ATLANTIC EUROPE: BETWEEN OCEANS, RIVERS, AND LAND’S ENDS
from
06 May 2024
to
14 May 2024
9
days,
8
nights on board
Lisbon (Portugal) – Honfleur (France)
From
4 380 €
3 280 €*
- Your expedition
- Itinerary
- Activities on board
- Staterooms & Fares
- Your crew
- Extension Tours
- Special Guests
- Gallery
YOUR EXPEDITION
Atlantic Europe, between ocean, rivers, finisterre .... and gastronomy
Finisterre: where the land ends, where the conquest of the horizon begins. A world apart, between the Atlantic and Europe, a world of historic ports and islands shaped by their awareness of being a border.
To complete the flavour of this cruise sailing from estuary to ocean, the pleasures of the table are signed Jean-Yves Guého, a Michelin star Breton chef, experienced in distant travels as well as in the value of French terroirs.
A journey that definitely has the taste of the sea.
Why choose this expedition?
The spirit of the great port cities of Porto and Bordeaux
The subtropical gardens and nature reserves of the Isles of Scilly
A fundamental part of Spanish history: Santiago de Compostela
Whale spotting in the Bay of Biscay
The raw beauty of Brittany and Ireland’s Celtic shores
Itinerary
01
Day 1 Monday 06 May 2024
Lisbon, Portugal
Around us is the Mar da Palha (literally, the “sea of straw”). In this huge bay – said to derive its name from the colour it takes on when the sun sets at the end of the day – the Tagus river meets the Atlantic Ocean. Our plans for this first day? Sailing in complete tranquillity; satisfying our traveller’s curiosity; experiencing sea travel as never before.
Boarding from 4 pm.
02
Day 2 Tuesday 07 May 2024
Porto, Portugal
Today we are in the city that gave its name to the whole country. The country’s “northern capital” truly has the wind in its sails: it is full of energy, the perfect spot for a curious traveller. We visit la Ribeira, a labyrinthic neighbourhood on the Douro’s northern bank, with colourful palaces and churches bursting with gilding and azulejos.
We reach the Dom-Luis I Bridge, whose metal arch has become one of the city’s emblems. Another one of its emblems? Wine! Vila Nova de Gaia, just south of the Douro, is at the very centre of the region’s wine production. There, oak barrels are stacked up high, and wine-making is almost a religion. A must-see for gourmets like us. A cellarmaster will teach us the subtleties of this ambrosia, made in the upper Douro valley.
Day 2
Porto by foot and Rabelo , Portugal
Duration of excursion : 5 hours
Degree of difficulty of the excursion :
Discover Porto, whose historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Portugal’s second city, famous for its wine, is home to exquisite buildings mainly dating back to the 18th century.
Your tour will take you to the famous Dom-Luis bridge, a 400-metre-long iron structure designed by Seyrig, a disciple of Eiffel. From the bridge’s heights, you can take in an unbeatable panoramic view of the Douro and the city. The perfect occasion to snap a few shorts!
The visit will then continue to Porto’s 12th-century cathedral, the Sé, the city’s most famous religious building. The church square offers a stunning view of the town.
As you meander through the narrow streets and the charming buildings of the old town, you’ll make your way down to the Douro. There, you’ll hop on Rabelo boats, typical of the region, which were once used to transport wine.
You’ll sail underneath all six of the city’s bridges, taking in the sites: the river, the bridges, and Vila Nova de Gaia’s wine cellars.
Day 2
Aveleda Vineyards , Porto
Duration of excursion : 4 hours
Degree of difficulty of the excursion :
This visit to the heart of the Vinho Verde wine region is a journey for the senses: here the Loureiro, Fernão Pires, Alvarinho, Arinto and Trajadura grape varieties are grown. Discover Quinta de Aveleda, at an altitude ranging from 200 to 400 metres, with more than 160 hectares of vineyards.
