Culture, History, and Hiking in Northern France

Normandy and Brittany

France

10 Days

From $6,995

Level 3

Moderate

Overview

    Book Online Download Itinerary

    Call 1-800-368-2794 or contact us for any questions

    Overview

    With dramatic coastlines, medieval towns, and renowned cuisines, Normandy and Brittany are just right for a WT-style hiking adventure. We visit Normandy’s evocative D-Day beaches with a local historian, walk across tidal flats right to the stupendous island-abbey of Mont Saint-Michel, and savor coastal hikes on Brittany’s ravishingly beautiful Côte de Granit Rose, where pink cliffs soar above the deep blue—and sometimes wild—sea. Culinary treats abound, including cider fresh from the orchards, sweet crêpes, savory galettes, and a bounty of local seafood, from moules marinières to scampi (Brittany’s oysters are so beloved that Louis XIV had them brought to him at Versailles). If you love hiking, history, and great food, this is your trip!

    Arrive: Caen, France

    Depart: Guingamp, France

    Highlights

    • Visit the evocative D-Day sites of Pointe du Hoc and Omaha Beach with a historian
    • Hike to spire-topped Mont Saint-Michel, France's famous island-abbey
    • Explore Brittany's most spectacular coastal trails
    • Savor fresh seafood, famous oysters, legendary cheeses, crisp ciders and ales of Normandy and Brittany along with classic French wines

    Overview

      Book Online Download Itinerary

      Call 1-800-368-2794 or contact us for any questions

      Itinerary

      Download Itinerary Expand All Days
      In Bayeux, we enjoy a walking tour of this perfectly preserved medieval town, then head to Pointe du Hoc, the high cliffs between Utah Beach and Omaha Beach. We’ll walk this evocative trail, joined by a historian, and visit the American war cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer, with its neat rows of crosses on tranquil clifftop lawns.
      The spire-topped abbey of Mont Saint-Michel is one of the most famous silhouettes in Europe. We hike along Mont Saint-Michel Bay for stunning views of the abbey, a pilgrimage site since the 8th century. The next day, we enjoy a special treat: a walk across the sands right to this renowned sanctuary, crossing the bay at low tide to ascend the island’s single street past gabled houses to the abbey itself.
      The harbor village of Cancale on the Cote d’Emeraude is home to probably the tastiest oysters in Brittany and we’ll sample some along the docks. After a visit to the charming port of Saint Malo, we enjoy a hike along the banks of the River Rance as it flows past 13th century Dinan, one of the best preserved medieval towns in Brittany.
      Pink-tinted crags line this exquisite section of Brittany’s coast, known as the Côte de Granit Rose. Our hikes follow coastal trails leading to a revered pilgrimage site, and we’ll see the Castel Meur, the famed stone house wedged between rock outcrops. We explore medieval Tréguier, savor plates of delicious fruits de mer, and enjoy our historic seaside hotel in the village of Ploumanac’h. Depart on Day 10 via Guingamp.

      Dates & Pricing

      Pricing below is per person and based on double occupancy. The earlier you book, the more choice you’ll have. WT also has the most generous cancellation and transfer policies in the industry, we make it easy if you change your mind. Have a small group of your own? Take over an existing date or choose your own. You’ll have your own private guide–and the adventure–all to yourselves!

      Payment & Cancel Schedule

      At time of reservation: $600
      90 days prior to departure: Balance

      Cancellation & Transfer Schedule

      Up to 91 days prior to departure: No Charge!
      61-90 days prior to departure: 25% of trip cost
      46-60 days prior to departure: 50% of trip cost
      45 days or less: 100% of trip cost

      Included
      • Expert leadership of a Wilderness Travel Trip Leader and local guides
      • Accommodations in charming hotels and coastal inns
      • All meals included except 1 lunch and 2 dinners as indicated in Detailed Itinerary
      • A glass of wine or beer with dinner
      • All ground transportation and baggage handling from meeting until departure
      • All activities as indicated in Detailed Itinerary
      Not Included
      • Travel to and from the arrival and departure location as indicated in Detailed Itinerary
      • Additional hotel nights outside the trip's scheduled dates
      • Optional gratuities to Trip Leaders or staff
      • Optional travel insurance
      • Other expenses of a personal nature (some alcoholic beverages, laundry, etc.)

      Accommodations

      Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.

      Hotel Le Lion d'Or

      Bayeux, France

      Days 1-2 (2 nights)

      This cozy, 34-room hotel is a former 18th century coaching inn. Well-appointed guest rooms are simple, but modern and comfortable. And don't miss out on a visit to the bar—it offers a cozy warm atmosphere and has entertained luminaries from the past (De Gaulle and Eisenhower) to modern-day stars including Steven Spielberg...

      Manoir de la Roche Torin

      Courtils, France

      Days 3-4 (2 nights)

      This historic 15-room stone manor house has a great location in the bay of St. Michel. It is a family-run hotel of character with a terrace bar and a restaurant with views over the countryside.

      Hotel de la Porte Saint-Malo

      Dinan, France

      Days 5-6 (2 nights)

      Classic old world charm meets modern comfort at this charming 18-room hotel, located in the historic center of Dinan, considered the medieval jewel of Brittany. With its stone walls, exposed wood beams, and a granite fireplace, it offers a unique atmosphere and a quiet place to unwind after a day...

      Castel Beau Site

      Perros Guirec, France

      Days 7-9 (3 nights)

      Set on the shores of Brittany's famous Côte de Granit Rose "Pink Granite Coast," the Castel Beau Site is a contemporary seaside retreat. The hotel restaurant serves traditional cuisine with local ingredients, and the bar has a lounge area and terrace where you can order oysters or a French charcuterie...

      Trip Leaders

      Wilderness Travel Trip Leaders have a passion and a joy for creating an unforgettable journey. We are extremely proud of them and the incredible travel experiences they make possible. For more information, including client comments about them and which specific trips they will be leading, please click on their profiles below.

      Gill Browder

      View Profile

      Annie Hawkins

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      Stephan Renard

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      Magali Calcagno

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      Irene De Benedictis

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      What the Trip is Like

      This trip is rated Level 3, Moderate, according to our trip grading system. While we do not see major elevation gain or loss, you will need to be comfortable hiking 7 miles a day and being on your feet for up to 6 hours a day. Trail conditions, weather, and the group's level of fitness can affect hiking times and pacing.

      Average Hiking Day
      • 5 miles
      • 4 hours
      • 400-750 feet gain/loss
      Challenge Day
      • Day 7: 6.5 miles, 4-5 hours
      Review Trip Level Details
      The trails are a mixture of flat walks through historic towns and hilly coastal tracks, which have rocky steps and uneven surfaces that may become muddy and unstable in bad weather. Depending on tides, we will likely hike through the tidal flats to Mont St. Michel on Day 4, so be prepared to get a little muddy from your knees down—most people will carry their shoes in their packs and hike this portion barefoot, but Teva-type shoes could be considered as well.
      In the maritime climate of Normandy and Brittany, temperatures are moderated by the Atlantic so it is never extremely hot or extremely cold. Temperatures may reach the mid-70s°F during the day, with cool breezes, occasional showers, and the potential for strong winds. At night, the temperature will drop moderately. The weather is variable so be prepared for anything: it can be cool and pleasant, hot and muggy, or damp and chilly.
      Accommodations are in small hotels and inns. In an effort to capture the spirit of old Europe, the hotels we use are often family-run converted villas or inns, full of ambience and colorful local history. Since they are often in historic buildings, the rooms are not always of uniform or international size. Our leaders do their best to assign rooms in a fair way so that all participants experience an equal advantage throughout the trip as a whole. Single rooms can be requested but are not always available, due to the limited space in the hotels. If you prefer a single room, please make your request as early as possible.
      On some days, we enjoy picnic lunches with local wine and regional specialties. On “town” days, we often have lunch at local cafes. Dinners are at our hotel or local restaurants. Please note that in Europe, the dinner hour is considerably later than what it is in the US. We do our best to secure early reservations for our groups, but most often the evening meal will be at 7:30 pm.
      Our bus will transport the group's luggage, so you only need to carry a daypack for items you need during the day (rain gear, sweater, camera, water bottle, etc.). Trip members are always free to skip a day's hike and travel to the next destination in the support vehicle (or remain at the hotel if we are not transfering that day).

      Client Testimonials

      "The trip of a lifetime, with leaders who were beyond outstanding."

      Bix W.

      Pebble Beach, CA

      "Very high standards in every respect, from the office, to the itinerary, food and accommodation and trip leaders. We met a couple in our hotel in Dinan on a holiday with another travel company who were most unhappy with their tour, and we felt very pleased that we had booked again with Wilderness Travel, and not one of the other tour groups."

      Eleanor B.

      Sydney NSW 2134,

      "I found the trip a wonderful combination of history, pre-history, beautiful coastal scenery, and divine food!"

      Jane S.

      Albuquerque, NM

      "Many highlights come to mind: our sand and sea pilgrimage to Mont St-Michel, delightful walks with gorgeous scenery and powerful history. Culture and hiking interwoven with non-stop fabulous French cuisine!"

      Jo L.

      Santa Barbara, CA

      "We had a lot of fun, visited many interesting sites, and the most unusual pilgrim walk across the bay to Mont Saint Michel was unforgettable."

      Kathy C.

      Houston, TX

      "I loved the scenery, the deep history, the emotional Normandy beach hikes and cemetery visit, the Mont St. Michel pilgrimage, the super care, conversation and humor of our guides (truly extraordinary men), the great French food and seafood, the wonderful sharing with fellow hikers, and the great hikes of varying flavors and terrain."

      Marilyn K.

      Pittsburgh, PA

      "An outstanding trip with a well thought out itinerary."

