Atlantic Shores - Lisbon to Portsmouth

Arrive in Lisbon, Portugal’s centuries-old capital, where pastel-hued neighbourhoods rise above the Tagus River estuary and Mediterranean character meets layers of history. Wander through winding cobbled streets, hear the soulful sounds of Fado, spot the city’s iconic yellow trams and perhaps sample a famous pastel de nata. Shaped by a rich tradition of exploration, Lisbon provides an ideal setting to begin our cruise. Make your way to your hotel for the first night of the expedition. This evening, gather for dinner with your fellow voyagers and some of our expedition guides.

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After breakfast, travel into the historic countryside of Portugal’s Alentejo region to Évora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the region’s oldest towns. Explore its historic centre on foot, including the remarkably preserved Roman Temple of Évora and the Church of St. Francis, home to the striking Chapel of Bones, whose walls are decorated with the remains of some 5,000 people. Alentejo is also Portugal’s largest wine region, covering more than 30% of the country. Discover its winemaking traditions through a tasting of local wines and fortified wines produced from varieties including Tempranillo and Trincadeira. Alternatively, spend time exploring Lisbon and the historic Belém district, where UNESCO World Heritage Sites reflect Portugal’s centuries of maritime exploration. This afternoon, transfer to Heritage Discoverer and meet the captain and expedition team. Settle into your cabin and familiarise yourself with the ship before joining the expedition team in the Observation Lounge or out on deck as we begin our journey towards Figueira da Foz.

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Arrive at Figueira da Foz, a seaside town at the mouth of the Mondego River that has drawn visitors to its coast since the late 19th century. From here, travel inland to Coimbra, Portugal’s former medieval capital and one of the country’s most historic cities. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed University of Coimbra, renowned for its Baroque Biblioteca Joanina and 18th-century bell tower. Discover architecture spanning the 16th to 18th centuries, including the Royal Palace, once a fortress before becoming Portugal’s first royal residence in 1131. Continue to the Santa Cruz Church and Monastery, resting place of Portugal’s first two kings and home to a cloister considered a fine example of Manueline architecture. Alternatively, journey into the Bairrada wine region, where winemaking traditions date back to the 10th century. Visit the Aliança Underground Museum for a sensory experience pairing wine and art across eight contemporary underground cellars and galleries, where remarkable collections are displayed alongside oak barrels of maturing wine and brandy.

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This morning, arrive in Galicia, sailing north to Vilagarcía and the sheltered waters of the Ría de Arousa on Galicia’s Atlantic coast. From here, journey inland to Santiago de Compostela, whose UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town marks the culmination of the renowned Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route. Explore Santiago’s impressive cathedral, believed to be the final resting place of the apostle St. James. Those who wish can experience part of the Camino on foot before continuing into the city, while an alternative exploration takes in landmarks including the Conventual de San Francisco, the Faculty of Medicine and Plaza del Obradoiro at the heart of the Old Town. Alternatively, discover Galicia’s historic country estates and gardens. Visit Pazo de Oca, renowned for its Baroque gardens, fountains and ancient camellia trees, before exploring the 15th-century Pazo de Rubianes. Wander through its extensive gardens, recognised by the International Camellia Society, and visit the vineyards, chapel and winery, concluding with a tasting of three locally produced Albariño wines.

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This morning, sail into the natural harbour of Ferrol on Spain’s far north-western coast, a city shaped by centuries of maritime and naval history. Explore the historic Magdalena neighbourhood, with its distinctive grid of streets stretching between Amboage Square and Plaza de Armas. Visit the San Julián Co-Cathedral, admire the elegant Town Hall and Jofre Theatre, and spend time exploring the local market. Ferrol’s strategic importance can also be seen at the 18th-century Castelo de San Felipe, which continues to guard the entrance to the harbour. Alternatively, venture into Fragas do Eume Natural Park for a guided walk through one of Europe’s best-preserved native Atlantic forests. Follow riverside trails through lush woodland and past waterfalls to the 10th-century Caaveiro Monastery. The park supports a rich diversity of wildlife, including more than 100 species of birds and numerous mammals, reptiles and amphibians.

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Our exploration of Spain continues in Gijón, a lively port city on the Asturian coast where a long maritime and industrial heritage meets a vibrant waterfront culture. Explore the colourful old quarter of Cimadevilla and discover Asturias’ celebrated cider traditions at one of the city’s traditional sidrerías, including the distinctive pouring technique used to aerate the cider. Alternatively, travel to nearby Oviedo, the historic capital of Asturias and once the seat of the early Asturian Kingdom. Discover its architectural heritage, including 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 Asturias. Another option takes us to the small fishing village of Cudillero, where colourful houses climb the hillside above its natural harbour. Wander its narrow streets and laneways while discovering a community shaped by generations of maritime tradition and local legend.

