Name: Western Europe cruise from Ireland to Portugal
Brand: Swan Hellenic
SKU: D2326082810

Itinerary

Your cruise comes to an end today in Dublin, the Republic of Ireland’s capital. It’s at times gritty and in places, gorgeous – Georgian squares, hidden parks and tree-lined canals. It’s lively, complex, cosmopolitan and eminently walkable. So bid farewell to Vega and start exploring, if time allows before your flight home. Come full circle and visit The Long Room in the Old Library in stately Trinity College to inspect the Book of Kells, which was produced on Iona. The Long Room itself is much lauded for its beauty – it’s a stunning, two-storey, barrel-vaulted space that houses 200,000 of Trinity’s oldest books and manuscripts. Elsewhere the new Museum of Literature Ireland, the National Museum of Ireland, Christ Church and St Patrick’s Cathedrals, the Guinness Storehouse, Kilmainham Gaol, Glasnevin Cemetery entice visitors – just be sure to stop into a snug somewhere for a pint.

Founded by Vikings in 914 AD, Waterford is Ireland's oldest city with well-preserved walls. Highlights include Reginald's Tower with the Waterford Museum of Treasures, and the Medieval Museum, Ireland's sole museum dedicated to the Middle Ages. Waterford Crystal, established in 1783, offers factory tours showcasing its glassmaking heritage. Nearby are Kilkenny Castle, a 1,500-year-old Norman fortress, and Tipperary's legendary Rock of Cashel.

At the start of the Wild Atlantic Way, Kinsale blends history, culture and natural beauty. This charming town, established in 1333, features colourful streets, renowned restaurants and two 17th-century fortresses: Charles Fort and James Fort. The 16th-century courthouse houses the Kinsale Regional Museum, with exhibits on local history and the RMS Lusitania torpedoing. Nearby Cork, Ireland's second-largest city, is famous for the Blarney Stone.

Ile de Batz, a 3.5 km wide island off Roscoff's coast, retains its authentic charm thanks to its inhabitants and offers a rich blend of nature and history. Its mild climate nurtures diverse flora and fauna, highlighted by the Georges Delaselle Garden, home to over 2,000 exotic plant species. The island features varied landscapes, including dunes, beaches, moors and wetlands, along with heritage sites like St. Anne chapel ruins and the lighthouse.

Belle-Île, the largest Breton island and second largest in mainland France, is known for its mild climate, rugged cliffs and stunning panoramas. The island features preserved moors, dunes and diverse flora and fauna. In the main town, Le Palais, is Citadelle Vauban, a star-shaped fortress. Other notable sites include the historic water tank Aiguade de Vauban, a museum on Sarah Bernhardt and the Grand Phare lighthouse overlooking Donnant Beach.

Royan, a French Atlantic coastal gem, features five beaches nestled between dunes and pine forests at the broad mouth of the Gironde. La Grande Conche, a 2 km stretch of golden sands, lures sun-seekers. Royan endured significant damage during an allied bombing on January 5, 1945. The town's charm continues to shine through its blend of belle époque villas and vibrant postwar architecture, including the distinctive Notre-Dame de Royan church.

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.

A day in Bilbao and Guggenheim Museum

Optional

08 h 00 m

Visit the Guggenheim Museum, one of the most surprising examples of 20th century architecture as Frank Gehry
Discover a collection of significant art works from the mid-twentieth century to the present day
Enjoy free time to explore this city of contrasts, stroll to the old town or dine on local pintxos

Santander views and Santillana del Mar

Included

04 h 00 m

See one of Europe's most perfectly preserved medieval villages, dubbed "the prettiest village in Spain"
Visit the Romantic Collegiate Church of Santa Juliana, the patron saint of the village, where you visit its interesting cloister
Tour the highlights of Santander on a panoramic city tour

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.

Oviedo, Capital of the Kingdom

Optional

04 h 30 m

Enjoy an informative walking tour in Oviedo, the capital city of Asturias
Be awed by the grandeur of the Salvador Gothic Cathedral
Wander through the clean, charming streets of the Old Town

Gijon Highlights & Cider Tasting

Included

03 h 15 m

Admire the Labor University of Gijón, considered to be Spain’s largest building
Tour a llagar, a traditional cider brewery to discover Asturias' typical cider-making process, and sample some ciders with cheese
Wander the historic city streets accompanied by your guide and see the Roman Baths

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.