      Mary M.

      Stillwater, MN

      "Our stay on Mont Saint Michel was a highlight as was the four-mile walk to it across the sands. It was great, great fun! It felt like we were doing our own little pilgrimage."

      Nancy P.

      Newton Upper Falls, MA

      "What a fabulous exploration do a beautiful area! Even the weather was perfect!"

      Rose C.

      Charlottesville, VA

      "I can't imagine having better guides. We loved our trip, smiled and laughed a lot, and ate great food (I really hadn't expected it to be so good--from picnic lunches to leisurely restaurant lunches and dinners, and extra seafood and pastry "snacks"). The hikes and historical tours were all terrific."

      Susan and Doug M.

      Macon, GA

      "Loved it all: scenery, points of interest, local guides, relaxing meals, good company, walking, comfortable transportation, and terrific WT guides. Just a nice trip all around."

      Susan F.

      Greenwich, CT

      "The highlight of this trip for me was the barefoot walk to Mont St. Michel. It's not to be missed!"

      Thelma A.

      Morristown, NJ

      "An excellent trip with a nice balance of hiking, history and cuisine."

      Tom N.

      Upper St Clair, PA

      Book your trip today

      Our Area Specialists know every detail about our tours. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!

      Itinerary

      Submit the form below to download itinerary

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      Trip Levels

      With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult.

