Board on L’Austral for a 10-day cruise to the land of rich flavors and discover all the know-how and excellence of Alain Ducasse’s teams during prestigious gala dinners. From the port of Leixões, visit Porto the capital of the northern region of Portugal, a “city of granite”. Explore San Sebastián, the elegant capital of Gipuzkoa province. Also stop in Pauillac for visits and wine tastings at some very beautiful wine estates in the Saint-Estephe, Margaux, and Pauillac appellations. Spend two days in Bordeaux, the wine capital of the world, be captivated by its rich wine-making tradition and have the opportunity to visit the Cité du Vin, the medieval village of Saint-Émilion. Finally, you will call at Belle-Île-en-Mer, before heading to Saint-Malo, a town famous for the legendary Route du Rhum yacht race,
Highlights
View wine and gastronomy, in partnership with Ducasse Paris, and Château Latour
Explore Tower of Belem and the Monastery of the Hieronymites
Visit the Balenciaga Museum in Getaria and the town of Biarritz
Spend time at Bordeaux, capital of the Aquitaine region
Portugal’s capital city located on the banks of the Tagus, only a few kilometers from the Atlantic coast, is a city of exceptionally rich cultural diversity. At the mouth of the river harbor, impose two UNESCO World Heritage monuments, Jeronimos monastery, and Belem tower. The Alfama hillside is also worth visiting: known for its fado bars and its Moorish streets, this district is the oldest one of the city and one of the most typical. Not far from there, Chiado’s elegant streets are home to big fashion labels and are an invitation to a bit of luxury shopping.
Located at the mouth of the Douro River, the port of Leixões lies less than 10 kilometers from Porto. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the historic center of Porto is worth a visit for its famous Ribeira district, the metallic silhouette of the Dom-Luis bridge looming over its ancient houses, its richly decorated Baroque churches, and its national Soares dos Reis museum. The São Bento station is also interesting for its typically Portuguese decoration, using Azulejos, blue square ceramic tiles decorated with geometric patterns or figurative scenes.
During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness center. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
On the Spanish Basque coast, discover Pasaia, a picturesque little town nestling in the hollow of verdant mountains, on the shores of the bay. The town is home to buildings with historical significance, such as the Arizabalo Palace, a baroque-style edifice dating from the 17th century, the Santo Christo de Bonanza Basilica and the house where the French writer Victor Hugo stayed. The coastal footpath offers magnificent views over the sea and goes all the way to San Sebastián. Nicknamed the “Pearl of Cantabria” because of its shell-shaped bay, this renowned seaside resort in the Bay of Biscay combines an idyllic natural setting with the charm of the Belle Époque.
Discover Pauillac, a town in southwestern France located a few kilometers away from Bordeaux, stretching along the Gironde. The undisputed capital of Médoc, Pauillac will open up its magical universe for you, from culture and heritage to vineyards and châteaux. This stop will be a voyage of myriad flavors, particularly during the tasting of the region’s wines, revealing their soft ruby colors and reflections turning amber with time. Enjoy both a sensorial adventure and an adventure into the heart of the town. Don’t miss the visit of Saint Martin’s Church or the mysterious grotto of Artigues, dominated by a statue of the Virgin Mary. As for the Aspic Tower, it is topped with a dome from which the harvesters’ work used to be overseen.
Bordeaux stretches along the banks of the Garonne river, in South-West France. Its rich wine tradition makes it the world's capital of wine. You can uncover this city’s secrets in the Bordeaux Wine and Trade museum as well as in the bars housed in the historical wine cellars of the old city center. Let yourself be carried away by the history of the made a UNESCO World Heritage site for its prestigious classical architecture. On the famous Place de la Bourse, the past and the present unite: here you can observe the majestic old buildings reflected in the contemporary Miroir d’eau creation.