In 2011, Quinta da Aveleda won an international award for best “Architecture, Parks and Gardens”. Its large romantic gardens are stunning: it is filled with century-old trees, a small lake, and dozens of varieties of plants and flowers, not to mention several architectural elements, such as a 16th-century Manueline window. The ivy-covered main house, dating back to the 17th century, and its private chapel can be admired from the outside before you visit the wine-making facilities: an ancient cellar and a bottling centre. A wine tasting to delight the senses will conclude this visit.
Day 2
Porto by electric bike (Not Included) , Portugal
Duration of excursion : 4 hours
Degree of difficulty of the excursion :
Minimum of 8 and maximum of 20 participants
Explore this coastal city with a guide by electric bike.
This bike tour will allow you to take in a huge number of sites: Porto’s famous buildings, churches, and gardens. You’ll ride by the Douro river and see the old neighbourhoods in the historic centre, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A visit by bike gives you the freedom to visit spots that are usually not accessible by foot. It’s the perfect tour for travellers who want to combine cycling with culture.
An exciting experience through the hills and cobblestones of Porto.
03
Day 3 Wednesday 08 May 2024
Portosín – Muros – La Coruña, Spain
We reach an estuary called Ría de Muros y Noya. The surrounding area, made up of Muros’ sweet little houses and Portosín’s white beaches, is idyllic. Exploris One makes a pit stop here, only 40 kilometres away from one of the most important places in Western spirituality: Santiago de Compostela.
For centuries, pilgrims have walked through these narrow streets lined with arcades in search of the Apostle James’ tomb. This land is home to a remarkable heritage, where the Spanish kings of yesteryear’s zeal can still be felt. Just north of the Parque da Alameda, the famous cathedral looks over the city’s roofs. Elegant granite overlooking a sea of red tiles: the view is splendid. The cathedral remains in sight on the horizon for a long time as we make our way to La Coruña. In this famous Galician port, Exploris One awaits, ready to take us to our next destination.
Day 3
Santiago de Compostela (Hike) , Spain
Duration of excursion : Full day
Degree of difficulty of the excursion :
Day trip to Santiago de Compostela, including a 1 hour 30 mins hike.
For centuries, thousands of pilgrims and travellers have decided to walk along the Camino de Santiago, to reach Galicia’s capital and pass the threshold of its cathedral.
After disembarking in Portosín/Muros, you will head towards Santiago de Compostela.
A 5-kilometre hike through trails surrounded by a green forest and lush rivers will lead you to Praza do Obradoiro, the city’s main square. Nearby is the San Jeronimo College and the Hostal dos Reis Católicos, a building originally designed as a hospital for pilgrims during the reign of the Catholic Monarchs in the 15th century. Today, it is one of the city’s most gorgeous hotels, a perfect combination of Renaissance, Gothic and Baroque architecture. The world-famous cathedral is right in the centre of the square. Your tour guides will show you the Holy Door, the tomb of Saint James, and perhaps the most important piece of the cathedral, the Portico of Glory (Pórtico da Gloria), a major work of medieval sculpture, whose lintels were laid in 1188. Please note that visits to the interior of the cathedral are limited during Mass.
After lunch, you’ll visit the Cathedral museum, home to an impressive art collection that will transport you through the history of the pilgrimage. You’ll then head to La Coruña. The historic neighbourhood of the city is made up of Romanesque streets, squares and Medieval churches. Its symbol is the Roman Tower of Hercules, a lighthouse which has been in continuous operation since possibly the 2nd century AD. You’ll then make your way back towards Exploris One, which will be waiting in the bay.
Day 3
Santiago de Compostela (by coach) , Spain
Duration of excursion : Full day
Degree of difficulty of the excursion :
Coach trip to Santiago de Compostela
For centuries, thousands of pilgrims and travellers have walked along the Camino de Santiago with the aim of reaching Galicia’s capital and passing the threshold of its cathedral.
After disembarking in Portosín/Muros, you will head towards Santiago de Compostela.