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After lunch in the Old Town, we enjoy a walking tour, including a visit to Bayeux&rsquo;s magnificent Romanesque cathedral. This evening we gather for a Welcome Dinner.<div><br><\/div><div><strong>Day 2:<\/strong> We begin at Longues-sur-Mer battery, a German military bunker perched on a cliff overlooking the English Channel, and make our way down to the small town of Arromanches. After lunch, we visit the American cemetery at Colleville-sur-mer, with its neat rows of crosses on tranquil clifftop lawns, and head to Pointe Du Hoc, the high cliffs between Utah Beach and Omaha Beach, still pitted today with shell holes and German bunkers. We walk this evocative trail and along Omaha Beach, joined by a historian for expert perspectives on the dramatic D-Day landings of June 6, 1944. Allied troops landed along the Normandy Coast, using amphibious craft to storm the beaches rather than the ports. The British and Commonwealth forces stormed Sword, Juno, and Gold beaches, while the Americans, further west, landed at Omaha and Utah beaches. The ensuing Battle of Normandy was won at the cost of 100,000 soldiers&rsquo; lives, but within two months, Paris was liberated from the Germans. In the late afternoon, we return to our hotel in Bayeux. Dinner is on your own this evening, and the Trip Leader will be happy to make recommendations, depending on how fancy or local you wish to go.<\/div>","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"4 miles, 4-4.5 hours","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":3,"DayTo":3,"Headline":"BAY OF MONT ST. MICHEL","ActivityOverview":"Hiking Details: ","EstimatedLength":"4 miles, 2.5-3 hours ","ActivityLevel":"Driving Details: ","ItinBlock":"The Bay of St. Michel is a spectacular scene of golden sands and home to one of the most striking architectural wonders in the world. This morning we hike along the clifftops at Champeaux for stunning views out across the bay and to the island of Mont St. Michel, then along the beaches of the Bay of Mont St. Michel, with impressive views of its spire-topped abbey, one of the most famous silhouettes in Europe. We enjoy lunch en route, taking time to savor our magnificent surroundings. We head to our hotel near the Bay of Mont St. Michel in time to savor the sunset over Mont St. Michel.<div>\n\n\n\n\n<br><\/div><div><strong>Cuisine of Normandy<\/strong>: With hundreds of miles of coast, Normandy offers inspired seafood cuisine, including shrimp, mussels, scallops, and oysters. It&rsquo;s also dairy country, and the famed cheeses of Normandy include Camembert, Boursin, Neufch&acirc;tel, Livarot, and Pont l&rsquo;Ev&ecirc;que. Apples and pears are grown throughout the Normandy countryside&mdash;delicious fresh ciders are ubiquitous, and Calvados apple brandy has been enjoyed here since the 12th century. Normandy&rsquo;s best-known dishes include canard Rouennaise (plump Rouen duck), gigot d&rsquo;agneau pre sel (roasted young lamb raised on salty marsh lands), moules mariniere (mussels simmered in a shallot-flavored white wine broth), and sole Normande (poached sole with a butter-egg-and-cream sauce).<\/div>","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"2 hours ","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":4,"DayTo":4,"Headline":"MONT ST. MICHEL ABBEY \/ LA MERVEILLE","ActivityOverview":"Hiking Details:","EstimatedLength":"5 miles","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Rising like a mirage above the golden sands of the bay, the stupendous abbey of Mont St. Michel has been a pilgrimage site since the 8th century. Depending on the tides, we begin (or end) with a hike across the sands to ascend the island&rsquo;s single narrow street, the Grand Rue, past cloisters, gardens, and medieval gabled houses all the way up to the highest point of the island, where we explore the awe-inspiring abbey itself. We enjoy a guided visit, including the magnificent assemblage of Gothic buildings known since 1228 as La Merveille (&ldquo;the Marvel&rdquo;), which include the Refectory, Guest Hall, and Knights&rsquo; Hall, with the possibility of seeing some sites not normally open to the public. Lunch is on your own today. ","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":5,"DayTo":5,"Headline":"COTE D&apos;\u00c9MERAUDE, BRITTANY \/ CANCALE \/ SAINT MALO \/ DINAN","ActivityOverview":"Hiking Details: ","EstimatedLength":"3 miles, 3 hours ","ActivityLevel":"Driving Details: ","ItinBlock":"We head to Brittany and the ravishingly beautiful Cote d&rsquo;&Eacute;meraude. In the delightful harbor village of Cancale, home to probably the tastiest oysters in Brittany (Louis XIV had Cancale oysters brought to him at Versailles), we visit oyster sellers on the dock and have a tasting before heading off on our hike along a lovely stretch of the Sentier des Douaniers, one of France's finest hiking trails. The path contours the entire coastline of Brittany past watchtowers, fortresses, and along dramatic cliffs that have protected the land from invaders for centuries. The magnificently scenic area between the towns of Cancale and Saint Malo is known as the Emerald Coast, and we enjoy breathtaking coastal views on our hike through scented moors and past lighthouses and fishing villages nestled in small, picturesque coves with emerald-green water fringed by sandy beaches. We enjoy lunch in one of the villages en route. Reaching Pointe du Grouin at hike&rsquo;s end, we feast our eyes on views stretching east all the way to the Bay of Mont St. Michel before heading for the enchanting port of Saint Malo. The history of this walled city guarding the mouth of the River Rance goes back to before Roman times. Once notorious as the home of pirates, it was also home to the famous 16th century seafarer\/explorer Jacques Cartier. We&rsquo;ll have some time to walk along the town&rsquo;s ramparts, taking in views of the sea and estuary, then wander into the lively center of town with its ancient cobbled streets&mdash;you&rsquo;ll think you&rsquo;ve taken a step back in time! Later, we gather and head to the medieval town of Dinan for dinner and overnight.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"2 hours","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":6,"DayTo":6,"Headline":"RIVER RANCE \/ DINAN","ActivityOverview":"Hiking Details:","EstimatedLength":"2.5 miles, 2 hours","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Today we enjoy a lovely walk to L&eacute;hon and hike back along the banks of the River Rance as it flows to the wonderful ancient river port of Dinan, spanned by a majestic old stone bridge. Lunch today is in Dinan and we have time to explore this perfectly preserved town with its stone ramparts. One of the most beautiful medieval towns in Brittany, Dinan was built as a strategic fortress for the dukes of Brittany. La Duchesse Anne, whose 14th century chateau protects the town&rsquo;s southern approach, referred to Dinan&rsquo;s mighty two-mile-long ramparts as &ldquo;the keys to her safe.&rdquo; The entire town is a perfectly preserved citadel with street upon street lined with stunning medieval houses. A walk through the cobbled lanes in the shadow of half-timbered overhanging houses reveals its medieval glory. ","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":7,"DayTo":8,"Headline":"CAP FR\u00c9HEL \/ FORT DE LA LATTE \/ PLOUMANAC&apos;H \/ CASTEL MEUR \/ TR\u00c9GUIER","ActivityOverview":"Meals: B, L, D (Day 7); B, L (Day 8)","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"Hiking Details:","ItinBlock":"<strong>Day 7:<\/strong> Today we hike one of the most scenic parts of the Emerald Coast: the Fr&eacute;hel Cape, spectacular with its high cliffs of pink and red sandstone. The cape juts into a sea that changes continuously from azure blue to emerald green and is a prime nesting site for seabirds including puffins and cormorants. One of the highlights of our hike is the Fort de la Latte, an archetypal medieval castle that has defied time and invaders since 937 AD (anyone who saw the film The Vikings may remember Tony Curtis and Kirk Douglas dueling at the top of this castle&rsquo;s keep!). There is a spectacular view of Fort de la Latte on our hike as well as unobstructed panoramas all the way to Saint Malo and some of the Channel Islands. At hike&rsquo;s end, we head to our charming hotel, the Castel Beau Site, with its picturesque location on a serene beach.<div>\n\n\n\n<br><\/div><div><strong>Day 8:<\/strong> From the charming village of Bugueles, we hike past a convoluted section of the coast, where beaches are interspersed with rocky outcrops. Our trail brings us to Castel Meur, the &ldquo;house between the rocks&rdquo; (in French, La Maison du Gouffre). This picturesque stone house, wedged between two huge rock boulders, was built in 1861 as protection from winds and storms, and is still occupied by a descendant of the original family. After a picnic lunch, we continue to Tr&eacute;guier, a gem of a medieval town nestled by the River Jaudy that has a spectacular cathedral as its centerpiece. We&rsquo;ll explore the town and have the chance to sample some delicious fruits de mer (seafood) at the local poissonnerie (fish shop). Return to our hotel for dinner on your own and overnight.","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"6.5 miles, 4.5 hours (Day 7); 5-6 miles, 4-5 hours (Day 8)","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":9,"DayTo":9,"Headline":"C\u00d4TE DE GRANIT ROSE \/ \u00ceLE RENOTE","ActivityOverview":"Hiking Details: ","EstimatedLength":"6-7 miles, 5-6 hours","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Starting from the nearby coastal resort town of Perros-Guirec, we hike along the famous section of the Brittany coast known as the C&ocirc;te de Granit Rose, where spectacular pink cliffs rise above the deep blue&mdash;and sometimes wild&mdash; sea. Our path follows Le Sentier des Douaniers, the trail used by customs police to stop smuggling during Napoleon&rsquo;s reign. Lighthouses abound here, with many a story of fishermen and smugglers that met their doom by mistiming the huge tides or getting caught in a storm and dashed onto the rocks. Along the way, we&rsquo;ll have lunch in a local restaurant and no doubt have another chance to taste some of the delicious local seafood. After lunch we cross a medieval tidal weir and mill en route to Tr&eacute;gastel and on to the Ile de Renote, a small island connected to Tr&eacute;gastel by a sandy isthmus. We return to our hotel and gather in the evening for our Farewell Dinner at the hotel&rsquo;s noted restaurant, La Table de Mon Pere (the desserts are spectacular!).","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":10,"DayTo":10,"Headline":"DEPART","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Depart after breakfast for a transfer to the train station in Guingamp.