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

Itinerary

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Dublin, capital of Ireland, seamlessly blends grit and beauty with Georgian squares, parks and canals. It boasts a rich literary heritage, home to renowned writers like Oscar Wilde and James Joyce. Literary attractions include Trinity College Library, housing the 9th-century Book of Kells, and the James Joyce Centre. The vibrant pub culture, with landmarks like the Guinness Storehouse and Temple Bar, adds to its lively charm.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

Santander views and Santillana del Mar

Included

04 h 00 m

Discover one of Europe’s most well-preserved medieval villages, famously described as "the prettiest village in Spain," featuring cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and the Romanesque Collegiate Church of Santa Juliana with its intriguing cloister.
Admire Santillana del Mar’s historic landmarks, including the fortified House of Borja, the House of the Eagle, and the medieval Merinos Tower.
Enjoy a scenic drive through Santander, passing key attractions such as the Gothic cathedral, the grand Magdalena Palace, the beautiful Beach of El Sardinero, and the iconic Bank of Santander building.

Walking and Tapas in Santander

Optional

02 h 00 m

Explore the magnificent Gothic-style Cathedral, featuring two superimposed churches from the 13th century, each with a unique history.
Stroll through the scenic Pereda Gardens, where bronze and stone sculptures bring to life the works of Cantabrian writer José María de Pereda.
Admire the grand façade of the original Bank of Santander headquarters, crowned with statues representing the arts, culture, commerce, and navigation.

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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

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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

Optional

03 h 45 m

Discover La Coruna's charming old town, featuring iconic "galleries" with hundreds of reflective windows that earned the city its nickname. Stroll along the promenade, Europe’s longest, passing landmarks like the Castle of San Anton and its archaeological museum.
Marvel at the world’s oldest functioning Roman lighthouse, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, steeped in myth and history, including the legend of Hercules defeating the giant Gerion.
Experience the vibrant Maria Pita Square, home to the historic town hall and stories of heroism, before enjoying free time to explore La Coruna's shops, bars, and markets.

Santiago de Compostela Pilgrimage hike

Included

06 h 00 m

Follow the legendary Camino de Santiago on its last 5-kilometer stretch, passing through scenic forests, gentle hills, and historic pathways before entering the heart of Santiago.
Arrive at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explore its breathtaking Baroque, Neoclassical, and Romanesque façades, as well as the Holy Door, opened only in Jubilee Years.
Enjoy a guided Cathedral tour, witness the famous Botafumeiro incense burner, and receive a traditional Camino shell, symbolizing your unforgettable journey.

Santiago de Compostela

Included

06 h 00 m

Visit the UNESCO-listed Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, the final destination of the renowned Camino de Santiago and the believed resting place of Apostle James.
Explore Obradoiro Square, home to the cathedral’s stunning façades, the historic Parador of the Reyes Católicos, and other remarkable landmarks.
Enjoy a guided tour of the cathedral’s grand interior, followed by free time to explore Santiago’s rich history and architecture at your own pace.

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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 highlights by e-bike

Optional

04 h 00 m

Effortlessly explore Porto on an e-bike, riding through the city's historic streets and along the scenic beaches of Matosinhos.
See Porto’s top landmarks, including Clérigos Tower, Lello Bookstore, São Bento Train Station, and the Dom Luís I Bridge.
Enjoy free time in the charming Ribeira Quarter, plus a relaxing coffee break along the famous Aliados Avenue.

Guimaraes: Birthplace of a Nation

Optional

04 h 00 m

Explore Guimarães Castle, the birthplace of Portugal’s first king, and uncover the city’s royal and military history.
Step inside the Dukes of Braganza Palace, a 15th-century national monument filled with medieval tapestries, antique furniture, and knight’s armor.
Stroll through the charming medieval streets of Guimarães, lined with historic buildings, iron balconies, and a 10th-century church in the town’s main square.

Oporto & Wine Tasting

Included

04 h 00 m

Explore Porto’s stunning architectural heritage, from the Romanesque and Gothic São Francisco Church to the opulent 19th-century Palácio da Bolsa.
Wander through the UNESCO-listed Ribeira Quarter, a charming riverside district filled with colorful buildings, lively cafés, and historic landmarks.
Visit a renowned wine cellar in Vila Nova de Gaia, where you'll learn about the history and production of the world-famous Porto Wine.

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

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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.

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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.

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Oceanview M4

20 m²

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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.

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Balcony M5

25 m²

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Balcony D6

25 m²

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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.

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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.

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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.