Old World Gateways to the Atlantic

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05.14.24-05.24.24
SH Vega
10 Nights
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Leaving from Lisbon, experience lesser-known ports and cities along the Portuguese, Spanish, and French Atlantic coasts, before exploring the rugged beauty of Brittany, and finally landing in the historic Naval town of Portsmouth. Immerse yourself in Europe’s rich maritime history as you discover old towns and medieval walled cities, steep streets and exotic gardens. And savor local specialties, from port and cider, to butter biscuits and crepes.

Trip Highlights

Explore the old streets of Gijon’s fisherman’s quarter, Cimadevilla
Admire the striking ship-shaped Frank Gehry–designed Guggenheim Museum Bilbao
Wander the steep cobbled streets of the medieval hamlet and holy island of Mont St Michel
Explore one of Brittany’s most beautiful port cities: Concarneau
Vist the town of Santiago de Compostela, an important pilgrimage centre

Itinerary

Lisbon
Day 1
Spread over seven hills with São Jorge Castle views, bustling Lisbon is one of the world's oldest cities. Elegant Baixa, hilltop Alfama with its yellow tram, and scenic Graça overviewing pastel buildings, are top areas. The Jerónimos Monastery in Belém is a World Heritage Gothic site. The classic Portuguese pastel de nata custard tarts are a local treat. Europe’s longest suspension bridge, the Ponte 25 de Abril, crosses the river Tagus.
Leixoes (Oporto)
Day 2
Famed for its port wine and bridges over the river Douro, Portugal’s second city, Oporto (Porto) is a city of two halves. On the left bank is Gaia's famed port houses such as Graham’s and Taylor’s offer cellar tours and port tastings. Ribeira, on the right bank, has rows of colourful old houses that line the riverfront and narrow streets, while a vintage tram trundles to the Foz district. Blue azulejo tile murals cover Igreja de Carmo church.
Vigo
Day 3
Gateway to the Atlantic, Vigo is a major fishing port with a freezing and canning industry. Casco Vello, the old town with steep narrow streets and picturesque squares, leads to the fish market. Monte O Castro hill offers an old fortress and a 3rd-century BC archaeological site. Outlying Cies Islands, part of the Atlantic Islands National Park, are known for birdlife. Santiago de Compostela, a pilgrimage centre, is a short bus ride away.
Ferrol
Day 4
With a rich seafaring history and scenic beaches, Ferrol, in A Coruña, Galicia, on the Atlantic coast, champions the Ferrol Naval Museum and the 16th-century San Felipe Castle. Nearby, La Coruña, dubbed the Crystal City for its glass-fronted buildings, showcases the 1st-century Hercules Tower, a UNESCO landmark. Santiago de Compostela, a famed pilgrimage centre, houses the cathedral believed to hold the remains of St. James the Great.
Gijon
Day 5
The Asturian port city Gijon with colourful old houses is surrounded by green hills and is home to the Atlantic Botanical Gardens with over 2,000 plants. The monumental sculpture "Eulogy to the Horizon" by Basque sculptor Eduardo Chillida overlooks the sea. In the fisherman’s old quarter, Cimadevilla, the Campo Valdés Roman Baths date from around 100 AD. Local ciders are a speciality, best enjoyed in a traditional sideria.
Santander
Day 6
Santander, known for its beaches, unveils tales of a bygone era through medieval alleyways and ancient architecture. The Paseo de Pereda is a lush haven of gardens and sculptures. The city's history, dating back to Roman times, is marked by landmarks like the 13th-century Gothic cathedral, Catedral de la Asunción, and the Palacio de la Magdalena, a former royal summer residence. Santander is also renowned for traditional Basque cuisine.
Day at sea
Day 7
Sea days are rarely dull. Take the time to sit back and let the world go by. The ship’s observation decks provide stunning views of the passing ocean. A day at sea gives you the opportunity to mingle with other passengers and share your experiences of this incredible trip or head to our library which is stocked full of reference books. Get an expert’s view in one of our on-board lectures or perhaps perfect your photography skills with invaluable advice from our onboard professional photographers.
Saint-Malo
Day 8
The medieval coastal city of Saint-Malo is a labyrinth of streets. Dating back to the 12th century, Saint-Malo was once a haven for pirates and a stopping point for merchant ships. Today, colourful shops sit alongside aromatic markets, cafes and restaurants serving oysters, crêpes and cider. Intra-Muros, the ancient walled town, forms the heart of Saint-Malo, where the striking Gothic and Romanesque Cathédrale de St Malo dominates the skyline.
Cherbourg
Day 9
Cherbourg, on Normandy's Cotentin peninsula, packs maritime history at the Art Deco transatlantic terminal's Cité de la Mer—home to Titanic exhibits and the colossal submarine, Le Redoutable. Fort du Roule Musée de la Libération vividly retraces WWII in Normandy. Nearby, the city of Rouen is celebrated for impressionist paintings and Rouen Cathedral. Along the coast lies Mont-Saint-Michel with towering spires that pierce the sky.
Honfleur
Day 10
Honfleur in Normandy has attracted artists for centuries, including Impressionist Claude Monet. Set on the Seine estuary, in the department of Calvados (known for apple brandy), this picturesque harbour town has cobbled streets and colourful 16th- to 18th-century townhouses around the Vieux Bassin (old harbour). An hour away is Bayeux, home of the famous Bayeux Tapestry, a 70m-long embroidery depicting the Norman conquest and Battle of Hastings.
Portsmouth, England
Day 11
Your cruise end in the UK’s only island city and the world’s oldest dry dock. With easy access by rail and road from airports in London and Southampton, Portsmouth has a long and proud naval heritage. Boarding your boutique ship, you’ll be following in the footsteps of the likes of Admiral Nelson and Henry VIII as you settle in for your voyage. If time permits, the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is definitely worth a visit. The attraction is home to a wonderful collection of famous historical ships including Lord Nelson’s HMS Victory, Queen Victoria’s HMS Warrior and the only surviving ship from the First World War’s Gallipoli campaign, the HMS M.33. A very fitting way to begin your sea faring adventure.
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Oceanview D4