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":1,"DayTo":2,"Headline":"C&aelig;n \/ Bayeux \/ D-Day Beaches","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"In Bayeux, we enjoy a walking tour of this perfectly preserved medieval town, then head to Pointe du Hoc, the high cliffs between Utah Beach and Omaha Beach. We&rsquo;ll walk this evocative trail, joined by a historian, and visit the American war cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer, with its neat rows of crosses on tranquil clifftop lawns.","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":true},{"DayFrom":3,"DayTo":4,"Headline":"Mont Saint-Michel","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"The spire-topped abbey of Mont Saint-Michel is one of the most famous silhouettes in Europe. We hike along Mont Saint-Michel Bay for stunning views of the abbey, a pilgrimage site since the 8th century. The next day, we enjoy a special treat: a walk across the sands right to this renowned sanctuary, crossing the bay at low tide to ascend the island&rsquo;s single street past gabled houses to the abbey itself.","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":true},{"DayFrom":5,"DayTo":6,"Headline":"Cancale \/ Dinan","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"The harbor village of Cancale on the Cote d&rsquo;Emeraude is home to probably the tastiest oysters in Brittany and we&rsquo;ll sample some along the docks. After a visit to the charming port of Saint Malo, we enjoy a hike along the banks of the River Rance as it flows past 13th century Dinan, one of the best preserved medieval towns in Brittany.","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":true},{"DayFrom":7,"DayTo":10,"Headline":"C&ocirc;te de Granit Rose \/ Ploumanac&apos;h","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Pink-tinted crags line this exquisite section of Brittany&rsquo;s coast, known as the C&ocirc;te de Granit Rose. Our hikes follow coastal trails leading to a revered pilgrimage site, and we&rsquo;ll see the Castel Meur, the famed stone house wedged between rock outcrops. We explore medieval Tr&eacute;guier, savor plates of delicious fruits de mer, and enjoy our historic seaside hotel in the village of Ploumanac&rsquo;h. Depart on Day 10 via Guingamp.","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":true}],"itinpdf":[{"ItinYear":"2025","docType":"1","FileName":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/portal\/normandy-and-brittany-itinerary-2025.pdf"},{"ItinYear":"2025","docType":"2","FileName":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/portal\/normandy-and-brittany-predeparture.pdf"}],"whattoexpect":[{}],"highlights":[{"DisplayOrder":1,"HighlightText":"","Description":"Visit the evocative D-Day sites of Pointe du Hoc and Omaha Beach with a historian","Image":"","VideoLink":"","ImageAltTag":"","image_id":52626,"caption":"","video_link":""},{"DisplayOrder":2,"HighlightText":"","Description":"Hike to spire-topped Mont Saint-Michel, France&apos;s famous 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insurance","Highlight":0,"AdditionalText":"","Category":"","ProductType":0,"ImagePath":"","ImageAltTag":""},{"DisplaySequence":5,"Type":"E","Description":"Other expenses of a personal nature (some alcoholic beverages, laundry, etc.)","Highlight":0,"AdditionalText":"","Category":"","ProductType":0,"ImagePath":"","ImageAltTag":""},{"DisplaySequence":1,"Type":"I","Description":"Expert leadership of a Wilderness Travel Trip Leader and local guides","Highlight":0,"AdditionalText":"","Category":"","ProductType":0,"ImagePath":"","ImageAltTag":""},{"DisplaySequence":2,"Type":"I","Description":"Accommodations in charming hotels and coastal inns","Highlight":0,"AdditionalText":"","Category":"","ProductType":0,"ImagePath":"","ImageAltTag":""},{"DisplaySequence":3,"Type":"I","Description":"All meals included except 1 lunch and 2 dinners as indicated in Detailed Itinerary","Highlight":0,"AdditionalText":"","Category":"","ProductType":0,"ImagePath":"","ImageAltTag":""},{"DisplaySequence":4,"Type":"I","Description":"A glass of wine or beer with dinner","Highlight":0,"AdditionalText":"","Category":"","ProductType":0,"ImagePath":"","ImageAltTag":""},{"DisplaySequence":5,"Type":"I","Description":"All ground transportation and baggage handling from meeting until departure","Highlight":0,"AdditionalText":"","Category":"","ProductType":0,"ImagePath":"","ImageAltTag":""},{"DisplaySequence":6,"Type":"I","Description":"All activities as indicated in Detailed Itinerary","Highlight":0,"AdditionalText":"","Category":"","ProductType":0,"ImagePath":"","ImageAltTag":""}],"destinations":[{"DestinationID":46,"Name":"Europe","Type":"Region"},{"DestinationID":74,"Name":"France","Type":"Country"}],"activities":[{"ActivityID":217,"Name":"Cultural","Primary":0},{"ActivityID":225,"Name":"Hiking & Trekking","Primary":0}],"guides":[{"GuideID":851068,"First_Name":"Gill","Last_Name":"Browder","BioShort":"Gill Browder is British by birth, but has made her home in the alpine capital of Chamonix, France, for almost 30 years. She has explored destinations throughout Europe, Central Asia, the Far East, Africa, and Alaska, but delights most in the discoveries to be found in the Alps. In addition to her work sharing the beauty of the mountains with visitors, Gill is an accomplished rock climber, skier, and swimmer. She enjoys photography and speaks fluent French.","BioLong":"Gill Browder is British by birth, but has made her home in the alpine capital of Chamonix, France, for almost 30 years. She has explored destinations throughout Europe, Central Asia, the Far East, Africa, and Alaska, but delights most in the discoveries to be found in the Alps. In addition to her work sharing the beauty of the mountains with visitors, Gill is an accomplished rock climber, skier, and swimmer. She enjoys photography and speaks fluent French."},{"GuideID":850549,"First_Name":"Annie","Last_Name":"Hawkins","BioShort":"Annie Hawkins, born and raised in a small village in Burgundy, is a passionate world traveler and one of our most beloved Trip Leaders. After studying art history in Provence, Annie moved to California, where she led adventure tours in the American Southwest and realized that leading adventure trips was her vocation&mdash;nothing would keep her inside an office again! She has led exclusively for Wilderness Travel since 1995 and has led journeys for us in France, Spain, Sri Lanka, Morocco, Niger, Oman, and more! While scouting our trip in southern Spain in 1999, Annie bought a 300-year-old house in a village clinging on the flanks of the highest mountains in Spain. It took her three years to transform it into the home she calls La Casa del Milagro. She divides her time between Europe and San Francisco, where she lives with her husband.","BioLong":"Annie Hawkins, born and raised in a small village in Burgundy, is a passionate world traveler and one of our most enchanting Trip Leaders. After studying art history in Provence, Annie moved to California, where she led adventure tours in the American Southwest and realized that leading adventure trips was her vocation&mdash;nothing would keep her inside an office again! She has led exclusively for Wilderness Travel since 1995 and has led journeys for us in France, Spain, Sri Lanka, Morocco, Niger, Oman, and more! &ldquo;As a Trip Leader, I see myself as the personal ambassador to a place. In France, I love introducing the products of the \u2018terroir' such as wine or cheese, or in southern Spain, taking the group to my home to share a paella with them. And in the Sahara, I have a passion for the wind-created landscape I call \u2018the yellow circle' and the ingenuity of the people who live in this place of extremes. I'm also fascinated by the friendships that people forge while traveling together day after day. I remember how six guests become lifetime friends after our trip in Niger&mdash;this warms my heart!&rdquo; While scouting our trip in southern Spain in 1999, Annie bought a 300-year-old house in a village clinging on the flanks of the highest mountains in Spain. It took her three years to transform it into the home she calls La Casa del Milagro. She divides her time between Europe and San Francisco, where she lives with her husband."},{"GuideID":850970,"First_Name":"Stephan","Last_Name":"Renard","BioShort":"Stephan Renard was born in Grenoble in the French Alps and grew up in the wild and remote Vercors region of the Rh&ocirc;ne-Alpes, where he gained his passion for hiking, climbing, and skiing. A professional mountain leader and ski instructor since his youth, he loves outdoor pursuits of every kind and also has an affinity for jazz music, French and American literature, and Irish culture (acquired during his years of guiding French tours in Ireland).","BioLong":"Stephan Renard was born in Grenoble in the French Alps and grew up in the wild and remote Vercors region of the Rh&ocirc;ne-Alpes, where he gained his passion for hiking, climbing, and skiing. A professional mountain leader and ski instructor since his youth, he loves outdoor pursuits of every kind and also has an affinity for jazz music, French and American literature, and Irish culture (acquired during his years of guiding French tours in Ireland)."},{"GuideID":851180,"First_Name":"Magali","Last_Name":"Calcagno","BioShort":"Magali was raised near Mercantour National Park on the French-Italian border. Growing up, she often spent time on her grandparents&apos; farm, where she developed a deep love for nature. She earned a bachelor&apos;s degree in Foreign Languages and is also certified as a Guide Conf&eacute;rencier (certified specialist guide in art and history), which allows her to guide in all of France&apos;s historic monuments (and lets our groups skip the line!). Magali says leading trips confirms her passion for communicating, sharing experiences, and promoting cultures. When not guiding, she enjoys painting, birding, and mountain biking.","BioLong":"Magali was raised near Mercantour National Park on the French-Italian border. Growing up, she often spent time on her grandparents&apos; farm, where she developed a deep love for nature. She earned a bachelor&apos;s degree in Foreign Languages and is also certified as a Guide Conf&eacute;rencier (certified specialist guide in art and history), which allows her to guide in all of France&apos;s historic monuments (and lets our groups skip the line!). Magali says leading trips confirms her passion for communicating, sharing experiences, and promoting cultures. When not guiding, she enjoys painting, birding, and mountain biking."},{"GuideID":851149,"First_Name":"Irene","Last_Name":"De Benedictis","BioShort":"Originally from Rome, Irene is a physical therapist specializing in Ayurvedic medicine and also a seasoned WT Trip Leader. Her love of different cultures and languages (she knows seven!), paired with her love for hikes and pilgrimages (she walked the Camino de Santiago...twice) makes her a wonderful traveling companion. Irene&apos;s father is a member of the Italian congregation of St. James, which is responsible for the upkeep of pilgrim trails from Italy into Spain and Jerusalem, and she has also worked as a &ldquo;hospitalera&rdquo; (pilgrims&apos; albergue host) in Italy. Fun fact: Irene wrote a book called Spaghetti and Sauna about the cultural differences between Italy, her home country, and Finland, where she lived for four years.","BioLong":"Originally from Rome, Irene is a physical therapist specializing in Ayurvedic medicine and also a seasoned WT Trip Leader. Her love of different cultures and languages (she knows seven!), paired with her love for hikes and pilgrimages (she walked the Camino de Santiago...twice) makes her a wonderful traveling companion. Irene's father is a member of the Italian congregation of St. James, which is responsible for the upkeep of pilgrim trails from Italy into Spain and Jerusalem, and she has also worked as a &ldquo;hospitalera&rdquo; (pilgrims' albergue host) in Italy. Fun fact: Irene wrote a book called Spaghetti and Sauna about the cultural differences between Italy, her home country, and Finland, where she lived for four years."}],"guestreviews":[{"GuestNames":"Bix W.","GuestLocation":"Pebble Beach, CA","GuestReview":"The trip of a lifetime, with leaders who were beyond outstanding."},{"GuestNames":"Eleanor B.","GuestLocation":"Sydney NSW 2134,","GuestReview":"Very high standards in every respect, from the office, to the itinerary, food and accommodation and trip leaders. We met a couple in our hotel in Dinan on a holiday with another travel company who were most unhappy with their tour, and we felt very pleased that we had booked again with Wilderness Travel, and not one of the other tour groups."},{"GuestNames":"Jane S.","GuestLocation":"Albuquerque, NM","GuestReview":"I found the trip a wonderful combination of history, pre-history, beautiful coastal scenery, and divine food!"