Spanish And French Coasts Cruise

Day 1 - Seville

Arrive: Tue 27 April 2027 / Depart: Tue 27 April 2027

With its warm weather and attractive scenery, Andalusia was settled successively by Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans and Vandals. But it was the Moors who graced it with a rich medieval culture of silver filigree, arches and arabesques, and the domes and minarets of its mosques, making it the center of the most highly developed civilization of the Middle Ages. Sherry wines, well-disciplined horses, brave bulls and the flamboyant flamenco are all part of its allure. Seville has been called "the most interesting town in all of Spain," and this pretty city, sparkling in the Andalusian sun, has played its part as the setting for Don Juan, Carmen, and Rossini's famous barber.

Day 2 - Portimao

Arrive: Wed 28 April 2027 / Depart: Wed 28 April 2027

Portugal's southeast coast is a ruggedly beautiful region, crowned by Cape St. Vincent, the southeastern-most point in Europe. At nearby Sagres, Henry the Navigator had his school where the most knowledgeable seamen in the world learned their craft. Standing on the high bluff overlooking the windy sea, one can imagine Columbus staring off to the west, pondering what lay beyond that blue horizon.

Day 3 - At Sea

Day 4 - Leixoes, Portugal

Arrive: Fri 30 April 2027 / Depart: Fri 30 April 2027

The principal port for the city of Oporto, Portugal's second largest city, Lexixoes is set on an artifical deep-water harbour created to accommodate vessels of all sizes. The city is famous for its many bridges and excellent port wine, blended and aged in the various lodges of the Vila Nova de Gaia on the banks of the great Douro River. Oporto is also known for its characteristic sailboats, the "Barcos Rabelos", which used to ship Port downstream from the vineyards. Today, the famous boats are used for a race held in June every year.

Day 5 - At Sea

Day 6 - Brest

Arrive: Sun 02 May 2027 / Depart: Sun 02 May 2027

One of France’s most important ports for over a thousand years, Brest straddles the Penfield River at the tip of the Brittany region. Its history is indicated by the Chateau de Brest on one side of the river, and the medieval Tanguy Tower on the opposite bank. In the Chateau, you will find the naval museum. Brest is still one of France’s three naval bases. The Tower holds more artifacts of the town’s history. A more recent landmark is the dramatic, cable-stayed Pont de I’Iloise bridge, best viewed from the pedestrian-and-cycling Albert Louppe Bridge. Brest also has France’s first téléférique cable car, and an impressive Océanopolis aquarium.

Day 7 - St Malo, France

Arrive: Mon 03 May 2027 / Depart: Mon 03 May 2027

Saint-Malo is a port city in Brittany, in France's northwest. Tall granite walls surround the old town, which was once a stronghold for privateers (pirates approved by the king). The Saint-Malo Cathedral, in the center of the old town, is built in Romanesque and Gothic styles and features stained-glass windows depicting city history. Nearby is La Demeure de Corsaire, an 18th-century privateer’s house and museum.

Day 8 - Cherbourg

Arrive: Tue 04 May 2027 / Depart: Tue 04 May 2027

The seaport and naval station of Cherbourg is situated along the English Channel northwest of Paris at the mouth of the Divette River. Believed to rest on the site of an ancient Roman station, Cherbourg has been occupied since ancient times and was frequently contested by the French and English in the Middle Ages because of its strategic location. Most recently passed to France in the late 18th century, the town was extensively fortified by Louis XVI. During WWII the Germans held Cherbourg until it was captured by the American forces shortly after the Normandy landings. Following a vast rehabilitation program that returned it to working condition, Cherbourg became an important Allied supply port. Today, Cherbourg is important for transatlantic shipping, shipbuilding, electronics and telephone equipment manufacturing, yachting and commercial fishing.

Day 9 - Rouen, France

Arrive: Wed 05 May 2027 / Depart: Wed 05 May 2027

The capital of upper Normandy and fifth largest port in France, picturesque and historic Rouen is renowned as a treasury of medieval architecture. With a large part of the city destroyed during World War II resulting in massive postwar reconstruction, Rouen today appears as an interesting blend of ancient and modern. Fortunately, it has kept its medieval character with still-inhabited houses dating from the 15th century, which line its narrow cobblestone streets. Among the city's most noteworthy attractions are the magnificent Cathedrale Notre-Dame built during the 13th century, and the famous Gros-Horloge, a giant Renaissance clock looming over the renowned pedestrian street of the same name. Two blocks away is the Place du Vieux Marche, or old market square, where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake in 1431. She is publicly commemorated at the site on the last Sunday of each May. The "City of a Hundred Spires" as Rouen is known, was an inspiration for Monet's impressionistic cathedral paintings. Rouen also makes an excellent point of departure for a visit to Paris, the "City of Light."

Day 10 - At Sea

Day 11 - Amsterdam

Arrive: Fri 07 May 2027 / Depart: Fri 07 May 2027

The delightfully attractive city of Amsterdam is home to many of the world's great art treasures, and is a major center of the glamorous diamond trade as well. Unique architectural styles of the past blend with superb modern structures, and the web of curved and straight canals makes the city as easy to traverse by water as by land. The hospitality of the local people has been remarked upon by generations of travelers, and the Dutch's respect for and tolerance of the beliefs of others has attracted refugees from around the world for centuries.