Explore the Iberian and Gascon Shores: cruise from Lisbon to Bordeaux

Lisbon→Bordeaux

21.05.27 - 30.05.27

Not open for booking

This voyage is not available to book

This departure is not on sale on our website — it may be a private charter, a partner programme or a technical sailing. The itinerary below is shown for reference. Our open departures are listed further down.

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D1327052109SH DIANA

Ports9

Countries3

Nights9

Embark on an enchanting voyage along Europe’s Atlantic coastline with "Explore the Iberian and Gascon Shores," a cruise from Lisbon to Bordeaux. Follow the footsteps of Portuguese explorers and discover French winemaking mastery. Visit captivating ports like Ferrol, Gijón and Santander, rich in maritime history and coastal charm. Experience Santander’s medieval streets and gothic cathedral, and the legendary pilgrimage site of Santiago de Compostela, where the cathedral is believed to hold St. James the Great’s remains

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Your itinerary offers activities to indulge in local culture at each destination. Whether exploring Lisbon's vibrant arts districts, savouring world-renowned pintxos in San Sebastián's Michelin-starred establishments, or touring prestigious wine châteaux in Pauillac, there's something for every traveller. Your journey culminates in Bordeaux, the elegant wine capital where centuries of tradition meet the futuristic Cité du Vin museum along the UNESCO World Heritage waterfront. This voyage offers a rich tapestry of heritage, cuisine, and coastal beauty across three nations, promising something for every traveller

NOTE: This itinerary provides general information about each destination. Also, please be aware that some of the venues and highlights mentioned may not be open or accessible on the day we visit. For the most accurate tour program, we recommend contacting your Swan Hellenic agent or travel agent closer to your departure date.

Overview

Day 1

Lisbon

Spread over seven hills with São Jorge Castle views, bustling Lisbon is one of the world's oldest cities. Elegant Baixa, hilltop Alfama with its yellow tram, and scenic Graça overviewing pastel buildings, are top areas. The Jerónimos Monastery in Belém is a World Heritage Gothic site. The classic Portuguese pastel de nata custard tarts are a local treat. Europe’s longest suspension bridge, the Ponte 25 de Abril, crosses the river Tagus

Day 2

Leixões (Porto)

Established in the late 19th century, Leixões is one of Portugal’s key commercial and cruise ports, providing easy access to Porto’s UNESCO-listed historic center, the Ribeira district and the Douro River; the modern cruise terminal stands out for its contemporary design, while the surrounding area offers Atlantic beaches, seafood restaurants and convenient connections to the Douro Valley, making Leixões both a working harbor and a gateway to northern Portugal’s cultural and wine heritage

Day 3

Vilagarcia de Arousa

Vilagarcía de Arousa serves as the natural gateway to Santiago de Compostela, where a sweeping seafront promenade buzzes with waterfront cafés and restaurants offering fresh Galician seafood. Inland lies the UNESCO World Heritage Old Town of Santiago de Compostela, where the soaring spires of its legendary cathedral welcome thousands of pilgrims completing their transformative journey along the ancient Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route

Day 4

Ferrol

With a rich seafaring history and scenic beaches, Ferrol, in A Coruña, Galicia, on the Atlantic coast, champions the Ferrol Naval Museum and the 16th-century San Felipe Castle. Nearby, La Coruña, dubbed the Crystal City for its glass-fronted buildings, showcases the 1st-century Hercules Tower, a UNESCO landmark. Santiago de Compostela, a famed pilgrimage centre, houses the cathedral believed to hold the remains of St. James the Great

Day 5

Gijon

The Asturian port city Gijon with colourful old houses is surrounded by green hills and is home to the Atlantic Botanical Gardens with over 2,000 plants. The monumental sculpture "Eulogy to the Horizon" by Basque sculptor Eduardo Chillida overlooks the sea. In the fisherman’s old quarter, Cimadevilla, the Campo Valdés Roman Baths date from around 100 AD. Local ciders are a speciality, best enjoyed in a traditional sideria

Day 6

Santander

Santander, known for its beaches, unveils tales of a bygone era through medieval alleyways and ancient architecture. The Paseo de Pereda is a lush haven of gardens and sculptures. The city's history, dating back to Roman times, is marked by landmarks like the 13th-century Gothic cathedral, Catedral de la Asunción, and the Palacio de la Magdalena, a former royal summer residence. Santander is also renowned for traditional Basque cuisine

Day 7

San Sebastian

Set on the stunning Bay of Biscay, the culinary powerhouse of San Sebastián blends big-city style with Basque tradition. Renowned for innovative chefs and Michelin stars, its cobblestone old town, Parte Vieja, buzzes with lively pintxo bars where world-renowned bite-sized specialities are paired with local wines. The town’s Belle Epoque elegance is framed by two beaches, Playas de la Concha and de Ondarreta, both lined with a scenic promenade

Days 8-9

Pauillac

The small port town of Pauillac is a cornerstone of the Médoc wine region, on the Gironde estuary north of Bordeaux. Highly regarded by wine enthusiasts, it is home to three of the five Bordeaux First-Growth wines: the prestigious Châteaux of Mouton-Rothschild, Latour, and Lafite-Rothschild. Renowned for Cabernet Sauvignon, these wines boast rich tannins and age beautifully. Pauillac also has a unique history with a WWI US Navy seaplane base

Days 9-10

Bordeaux

Bordeaux, a key port city in southwestern France, is the heart of the French wine industry. The Cité du Vin, an interactive wine museum, and the UNESCO-listed 18th-century old city highlight its cultural and architectural significance. Surrounded by famed wine regions like Médoc, Graves, Sauternes, Pomerol and Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux blends rich history with world-class gastronomy and markets like Capucins and Chartrons

Natural Walks

Join paced walks through old quarters, waterfronts, and coastal paths, with time for photos and the details you would miss alone.

Historical Landmarks

Step into old quarters, forts, and UNESCO listed waterfronts, with guided walks that explain how each port shaped Europe’s story.

Clifftops and Coastal Hiking

Take the scenic route on foot, with routes that bring you close to sea cliffs, beaches, and viewpoints worth the effort.

Gourmet Cuisine

Taste your way along the coast through market visits, regional specialities, and wine focused moments that belong to each place.

Wine Tasting

Taste regional wines in places where the story is in the landscape as much as the glass. Expect a relaxed format with local context and simple pairings that link each pour to the food culture of the coast.