},{"GuestNames":"Jo L.","GuestLocation":"Santa Barbara, CA","GuestReview":"Many highlights come to mind: our sand and sea pilgrimage to Mont St-Michel, delightful walks with gorgeous scenery and powerful history. Culture and hiking interwoven with non-stop fabulous French cuisine!"},{"GuestNames":"Kathy C.","GuestLocation":"Houston, TX","GuestReview":"We had a lot of fun, visited many interesting sites, and the most unusual pilgrim walk across the bay to Mont Saint Michel was unforgettable."},{"GuestNames":"Marilyn K.","GuestLocation":"Pittsburgh, PA","GuestReview":"I loved the scenery, the deep history, the emotional Normandy beach hikes and cemetery visit, the Mont St. Michel pilgrimage, the super care, conversation and humor of our guides (truly extraordinary men), the great French food and seafood, the wonderful sharing with fellow hikers, and the great hikes of varying flavors and terrain."},{"GuestNames":"Mary M.","GuestLocation":"Stillwater, MN","GuestReview":"An outstanding trip with a well thought out itinerary."},{"GuestNames":"Nancy P.","GuestLocation":"Newton Upper Falls, MA","GuestReview":"Our stay on Mont Saint Michel was a highlight as was the four-mile walk to it across the sands. It was great, great fun! It felt like we were doing our own little pilgrimage."},{"GuestNames":"Rose C.","GuestLocation":"Charlottesville, VA","GuestReview":"What a fabulous exploration do a beautiful area! Even the weather was perfect!"},{"GuestNames":"Susan and Doug M.","GuestLocation":"Macon, GA","GuestReview":"I can't imagine having better guides. We loved our trip, smiled and laughed a lot, and ate great food (I really hadn't expected it to be so good--from picnic lunches to leisurely restaurant lunches and dinners, and extra seafood and pastry \"snacks\"). The hikes and historical tours were all terrific."},{"GuestNames":"Susan F.","GuestLocation":"Greenwich, CT","GuestReview":"Loved it all: scenery, points of interest, local guides, relaxing meals, good company, walking, comfortable transportation, and terrific WT guides. Just a nice trip all around."},{"GuestNames":"Thelma A.","GuestLocation":"Morristown, NJ","GuestReview":"The highlight of this trip for me was the barefoot walk to Mont St. Michel. It's not to be missed!"},{"GuestNames":"Tom N.","GuestLocation":"Upper St Clair, PA","GuestReview":"An excellent trip with a nice balance of hiking, history and cuisine."}],"Extensions":[{}],"SimilarTrips":[{"TripID":10329,"SimilarTripID":10298,"Trip_Code":"CORSARDN","Trip_Name":"Hiking Corsica and Sardinia"},{"TripID":10329,"SimilarTripID":10310,"Trip_Code":"SLOVENIA","Trip_Name":"Hiking in Slovenia"},{"TripID":10329,"SimilarTripID":10324,"Trip_Code":"LOTVALL","Trip_Name":"Medieval France: The Lot Valley"},{"TripID":10329,"SimilarTripID":10444,"Trip_Code":"PREHISTO","Trip_Name":"Prehistoric Caves and Great Cuisine of France"}],"Specialists":[{}],"TripSegments":[{"VendorID":73507,"ProductID":84917,"SelectType":"Operational","ChoiceGroup":0,"ProductType":"Transfer","Vendor":"LES VOITURES HENRI PAVARD","Address1":"","Address2":"","City":"Grentheville","State":"","Postal":"","Product":"Transfer","Day":1,"Sequence":0,"Duration":1,"PropertyDescription":"","ItinBlock":"","VendorPhoto":"","ProductPhoto":"","OnRequest":"Option","Overhead":false,"BookingNotes":"","TicketSession":"","TicketTimeOfDay":"","TicketRound":"","TicketCategory":"","TicketDate":"","TicketLocation":"","NotTicketOnly":false,"Inactive":false},{"VendorID":11,"ProductID":54,"SelectType":"Optional","ChoiceGroup":0,"ProductType":"Single Supplement","Vendor":"Wilderness Travel","Address1":"1102 Ninth Street","Address2":"","City":"Berkeley","State":"CA","Postal":"94710","Product":"Single Supplement","Day":1,"Sequence":2,"Duration":1,"PropertyDescription":"","ItinBlock":"<p><\/p>","VendorPhoto":"","ProductPhoto":"","OnRequest":"Option","Overhead":false,"BookingNotes":"","TicketSession":"","TicketTimeOfDay":"","TicketRound":"","TicketCategory":"","TicketDate":"","TicketLocation":"","NotTicketOnly":false,"Inactive":false},{"VendorID":73188,"ProductID":83016,"SelectType":"Operational","ChoiceGroup":0,"ProductType":"Accommodation","Vendor":"Hotel Le Lion d'Or","Address1":"71 Rue Saint-Jean","Address2":"","City":"Bayeux","State":"","Postal":"14400","Product":"Standard Room","Day":1,"Sequence":10,"Duration":2,"PropertyDescription":"<p>This cozy, 34-room hotel is a?former 18th century coaching inn. 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Guest rooms are nicely furnished, with comfortable beds, and there is a small garden in which to relax.","ItinBlock":"","VendorPhoto":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/vendors\/10-hotel-de-la-porte-saint-malo-terrace.jpg","ProductPhoto":"","OnRequest":"Option","Overhead":false,"BookingNotes":"","TicketSession":"","TicketTimeOfDay":"","TicketRound":"","TicketCategory":"","TicketDate":"","TicketLocation":"","NotTicketOnly":false,"Inactive":false},{"VendorID":72732,"ProductID":82560,"SelectType":"Operational","ChoiceGroup":0,"ProductType":"Accommodation","Vendor":"Castel Beau Site","Address1":"","Address2":"","City":"Perros Guirec","State":"","Postal":"","Product":"Standard Room","Day":7,"Sequence":10,"Duration":3,"PropertyDescription":"<p>Set on the shores of Brittany's famous C&ocirc;te de Granit Rose \"Pink Granite Coast,\" the Castel Beau Site is a contemporary seaside retreat. The hotel restaurant serves traditional cuisine with local ingredients, and the bar has a lounge area and terrace where you can order oysters or a French charcuterie or cheese plate. Head to the spa to soak in the outdoor hot tub.<\/p>","ItinBlock":"","VendorPhoto":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/vendors\/10-castel-beau-site-bedroom-view.jpg","ProductPhoto":"","OnRequest":"Option","Overhead":false,"BookingNotes":"","TicketSession":"","TicketTimeOfDay":"","TicketRound":"","TicketCategory":"","TicketDate":"","TicketLocation":"","NotTicketOnly":false,"Inactive":false}],"CustomFields":{"Custom_PDP_URL":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/portal\/normandy-and-brittany-predeparture.pdf","Custom_TC_Detailed_Itin_URL":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/portal\/normandy-and-brittany-itinerary-2024.pdf","Custom_Trip_Name_Addendum":"Adventure","Custom_Welcome_Letter_Addendum":"","Custom_Trip_Level_5":"","Custom_Welcome_Email_Send_List":"","Custom_Welcome_Email-Insurance":"","Custom_Trip_Update_-_ESR_reminder_etc.":"","Custom_FI_Note":"","Custom_FI_Optional_Donation_Text":"","Custom_Final_Docs_Letter_Send_List":"","Custom_Sales_Email_-_Trip_Sales_Points":"<body>Another fun resource is this <a href=\"http:\/\/photoblog.wildernesstravel.com\/mont-st-michel-france-hiking\/\">blog post<\/a> by one of our veteran trip leaders, complete with amazing photos from their experience that I think will give you a great sense of the adventure ahead.<\/body><meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/>\n","Custom_Sales_Email_-_TP_Trip_Sales_Points":"<body>Another fun resource is this <a href=\"http:\/\/photoblog.wildernesstravel.com\/mont-st-michel-france-hiking\/\">blog post<\/a> by one of our veteran trip leaders, complete with amazing photos from their experience that I think will give you a great sense of the adventure ahead.<\/body><meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/>\n","Custom_Sales_Email_-_Payment_Terms":"<meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/><body>In order to confirm your space on this trip, we require a first deposit of $600 per person, which is fully refundable up to 91 days prior to departure.<\/body>","Custom_Sales_Email_-_Region":"<meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/><body>France<\/body>","Custom_Sales_Email_-_Region_Sales_Points":"","Custom_Welcome_Letter_Reading_List":"<strong>Reading List:<\/strong> Elevate your travel experience by delving into this <a href=\"https:\/\/bookshop.org\/lists\/wilderness-travel-normandy-and-brittany\">curated collection of books<\/a> tailored to your upcoming adventure.","Custom_Valid_Passport_Alternative":"","Custom_Visa":"","Custom_FB_Before_You_Go_-_MISC_1":"","Custom_FB_Before_You_Go_-_MISC_2":"","Custom_Luggage_Requirements":"","Custom_Carry-On":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-04-24T17:44:47 --><p><strong>CARRY-ON: <\/strong>Valuable or essential items, such as well broken-in hiking boots, camera equipment, binoculars, prescription medications, and any paperwork required to enter France, should be hand carried on your flights to avoid loss or damage. <\/p>","Custom_Hiking_Poles":"","Custom_Daypack":"","Custom_Vaccination_Card":"","Custom_FB_Packing_Reminders_-_MISC_1":"","Custom_FB_Additional_Notes_-_MISC_1":"","Custom_FB_Additional_Notes_-_MISC_2":"","Custom_Arrival":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-04-24T17:45:45 --><p><strong>ARRIVING IN CAEN<\/strong><br \/>On Day 1, your Trip Leaders will meet you in the lobby of the Hotel Mercure Caen Centre Port de Plaisance at 10:30 am. A second meeting point will be at the Caen Train Station at 11:00 am. <\/p><p>There are several daily trains to Caen departing from Gare St. Lazare in central Paris. The train from central Paris to Caen takes about 2 hours. Please consult Rail Europe at www.raileurope.com or the French rail website at <a href=\"http:\/\/www.voyages-sncf.com\">www.voyages-sncf.com<\/a> for current schedules and prices. <\/p><p>&nbsp;<\/p>","Custom_Arrival-_Meeting_Place":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-05-08T16:31:41 --><p><strong>Hotel Mercure Caen Centre Port de Plaisance<\/strong><br \/>1 Rue de Courtonne Cs 43086<br \/>14000 Caen, France<br \/>+33 2 31 47 24 24<\/p>","Custom_Arrival_Transfer":"","Custom_Departure":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-04-24T17:46:44 --><p><strong>DEPARTING GUINGAMP<\/strong><br \/>On the morning of Day 10, your Trip Leader will provide a complimentary transfer from our last hotel in Perros Guirec to the Guingamp train station in time to catch a train bound for Paris Montparnasse station departing around 10:15 am. If you are going directly to CDG Airport, you can change trains in Rennes. Tickets can be booked in advance at <a href=\"http:\/\/www.raileurope.com \">www.raileurope.com <\/a><\/p><p>If you prefer to arrive to the Guingamp station earlier or later than this, a private transfer can be arranged and will cost around &euro;75.<\/p><p>&nbsp;<\/p>","Custom_Extra_Services":"","Custom_Contact_Information_for_Friends_and_Family":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-04-24T17:46:53 --><p>If friends or family wish to contact you during the trip, we encourage them to call, text, or email you directly. Another option is to reach you by calling the hotel (please see the enclosed Hotel List). If they are unable to reach you directly, please instruct them to call our office in Berkeley, California, and we will get a message to you as soon as possible. If they need to reach you outside of our office hours, we ask that they reach out to your Trip Leaders (contact information is listed below) and also leave a message with our Berkeley office, so that we can follow up with our team on the ground.<\/p><p>&nbsp;<\/p>","Custom_Outfitter_Contacts_Left":"","Custom_Outfitter_Contacts_Right":"","Custom_ESC-Outfitter_Contacts_Left_Override":"","Custom_name_slug":"france-normandy-brittany-hiking-walking-tour","Custom_Meta_Description":"Hike the spectacular Emerald Coast, visit ancient Mont St. Michel, St. Malo, and Dinan, walk the D-Day beaches, enjoy legendary cuisine.","Custom_List_Description":"Hike the spectacular Emerald Coast, visit ancient Mont St. Michel, St. Malo, and Dinan, walk the D-Day beaches, enjoy legendary cuisine.","Custom_Redirect":"","Custom_PJ_-_Best_Months":"","Custom_After_Dates":"","Custom_Trip_Web_Note":"","Custom_Title_Tag":"France: Normandy & Brittany Hiking & Walking Tour","Custom_Before_Days":"","Custom_After_Days_Header_1":"","Custom_After_Days_Text_1":"","Custom_After_Days_Header_2":"","Custom_After_Days_Text_2":"","Custom_Choosing_Right_Trip_Office_Contact":"","Custom_About_WT_Expeditions":"","Custom_Arrival_-_Sales":"<p><strong>Suggested Airport:<\/strong> Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG)<br><strong>Suggested Date &amp; Time:<\/strong> Anytime prior to Day 1<\/p><div><br><\/div><div><strong>Meeting Place: <\/strong>You will meet your Trip Leader at the Mercure Caen Centre Port de Plaisance Hotel in Caen at 10:00 am on Day 1 or in the Caen Train Station at 10:30 am on Day 1. Trip members are responsible for traveling to Caen on their own to rendezvous with the group.