Western Europe cruise from Ireland to Portugal

Take the shuttle with your guides to the centre of Roscoff for a guided introduction to this historic port town and its rich maritime heritage. During your walk, discover the former shipowners’ houses—elegant granite mansions with decorative gables that reflect Roscoff’s prosperity during the Renaissance, when merchants and privateers built impressive homes close to the church and harbour. Stroll along Rue Armand Rousseau (formerly Rue des Perles) and around the church square to admire several of these remarkable residences, including the renowned Maison de Marie Stuart on Rue Amiral Réveillère. Following your guided exploration, enjoy some free time to wander the charming streets, browse local shops, or simply take in the atmosphere before returning by shuttle to the pier.

Depart from the pier for a scenic drive through the Breton countryside to Château de Kerjean, a striking Renaissance estate built around 1550. Surrounded by impressive inner and outer fortifications, the château reflects the architectural traditions of the great manor houses and castles of its time. During your visit, admire features such as the elegant arcaded terrace and the timber-framed chapel, while inside, models, paintings, and an extensive collection of Breton furniture illustrate the estate’s rich history across different periods. You will also have time to stroll through the landscaped park, where Renaissance fountains, a traditional dovecote, and the historic pillory offer a glimpse into life on the estate centuries ago. After your visit, relax on the return drive back to the pier. Minimum participation required; tour may be cancelled or subject to price changes if not met.

Royan was almost entirely destroyed during Allied air raids in 1945 and was subsequently rebuilt as a showcase of modern architecture and urban planning. Today, the city stands as a remarkable example of 1950s design, where bold concrete structures, clean lines, and innovative layouts reflect the spirit of post-war reconstruction. Join your knowledgeable local guide for a walking tour through this unique seaside town as you explore its architectural highlights, including the striking Notre-Dame Cathedral—an iconic landmark of modernist design—and the distinctive covered market. Along the way, learn about Royan’s transformation and the vision that shaped its redevelopment. The tour also includes free time to browse the lively food market, voted France’s second best in 2018, where you can soak up the local atmosphere and discover regional specialities before returning to the ship.

Travel off the beaten path to discover the historic towns of Brouage and Marennes on this scenic excursion. Journey through coastal countryside to Brouage, once a thriving port protected by 17th-century fortifications. As its harbour gradually silted up in the late 1600s, the former salt-trading capital was left inland, surrounded today by peaceful marshlands and grazing meadows. Within its preserved ramparts, stories of notable figures such as Samuel de Champlain, founder of Quebec, still echo through the town’s historic streets. Continue to the nearby village of Marennes, renowned for its oyster farming tradition. Located between the Seudre River estuary and the southern tip of Île d’Oléron, this area is home to the celebrated Marennes-Oléron oysters. During a visit to a local oyster farm, learn about the techniques involved in cultivating and refining these prized shellfish, followed by a tasting of six fresh oysters served with bread, butter, and a glass of white wine. Minimum participation required; tour may be cancelled or subject to price changes if not met.

Depart by coach for the scenic journey into the renowned Cognac region, home to France’s world-famous brandy. Nestled along the banks of the Charente River, the charming town of Cognac is steeped in history, with highlights including its 13th-century château, birthplace of King François I. Your visit includes a guided tour of Maison Hennessy, one of the most prestigious cognac houses in the world. Discover the traditional methods used in cognac production, from distillation in the distinctive swan-neck alembic stills to the ageing process in oak casks and the delicate art of blending. Learn about the history of the house, founded in 1765 by Irish entrepreneur Richard Hennessy, and how it grew into a globally recognised symbol of French craftsmanship. The experience concludes with a tasting of Hennessy VS and VSOP cognacs before a short guided walk through the historic streets of Cognac. After time to explore, rejoin your coach for the return journey to the ship in Royan. Minimum participation required; tour may be cancelled or subject to price changes if not met.

Located about 22 miles from Santander, the picturesque town of Santillana del Mar is considered one of the best-preserved medieval villages in Europe. Designated as a Spanish national landmark, Santillana was once an important pilgrimage site. The renowned philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre even described it as “the prettiest village in Spain.” Stroll through the charming cobbled streets and visit the Romanesque Collegiate Church of Santa Juliana, dedicated to the village’s patron saint. Explore its fascinating cloister before continuing to see historic landmarks such as the fortified House of Borja, the House of the Eagle, and the imposing Merinos Tower. After exploring Santillana del Mar, return to Santander for a scenic panoramic tour of the city’s most iconic sights. Drive past the grand Gothic Cathedral of Santander and the stunning Magdalena Palace, which was once the summer residence of Spanish royalty. Take in views of the popular beach of El Sardinero, known for its golden sands and lively atmosphere. Finally, admire the magnificent headquarters of the Bank of Santander, an architectural gem that symbolizes the city’s economic heritage. This journey offers a perfect blend of medieval charm, historical landmarks, and coastal beauty, making it an unforgettable experience. Minimum participation required; tour may be cancelled or subject to price changes if not met.

From the pier, we’ll take a short walk across the street to visit the stunning Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. This unique structure consists of two superimposed churches with identical layouts. The lower church, now the parish church of Santísimo Cristo, dates back to the early 13th century, while the upper church was constructed later in the century and underwent expansion after a devastating city fire in 1941. Next, we’ll stroll through the charming Pereda Gardens, named after renowned 19th-century Cantabrian writer José María de Pereda. His celebrated work Escenas Montañesas is beautifully depicted in bronze and stone throughout the park. As we continue, get your camera ready for the grand façade of the original Bank of Santander headquarters, built in 1875. Adorned with statues symbolizing the arts, culture, commerce, and navigation, this landmark is a true architectural gem. Our guided walk then takes us to the Church of St. Lucía, a neoclassical-style church built in 1868. Before returning to the ship, enjoy a taste of local tapas and choose to extend your time exploring the city at your own pace or head back onboard. Minimum participation required; tour may be cancelled or subject to price changes if not met.

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.

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.

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.

Meet your bike guide just outside the ship before a short walk or shuttle transfer to Matosinhos, where your e-bike experience begins. After a detailed briefing and safety introduction (approx. 20 minutes), set off on an easy and enjoyable electric bike ride towards Porto. Cycle from Matosinhos into the historic centre of Porto, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, passing some of the city’s most iconic landmarks along the way. Enjoy a short coffee break at Avenida dos Aliados before continuing by e-bike toward the lively Ribeira Quarter. From here, take a brief walk into the waterfront area and enjoy approximately 30 minutes of free time to explore at your own pace. Afterwards, return to your e-bikes for the scenic ride back to Matosinhos, followed by a short walk or shuttle transfer to the ship. Minimum participation required; tour may be cancelled or subject to price changes if not met.

Oporto, the economic and cultural capital of northern Portugal, is a city of ancient origins whose name was given to the entire country. Set along the banks of the Douro River, its rich blend of Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque, and Neoclassical architecture has earned it UNESCO World Heritage status. Enjoy a panoramic drive through the city, passing notable landmarks such as the Palácio da Bolsa, famed for its elegant 19th-century interiors, and the Gothic São Francisco Church, known for its ornate gilded woodwork. Continue to the lively Ribeira Quarter, where you’ll have free time to explore the waterfront streets at your leisure. Cross the river to Vila Nova de Gaia for a visit to a traditional wine cellar, where you’ll learn about the production of the famous Port wine that has made the city known worldwide, before returning to the ship.

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.