In Praza do Obradoiro, the city’s main square, you’ll discover San Jeronimo College and the Hostal dos Reis Católicos, a building originally designed as a hospital for pilgrims during the reign of the Catholic Monarchs in the 15th century. Today, it is one of the city’s most gorgeous hotels, a perfect combination of Renaissance, Gothic and Baroque architecture.
The world-famous cathedral is right in the centre of the square. Your guides will show you the Holy Door, the tomb of Saint James, and perhaps the most important piece of the cathedral, the Portico of Glory (Pórtico da Gloria), one of the major works of medieval sculpture, whose lintels were laid in 1188. Visits to the interior of the cathedral are limited during Mass.
After lunch, you’ll visit the Cathedral Museum, home to an impressive art collection that will take you through the history of the pilgrimage. You’ll then head to La Coruña. The city’s historic neighbourhood is made up of Romanesque streets, squares, and Medieval churches. Its symbol is the Roman Tower of Hercules, a lighthouse which was built in the 1st century AD. After your visit, you’ll make your way back to Exploris One which will be waiting in the bay.
Day 3
Cape Finisterre , Spain
Duration of excursion : Full day
Degree of difficulty of the excursion :
Visit Cape Finisterre, the place the Ancient Romans considered to be the end of the known world (hence its name, derived from the Latin finis terrae, “the end of the earth”).
You’ll take a coastal road also known as the “Coast of Death” (due to the many shipwrecks on this part of the Atlantic coast) to travel around this region of Galicia. The waves that break on the coastline and the cliffs are as stunning as they are dangerous. The views here on a clear day are breathtaking, even more so when the skies are stormy and the winds tempestuous.
For some pilgrims, the Cape also represents the conclusion of the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela. Indeed, many of them keep going after they arrive in Santiago until they reach this promontory.
In front of you, there’s nothing but the Atlantic Ocean and one solitary lighthouse, to which we’ll take a brief hike to take in some incredible views.
Next stop: Muxía, a little fishing village which is another one of the final destinations for pilgrims on the Way of St. James, famous for its church Nosa Señora da Barca, built upon the promontory upon which according to tradition the Madonna appeared to the apostle St. James.
After lunch, you’ll head to the windiest spot in Galicia: Cabo Vilano. Its lighthouse, a solitary element of civilisation surrounded by wilderness, is completely isolated and is the perfect height from which to take in the sights of the sea’s relentless waves.
Next, we’re off to La Coruña, where a panoramic tour will lead you to the city’s historic neighbourhood, made up of Romanesque streets, squares and Medieval churches. Its symbol is the Roman Tower of Hercules, a lighthouse built in the 1st century AD. You’ll have a bit of time to relax in the Plaza de María Pita, and then we’ll make our back towards Exploris One, which will be waiting in the bay.
04
Day 4 Thursday 09 May 2024
At sea, Atlantic Ocean
As we leave Galicia, we enter a remarkable portion of the Atlantic: the Bay of Biscay (known in French as the Golfe de Gascogne). More than 20 rivers flow into it, both Spanish and French. Binoculars at the ready: more than 25 species of cetaceans (rorquals, sperm whales, dolphins, whales...) can be spotted here. Exploris One’s outside decks will be the perfect place to observe them.
05
Day 5 Friday 10 May 2024
Bordeaux, France
As we approach the capital of Aquitaine, we embark on a journey at the heart of the Gironde region. This estuary, through which the waters of the Dordogne and Garonne rivers flow, narrows as we near Bordeaux. Exploris One surfs the tidal bore, gliding along the foreshore, sandbanks, nature reserves and islands, some of which are nameless, even though the region has been occupied for a long time.
From the outside decks, we can see the rolling hills where Médoc and Côtes-de-Blaye wines are produced. In the wine cellars and the Cité du Vin de Bordeaux, you will be immersed in the art of wine-making, as you discover different cultivation methods and a very French type of savoir-vivre.