Discover La Coruna

Included

03 h 45 m

Enjoy a scenic drive through La Coruna, taking in the city's architectural and historical beauty
Marvel at the ancient Tower of Hercules, the world's only working Roman lighthouse
Discover the story of Maria Pita's bravery in her fight against the pirate 'Sir' Francis Drake in the 16th century

The Historic Gem of Betanzos and Gardens

Optional

04 h 15 m

Enjoy a panoramic drive around Ferrol and delve into its naval shipbuilding history
Explore Betanzos, the "City of Knights," with its Gothic Church of San Francisco, housing the tomb of medieval knight Fernan Perez de Andrade
Discover the French-style gardens of Galician manor Pazo de Mariñán, in an impressive landscape nestled by the serene River Mandeo

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. Ribeira, on the right bank, has rows of colourful old houses that line the riverfront, narrow streets that rise up the hill and Igreja de Carmo church whose facade is adorned with blue azulejos (tiles). A vintage tram trundles to the Foz district.

Oporto, Wine Tasting and Cable Car

Optional

04 h 00 m

Get a taste of Porto's architectural history with a mix of Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque and Neoclassical styles in the colourful Ribeira Quarter
Explore the Gothic São Francisco Church and be prepared to be dazzled by some of the most exuberant gilded wood carvings in Portugal
Soar to new heights with a thrilling ride on the Gaia Cable Car offering magnificent panoramic views of Porto and the surrounding region

Shuttle Bus to Oporto

Included

07 h 00 m

Discover Porto at your own pace with a convenient shuttle bus service
Stroll the colourful riverside and narrow streets of the Ribeira quarter with azulejo tiled decorations
Head to one of Gaia's famed port houses offering cellar tours and port tastings

Guimaraes: Birthplace of a Nation

Optional

04 h 00 m

Explore the birthplace of Portugal in Guimarães, where King Afonso Henriques was born in 1109
Tour Guimarães Castle, once the king's residence, and delve into royal legends and military history
Visit the Dukes of Braganza Palace, dating back to the 1420s, and admire its opulent rooms and rich decorations

Fado – UNESCO Cultural Heritage

Optional

04 h 00 m

Discover the most authentic tradition of classic Fado, a UNESCO-recognised Intangible Cultural Heritage (since 2011)
Experience the essence of Fado in its purest form: a performance by two talented fado singers accompanied by two skilled Portuguese guitarists
Unwind with a scenic drive through the charming city of Porto (also known as Oporto) on your return journey to the pier

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.

This itinerary provides general information about each destination. Also, please be aware that some of the venues and highlights mentioned may not be open or accessible on the day we visit. For the most accurate tour program, we recommend contacting your Swan Hellenic agent or travel agent closer to your departure date.

Choose

YOUR SUITE TYPE

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Number of Guests:

Oceanview D4

20 m²

Oceanview Staterooms measure 20m²(215ft²) and can accommodate two guests. They feature two single beds or a double bed, bedroom with living room area, a flame-effect fireplace and a luxurious bathroom.

Oceanview M4

20 m²

Balcony D5

25 m²

Balcony Staterooms measure 25m² (269ft²) – including a 5m² (54ft²) private balcony – and can accommodate two or three guests. They feature two single beds or a double bed, bedroom with living room area, a flame-effect fireplace and a luxurious bathroom.

Balcony M5

25 m²

Balcony D6

25 m²

Junior Suite

32 m²

Junior Suites measure 32-36m² (344-388ft²) – including a 6m² (65ft²) private balcony – and can accommodate two guests. They feature a king size bed, have a separate living room area, and luxurious en-suite bathroom.

Suite

41 m²

Suites measure 41m² (441ft²) – including a 5m² (54ft²) private balcony – and can accommodate two or three guests. They 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 a walk-in shower.

Premium Suite

41 m²

Premium Suites measure 41m² (441ft²) – including 8m² (86ft²) private balcony – and can accommodate two guests. They feature a king size bed, separate living room, and flame-effect fireplace. There’s also a luxurious ensuite bathroom – with separate bath tub and shower – and a walk-in wardrobe.