Iberians, Gauls & Celts - Lisbon to London Cruise

Day 1 - Lisbon

Arrive: Tue 13 May 2025 / Depart: Tue 13 May 2025 at 19:00

Visit the ornate Belem Tower and Jeronimos Monastery and stroll the narrow, winding streets of the charming Alfama district. Enjoy marvelous old Sintra, a royal country retreat, and Cascais, a beautiful seaside resort. Explore medieval Obidos or make a pilgrimage to Fatima, where the Virgin Mary appeared repeatedly to three shepherd children in 1917.

Day 2 - Porto, Portugal

Arrive: Wed 14 May 2025 at 08:00 / Depart: Wed 14 May 2025 at 17:00

Explore picturesque, historic Oporto and the Vila Nova de Gaia quarter, home of its famed port wine industry. Or discover Portugal's scenic countryside and visit Guimaraes with its impressive medieval castle and beautiful Braga with its Bom Jesus Shrine and superb cathedral.

Day 3 - La Coruna, Spain

Arrive: Thu 15 May 2025 at 08:00 / Depart: Thu 15 May 2025 at 18:00

See the famed Tower of Hercules, the still working 2nd century Roman lighthouse, and wander through this historic town of fine churches, old palaces, cobbled streets and unique fishermen's houses. Or spend the day in beautiful Santiago de Compostela, an important pilgrimage site renowned for its magnificent cathedral and superb architectural and cultural heritage.

Day 4 - Bilbao

Arrive: Fri 16 May 2025 at 10:00 / Depart: Fri 16 May 2025 at 23:00

Bilbao is a charming city both modern and dynamic while at the same time, with its 700 years of history, it is quite traditional as well. Enjoy a walk around the Old Quarter, the most popular area of the city. Here you will see the Teatro Arriaga; el Arenal, the old stevedoring port and today one of the favorite promenades of the citizens of Bilbao; the San Nicholas Church; and the Cathedral of Santiago along with its cloister, Plaza Nueva. No visit to Bilbao would be complete without a visit to the architecturally stunning Guggenheim Museum, which is in and of itself a work of art.

Day 5 - Biarritz

Arrive: Sat 17 May 2025 at 07:00 / Depart: Sat 17 May 2025 at 17:00

Tucked in France's Côte Basque, Biarritz first came to prominence in the mid-19th century when Napoleon III built a summer palace here for his wife, Empress Eugenie. The oceanside palace is now the esteemed Hotel du Palais, a landmark for the dynamic, beach-rimmed Biarritz. Surfing in France originated here in the late 1950s, and the sport has become synonymous with the city. You might watch surfers riding the waves that funnel into the Bay of Biscay, or simply comb the lovely beaches. Biarritz also has an urbane personality and museums dedicated to everything from Asian art to chocolate. Don't miss the blue-domed Russian Orthodox church, built for visiting Russian aristocrats in the 19th century.

Day 6 - Bordeaux

Arrive: Sun 18 May 2025 at 11:00

Enjoy the city's visual feast of wonderful ornate buildings, broad avenues, marvelous squares and the Cathedral of St. André, where Eleanor of Aquitaine married Louis VII. Stroll through Old Bordeaux. Then visit the area's fabulous vineyards and magnificent châteaux and delight in tasting their superb wines.

Day 7 - Bordeaux

Depart: Mon 19 May 2025 at 22:00

Enjoy the city's visual feast of wonderful ornate buildings, broad avenues, marvelous squares and the Cathedral of St. André, where Eleanor of Aquitaine married Louis VII. Stroll through Old Bordeaux. Then visit the area's fabulous vineyards and magnificent châteaux and delight in tasting their superb wines.

Day 8 - Cruising the Bay of Biscay & English Channel

Day 9 - St. Helier

Arrive: Wed 21 May 2025 at 07:00 / Depart: Wed 21 May 2025 at 16:00

Day 10 - Paris

Arrive: Thu 22 May 2025 at 07:00 / Depart: Thu 22 May 2025 at 20:00

Enjoy the relaxing drive through the countryside to Paris and then savor its bountiful attractions. Visit the Louvre, Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower. Ride a boat on the Seine, stroll the Champs-Élysées and climb to the top of the Arc de Triomphe. Our two gateways to Paris are outstanding as well. Honfleur dates to the 11th century and features a historic waterfront. Across the Seine lies Le Havre, once home to Claude Monet. His Impressionist works hang in the Malraux Museum. Historic Rouen is closest to Paris and boasts the great Cathédrale Notre Dame.

Day 11 - Southampton

Arrive: Fri 23 May 2025 at 06:00 / Depart: Fri 23 May 2025 at 18:00

Take a trip up to London and get a bird’s eye view of the city from the London Eye. See sights like Parliament, Westminster Abbey and Piccadilly. Stroll along Lower Regent Street or visit the British Museum.

