Name: Western Europe cruise from Portugal to the Netherlands
Brand: Swan Hellenic
SKU: D1226051510

Itinerary

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.

The oldest resort on Portugal’s Atlantic coast, Figueira da Foz, or Figueira, has a sandy, two-mile-long beach, the longest in Portugal. Once a centre for shipbuilding and deep sea fishing, the town became a popular tourist hotspot in the 1920s. Visitors come for walks along the promenade, stop at the beachfront cafes or wander north for seafood restaurants in Buarcos, a fortified town that’s known for its fisherman’s huts and for surfing.

Montemor-o-velho Castle & Salt Museum in Figueira da Foz

Included

03 h 30 m

Take in the stunning sights of sweeping rice fields from Cabo Mondego Viewpoint
Talk with experts about the Salt Ponds and their nature conservation efforts
Contribute to the preservation of a traditional activity that boosts local development

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

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

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

Bordeaux, a key port city in southwestern France, is the heart of the French wine industry. The Cité du Vin, an interactive wine museum, and the UNESCO-listed 18th-century old city highlight its cultural and architectural significance. Surrounded by famed wine regions like Médoc, Graves, Sauternes, Pomerol and Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux blends rich history with world-class gastronomy and markets like Capucins and Chartrons.

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.

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 retraces WWII in Normandy. Nearby, the city of Rouen is celebrated for impressionist art and Rouen Cathedral, while Bayeux hosts the famous 70m-long Bayeux Tapestry depicting the Norman conquest and Battle of Hastings.

D-Day, Ste Mère Eglise & Utah Beach

Included

04 h 00 m

Explore a historic D-Day landing site and learn about the WWII Overlord Operation
Witness the Crisbecq Battery, a significant German WWII artillery installation
Tour Sainte Mere Eglise, a village renowned for its role in the historic Overlord Operation during WWII

Medieval Bayeux & its Tapestry

Optional

07 h 00 m

Explore charming Bayeux, with its medieval heart and impressive Norman-Romanesque Cathedral
Discover the story of William the Conqueror at Bayeux Tapestry
Enjoy free time to wander the cobblestone streets on your own or try local delicacies

Once a retreat for European nobility, Oostende's charm lies in its sandy beaches, boardwalk, racetrack, 19th-century Belle Époque architecture, beachfront cafés and a harbour with seafood stalls. The Atlantikwall, a network of WWI and WWII bunkers, is now an open-air museum. Other museums include the Ensor Museum with James Ensor's maritime artworks, the Mercator aboard a 1930s three-masted ship, and Mu.ZEE, displaying Belgian art from the 1830s.

Amsterdam is a gorgeous Dutch city where a boat cruise along the canals gets to the heart of things. Yet, the magic also unfolds while strolling through narrow streets and crossing the hundreds of bridges. It houses a treasure trove of fabulous art museums, including the Rijksmuseum, adorned with Dutch Masters, conveniently located near the Van Gogh Museum. To the south, picturesque stretches of countryside with windmills line the canals.

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.