French Wine Country to Iceland

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 châteaux 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 Médoc peninsula. This road passes eight of the most famous châteaux, 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.

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 châteaux 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 Médoc peninsula. This road passes eight of the most famous châteaux, 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.

Spend a leisurely day 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.

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 Fouéré, 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).

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 Fouéré, 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).

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.

Best known as the residence of William the Conqueror and Queen Matilda, there’s an air of royal presence throughout the charming port of Caen. Located in the heart of Normandy, this French commune holds a deep and rich history waiting for you to explore. The grand twin abbeys and Caen Castle, both remnants of William the Conqueror’s rule, inspire a sense of awe with ornate constructions. From this port, history buffs can visit the D-Day Landing Beaches, now inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as the Beaches of the D-Day Landings, Normandy, 1944, with a stop at the Mémorial de Caen offering further insight into this pivotal chapter of history. While taking in captivating views of Normandy, sip on a traditional Cambremer cider, a crisp and refreshing drink renowned since the times of King Henry IV, with new friends. For a true taste of Caen, stop in at a local restaurant with your fellow explorers and try the tripes à la mode, a French stew combining tripe with ox feet, vegetables, herbs and spices, cider and apple brandy.

Best known as the residence of William the Conqueror and Queen Matilda, there’s an air of royal presence throughout the charming port of Caen. Located in the heart of Normandy, this French commune holds a deep and rich history waiting for you to explore. The grand twin abbeys and Caen Castle, both remnants of William the Conqueror’s rule, inspire a sense of awe with ornate constructions. From this port, history buffs can visit the D-Day Landing Beaches, now inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as the Beaches of the D-Day Landings, Normandy, 1944, with a stop at the Mémorial de Caen offering further insight into this pivotal chapter of history. While taking in captivating views of Normandy, sip on a traditional Cambremer cider, a crisp and refreshing drink renowned since the times of King Henry IV, with new friends. For a true taste of Caen, stop in at a local restaurant with your fellow explorers and try the tripes à la mode, a French stew combining tripe with ox feet, vegetables, herbs and spices, cider and apple brandy.

Best known as the residence of William the Conqueror and Queen Matilda, there’s an air of royal presence throughout the charming port of Caen. Located in the heart of Normandy, this French commune holds a deep and rich history waiting for you to explore. The grand twin abbeys and Caen Castle, both remnants of William the Conqueror’s rule, inspire a sense of awe with ornate constructions. From this port, history buffs can visit the D-Day Landing Beaches, now inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as the Beaches of the D-Day Landings, Normandy, 1944, with a stop at the Mémorial de Caen offering further insight into this pivotal chapter of history. While taking in captivating views of Normandy, sip on a traditional Cambremer cider, a crisp and refreshing drink renowned since the times of King Henry IV, with new friends. For a true taste of Caen, stop in at a local restaurant with your fellow explorers and try the tripes à la mode, a French stew combining tripe with ox feet, vegetables, herbs and spices, cider and apple brandy.

Located along the southern bank of the Seine River, the charming port city of Honfleur is characterized by picturesque houses with slate-covered facades, a captivating aesthetic that has inspired painters throughout history. Normandy is also renowned for its culinary traditions, from Camembert, Livarot and Neufchâtel cheeses to the region’s famous cider and apple brandy. A visit to Normandy offers the opportunity to explore the D-Day Landing Beaches, now inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as the Beaches of the D-Day Landings, Normandy, 1944. From Honfleur, you could also choose to make a trek to the City of Lights, Paris, the fashion capital of the world. Iconic attractions like the Louvre, Versailles and the Eiffel Tower make it easy to see the city’s lasting power, while smaller neighborhoods like Montmartre and Le Marais reveal the character of everyday Parisian life.

Located along the southern bank of the Seine River, the charming port city of Honfleur is characterized by picturesque houses with slate-covered facades, a captivating aesthetic that has inspired painters throughout history. Normandy is also renowned for its culinary traditions, from Camembert, Livarot and Neufchâtel cheeses to the region’s famous cider and apple brandy. A visit to Normandy offers the opportunity to explore the D-Day Landing Beaches, now inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as the Beaches of the D-Day Landings, Normandy, 1944. From Honfleur, you could also choose to make a trek to the City of Lights, Paris, the fashion capital of the world. Iconic attractions like the Louvre, Versailles and the Eiffel Tower make it easy to see the city’s lasting power, while smaller neighborhoods like Montmartre and Le Marais reveal the character of everyday Parisian life.

Guarding the windswept shores of the Opal Coast, Boulogne-sur-Mer serves as France’s premier fishing port and a historic gateway to maritime discovery. Ascend from the waterfront to the fortified upper town, where formidable medieval walls encircle cobblestone streets, the striking Basilica of Notre-Dame, and its expansive, labyrinthine crypt. Down by the bustling harbor, savor the daily catch at a local seafood bistro before exploring the Nausicaá National Sea Centre, a vast marine sanctuary celebrating the ocean’s intricate ecosystems. Beyond the city limits, the dramatic chalk cliffs of Cap Gris-Nez and Cap Blanc-Nez invite leisurely walks along pristine beaches, rewarding you with far-reaching vistas across the English Channel. This coastal gem of northern France offers the perfect blend of medieval heritage and rugged seaside beauty.