Atlantic Shores Odyssey Cruise: A 12-Day Exploration of Portugal, Spain, France & The United Kingdom

Arrive in Lisbon, Portugal’s pastel-coloured, centuries-old capital of cool at the estuary of the Tagus River, where Mediterranean vibes meet historic ruins, winding cobbled streets, iconic Fado music, yellow trams and the world-famous Portuguese Tart Pasteis de nata. With its rich history of exploration, Lisbon is the perfect start to our Atlantic Shores Odyssey Cruise. Make your way to your hotel, where you will spend the first night of the expedition. This evening, meet your fellow voyagers and some of our expedition guides over dinner at the hotel.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before boarding coaches and travelling to the historic countryside of the Alentejo region to Evora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the region’s capital. Enjoy a walking tour of one of the area’s oldest towns, visiting the well-preserved Roman Temple of Evora at its historic centre, and the Church of St. Francis with its aptly-named Chapel of Bones, where the bones of 5,000 exhumed corpses elaborately decorate its walls. Alentejo is also a renowned wine region and Portugal’s largest, covering more than 30% of the country. Explore this amazing terroir by glass with exceptional examples of traditionally-made famous wines and fortified wines using Tempranillo and Trincadeira grapes. Alternatively, explore this lively city and the historic Belém district where UNESCO Heritage Sites sit alongside the start of centuries of adventure. This afternoon, transfer to Heritage Discoverer, where the captain and expedition team will welcome you on board. There will be time to settle into your accommodations and familiarise yourself with the ship. You are invited to join the expedition team in the Observation Lounge and out on deck as we set our course for Figueira da Foz.

Located at the mouth of the Modego River, seaside resort town Figueira da Foz (‘foz’ meaning mouth) has been a Portuguese hot spot since the end of the 19th Century, when aristocracy would flock here to bathe. Our visit sees us heading inland to Coimbra, the riverfront former medieval capital of Portugal and one of the country’s most historic cities. Location of the University of Coimbra, which attained UNESCO World Heritage status in 2013, it’s rightly famous for its baroque library, the Biblioteca Joanina, and 18th-century bell tower. Explorations here reveal stunning architecture spanning the 16th - 18th Centuries, including the Royal Palace. Originally built as a fortress, it became the first Portuguese royal household in 1131. Its impressive Great Hall of Acts, Paco das Escolas, includes an excavated Roman domus/noble residence complete with mosaics, private baths, and an olive oil or wine press. At the Santa Cruz Church and Monastery, the pantheon of the country’s first two kings, discover a cloister considered to be one of the purest examples of Manueline architecture. Alternatively, explore Portugal’s premier wine country at Bairrada, with its viticulture history dating back to the 10th Century and title as the leading producer of traditional-method sparkling wine. Visit the Aliança Underground Museum for a wine and art paired sensory degustation exploring a series of eight contemporary underground cellars/galleries, featuring extraordinary art collections set among oak barrels of maturing wine and brandy.

Today sees us returning to Spain as we sail northwards to the stunning coastline of Vilagarcía and saline estuary ría de Arousa, making landfall in Galicia. A highlight will be our journey venturing inland to visit Santiago de Compostela, the city’s Old Town and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here we will explore its towering cathedral – the final destination of the world-renowned Camino de Santiago (Way of St. James) pilgrimage route – and the (believed) final resting place of the biblical apostle St. James. Those interested can join the pilgrims in walking some of the route before transferring to the city. Alternatively, transfer directly to the city to visit the Conventual de San Francisco education centre for the Franciscan Order founded by St. Francis in 1214, the Faculty of Medicine, a premier example of 19th Century eclecticism, and world-famous square Plaza del Obradoiro. Here, we can enjoy some of Spain’s best views in the heart of the Old Town. Inside the cathedral, find the Romanesque burial crypt guarding the remains of St. James on a marble altar. Another option for today includes exploring the Pazo de Oca, the finest example of a Galician pazo (manor home) and masterpiece of architecture, engineering and gardening known as the ‘Versailles Gallego’ and ‘Generalife of the North’, where its stunning Baroque court garden, famed for its numerous fountains and ancient Camellia trees dating back to the mid-18th Century. We also plan to visit the 15th-century Pazo de Rubianes, one of Spain’s three official lordships and a recognised Garden of Excellence by the International Camellia Society. Explore the grandiose 11-hectare garden before visiting the Pazo’s vineyards, chapel, and winery, where centuries of grape growing tradition go into producing three Albariño wines we will sample.