<div><br><\/div><div>Trains run hourly from Paris&rsquo; Gare St. Lazare to Caen, taking about 2 hours. Please consult Rail Europe (<a href=\"http:\/\/www.raileurope.com\">raileurope.com<\/a>) for current schedules and prices. There are no non-stop flights between Paris and Caen, so the train is the best way to go.<div><br><\/div><div>In Caen you can visit the Ch&acirc;teau de Caen and the Abbaye aux Hommes, both founded in the 11th century by William the Conqueror. The Caen Memorial, perhaps the best WWII museum in France, is also well worth a visit.<\/div><\/div><\/div>","Custom_Departure_-_Sales":"<p><strong>Suggested Airport:<\/strong> Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG)<br><strong>Suggested Date &amp; Time:<\/strong> Day 10, after 5:00 pm<\/p><div><br><\/div><div>The best way to return to Paris is via the high speed TGV train from Guingamp, which is about a 45-minute drive from our last hotel in Perros Guirec. WT will provide a transfer to the Guingamp train station in time to catch a train bound for Paris departing around 10:15 am. If you prefer to arrive to the Guingamp station earlier or later than this, a private transfer can be arranged and will cost around &euro;75 (an &ldquo;on your own&rdquo; expense).We strongly recommend booking your train ticket in advance at <a href=\"http:\/\/www.raileurope.com\">raileurope.com<\/a>.<p><\/p><div><br><\/div><div>Train schedules are generally available 3 months ahead of time, which means exact train times may change slightly month to month. If you are unsure which train ticket to purchase, please contact our office. The train typically takes 3 hours to Paris Center, and 4-4.5 hours if connecting to the airport. From Paris Center to Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), you can either take a train, a bus, or a taxi. Depending on your flight schedule, you may need to overnight in Paris and depart on homeward-bound flights the following day.<\/div><\/div>","Custom_International_Air_Travel":"<p>You are responsible for making your own arrangements for flights to and from France.<\/p><div><br><\/div><div>There are many online consolidators for booking travel, but for more personal help arranging air transport, you can contact Exito Travel at 970-818-8459 in the US or Canada. They are very adept at putting flight itineraries together, to even the most far-flung places. More information can be found on Exito's website at <a href=\"https:\/\/exitotravel.com\/\">www.exitotravel.com<\/a>.<div><br><\/div><div>Depending on your routing, it is necessary to depart from the US one or possibly two days prior to Day 1 of the trip itinerary. The name on your airline ticket must match the name on your passport exactly, and your passport must be valid for at least six months after your date of return to the US.<div><br><\/div><div><strong>Please do not purchase your tickets until you are confirmed on the trip.<\/strong> Once your tickets have been purchased, please send us a copy of your airline schedule. It is your responsibility to ensure your flight times coordinate with the arrival and departure logistics for this trip.<p><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>","Custom_Extra_Hotel_Nights":"","Custom_Recommended_Hotels":"","Custom_A_and_D_Misc_-_Header_1":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-04-25T16:08:41 --><p>RECOMMENDED HOTELS<\/p>","Custom_A_and_D_Misc_-_Text_1":"<p><strong>Paris<\/strong><br>The Hotel St. Jacques is a charming Parisian-style hotel located in the heart of the Latin Quarter, right next to the Sorbonne. The hotel can be booked directly at<br><a href=\"http:\/\/www.hotel-saintjacques.com\">hotel-saintjacques.com<\/a><\/p><div><br><\/div><div>If you plan on staying right at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, we recommend the CitizenM Hotel, located within walking distance of Terminal 3: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.citizenm.com\">citizenm.com<\/a><p><\/p><div><br><\/div><div><strong>Caen<\/strong><br>We recommend the Mercure Caen Centre Port de Plaisance, located in the center of town, opposite the marina and close to the pedestrian area: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.mercure.com\">mercure.com<\/a><p><\/p><\/div><\/div>","Custom_A_and_D_Misc_-_Header_2":"","Custom_A_and_D_Misc_-_Text_2":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Header_1":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Text_1":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Header_2":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Text_2":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Header_3":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Text_3":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Header_4":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Text_4":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Header_5":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Text_5":"","Custom_file_name":"normandy-and-brittany","Custom_Passport":"A valid passport is required for your trip. Be sure to check the expiration date. Your passport must be valid for three months after your date of exit from France. In addition, we recommend your passport have at least two completely blank visa pages for every country you will be visiting. It is very important that the blank pages say &#8220;Visas&#8221; at the top. The last few pages of your passport, which say &#8220;Amendments and Endorsements,&#8221; and the final page of your passport, which may not have a page number, are not considered to be legitimate visa pages. The service of adding pages for visas was discontinued as of January 1, 2016. You can request a new passport through <a href=\"http:\/\/travel.state.gov\/passport\">US Passport Services Office<\/a> or use a visa service agency, which can take care of your passport renewal and expedite the process, if needed. We recommend <a href=\"http:\/\/www.passportvisasexpress.com\/?affId=2120\">Passport Visas Express<\/a>. Be sure to allow sufficient time to acquire this before your trip. <br><br>It is very important to carry photocopies of your passport's photo page and any acquired visa pages for your trip (if applicable) in case your passport is lost or as an additional piece of identification, as well as two extra passport photos.","Custom_Visas_and_Entry_Notes":"US citizens do not need a visa for countries visited on this trip. If you are a citizen of any country other than the US, check with a local consulate for entry requirements.","Custom_Money":"The Euro is the official currency of France. The most convenient way to obtain Euros is to use your debit card at ATMs. To use an ATM internationally, you must have a four-digit PIN. Major credit cards are accepted in most shops in cities and larger towns. If you plan to use your credit cards, inform your credit card company before your departure that you will be using the card abroad.","Custom_Tipping":"Tipping is completely discretionary, but over the years, clients have asked us for tipping guidelines to reward guides for outstanding service. We suggest a tip of $200 or more per trip member for each of the Trip Leaders, preferably in local currency. The Trip Leaders take care of gratuities for hotel and restaurant staff, and for local guides and drivers.","Custom_Food":"Please reach out to us directly to discuss any dietary restrictions or concerns you may have. We can easily make arrangements for most diets, but please keep in mind that certain cultural differences or logistical limitations can make it difficult or at times impossible to accommodate all requests. With this in mind, please inform us at least eight weeks before your trip if you have a special diet, and any food allergies in particular, so we can do our best to meet your needs.","Custom_Communications":"<strong>Telephone:<\/strong> The international dialing code for France is 33. Please contact your cell phone company for specific instructions for international use.<br><strong><br>Email &amp; Internet Access:<\/strong> Internet access is available at most of our hotels, but connections may be spotty or unreliable.","Custom_Electricity":"France has 220-volt current. Plugs usually have two or three prongs.","Custom_Laundry":"","Custom_Ship_Notes":"","Custom_Inoculations":"No inoculations are required. However, it is easy to get a small cut, so a tetanus booster is strongly recommended (good for 10 years). If you take prescription medicines, be sure to bring enough for the duration of your trip.<br><br>","Custom_International_Health":"","Custom_Malaria_Prevention":"","Custom_Staying_Healthy":"","Custom_Getting_In_Shape":"We strongly urge you to train for your trip, as your enjoyment will be highly dependent on your level of fitness. The best training for a hike is to hike, especially over hills or rough terrain. Next best are running, swimming, bicycling, or other cardiovascular exercises. Stair-climbing machines are excellent preparation for hiking uphill. Your feet should also be well prepared&mdash;make sure your hiking boots are sturdy, comfortable, and thoroughly broken in.","Custom_Medical_Care":"","Custom_Altitude_Considerations":"","Custom_Covid-19":"","Custom_Reading_List":"Elevate your travel experience by delving into this curated collection of books tailored to your upcoming adventure. They will not only entertain but also provide invaluable insights into the history, culture, cuisine, wildlife, mountain trails, or even folklore of the places you're about to explore. Discover the perfect companions for your journey ahead by <a href=\"https:\/\/bookshop.org\/lists\/wilderness-travel-normandy-and-brittany\">following the link<\/a> or scanning the QR code.","Custom_Photography":"","Custom_Cultural_Considerations":"","Custom_Giving_Back":"","Custom_Enviromental_Concerns":"","Custom_Shopping_and_Souvenirs":"","Custom_Seasickness":"","Custom_Explore":"","Custom_Additional_Information":"","Custom_Essentials":"<ul><li>Air tickets (or E-tickets)<\/li><li>\nPassport<\/li><li>\nOne other picture ID, such as a driver's license<\/li><li>\nExpense money<\/li><\/ul>","Custom_Luggage":"<ul><li>Soft-sided suitcase, with a small padlock (must be unlocked for air travel)<\/li><li>Daypack, large enough for a jacket or rain gear, water bottle, camera, and other items you want on the trail<\/li><li>(Optional) Small roll-up bag to carry home purchases<\/li><\/ul> <br><br>Although airline service to Europe is generally reliable, it is best to wear or carry your hiking boots with you on your flights in the event that your luggage is lost or delayed. Nearly everything else can be replaced in case of baggage loss, but not a pair of well-fitted, fully broken-in hiking boots. Likewise, don't pack valuables, such as travel documents, camera gear, or prescription medicines in your checked luggage.","Custom_Clothing":"The clothing list below is provided as a guideline only.<br><br><ul><li>\nLightweight rain gear, such as a Gore-Tex rain\/wind shell jacket with hood, and Gore-Tex rain\/wind pants<\/li><li>\nFleece jacket or nylon windbreaker<\/li><li>\nLight fleece sweater or sweatshirt<\/li><li>\nLong-sleeved shirt. Quick-drying &#8220;travel&#8221; fabrics like nylon are recommended.