Nantes - Vannes - Quiberon - Carnac - Auray - Vannes - NANTES - SAINT-NAZAIRE - NANTES - ANCENIS - CHALONNES-SUR-LOIRE - The Châteaux of the Loire Valley - ANCENIS - NANTES
Begin your vacation with an exclusive three-day trip through Brittany, a proud French region with a more-than-thousand-year-old heritage that has spread its influence across the area. From the prehistoric megaliths in Carnac to the wave-beaten coasts of the Quiberon Peninsula, set off on a journey through a stunning region shaped by humans and nature alike. Top off your Breton experience with breakfast in a local crêperie and a visit to Auray, a charming village on the Gulf of Morbihan. Then climb aboard for a cruise on the Loire, the royal river with legendary scenery.
Highlights
ALL EXCURSIONS INCLUDED
THE MUSTS:
THE CROISIEUROPE DIFFERENCE
Our coach will pick you up at the Nantes train station at 3 p.m. or the Nantes Atlantique Airport at 3:30 p.m. to begin the trip through Brittany. We'll arrive in Vannes at the end of the afternoon, where you'll check into the four-star hotel*
for dinner and the night.*
Breakfast will be served at the hotel.
Included excursion in the morning: The wild coastline of Quiberon. This panoramic tour introduces you to the Quiberon Peninsula by taking you along spectacular coastal roads dotted with quaint seaside towns and sweeping ocean views to the tip of the peninsula, known as Conguel Point. You'll discover the city of Quiberon and pass in front of the first French thalassotherapy center created by Louison Bobet in 1964.
Enjoy lunch in Quiberon.
In the afternoon, join us for an included guided tour of the prehistoric ruins in Carnac. The beautiful seaside city of Carnac is home to several fields of prehistoric stone alignments containing over 3,000 megaliths. The area is one of the world's most important standing stone concentrations, erected between 7,000 and 5,000 years ago. Your guide will explain all the theories surrounding this mystery, and you'll be able to visit the alignments up close.
Before we return to the hotel, enjoy some free time in Auray. Explore the Saint-Goustan fishing port in this charming, typically Breton village.
We'll return to Vannes for dinner and the night.
Breakfast will be served at the hotel.
This morning, the included excursion is a guided tour of Vannes. Discover the medieval city of Vannes and its fortifications during an urban stroll. Our tour guide will recount the city's history within the confines of the old city walls. This is a great way to learn about the beautiful medieval and Renaissance-style architecture. Your tour will bring you to the Jardin des Remparts, ancient washhouses, Poterne Gate, and Connétable Tower. Step back in time while sauntering through the narrow streets lined with half-timbered homes.
We'll enjoy lunch in an authentic crêperie. Buckwheat crepes are part of the region's deep heritage. Take part in a genuine cultural experience with a crepe and a bowl of hard cider.
After our visit, we'll leave by coach for Nantes,
where you'll board our ship at 6 p.m. After comfortably settling into your cabins, we'll introduce our crew at a welcome cocktail. Our ship will begin to cruise towards Saint-Nazaire.
This morning, join us for the CLASSIC / DISCOVERY excursion: tour of Saint Nazaire, a town on the sea. We'll visit Escal'Atlantic, a museum that explores the historic ocean liner experience, and the Saint-Nazaire shipyard, one of the largest shipyards in Europe (this excursion must be booked in advance through your travel agency. Each passenger will be asked to produce a valid passport in order to gain access to the shipyard).
In the evening, join us on a CLASSIC / DISCOVERY excursion: we'll board a local boat for a cruise on the Erdre River, one of the most beautiful in France.
This morning, join us for the excursions proposed :
- CLASSIC : Guided tour of Nantes and the Castle of the Dukes of Brittany.
- DISCOVERY: Nantes, the Machines de l'Île(2), secret courtyards and covered passageways.
This afternoon, join us for the excursions proposed :
- CLASSIC : The Muscadet Wine Route and Clisson, a charming medieval town.
- DISCOVERY: Helicopter ride(1), the Loire from above (this excursion must be booked in advance through your travel agency).
We'll cruise towards Chalonnes-sur-Loire. Join us for the excursions proposed:
- CLASSIC: Guided tour of Angers, its historic districts and the famous Apocalypse tapestry(4).
- DISCOVERY: Tour of Brissac castle(3) and its cellars complete with a wine-tasting session.
Enjoy an evening of entertainment.
Join us on a offered full-day excursion to discover the Castles of the Loire Valley. We'll return on board in Ancenis. Tonight's our gala dinner and evening. Our ship will start sailing towards Nantes.
Enjoy one last buffet breakfast before disembarking at 10:00 a.m. End of our services.
The cruise schedule may vary according to tides and arrival times at ports of call may be subject to change. For the safety of our passengers, the captain and crew of the boat may decide to modify the navigational itinerary.
(1) Subject to availability and favorable weather conditions.
(2) The Machines de l'Île are closed on Mondays, it will be replaced by the classic excursion.
(3) The Brissac castle is closed on Tuesdays, it will be replaced by the Serrant Castle.
(4) Site closed on January 1st, May 1st, November 1st and 11th, and December 25th.
Alcohol can be harmful to your health. Please drink in moderation.