known highlights of London is the British Library, where you may see a scribbled page of Beatles songwriting or a Leonardo da Vinci notebook. There are some stunning illuminated scripts and landmark-scientific items too. If you're looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, head to Hyde Park or Kensington Gardens. ... Read More
Friday - Oct 4, 2024
Day 3
At Sea
Spend the day on the high seas pampering yourself at the spa or enjoying some time on deck. Mingle with your fellow explorers and swap stories of your exploits, making plans for new ones together once you get to shore.
Saturday - Oct 5, 2024
Day 4
Honfleur, France
Arrive: 5:45 am
Depart: 8:00 pm
Located along the southern bank of the Seine River, the charming port city of Honfleur is characterized by its picturesque houses with slate-covered facades, a captivating aesthetic that has been many the subject and inspiration for painters through history. Known as the fashion capital of the world and the City of Light, Paris has gained many monikers throughout its long history. Iconic tourist attractions like the Louvre, Versailles, and the Eiffel Tower make it easy to see how the city has enjoyed such lasting power in the minds of wanderers and locals alike, but its smaller neighborhoods like Montmartre and Le Marais are where everyday life truly shines. While France is world-renowned for its cuisine, Normandy stands out as a foodie destination. Local Camembert, Livarot, and Neufchatel cheeses are delicious enough to entice travelers to stay, but a trip to Normandy is not complete without sampling the tripes a la mode de Caen, a French stew combining tripe with ox feet, vegetables, herbs and spices, cider, and apple brandy. ... Read More
Sunday - Oct 6, 2024
Day 5
Guernsey, United Kingdom
Arrive: 10:00 am
Depart: 8:00 pm
Legend has it that the enchanted land of St. Peter Port was invaded by fairies once upon a time. For proof, head west to the edge of the island to find a mysterious Fairy Ring known as Pleinmont, walk around it three times and make a wish. Aside from local lore, Guernsey is charmed as the second-largest of the Channel Islands, ideally situated in the bay of St. Malo, a mere 30 miles from the coast of France and 80 miles from the coast of England. Speaking of England, while Guernsey is considered part of the British Isles, it is not a part of the United Kingdom, as it constitutionally owes allegiance to the English Crown, but has its own separate legislature. ... Read More
Monday - Oct 7, 2024
Day 6
St Malo, France
Arrive: 9:00 am
Depart: 7:45 pm
With a history dating back to the first century BCE, Saint-Malo, France, has a deep and profound past that has stood the test of time. From the monolithic menhirs and dolmens of the Neolithic era to the Celtic influences and traditions running through its music, festivals, and language, this city holds a fascinating story that every explorer can appreciate. Famous for its remarkable ocean tides, the view of the difference between high and low tide in St. Malo cannot compare. Just outside the city limits are the captivating Rochers Sculptes, sculpted rocks carved by deaf and mute French artist Adolphe Julien Fouere, hugging the cliffs of the Emerald Coast. The city's Brittany heritage runs strong in its local fare and you can indulge in a helping of moules-frites - steamed mussels and chips (fries). ... Read More
Tuesday - Oct 8, 2024
Day 7
At Sea
Spend the day on the high seas pampering yourself at the spa or enjoying some time on deck. Mingle with your fellow explorers and swap stories of your exploits, making plans for new ones together once you get to shore.