06
Day 6 Saturday 11 May 2024
Groix island, France
Just a few kilometres off the coast of Lorient lies Groix Island, which has two contrasting environments: The western part of the island, which we reach after a pleasant bike ride, is made up of rugged cliffs. The tip of the island on this side, near the lighthouse of Pen-Men, is a nature and bird reserve. The east coast, between Port-Tudy and Locmaria, is made up of sandy beaches and secluded coves.
We’ll go on a hike to the “Grands Sables” beach. Our expert naturalists explain to us the beach’s peculiarities: it is convex in shape, and it shifts often. The roughness of the landscape stands in contrast with the warmth of the islanders, whom we get to know as we encounter fishermen, oyster farmers and café owners... and their local delicacies.
Day 6
Discovering Groix Island , France
Duration of excursion : 4 hours
Degree of difficulty of the excursion :
Discover the charm and authenticity of this little Breton island. Groix Island is a mineral treasure, formed by a rare geological event. 1500 hectares in size, it is home to 17 villages and offers a wide variety of coastal landscapes, both wild and cultivated.
By foot or by bike along coastal bike paths, you’ll explore the island independently, meeting locals from Groix (“groisillons”) along the way. They’ll be sure to delight you with tales of this welcoming island. Groix’s historic sites speak for themselves: ancient washhouses, fountains, megaliths, dolmens, a church, and various chapels.
07
Day 7 Sunday 12 May 2024
Tresco, Isles of Scilly, United Kingdom
In Western Cornwall, there’s a place called Land’s End. However, that’s not the one we’re looking for. Here in the Isles of Scilly, you’ll find the real British “end of the world”. Solitary, facing the ocean, and exposed to the Gulf Stream, these isles host a surprising microclimate. Australian, South African, and Brazilian plants feel right at home in Tresco’s exotic gardens.
Day 7
Discovering Tresco By Foot , Isles Of Scilly
Duration of excursion : 3 hours 30 mins
Degree of difficulty of the excursion :
Welcome to Cornwall, and more specifically to the Isles of Scilly, thought to have inspired the mythical island Avalon in Arthurian legend.
This archipelago constitutes a marine nature reserve. It is also an important pit stop for many species of migrating birds.
You’ll discover Tresco by foot. Its microclimate allows for the development of many exotic species, as well as rare plants endemic to the island: a true garden of Eden.
You’ll then explore Tresco Abbey, which has gardens founded by Augustus Smith with Mediterranean and Caribbean plants and seeds. From the terraces, you’ll have a fantastic view of the gardens and the sea. You’ll then visit the small Valhalla Museum, with its fabulous collection of prows and sculpted ornaments, remnants of shipwrecks found off the coast of the Isles of Scilly in the last two centuries.
08
Day 8 Monday 13 May 2024
09
Day 9 Tuesday 14 May 2024
Dublin, Ireland
Disembarkation in the morning, after breakfast.
Exploris One continues its journey to the Northern Seas. Fancy staying on board?
Activities on board
Guided Hikes
Hikes for all levels will be offered during your expedition. Explore historic landmarks, walk on gorgeous sandy beaches or pack ice. Admire the fauna and flora and take in the spectacular sights.
Photography Workshop
Our photography experts will offer conferences and workshops on board the ship and on dry land so you can get the best out of your camera and capture the most incredible landscapes.
Birdwatching.
Observe the most beautiful species of birds in their natural habitat, alongside renowned ornithologists and wildlife specialists.
Informative lectures
Our experts, scientists, naturalist guides, historians and special guests will offer unique lectures on the fauna, flora, history and biology of the regions we visit
Cultural tours
Take in the culture, history and sights as you discover unforgettable landmarks with our expert guides.
Staterooms & Fares
Select your cabin on board Exploris One
L'Exploris One
The best an expedition cruise has to offer
Exploris One, which sails under the French flag, has been especially designed to navigate the world’s most demanding waters, both in open water and in the polar regions. Equipped with a reinforced hull, it is the ideal ship for exploring glacial regions in a completely safe environment: in fact, it is regarded as a global benchmark in terms of safety.