<\/li><li>\nT-shirts or short-sleeved shirts<\/li><li>\nHiking pants. Lightweight cotton or synthetic hiking pants are a practical choice. Jeans are not recommended because they can be hot and they take a long time to dry if they get wet.<\/li><li>\nHiking shorts. Quick-drying fabrics are recommended. Also a must for the hike to Mont St. Michel.<\/li><li>\nShade hat with a wide brim&mdash;preferably a waterproof one you can use as a rain hat as well<\/li><li>\nSturdy walking shoes or lightweight hiking boots<\/li><li>\nTevas or running shoes for sightseeing in towns<\/li><li>\nHiking socks. Some people like thick Thorlo-type socks with padded toes and heels, or an outer sock and synthetic liner sock.<\/li><li>\nUnderwear\/sleepwear. Synthetics dry faster.<\/li><li>\nBathing suit (for hotel pools)<\/li><li>\nCasual city\/hotel attire<\/li><\/ul>","Custom_Hiking_Boots":"","Custom_Equipment":"<ul><li>Reusable water bottle, 1 qt. capacity.<\/li><li>\nGood quality sunglasses with case.<\/li><li>\nMoney belt or neck pouch. Always carry your passport, credit cards, and cash with you in a money belt or neck pouch tucked down inside your shirt or blouse.<\/li><\/ul>","Custom_Personal_First_Aid":"Every trip member must bring a small kit for personal use. Your own experience will influence your choices.<br><br><ul><li>\nSunscreen SPF 30 or higher and lip balm with sunscreen. We recommend mineral-based sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide because they do not contain harsh chemicals that are harmful to the environment. Brands such as Honest Company, Badger, and Alba Botanica are found in most sporting goods stores and drugstores.<\/li><li>\nAspirin, ibuprofen, or Tylenol for muscle pain or headaches, Tylenol PM for sleep<\/li><li>\n\nBlister kit. Look for long-lasting gel-type bandages that you can apply directly on blisters, such as Band-Aid Advanced Healing Bandages or Curad Gel Multi-Day Bandages. &#8220;Liquid band-aids,&#8221; such as New-Skin, are useful because they dry rapidly to form a tough protective cover over a blister.<\/li><li>\nPrescription medications properly labeled<\/li><li>\nSpare contact lenses or spare prescription glasses<\/li><\/ul>","Custom_Optional_Items":"<ul><li>Voltage converter and plug adapter for appliance use in hotels.<\/li><li>Collapsible walking stick or trekking poles<\/li><li>Camera, spare batteries, spare memory cards<\/li><li>Bandanas (many uses)<\/li><li>Lightweight binoculars<\/li><li>Reading\/writing material<\/li><li>Small umbrella<\/li><li>Laundry soap for hand-washing clothes<\/li><li>Washcloth, if you like to use one (most European hotels do not provide them)<\/li><\/ul>","Custom_Prohibited_Items":"","Custom_When_to_Go":"","Custom_Children":"","Custom_Tag_Line":"Culture, History, and Hiking in Northern France","Custom_Lodging":"9 nights charming hotels and coastal inns","Custom_Meals":"All meals included except 1 lunch and 3 dinners","Custom_Difficulty":"Easy to moderate walks and hikes, 3-6 hours a day, van support","Custom_Currency_Exchange_Rate":"Because the prices published for our program are set so far in advance of the trip dates, we are occasionally faced with exceptional cost increases and\/or currency fluctuations that affect the actual cost of running the trip. In most years, no price changes are necessary. However, we do reserve the right to raise or lower the trip price if there is a significant change in costs or exchange rates. If this is the case, your final invoice will reflect the difference in trip cost.","Custom_Fuel_Surcharge":"","Custom_Signing_Up_For_a_Trip_-_Email":"","Custom_Optional_Hotel_Upgrades_-_This_Year":"","Custom_Optional_Hotel_Upgrades_-_Next_Year":"","Custom_Trip_Cost_Misc_Header":"","Custom_Trip_Cost_Misc_Text":"","Custom_What_the_Trip_is_Like":"This trip is rated&nbsp;<strong>Level 3, Moderate<\/strong>, according to our trip grading system. While we do not see major elevation gain or loss, you will need to be comfortable hiking 7 miles a day and being on your feet for up to 6 hours a day. Trail conditions, weather, and the group's level of fitness can affect hiking times and pacing. <br><strong><br>Average Hiking Day <\/strong><ul><li>5 miles <\/li><li>4 hours <\/li><li>400-750 feet gain\/loss<\/li><\/ul><strong>Challenge Day<\/strong><ul><li>Day 7: 6.5 miles, 4-5 hours<\/li><\/ul>","Custom_Terrain":"The trails are a mixture of flat walks through historic towns and hilly coastal tracks, which have rocky steps and uneven surfaces that may become muddy and unstable in bad weather. Depending on tides, we will likely hike through the tidal flats to Mont St. Michel on Day 4, so be prepared to get a little muddy from your knees down&mdash;most people will carry their shoes in their packs and hike this portion barefoot, but Teva-type shoes could be considered as well.","Custom_Getting_in_Shape":"","Custom_Weather":"<meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/><body>In the maritime climate of Normandy and Brittany, temperatures are moderated by the Atlantic so it is never extremely hot or extremely cold. Temperatures may reach the mid-70s&deg;F during the day, with cool breezes, occasional showers, and the potential for strong winds. At night, the temperature will drop moderately. The weather is variable so be prepared for anything: it can be cool and pleasant, hot and muggy, or damp and chilly.<\/body>","Custom_Accommodations":"Accommodations are in small hotels and inns. In an effort to capture the spirit of old Europe, the hotels we use are often family-run converted villas or inns, full of ambience and colorful local history. Since they are often in historic buildings, the rooms are not always of uniform or international size. Our leaders do their best to assign rooms in a fair way so that all participants experience an equal advantage throughout the trip as a whole. Single rooms can be requested but are not always available, due to the limited space in the hotels. If you prefer a single room, please make your request as early as possible.\r\n","Custom_Cuisine":"On some days, we enjoy picnic lunches with local wine and regional specialties. On &ldquo;town&rdquo; days, we often have lunch at local cafes. Dinners are at our hotel or local restaurants. Please note that in Europe, the dinner hour is considerably later than what it is in the US. We do our best to secure early reservations for our groups, but most often the evening meal will be at 7:30 pm.","Custom_Transportation":"Our bus will transport the group's luggage, so you only need to carry a daypack for items you need during the day (rain gear, sweater, camera, water bottle, etc.). Trip members are always free to skip a day's hike and travel to the next destination in the support vehicle (or remain at the hotel if we are not transfering that day).","Custom_What_the_Trip_is_Like_-_Header_1":"","Custom_What_the_Trip_is_Like_-_Text_1":"","Custom_What_the_Trip_is_Like_-_Header_2":"","Custom_What_the_Trip_is_Like_-_Text_2":"","Custom_Trip_Level_Note_1":"","Custom_Trip_Level_Note_2":"","System_Choosing_the_Right_Trip":"<p>Adventure travel often involves exotic destinations, unusual levels of physical exertion, or activities you may not have participated in previously. We work hard to help you choose the right trip for you, paying attention to your individual interests, abilities, and needs. If you have questions about the level of comfort or any of the activities described in this itinerary, please call Wilderness Travel at 1-800-368-2794 or email us at <a href=\"mailto:\/\/info@wildernesstravel.com\">info@wildernesstravel.com<\/a>.<\/p>","System_References":"<p>We&rsquo;d be happy to put you in touch with a past client that has traveled with us.<\/p>","System_Visit_Our_Website":"<p>At <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wildernesstravel.com\/\">www.wildernesstravel.com<\/a>, you can book your trip online or find out about added departures, last-minute deals, and one-time Limited Edition adventures that aren&rsquo;t listed in our catalog. You can also access our complete library of detailed itineraries filled with enticing photos and videos, read bios of our Trip Leaders, find descriptions of trip accommodations, and check real-time availability of any trips that interest you.<\/p>","System_Helpful_Links":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-01-27T07:52:03 --><p>Wilderness Travel has compiled a list of useful websites for travelers. Find the Toucan Club tab on the home page of our website and choose Helpful Links: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.wildernesstravel.com\/ toucan\/links\">www.wildernesstravel.com\/ toucan\/links<\/a>.<\/p>","System_About_New_Trips":"This is a new adventure and one that we are particularly excited about offering. However, as with all new departures, flexibility and a spirit of adventure are always appreciated! Activities are described in the itinerary but they can vary, sometimes considerably, depending on weather conditions, the group, and other factors.","System_About_Private_Journeys":"<p>Wilderness Travel Private Journeys are designed for people who want to travel with their own small private group, but who still want to experience the same superb itinerary design, great accommodations, and signature quality of Wilderness Travel's escorted group trips. These Private Journeys allow you to choose your own dates and your traveling companions&mdash;and enjoy the WT touch on all aspects of the journey.<\/p>","System_Limited_Edition_Adventures":"This is a Limited Edition adventure&mdash;which means a unique trip we've never run before or offer only every few years. Led by our most experienced Trip Leaders, these journeys often take place in remote destinations with only the most basic infrastructure for tourism. If you see a Limited Edition trip scheduled for this year, now is the time to sign up, as spaces fill very early and the trip may not be back for a while! Planned daily activities and actual timings may vary due to local conditions or the discretion of your Trip Leader&mdash;it is important to bring your spirit of adventure for these special exploratory journeys!","System_Social_Media":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:33:43 --><p><strong>SOCIAL MEDIA:<\/strong> We invite you to share your adventure with us on social media. Tag @wildernesstravel and we may even feature your content on our pages!<\/p>","System_If_You_Miss_Your_Flight":"<p><strong>IF YOU MISS YOUR FLIGHT<\/strong><br>If you miss your flight or are otherwise delayed, contact our Wilderness Travel office, as well as our local partners, with your new flight information. Refer to the Emergency Contact Information listed in this Final Bulletin.<\/p>","System_Valid_Passport":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-06-16T10:26:21 --><p><strong>VALID PASSPORT:<\/strong> Check that your passport is valid for at least six months from the last day of your trip, and that you have at least two blank pages for any necessary visa or entry and exit stamps.<\/p>","System_Insurance_Policy":"<p><strong>INSURANCE POLICY:<\/strong> If you have purchased the Travelex Travel Protection Plan, you should have received an email confirmation of your policy. Please bring a digital or printed copy of this policy with you. If you cannot find your email confirmation, please contact Travelex's Customer Solutions team at 844-877-1885 or e-mail customersolutions@travelexinsurance.com. If you have not purchased Travelex insurance already, you have the option to do so up to 24 hours prior to your departure.<\/p>","System_Covid-19_Travel_Requirements":"<p><strong>PRE-DEPARTURE INFORMATION<\/strong><strong>: <\/strong>Please review your Pre-Departure Information booklet included in this packet for important information regarding Wilderness Travel's COVID-19 protocols, packing lists, recommended reading, tipping, etc.