There is no region in the world more closely associated with fabulous vineyards than the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bordeaux. Located in the southwest of France, not far from the Bay of Biscay, Bordeaux offers about 60 appellations, 9,000 wine-producing chateaux, and 13,000 grape growers - more than you could possibly try. For an amazing overview of Bordeaux wine, journey up the Castles Route, which runs along the length of the Medoc peninsula. This road passes eight of the most famous chateaux, including Margaux, Pauillac, and Saint-Julien. Not far off lies the mouth of the Gironde estuary, off the coast of Royan and the Grave headland, where you'll catch the first glimpse of the famous Cordouan Lighthouse of Le Verdon-sur-Mer, the oldest working lighthouse in France. ... Read More
Friday - Oct 11, 2024
Day 10
St Jean de Luz, France
Arrive: 10:00 am
Depart: 7:00 pm
While its neighbor on the Basque coast Biarritz usually gets more travelers, the resort town of Saint-Jean-de-Luz holds a charm all its own. Take a stroll along Rue Gambetta with your fellow explorers and come upon the terraces of Louis XIV Square, where local artists are often found capturing the city's enchantment on canvas. Traditional timber Basque houses lined along sandy shores inspire a sense of wonder for the city's rich history. Explore the past further at the 17th-century Church of St. John the Baptist, an exemplary piece of architecture from the time. Find your way to Les Halles, the covered marketplace where you will find local vendors selling fresh produce, fish, meat, and more. Share a culinary adventure with your new friends as you sample local favorites like gateau basque a la cerise (sweet cherry cake), tortilla cakes prepared with ham or mushrooms, Bayonne ham flavored with piment d'Espelette, and many other savory bites. ... Read More
Saturday - Oct 12, 2024
Day 11
Bilbao, Spain
Arrive: 7:00 am
Sunday - Oct 13, 2024
Day 12
Bilbao, Spain
Depart: 11:00 pm
On the northern edge of the Iberian Peninsula lies Bilbao, a city with historical ties to Basque country. Its best-known museum, The Guggenheim, stands as a shining example of some of the most innovative 20th-century design from renowned architect Frank Gehry. Strolling through the central neighborhood, Indautxu, you'll come across the picturesque Dona Casilda Iturrizar Park. This English-style garden, with its enchanting pond, verdant trees, and decorative fountains adds a touch of refinement and romance. From the Arenal Gardens, the gateway to Casco Viejo (the Old Quarter), to Miguel de Unamuno Square, where a statue of the famed writer stands sentinel, Bilbao's everyday life holds an extraordinary magic. ... Read More
Monday - Oct 14, 2024
Day 13
Santander, Spain
Arrive: 8:00 am
Depart: 5:00 pm
Within the historic region of Cantabria lies its capital, Santander, a port that's believed to have been in existence since ancient times, dating as far back as the 11th century. For a glittering first impression, stroll along the famous Paseo de Pereda. Monarchs and fishermen alike both resided in this seaside town once upon a time. That history comes alive at the Magdalena Palace, built between 1908 and 1912 for the Spanish Royal Family. Heading into Puertochico, you come across Santander's Old Town area, the original fishing pier. Although the Great Fire of 1941 destroyed most of it, there's still much to see and experience. ... Read More
Tuesday - Oct 15, 2024
Day 14
Gijon, Spain
Arrive: 7:00 am
Depart: 6:00 pm
From the antiquated architecture at Plaza Mayor to the ruins of Roman baths at Campo Valdes in Cimavilla, there are so many pieces of the past to uncover as you discover Gijon. Located within the Asturias, the heart of Spain's cider production and culture, you can sample the locally crafted beverage here. Along with cider, try the cuisine, abundant in seafood. The Atlantic Botanical Garden has six main collections dedicated to showcasing plant life and the nature of the Atlantic, educating visitors on the importance of conservation. Take the walk up to the Catalina headland to see the intriguing monument, Elogio del Horizonte. ... Read More
A province of Galicia, La Coruna (also known as A Coruna) holds a great deal of history that attracts the intellectual traveler. Home of the Spanish Armada and second-biggest port town in the country, it's a city that invites explorer spirts to rediscover all its lost secrets and hidden gems. About an hour away lies Santiago de Compostela, a beautiful cathedral to which many make a pilgrimage spanning 500 miles across the top of Spain. If you seek the beauty of nature within the splendor of historic architecture, La Coruna offers the Garden of San Carlos and the Gardens of Mendez Nunez with verdant patches of bushes and palm trees sprinkled throughout paved paths amid cultural landmarks. ... Read More
Along the Douro River in the north of Portugal lies Porto, the country's second-largest city. It may be renowned for its port wine - the Ferreira Caves being one such famed cellar and one of the oldest port wine cellars in Portugal - but the city contains so much more for the explorer spirit to discover. Starting in the port of Leixoes, your journey takes you to the Dom Luis I bridge, a direct link to Ribeira, Porto's oldest district. One of Porto's most significant sites, the Livraria Lello, is filled with historical, architectural, and literary importance, containing a world of books that any bibliophile traveler will find exciting. ... Read More
Portugal's capital Lisbon comes alive with a rich history seen in every nook and cranny of the city. From the resting place of famous explorer Vasco da Gama at Jeronimos Monastery to the impressive turrets of Sao Jorge Castle dating all the way back to second century BCE, Lisbon offers a deep dive into the past to satiate the most curious travelers. While Western Europe's oldest city boasts an array of Baroque and Neoclassical architecture, that does not mean it has remained stuck in the past. On the contrary, the colorful culture and vibrant life that runs throughout the city's restaurants, shops, and rooftop bars make it buzz with infectious energy. Taking a tuk tuk through its hard-to-reach passages allows you to experience Lisbon as the locals do. ... Read More
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