Thanks to its recent renovations (2018 & 2023), Exploris One is able to offer both adventure and comfort, along with an excellent personalised service, making our expeditions truly unique. It features 60 cabins and 12 suites, among the most spacious available on board any expedition ship today. It boasts a fitness and wellness area, panoramic decks and lounges, as well as outdoor Jacuzzis, so that our passengers may relax in between calls.
The ship is also equipped with twelve Zodiacs©, which allow all of our passengers (depending on weather and sailing conditions) to disembark at the same time, several times a day, on territories which are not usually accessible.
Ice class
Class 1A
Tonnage
6,158 GT
Length
108 meters
Breadth
16 meters
Average speed
12,5 knots
Zodiacs
12
Passenger decks
5 decks
Crew
102
Maximum number of passengers
144 (120 in polar regions)
Flag
French Flag (2023)
Officers
French & International
Classification
Lloyd's Register
Cabine PREMIUM , Au pont 3, à l'avant du navire
Au pont 3
- 14-15 m²
- 2 hublots
- Deux lits séparés ou un lit queen-size
- Coin salon avec bureau
- Penderie avec coffre-fort
- Salle de bain en marbre avec douche
- Mini bar
- Peignoirs et chaussons de bain
- Coiffeuse et sèche-cheveux
- Réveil avec station d’accueil
- Sélection de produits de bain
- Bureau et papier à lettres
- Ligne téléphonique directe par satellite
- Prises 110/220V
- Accès internet WIFI illimité (réception satellite aléatoire en fonction de la navigation et de la latitude)
- TV écran plat, chaînes internationales (aléatoire suivant la zone de navigation) et vidéos à la demande avec contenu interactif
- Room service 24H/24
- Climatisation individuelle
Cabine SUPERIEURE , Au pont 4, à l'avant du navire
Au pont 4
- 16-18 m²
- Fenêtre - Sabord (80cm x 80cm)
- Deux lits séparés ou un lit queen-size
- Coin salon avec bureau
- Penderie avec coffre-fort
- Salle de bain en marbre avec douche
- Mini bar
- Peignoirs et chaussons de bain
- Coiffeuse et sèche-cheveux
- Réveil avec station d’accueil
- Sélection de produits de bain
- Bureau et papier à lettres
- Ligne téléphonique directe par satellite
- Prises 110/220V
- Accès internet WIFI illimité (réception satellite aléatoire en fonction de la navigation et de la latitude)
- TV écran plat, chaînes internationales (aléatoire suivant la zone de navigation) et vidéos à la demande avec contenu interactif
- Room service 24H/24
- Climatisation individuelle
OCEAN Stateroom , Deck 3
On deck 3
- 18 m²
- Window - porthole (80cm x 80cm)
- Two separate beds or one queen size bed
- Lounge area with desk
- Wardrobe with safe
- Marble bathroom with shower
- Mini bar
- Bathrobes and slippers
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Alarm clock with docking station
- Selection of bath products
- Desk and stationery
- Direct satellite telephone line
- 110/220V sockets
- Unlimited WIFI internet access (satellite reception varies depending on navigation and latitude)
- Flat screen TV, international channels (availability varies depending on navigation area) and on-demand videos with interactive content
- 24-hour room service
- Private air conditioning
DELUXE Stateroom , Deck 4
On deck 4
- 18 m²
- Large window - porthole (120cm x 110cm)
- Two separate beds or one queen size bed
- Lounge area with desk
- Wardrobe with safe
- Marble bathroom with shower
- Mini bar
- Bathrobes and slippers
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Alarm clock with docking station
- Selection of bath products
- Desk and stationery
- Direct satellite telephone line
- 110/220V sockets
- Unlimited WIFI internet access (satellite reception varies depending on navigation and latitude)
- Flat screen TV, international channels (availability varies depending on navigation area) and on-demand videos with interactive content
- 24-hour room service
- Private air conditioning
BALCONY Stateroom , Deck 5
On deck 5
- From 19 to 20 m², including a 1.5 m² French-style balcony
- Sliding panoramic bay window
- Two separate beds or one queen size bed