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Our final day in Spain brings us to Pasaia, a sheltered natural harbour in the heart of the Basque Country. Set at the mouth of the Oiartzun River and framed by the cliffs of Mounts Jaizkibel and Ulía, the bay is surrounded by four distinctive villages, each with its own character. Explore Pasai Donibane on foot, wandering its cobbled streets, low arches and hidden passageways for an insight into traditional Basque fishing life. Along the way, discover colourful houses and historic landmarks including the Church of San Juan Bautista, the 17th-century Arizabalo Palace and 16th-century Villaviciosa Palace. Continue to Albaola, The Sea Factory of the Basques, to learn about the region’s long whaling heritage. Visit its working shipyard, where a full-scale replica of the 16th-century whaling ship San Juan is being constructed using traditional tools and materials. The original vessel sank off the coast of Canada in 1565.

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Welcome to France and the celebrated wine country surrounding Bordeaux. The first of three days exploring the French coastline takes us from Le Médoc to Bordeaux, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed city whose history and prosperity have long been connected to the Garonne River and its role as an important trading port. Explore some of Bordeaux’s most significant landmarks, including Place des Quinconces, the elegant Place de la Bourse, the medieval Cailhau Gate and Grosse Cloche, one of France’s oldest belfries. Continue to the Palais Rohan and Gothic St Andrew Cathedral with its distinctive Pey-Berland Tower. Beyond the city, our explorations focus on the renowned Médoc wine region, stretching between the Atlantic Ocean and Gironde estuary. Discover a landscape synonymous with Bordeaux winemaking and home to some of its most famous estates, including Château Lafite Rothschild, Château Margaux and Château Latour.

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Arrive in Saint-Nazaire at the mouth of the Loire River, a town shaped by a long maritime and shipbuilding heritage. Its strategic position saw it develop into an important maritime centre during the Industrial Revolution and play a significant role during both World Wars. Today, its heritage and contemporary creativity have earned it recognition as a ‘Town of Art and History’. One option takes us to the medieval walled town of Guérande, where salt continues to be traditionally harvested from the surrounding marshes. Explore its impressive fortifications and cobbled streets, visit traditional thatched-roof Breton villages and discover the salt marshes renowned for producing delicate, hand-harvested fleur de sel. Alternatively, travel inland to Nantes, birthplace of author Jules Verne. Wander through the Jardin des Plantes and its extensive botanical collections before visiting the 15th-century Château des Ducs de Bretagne, once home to the Dukes of Brittany and now the Nantes History Museum. Complete your exploration with The Great Elephant, an extraordinary 12-metre-high mechanical creation inspired by the works of Jules Verne and Leonardo da Vinci.

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Arrive in Brest, a historic naval port on France’s westernmost shores and our gateway to Brittany’s Finistère region, where strong cultural traditions meet a dramatic Atlantic coastline. Explore the historic town of Quimper and discover the distinctive Breton Celtic culture of the region, or wander through Locronan, renowned for its beautifully preserved medieval stone buildings and Gothic architecture. Once an important centre for sailcloth weaving, the village is also known for the Breton pastry kouign-amann. In picturesque Pont-Aven, follow in the footsteps of artists including Paul Gauguin, who helped establish the Post-Impressionist Pont-Aven School. Explore the town’s galleries and riverside setting, and perhaps sample its local speciality, the Galette de Pont-Aven butter biscuit. Throughout the day, the rugged landscapes of the Crozon Peninsula provide a striking backdrop, with jagged cliffs, turquoise waters and sweeping beaches characteristic of this corner of Brittany.

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Today we arrive in the Channel Islands to explore Guernsey and Sark, two distinctive islands shaped by dramatic coastal landscapes, rich history and a blend of cultural influences. Spend the morning on Guernsey, an island that inspired both artist Pierre-Auguste Renoir and writer Victor Hugo. Explore its scenic coastline and visit the Little Chapel, a remarkable miniature chapel built by Brother Déodat in 1914 and intricately decorated with seashells, pebbles and colourful pieces of china. Continue to St Peter Port, Guernsey’s picturesque harbour town, set within a natural amphitheatre overlooking the water. This afternoon, cruise by Zodiac to the peaceful, traffic-free island of Sark. Wander its narrow lanes, discover the narrow isthmus connecting Little Sark and Big Sark, and visit the walled gardens of La Seigneurie. Set within the grounds of a 17th-century manor, these award-winning gardens occupy the site of the former 6th-century Monastery of St Magloire.

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This morning, arrive in Portsmouth, a historic naval port and lively waterfront city. After breakfast, farewell the expedition team and your fellow travellers before disembarking. A coach transfer will be provided to Portsmouth Railway Station or Heathrow Airport. Due to the possibility of delays caused by weather or port operations, please do not arrange onward travel before 12 noon on the day of disembarkation. 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.

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