<\/p>","System_Wilderness_Travel_Office":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:38:07 --><p>Our office in Berkeley, California can be reached at 510-558-2488, or by email at info@wildernesstravel.com. We are available during regular business hours (M-F, 8:30 am-5:00 pm, PST). <\/p>","System_Face_Masks_and_Hand_Sanitizer":"","System_DidNotPurchase_Insurance":"<p>Travel Insurance: We recommend that you purchase travel insurance for this trip. For your convenience, we offer a plan designed for Wilderness Travel and provided by Travelex. Please visit our Travel Insurance <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wildernesstravel.com\/resources\/travel-insurance\/\">webpage<\/a> for more information. You can purchase travel insurance with your final payment using the link above. <\/p>","System_Purchased_Insurance":"Please remember to bring a copy of your Travelex Confirmation of Coverage and State Specific Policy with you on your trip. You should have received an email directly from Travelex with these documents. If you need this email to be re-sent, please contact Travelex's Customer Solutions team at 844-877-1885 or e-mail customersolutions@travelexinsurance.com. <br><br><br>","System_COVID-19":"The Public Health Emergency for COVID-19 declared by the World Health Organization and the US Department of Health and Human Services expired in 2023. As of March 2024, we no longer require guests who exhibit cold or flu symptoms to test for COVID-19. Guests who test positive for COVID-19 will be required to follow local health protocols, wear a mask in group vehicles and during indoor activities for the remainder of the trip, and may be asked to dine separately. Any travel companion sharing a room with them will also be required to wear a mask at all times in the shared group vehicles for the remainder of the trip.<br><br>We encourage all travelers to actively monitor their own well-being and to use common-sense preventative measures such as regular handwashing (or use of hand sanitizer) and\/or wearing a face mask. If you are feeling sick, we encourage you to self-isolate and\/or wear a mask to protect your fellow travelers. Guests may be required to wear a mask if the Trip Leader believes the situation warrants it.<br><br>Leading up to the trip, we encourage you to do everything possible to stay healthy, including avoiding close contact with anyone displaying cold or flu symptoms and washing your hands often. As always, by traveling with Wilderness Travel, guests agree to be accountable for their own well-being. If you are worried about a fellow traveler's cold or flu-like symptoms, you may opt to wear a mask or distance yourself as needed. It's important to remember that there are inherent risks associated with travel and group settings.<br><br>These protocols will be reviewed and adjusted as guidance evolves. <br><br>","System_Photography":"<strong>Camera Recommendations<\/strong><br>With the many advances in digital technology, a simple compact digital camera or even your smartphone is capable of taking pictures suitable for the needs of most people. For higher quality images and the ability to use long lenses for closer wildlife pictures, a DSLR camera is well worthwhile, though heavier. Most digital cameras and phones have good video options, but you may want to consider a GoPro for a lightweight, waterproof option. Always practice ahead of time with new equipment and bring your manual with you. You may want to consider renting camera equipment for your trip from places such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lensrentals.com\/\">lensrentals.com<\/a>. This is an especially good idea for renting large zoom lenses that you may need for just one trip. Adding their extra insurance fee to cover expensive equipment is recommended. <br><strong><br>Camera Accessories<\/strong><br>We recommend bringing at least two large capacity memory cards or a small digital storage unit (or tablet) to back up your photos, freeing space on your memory cards. Don't forget to bring a battery charger and a backup battery so one is always charged and ready to use. For trips where you may be away from power sources for multiple days, consider looking into a solar-powered battery charger or buying additional backup batteries, and check that you have the appropriate adapter for the electrical outlets in your destination.<br><strong><br>Sharing Your Images<\/strong><br>We would love for you to share photos from your trip, and with your permission, may even use your photos in our marketing materials or on our photo blog. We request that you send us a small sample of your best images. Please email your photos to wtphotoblog@gmail.com or tag us @WildernessTravel on social media.<br><strong><br>Photography Etiquette<\/strong><br>When taking pictures of local people, be aware of cultural considerations. Approaching people with a warm smile and using polite gestures or simple phrases to ask permission to photograph them usually works well. It is always recommended to engage people in conversation before asking to photograph them, but if people do not wish to have their photo taken, please honor their requests. We urge travelers to avoid giving money in exchange for photo opportunities, which makes it harder for future travelers to have a meaningful personal interaction with local people. Please always heed your Trip Leader's guidelines for what is appropriate. ","System_Gear_Store":"To help you prepare for your next WT adventure, we've put together a great collection of top brands including Patagonia, Outdoor Research, Eagle Creek, and more at our WT Gear Store (<a href=\"https:\/\/wildernesstravel.newheadings.com\/\">wildernesstravel.newheadings.com<\/a>).","System_Portal_Help":" If you're experiencing any issues with accessing your portal or completing your online forms, please refer to the sections below for assistance. For further support, contact us at <strong>1-800-368-2794<\/strong>.<div><br><\/div><div><strong>Issues Accessing Forms<\/strong><br>If you are having issues accessing or completing your forms we suggest trying two things:<div><br><\/div><div>\t1. Update Your Browser:<div><br><\/div><div>The portal works best using Chrome or Firefox. Please make sure you are using the latest version of either program.<div><br><\/div><div>\t2. Clear Your Browser Cache:<div><br><\/div><div>How to clear your cache (depending on the browser):<div><div><br><\/div><div>Chrome:<br>\t1. Click the 3 dots (top right of your screen) &gt; Click on History &gt; Click Clear browsing data on the left sidebar<br>\t2. In the popup that appears, select a &ldquo;time range&rdquo; and the option Cookies and Other site data &gt; Click Clear Data<div><br><\/div><div>Firefox:<br>\t1. Click the 3 vertical lines (top right of your screen) &gt; Library &gt; History &gt; Clear Recent History<br>\t2. In the popup that appears, select a &ldquo;time range&rdquo; and the options Cookies, Cache, etc. &gt; Click Clear Now<div><br><\/div><div>Safari:<br>\t1. Press Command+Y &gt; Clear Browser History<br>\t2. In the popup that appears, select the time range &gt; Click Clear History<div><br><\/div><div>Microsoft Edge:<br>\t1. Click the 3 dots (top right) &gt; Settings &gt; Privacy, Search, &amp; Services<br>\t2. Under &ldquo;Clear browsing data,&rdquo; select Cookies and Cached files &gt; Click Clear<div><br><\/div><div>If you are still having issues, we apologize! Just let us know and we will send you the forms as fillable Adobe PDF documents instead. <\/div><div><br><\/div><div><strong>Submitting Forms<\/strong><br><ul>\t<li>Please Click &ldquo;Complete Form&rdquo; to submit your form<\/li>\t<li>&ldquo;Save for Later&rdquo; will save a draft if you need to return later. But reminder that our office will not receive the form until you click &ldquo;Complete&rdquo;<\/li>\t<li>Terms &amp; Conditions Form - Please remember to first submit your signature and then click the &ldquo;Complete&rdquo; button to submit.<\/li><\/ul><div><strong>Making a Partial Payment<\/strong><\/div><ul>\t<li>The &ldquo;Pay this Amount&rdquo; field is editable. If you wish to make a partial payment or split a payment across multiple credit cards, you can edit the amount to pay to a partial amount, and then return to the same screen to pay the balance remaining.<\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>","System_Questions?":"<p>Our Area Specialists are your single point of contact and would be happy to answer any questions about your trip!<br>800.368.2794 | 510.558.2488<\/p>","System_Mandatory_Emergency_Evacuation_Insurance":"Please note: Insurance for emergency medical evacuation is required for this trip. Wilderness Travel offers a comprehensive Travel Protection Plan through Travelex Insurance that meets this requirement. For more details, visit our website: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.wildernesstravel.com\/insurance\">wildernesstravel.com\/insurance<\/a>. Alternatively, you can purchase a different policy on your own, as long as it includes emergency medical evacuation coverage of at least $250,000 per person. You can compare options at <a href=\"http:\/\/www.insuremytrip.com\">insuremytrip.com<\/a>.","System_Pricing_Detail-Small_Group_Adventure":" <br><br>To offer the lowest possible cost, our trips are priced according to the number of participants on the trip. All costs are per person, based on double occupancy. If you wish to have a single room, you must pay the single supplement fee. Please note that Wilderness Travel staff, or guests of Wilderness Travel such as travel writers, photographers, or leaders-in-training, are not included in the tier pricing count.","System_Travel_Insurance":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-01-27T07:58:05 --><p>We highly recommend you purchase travel insurance. You can take advantage of a comprehensive Travel Protection Plan designed for Wilderness Travel by Travelex, or purchase other insurance on your own. See our website for details: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.wildernesstravel.com\/insurance\">www.wildernesstravel.com\/insurance<\/a><\/p>","System_Make_it_Your_Trip":"The prices above are for the ready-to-book adventure in this Detailed Itinerary, a popular option crafted by our Area Specialists to showcase the best of each destination. While many travelers book this tour as is, our specialists can help customize it to fit your interests and travel style. We can adjust the duration, add extensions, include special activities, and customize excursions. Contact us to explore your options!","System_Signing_up_for_a_Trip":"Early reservations are recommended as accommodations can sell out quickly. To reserve your Private Journey, we will need to know your preferred travel dates and how many people will be in your group so we can check availability and send you a proposal itinerary with pricing. We can hold a provisional booking for one week, after which a deposit is required to secure your spot. Once we receive your deposit, we'll send a Welcome Packet with your confirmation letter, Detailed Itinerary, Trip Application, Medical Form, and Pre-Departure Information Booklet. See our Cancellations and Transfer Fee Schedule for payment details. If you have any questions, or wish to start the booking process, please call 1-800-368-2794 or email ","System_Trip_Leaders":"<p>Wilderness Travel Trip Leaders have a passion and a joy for creating an unforgettable journey. We are extremely proud of them and the incredible travel experiences they make possible. For more information, including client comments about them and which specific departures they will be leading, please visit <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wildernesstravel.com\/leaders\/\">wildernesstravel.com\/leaders<\/a>.<\/p>"},"terms":{"PaymentSchedule":"<p>At time of reservation: $600<br>90 days prior to departure: Balance<\/p>","CancelSchedule":"<p>Up to 91 days prior to departure: No Charge!<br>61-90 days prior to departure: 25% of trip cost<br>46-60 days prior to departure: 50% of trip cost<br>45 days or less: 100% of trip cost<br><\/p>"}}