Located in the far north-west of Spain, this morning we sail into the natural harbour of Ferrol, where maritime history and culture meet military might. Considered one of the very best harbours along Spain’s Atlantic Coast, not surprisingly, it’s also the location of an important naval base dating back to 1750. Indeed, the preserved fortification Castelo de San Felipe still guards the entrance to the harbour and is an excellent example of one of the major ‘fortified batteries’ of the 18th Century. During our time here we will explore the historic Magdalena Neighborhood, bisected by streets to resemble a chocolate bar bookended by Amboage Square and Plaza de Armas. While here, we will visit the San Julián Co-Cathedral dedicated to the patron saint of the city, admire the architecture of the elegant Town Hall and cultural epicentre Jofre Theatre, and explore the local market. Nearby, the Fragas do Eume Natural Park offers stunning views and an excellent opportunity to stretch your legs with our guides among some of the best-preserved examples of native Atlantic forest in Europe. This riverside park, complete with stunning waterfalls and the ancient, 10th-century Caaveiro Monastery, is also home to a variety of flora and fauna with 15 species of amphibian, 14 species of reptiles, 8 fish species, 103 species of bird and 41 mammal species, including the endangered Iberian Wolf.

Our adventures in Spain continue as we arrive at the bustling port city of Gijón, where its centuries-old industrial maritime past has been repackaged as a vibrant waterfront destination and the country’s cider capital. Gijón is famous for its seafood, the Hotel Asturias, which featured in José Luis Garci’s 1982 Oscar-winning film Volver a Empezar, and its multiple cider houses, or Sidrerías. Found all over the city, the best Sidrerías are located on the fringes of the colourful culture hot spot Cimadevilla in the old town. Here we will enjoy the unique cider of Asturias and discover the surprising pouring techniques required to aerate the beverage. History here is never far, with a 5,000-year timeline scattered across the city in the form of Roman ruins, Baroque architecture and modern sculptures. Explore nearby historic city of Oviedo, also the capital of Asturias, which has played a crucial role in preserving Christianity along the Iberian Peninsula since the 9th Century as the seat of the early Asturian Kingdom. It is also the location of the pre-Romanesque churches of San Miguel de Lillo and Santa María del Naranco, the Gothic Cathedral of San Salvador and the Museum of Fine Arts of Austrias, which holds one of Spain’s best art collections. Be enchanted wandering the whimsical streets and laneways of tiny fishing village Cudillero, where an amphitheatre of tight-knit colourful buildings, reflected in the ocean, ascend the hillside of the natural harbour. Steeped in maritime and Viking legend, listen out for the local dialect known as Pixueto, which marries distinct western Asturian characteristics with rumoured Viking influences.

Our final day in Spain sees us sailing into the beautifully protected natural harbour of Pasaia in the heart of Spain’s Basque Country. Located at the mouth of the Oiartzun River and sheltered by the cliffs of Mounts Jaizkibel and Ulía, Pasaia Bay is one of the best-kept secrets of the Basque coastline. Surrounded by four distinct villages, Pasai Donibane, San Pedro, Pasai Antxo and Trintxerpe, each has its own unique character and charm. Explore the rich cultural heritage, and a glimpse into traditional Basque fishing life, wandering the labyrinth of cobblestones, low arches and small hidden passageways of old town Pasai Donibane. Here we find colourful houses, the impressive Church of San Juan Bautista, 17th-century Baroque Arizabalo Palace and the majestic 16th-century Renaissance house, Villaviciosa Palace, with carved ashlar stone walls. At Albaola, The Sea Factory of the Basques, discover the storied whaling history of the Basque people and, in its working shipyard, see the full-size scale replica of the San Juan whaling ship from the 16th Century being built using traditional tools and materials. The original vessel sank off the coast of Canada in 1565.

Welcome to France, and wine country. Our first of three days exploring the French coastline sees us journeying from the port town of Le Médoc to the iconic city of Bordeaux, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its well-preserved heritage and iconic ‘world capital of wine’. Situated on the Garrone River, the history and prosperity of Bordeaux have been intrinsically linked to the river and its waterfront area, enabling Bordeaux to thrive as a major port and trading hub since Roman times. Explore Place des Quinconces Square, one of Europe’s largest squares with its fountains and 1829 monument dedicated to those who fell during the Reign of Terror in the French Revolution, and King Louis XV’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, Place de la Bourse. We also plan to explore the 35-metre high medieval Cailhau Gate at Porte Cailhau, built in the 15th Century to celebrate the victory of Charles VIII, the Grosse Cloche or Big Bell, one of the oldest belfries in France, the majestic Palais Rohan and 11th-century Gothic treasure St Andrew Cathedral and its famed Pey-Berland Tower. Given this is premier wine country, the city is surrounded by renowned wine regions including Médoc, Saint-Émilion, Pomerol, and Graves. Our explorations will concentrate on the Médoc region, which sits between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gironde estuary. Located on the left bank are some of the world’s most famous estates, including Château Lafite Rothschild, Château Margaux, and Château Latour.

