From Portugal to London: A Journey Through Historic Ports

Delve into Porto's captivating history, with its mix of Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque and Neoclassical architecture. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ribeira district, passing the Palácio da Bolsa and the Gothic São Francisco Church renowned for its elaborate gilded wood carvings. Enjoy free time before a wine cellar tour in Vila Nova de Gaia, where you'll uncover the story behind Porto’s famed export, Port wine.

Visit Guimarães, widely regarded as the birthplace of Portugal and its original capital. This well-preserved medieval town offers a remarkable blend of history and architecture, and is known as the birthplace of the country’s first king, Afonso Henriques. Your guided tour includes an exterior visit to Guimarães Castle, perched above the old town, where you will learn about its royal history and military significance. Continue to the nearby Palace of the Dukes of Braganza, a national monument dating from the 15th century, to explore its grand interiors, period furnishings, armour, tapestries, and portraits. Afterwards, enjoy a guided walking tour through the historic centre of Guimarães, with its narrow streets, iron balconies, and traditional squares, followed by some free time to browse local shops or relax before returning to the pier. Minimum participation required; tour may be cancelled or subject to price changes if not met.

Pedal effortlessly through Porto on an electric bike exploring the city's stunning scenery and landmarks. Begin at Matosinhos, then ride along the picturesque beaches into Porto’s UNESCO-listed historic centre. Glide past Cordoaria Garden, Clérigos Tower and Lello Bookstore, then enjoy a coffee on Aliados Avenue. Continue to São Bento station, Porto Cathedral, Dom Luís I Bridge and the Ribeira Quarter before returning.

Follow in pilgrims' footsteps on the legendary “Camino de Santiago” or Way of Saint James. Explore Santiago’s UNESCO-listed Old Town, beginning at Obradoiro Square, home to the impressive Cathedral, the Town Hall, the Palace of St. Jerome, and the Parador of the Reyes Católicos, a former pilgrim hospital. Discover the Cathedral’s grand façades—Baroque, Neoclassical, and Romanesque—before touring its interior. Then enjoy free time to explore.

Experience the last stretch of the legendary Camino de Santiago, ending at the magnificent Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the believed resting place of Saint James the Great. This pilgrimage is one of only three in the world granting plenary indulgence. Your journey begins outside Santiago, following a scenic 5-kilometre path through forests, hills, and rivers, offering a peaceful and authentic approach to the city. Upon arrival at the Cathedral, your guide will introduce its stunning exteriors, including the Baroque Obradoiro façade, the Neoclassical Plaza de Azabachería, the Romanesque Plaza de Platerías, and the Holy Door in La Quintana Square, which opens only in Jubilee Years. Next, enjoy a guided tour of the Cathedral’s interior, followed by free time to explore on your own—perhaps visiting the crypt or admiring the famous Botafumeiro incense burner. Each guest will receive a traditional Camino shell as a souvenir of this unforgettable experience. Please note this is a 5km walk along dirt and gravel pathways with some mild inclines. Upon arrival in Santiago there are cobblestones and the entrance to the Cathedral has numerous steps. Guests must be fit and able to walk a minimum of 5km at ease.

Enjoy a scenic 45 min drive to La Coruna. As we arrive and enter the old part of the city, you will see the "galleries", sited in front of the harbour that gives the name to La Coruna as "The Crystal City”, due to the hundreds of windows these houses have. Many, many years ago, the sea was nearer to the city and these windows reflected the sunlight on top of the surface of the sea. At the promenade - the longest in Europe that surrounds most of Coruna’s coastline – we will pass the Castle of San Anton, built on an island; first it was the local fortress, and nowadays it shelters the archaeological museum and is connected with the city by a stretch road. Next we will arrive at the Tower of Hercules; this beacon built by the Romans is the only lighthouse in the world of its kind that is still working for its original purpose. As the most important monument of the city, it is part of the coat of arms of La Coruna, together with the bones of Gerion, a giant that was killed by Hercules and buried under the beacon. Continue to the foot of Mount San Pedro, from where you will have a beautiful view of the Tower of Hercules and the ocean where you will see the octopus, a two metre tall sculpture with the beacon behind it. Afterwards, view one of the most important places in La Coruna, Maria Pita Square, where the town hall stands. Maria Pita was a woman who lead the fight and defeated the pirate “Sir” Francis Drake in the 16th century, when he tried to invade the city. You will have free time to wander around the city centre square where hundreds of shops, bars and markets, can be found before returning to Ferrol. Minimum participation required; tour may be cancelled or subject to price changes if not met.

Wander among the exotic blooms of Tresco Abbey Gardens, a subtropical botanical paradise on Scilly's Isle of Tresco, brimming with flora from around the globe. The mild climate and long sunshine hours allow 20,000 plant species to thrive here when they wouldn't elsewhere. Greeted by a local gardener, learn about the wealthy 19th-century owner before exploring at your leisure and trying to spot one of Britain's endangered red squirrels.

Peer into Polperro's smuggling past on a scenic Cornish tour. Reveal Cornwall's charm on a drive through rolling countryside and the Georgian town of Lostwithiel to car-free Polperro, known for its colourful smuggling history, which you can explore in the Heritage Museum. Discover tales of daring smugglers and treasure as you wander the village's lanes, whitewashed cottages, shops and harbour - but not before tasting a traditional Cornish pasty.

Trace Fowey’s maritime history on a guided walk through 15th-century streets to Town Quay, overlooking Polruan. See the 'Rook with a Book' sculpture honouring local author Daphne Du Maurier who drew inspiration for her novels from the surrounding landscapes. Head to Readymoney Cove and pass through woodland to St Catherine's Castle ruins, hearing tales of pirates and privateers who once roamed these waters. Suitable for experienced walkers only.

Immerse yourself in a once secret botanical world at The Lost Gardens of Heligan, rediscovered in 1990 after being lost for 70 years. These glorious gardens include an exotic jungle, Victorian garden and more, where winding paths lead through bamboo tunnels, ancient woodlands and over Britain's longest Burmese rope bridge. Meet farm animals and sculptures amidst the landscape, then enjoy free time to buy local produce in the restaurant/bakery.