Day 12 - Cruising the North Sea

Day 13 - Edinburgh, UK

Arrive: Sun 25 May 2025 at 08:00 / Depart: Sun 25 May 2025 at 19:00

Savor the old town’s marvelous Georgian and Victorian architecture and impressive Edinburgh Castle, high on its volcanic crag with a fabulous view. Stroll along the medieval Royal Mile to the Palace of Holyroodhouse to see the abbey and Queen Mary’s chambers. Visit St. Giles’ Cathedral where John Knox once preached.

Day 14 - Kirkwall

Arrive: Mon 26 May 2025 at 10:00 / Depart: Mon 26 May 2025 at 19:00

This starkly beautiful island holds many ancient treasures like the enigmatic Standing Stones of Stenness and the 5,000-year-old village of Skara Brae, amazingly discovered with furniture and indoor drains preserved. Visit the imposing trio of St. Magnus Cathedral, the nearby ruins of the Earl's Palace, and the earlier Bishop's Palace.

Day 15 - Stornoway (Isle Lewis)

Arrive: Tue 27 May 2025 at 07:00 / Depart: Tue 27 May 2025 at 17:00

Stroll through this village and enjoy the views of Lews Castle before exploring the remote, wild Hebrides countryside dotted will old crofts. Visit the breathtaking Standing Stones at Callanish, a megalithic avenue of 19 stones and 13 stone circle and Carloway Broch, a 2,000-year-old circular fortified tower. Shopping: Buy superb Harris Tweed here, woolens and local crafts. Dining: Enjoy local fish, lamb and delicious breads and pastries.

Day 16 - Killybegs

Arrive: Wed 28 May 2025 at 09:00 / Depart: Wed 28 May 2025 at 19:00

Donegal’s scenic fishing village, Killybegs is situated in a region marked by natural beauty and rich in Celtic heritage. Discover thatched Irish cottages and picturesque Gaeltacht villages, not to mention super fresh seafood and beautiful stretches of coastline with Blue Flag beaches. Get a sense of the town’s history and see the world’s largest hand-knotted loom at the former factory of Donegal Carpets, now known as Killybegs International Carpet Making & Fishing Centre. Nature lovers will want to head to hiking trails of dramatic Slieve League Mountains just west of Killybegs – those up for the adventure will be rewarded with stunning views of Donegal Bay, local wildlife and some of the highest sea cliffs in Europe.

Day 17 - Belfast

Arrive: Thu 29 May 2025 at 09:00 / Depart: Thu 29 May 2025 at 21:00

Delight in this vibrant city of ornate Victorian and Edwardian architecture, gracious gardens and friendly pubs. Thrill to the natural phenomenon of the Giants' Causeway, a stunning geological anomaly of tightly packed, uneven basalt columns disappearing into the sea, and the enigmatic ruins of Grey Abbey.

Day 18 - Dun Laoghaire, Ireland

Arrive: Fri 30 May 2025 at 07:00 / Depart: Fri 30 May 2025 at 19:00

The coastal suburb of Dún Laoghaire is popular for strolls on the East Pier, and locally caught fish and chips. The National Maritime Museum of Ireland has nautical art and artefacts inside a 19th-century sailors’ church, while the harbour is a busy hub for fishing, water sports and cruises. Nearby Sandycove is home to the James Joyce Tower and Museum, as well as the sheltered beach and bathing spot at Forty Foot.

Day 19 - Holyhead, UK

Arrive: Sat 31 May 2025 at 07:00 / Depart: Sat 31 May 2025 at 18:00

Enjoy the beautiful Welsh countryside with its charming towns and farms and visit the imposing Caernarfon Castle begun by Edward I in 1283. This mighty fortress was a residence and seat of government as well as a military stronghold. The current Prince of Wales received his title here in 1969.

Day 20 - Cork, Ireland

Arrive: Sun 01 June 2025 at 07:00 / Depart: Sun 01 June 2025 at 16:00

Cheerful Cork sprawls about the River Lee in one of Ireland's most stunning settings. Bridges crisscross the city leading to landmarks like St. Anne's Church and the Old City Gaol, where you'll see the 19th century prisoners' graffiti. Make time to kiss the Blarney Stone in Blarney Castle.

Day 21 - St. Peter Port, Guernsey

Arrive: Mon 02 June 2025 at 10:00 / Depart: Mon 02 June 2025 at 19:00

Enjoy this charming port, its beautiful harbor, architecture and imposing castle. See the rugged countryside and take a walk along the extraordinary cliffs and down to the sea, where Renoir once admired the view. Or savor the landscape in a drive around the island past grazing Guernsey cows in rich pastures. Then visit artisans working with silver and gold. Learn about the German occupation during WWII, or tour Victor Hugo's house and absorb the spectacular view. Stroll through the lovely Candie Gardens on this island known for its flowers.

Day 22 - Southampton

Arrive: Tue 03 June 2025 at 08:00 / Depart: Tue 03 June 2025

Take a trip up to London and get a bird’s eye view of the city from the London Eye. See sights like Parliament, Westminster Abbey and Piccadilly. Stroll along Lower Regent Street or visit the British Museum.