Sitting at the mouth of the Loire River, the small village of Saint-Nazaire’s strategic positioning saw it transform into a maritime powerhouse during the Industrial Revolution, though its history dates to Greek navigator Pytheas’ explorations. Location of renowned boatbuilding yards, Saint-Nazaire’s credentials also saw it play a crucial role during both World Wars, and was the last city in France to be liberated during World War II. Today, gastronomy and creativity have put it on the map, being awarded ‘Town of Art and History’ status in 2020 due to its history, heritage and contemporary art. Options today include exploring the historic medieval walled town-within-a-town of Guérande, built on salt still traditionally harvested from its surrounding marshes and peat bogs. Explore its impressive fortifications designed to protect the ‘white gold’ within, charming cobbled streets, traditional thatched-roof Breton villages and world-famous salt marshes, home of the iconic hand-picked salt crystals of Fleur de sel finishing salt. Or head inland to the historically and culturally vibrant riverside city of Nantes, birthplace of author Jules Verne and the iconic LU biscuit brand. Visit the beautiful Jardin de Plantes de Nantes, one of France’s top five gardens, and explore 7 hectares of world-class botanic gardens showcasing more than 10,000 plants from around the world and three centuries of botany. Discover the magnificent 15th-century Castle of Nantes, Château des Ducs de Bretagne, once the primary residence of the Dukes of Brittany and now the Nantes History Museum. We finish with the world-famous spectacle and fusion of supersized contemporary art and transport The Great Elephant, a 12-metre-tall mechanical elephant inspired by the works of Jules Verne and Leonardo da Vinci, which walks around the city.

This historic naval port and its fortifications guarding France’s westernmost shores, considered France’s most beautiful, and blurred on Google Earth due to its ongoing naval operations, is our gateway for today’s adventures. Here, we immerse ourselves in Brittany’s most authentic region, Finistère, where centuries-old traditions thrive alongside breathtaking coastal scenery. Discover the old-world charm of Quimper and immerse yourself in the Breton Celtic culture unique to Brittany. Wander the gothic splendour of Locronan’s perfectly preserved medieval stone buildings, among them bakeries making world-famous French pastry Kouign-amann Cakes. Building its fame on weaving sailcloth in the 14th Century, it is also a member of both the ultra-exclusive ‘Small Towns of Character’ and ‘Most Beautiful Villages of France’ clubs. In Pont-Aven, the picturesque and famed mill town nestled alongside the lush Aven estuary, which inspired this legendary artists’ village led by controversial modernist pioneer Paul Gauguin. Walk in the footsteps of the masters in the birthplace of the Post-Impressionist movement known as Pont-Aven School, explore the many galleries and seek out the local culinary speciality, a butter cookie known as the Galette de Pont-Aven. In the distance, the Crozon Peninsula’s jagged cliffs, turquoise waters and sweeping beaches provide the perfect backdrop for today’s explorations.

Today marks our arrival in the United Kingdom and the rugged beauty of the Bailiwick of Guernsey in the English Channel, where we will explore the islands of Guernsey and Sark. We spend the morning discovering the history and landscapes of Guernsey, an island inspiring artists including Pierre-Auguste Renoir and writer Victor Hugo. Renoir’s six-week visit in 1883 would result in 15 paintings, all of the Moulin Huet valley, while Hugo would pen both Les Misérables and Toilers of the Sea, among others, during 15 of his 19 years on the island during his exile from France. Explore the scenic coastline and beaches, and visit the work of art and labour of love known as the Little Chapel. Considered the smallest chapel in the world, it was built by Brother Déodat in 1914 as a miniature homage to the famous grotto and basilica at Lourdes and is famously decorated with seashells, pebbles and coloured pieces of china. We also plan to explore the stunning harbour town of St Peter Port, capital and ‘town’ to the locals, where nature meets history, all set in a natural amphitheatre. In the afternoon, Zodiac cruise to the peaceful, traffic-free island of Sark, where English, Norman French and Channel Island cultures fuse with unique traditional dishes, clothing and Britain’s archaic and endangered Norman language known as Sarkese. Wander narrow lanes to the soundtrack of Chaffinches and Skylarks, take in the narrow isthmus joining Little Sark and Big Sark and the enchanting walled gardens at La Seigneurie. Set within the grounds of a 17th-century manor and ancestral home of the Seigneur of Sark, these award-winning gardens are built on the site of the former 6th-century Monastery of St Magloire.

This morning, we arrive in the historic naval port, dockyard and lively waterfront city of Portsmouth. After breakfast and final farewells, there will be a coach transfer to Portsmouth Railway Station or Heathrow Airport. In case of unexpected delays due to weather and/or port operations, we ask you not to book any onward travel until after 12 noon. Note: During our voyage, circumstances may make it necessary or desirable to deviate from the proposed itinerary. This can include poor weather and opportunities for making unplanned excursions. Your Expedition Leader will keep you fully informed. This tour offers a variety of activities and excursions. Your personal interests will determine which of these you wish to join. Please note that some activities and excursions will run at similar times, and it will not be possible to participate in both. Accordingly, refunds for excursions and missed landings are not available. Voyages are planned and scheduled pending final regulatory approval.

Itineraries are subject to change.