European Coastal Cruise: Portugal, Spain & France

Arrive in Porto, where you meet your fellow guests and Expedition Team. This afternoon, board your ship. Later this evening, enjoy a welcome briefing and reception aboard.

Spend the day in the charming-yet-edgy star of the Iberian Peninsula, Porto. Here, explore vibrant Cais da Ribeira, discovering its Stock Exchange Palace and St. Francis Church, followed by a port wine tasting at a famous riverside lodge. Or, see why this region is renowned among foodies the world over as you set out on a culinary tour of Porto’s vibrant central market and beloved backstreet taverns.

Today, arrive in Cee and head out to explore the province of A Coruña and the city of Santiago de Compostela, the terminus of the Camino de Santiago, a network of pilgrimage routes dating to the ninth century. Choose to explore the city’s cathedral and Old Town, followed by lunch with a Galician folklore dance performance. Alternatively, choose a hike to Cape Finisterre, the last stop on the Camino de Santiago. For another option, explore Santiago’s bustling food market and restaurants, tasting local tapas, empanadas, cheeses and wines. At the end of the day, enjoy a local dinner shoreside before meeting up with your ship in A Coruña.

Unwind as you cruise eastward through the Bay of Biscay, enjoying the ship’s amenities along the way. En route, the Expedition Team prepares you for tomorrow’s shore excursion to Bilbao with a series of enriching presentations.

Arrive in Bilbao, a medieval city and proud Basque enclave that has transformed itself into a modern cultural mecca. Here, explore Frank Gehry’s spectacular Guggenheim Museum Bilbao. Alternately, transfer to Guernica, a historic Basque city inextricably linked to the Spanish Civil War and immortalized in Picasso’s namesake masterpiece, or take a drive through to the quaint fishing town of Bermeo.

Bordeaux offers an exciting mix of castles, vineyards, art and urban street life. Here, explore the Old Town, the 13th-century Cathedral of Saint André and the immersive digital art exhibition of the Bassins de Lumières. Alternatively, delve into Bordeaux’s rich wine heritage with a tour and tasting at a local estate. Or, visit the seaside resort town of Arcachon, where you experience its golden beaches, soak in its romantic Belle Époque atmosphere and savor a sampling of fresh local oysters renowned as some of Europe's finest.

Relish a day of relaxation aboard, perhaps enjoying some time in the spa or conversing with newfound friends. Your Expedition Team shares insights into your next destinations, Saint-Malo and Mont Saint-Michel.

Arrive in Saint-Malo, a historic fortified port renowned for its walled battlements, idyllic beaches and regional gastronomy. Once ashore, explore the city’s market, 15th-century buildings and Fort National. Alternatively, you might visit Mont Saint-Michel, a stunning village perched atop a tidal island. Here, wander its steep cobblestone streets and climb over 350 steps to reach its famed abbey. Or, visit Dinan, a walled Breton town renowned for its 14th-century castle. For yet another option, travel to the D-Day landing site of Omaha Beach, as well as the Normandy American Cemetery and Visitors Center at Colleville-sur-Mer.

Arrive in Le Havre, a historic and charming seaside town situated on the right bank of the estuary of the river Seine on the Channel. Le Havre is a designed World Heritage Site due to its unique WWII reconstruction and architecture. Here, you might opt to explore the city’s famous architecture or visit the Le Jardins Suspendus or, visit the World War II memorial at Pegasus Bridge and the No 4 Commando Museum commemorating the 177 French servicemen who landed on Normandy’s Sword Beach.

Disembark in Dover and continue on your post-tour extension to the Cotswolds, or transfer to London airport for your return flight.