20 m2
2
Oceanview Staterooms feature two single beds or a double bed, a bedroom with living room area, and a luxurious bathroom.

Oceanview M4

20 m2
2
Oceanview Staterooms feature two single beds or a double bed, a bedroom with living room area, and a luxurious bathroom.

Balcony D5

25 m2
2
Balcony Staterooms feature two single beds or a double bed, bedroom with living room area, a luxurious bathroom, and a 5m2 (54ft2) private balcony.

Balcony M5

25 m2
3
Balcony Staterooms feature two single beds or a double bed, bedroom with living room area, a luxurious bathroom, and a 5m2 (54ft2) private balcony.

Balcony D6

25 m2
2
Balcony Staterooms feature two single beds or a double bed, bedroom with living room area, a luxurious bathroom, and a 5m2 (54ft2) private balcony.

Suite

40 m2
4
Suites feature a king size bed, and have a separate living room, with a flame-effect fireplace. There’s also a luxurious ensuite bathroom – with separate bath tub and walk-in shower – and a 10m2 (108ft2) private balcony.

Premium Suite

47 m2
4
Premium Suites have a king size bed, separate living room, and flame-effect fireplace. There’s also a luxurious ensuite bathroom – with separate bath tub and shower – walk-in wardrobe, and a 12m2 (129ft2) private balcony.

Deck  4

Oceanview D4

20 m2
2
Oceanview Staterooms feature two single beds or a double bed, a bedroom with liv...
Adult Fare
3rd or 4th Guest
Single
$ 7,315
Double
$ 4,180

Adult Fare

3rd or 4th Guest

Single

$ 7,315

Double

$ 4,180

Oceanview M4

20 m2
2
Oceanview Staterooms feature two single beds or a double bed, a bedroom with liv...
Adult Fare
3rd or 4th Guest
Single
$ 7,665
Double
$ 4,380

Adult Fare

3rd or 4th Guest

Single

$ 7,665

Double

$ 4,380

Deck  5

Balcony D5

25 m2
2
Balcony Staterooms feature two single beds or a double bed, bedroom with living ...
Adult Fare
3rd or 4th Guest
Single
$ 8,890
Double
$ 5,080

Adult Fare

3rd or 4th Guest

Single

$ 8,890

Double

$ 5,080

Balcony M5

25 m2
3
Balcony Staterooms feature two single beds or a double bed, bedroom with living ...
Adult Fare
3rd or 4th Guest
Single
$ 9,415
Double
$ 5,380
Triple
$ 2,690

Adult Fare

3rd or 4th Guest

Single

$ 9,415

Double

$ 5,380

Triple

$ 2,690

Suite

40 m2
4
Suites feature a king size bed, and have a separate living room, with a flame-ef...
Adult Fare
3rd or 4th Guest
Single
$ 14,160
Double
$ 7,080
Triple
$ 3,540
Quad
$ 3,540

Adult Fare

3rd or 4th Guest

Single

$ 14,160

Double

$ 7,080

Triple

$ 3,540

Quad

$ 3,540

Deck  6

Balcony D6

25 m2
2
Balcony Staterooms feature two single beds or a double bed, bedroom with living ...
Adult Fare
3rd or 4th Guest
Single
$ 10,290
Double
$ 5,880

Adult Fare

3rd or 4th Guest

Single

$ 10,290

Double

$ 5,880

Suite

40 m2
4
Suites feature a king size bed, and have a separate living room, with a flame-ef...
Adult Fare
3rd or 4th Guest
Single
$ 14,160
Double
$ 7,080
Triple
$ 3,540
Quad
$ 3,540

Adult Fare

3rd or 4th Guest

Single

$ 14,160

Double

$ 7,080

Triple

$ 3,540

Quad

$ 3,540

Premium Suite

47 m2
4
Premium Suites have a king size bed, separate living room, and flame-effect fire...
Adult Fare
3rd or 4th Guest
Single
$ 15,760
Double
$ 7,880
Triple
$ 3,940
Quad
$ 3,940

Adult Fare

3rd or 4th Guest

Single

$ 15,760

Double

$ 7,880

Triple

$ 3,940

Quad

$ 3,940

Prices are quoted per person per cruise.