Lying to the South of Brittany, Belle-Île is very aptly named. The largest of the Ponant islands, it owes its glowing reputation to its exceptional environment and generous natural attributes: pristine moors and dunes, headlands and cliffs cut into granite points, rocky inlets, and sheltered bays with sandy or pebble beaches. Aboard your ship, let the wild coastline of Belle-île-en-Mer surprise you, this little speck of land lying on the ocean, sparkling with colors in the morning light.
Day 9-10: Saint Malo | Disembark
2 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
The mere mention of Saint-Malo’s name is enough to plunge us back into the richness of its past. The fortifications stand as testimony to the Malouins’ determination to defend their citadel, fought over by France and Britain in turn. When we drop anchor here, immerse yourself in the diversity of its heritage: the time when privateers sailed the oceans in search of trade and victories; the legendary yacht races the port city is still famous for, such as the Route du Rhum; and the final resting place of the French writer François-René de Chateaubriand, who was born here and chose to be buried here anonymously.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$5,440
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Superior Stateroom
8 cabins, 226 sq ft, located on Le Champollion Deck. A/C, king or twin beds, seating area and private bath.
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Deluxe Stateroom
28 cabins, 200 sq ft with private balcony. A/C, king or twin beds, seating area, private bath.
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Prestige Stateroom - Deck 4
200 sq ft with 43 sq ft private balcony. A/C, king or twin beds, seating area, private bath.
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Prestige Stateroom - Deck 5
200 sq ft with 43 sq ft private balcony. A/C, king or twin beds, seating area, private bath.
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Prestige Stateroom - Deck 6
200 sq ft with 43 sq ft private balcony. A/C, king or twin beds, seating area, private bath.
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Deluxe Suite
3 suites, 290 sq ft with 54 sq ft private balcony, located on the Le France Deck. A/C, king or twin beds, seating area, desk, minibar, private bath.
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Prestige Suite - Deck 5
398 sq ft with 86 sq ft private balcony. A/C, king or twin beds, communicating cabins available. Separate living area, private bath.
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Prestige Suite - Deck 6
398 sq ft with 86 sq ft private balcony. A/C, king or twin beds, communicating cabins available. Separate living area, private bath.
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Owners Suite
484 sq ft with 97 sq ft private balcony. A/C, king or twin beds, communicating cabins available. Separate living, dining areas, private bath with large tub and shower, minibar, 2 flat screen TVs, DVD, CD, and IPOD, Video on demand, Satellite phone
Notes
Please note:
Fares are based on double occupancy and are capacity controlled. Rates may increase at any time as the ship sells out and subject to change without notice.
*Rates are capacity controlled and are subject to change without notice.
In partnership with Ducasse Paris and Château Latour.
Cruise fares are per person and include the following:
All meals while on board the ship
Captain’s welcome cocktail and gala dinner
Gratuities to onboard crew, local guides, and drivers
“Open Bar” (pouring wines, house champagne, alcohol except premium brands...list available upon request)
Evening entertainment and events
24h Room service (special selection)
English speaking lecturer
Water sports activities (except scuba diving) using the ship’s equipment, when permitted by local authorities and confirmed by ship Master according to safety and sea conditions onsite
Highly experienced bilingual (French-English) Expedition team
Park entry fees into protected areas
Free and unlimited Wi-Fi (Internet access may be slower or in some situations interrupted, depending on certain geographic locations or other circumstances beyond our control).
Cruise fares do not include:
Any ground services before and/or after the cruise other than the ones mentioned
Pre or post cruise programs, overland programs or shore excursions mentioned
Visa expenses and/or immigration reciprocity taxes if applicable
Luggage handling
Optional Spa package to be booked prior to your departure
Beverages other than the ones mentioned
Laundry services, hair salon and à la carte Spa treatments
Personal expenses, on board medical consultations and drug prescriptions
Beyond expectations! Then again we weren't sure what to expect. Lovely stay at the lodge, met other like-minded travelers (many had their trips planned by Adventure Life) and the owner was a gracious hostess. It felt like you were one happy family, visiting with a favorite aunt.