- Lounge area with desk
- Wardrobe with safe
- Marble bathroom with shower
- Mini bar
- Bathrobes and slippers
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Alarm clock with docking station
- Selection of bath products
- Desk and stationery
- Direct satellite telephone line
- 110/220V sockets
- Unlimited WIFI internet access (satellite reception varies depending on navigation and latitude)
- Flat screen TV, international channels (availability varies depending on navigation area) and on-demand videos with interactive content
- 24-hour room service
- Private air conditioning
NAVIGATOR Suite , Deck 7
On deck 7
- 37 m², including 1 large 8 m² balcony
- Sliding panoramic bay window
- Two separate beds or one queen size bed
- Lounge area with desk
- Wardrobe with safe
- Marble bathroom with bath and separate shower
- Nespresso coffee machine
- Butler service
- Mini bar
- Bathrobes and slippers
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Alarm clock with docking station
- Selection of bath products
- Desk and stationery
- Direct satellite telephone line
- 110/220V outlets
- Unlimited Premium WIFI internet access (satellite reception varies depending on navigation and latitude)
- Flat screen TV, international channels (availability varies depending on navigation area) and on-demand videos with interactive content
- 24-hour room service
- Private air conditioning
DISCOVERY Suite , Deck 5
On deck 5
- 39 m² including two french balconies (1,5 m² each)
- Two Sliding panoramic bay windows
- Two separate beds or one queen size bed
- Living room with sitting area equipped with a sofa bed
- Dressing room with safe
- Marble bathroom with bath and separate shower
- Coffee machine
- Mini bar
- Bathrobes and slippers
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Alarm clock with docking station
- Selection of bath products
- Desk and stationery
- Direct satellite telephone line
- 110/220V outlets
- Unlimited Premium WIFI internet access (satellite reception varies depending on navigation and latitude)
- Flat screen TV, international channels (availability varies depending on navigation area) and on-demand videos with interactive content
- 24-hour room service
- Private air conditioning
GRAND Suite , Deck 7
On deck 7
- 57 m² including a large 8m² private balcony
- Sliding panoramic bay window
- Two separate beds or one queen size bed
- Living room with sitting area equipped with a sofa bed
- Dressing room with safe
- Marble bathroom with bath and separate shower
- Nespresso coffee machine
- Butler service
- Mini bar
- Bathrobes and slippers
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Alarm clock with docking station
- Selection of bath products
- Desk and stationery
- Direct satellite telephone line
- 110/220V outlets
- Unlimited Premium WIFI internet access (satellite reception varies depending on navigation and latitude)
- Flat screen TV, international channels (availability varies depending on navigation area) and on-demand videos with interactive content
- 24-hour room service
- Private air conditioning
SHIPOWNER'S Suite , Deck 7
On deck 7
- 67 m² including a large 15m² private terrace
- Two sliding panoramic bay windows
- Two separate beds or one queen size bed
- Living room with large lounge equipped with a sofa bed
- Large dressing room with safe
- Marble bathroom with bath and separate shower
- Nespresso coffee machine
- Butler service
- Mini bar
- Bathrobes and slippers
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Alarm clock with docking station
- Selection of bath products
- Desk and stationery
- Direct satellite telephone line
- 110/220V outlets
- Unlimited Premium WIFI internet access (satellite reception varies depending on navigation and latitude)
- Flat screen TV, international channels (availability varies depending on navigation area) and on-demand videos with interactive content
- 24-hour room service
- Private air conditioning
* This price is per person based on double occupancy, including our “Discovery Offer -25%” - Limited time offer.
Gallery
