Ireland to Portugal: Spirited Shores

Dublin is making a comeback. The decade-long "Celtic Tiger" boom era was quickly followed by the Great Recession, but The Recovery has finally taken a precarious hold. For visitors, this newer and wiser Dublin has become one of western Europe's most popular and delightful urban destinations. Whether or not you're out to enjoy the old or new Dublin, you'll find it a colossally entertaining city, all the more astonishing considering its intimate size.It is ironic and telling that James Joyce chose Dublin as the setting for his famous Ulysses, Dubliners, and A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man because it was a "center of paralysis" where nothing much ever changed. Which only proves that even the greats get it wrong sometimes. Indeed, if Joyce were to return to his once-genteel hometown today—disappointed with the city's provincial outlook, he left it in 1902 at the age of 20—and take a quasi-Homeric odyssey through the city (as he so famously does in Ulysses), would he even recognize Dublin as his "Dear Dirty Dumpling, foostherfather of fingalls and dotthergills"?For instance, what would he make of Temple Bar—the city's erstwhile down-at-the-heels neighborhood, now crammed with cafés and trendy hotels and suffused with a nonstop, international-party atmosphere? Or the simple sophistication of the open-air restaurants of the tiny Italian Quarter (named Quartier Bloom after his own creation), complete with sultry tango lessons? Or of the hot–cool Irishness, where every aspect of Celtic culture results in sold-out theaters, from Once, the cult indie movie and Broadway hit, to Riverdance, the old Irish mass-jig recast as a Las Vegas extravaganza? Plus, the resurrected Joyce might be stirred by the songs of Hozier, fired up by the sultry acting of Michael Fassbender, and moved by the award-winning novels of Colum McCann. As for Ireland's capital, it's packed with elegant shops and hotels, theaters, galleries, coffeehouses, and a stunning variety of new, creative little restaurants can be found on almost every street in Dublin, transforming the provincial city that suffocated Joyce into a place almost as cosmopolitan as the Paris to which he fled. And the locals are a hell of a lot more fun! Now that the economy has finally turned a corner, Dublin citizens can cast a cool eye over the last 20 crazy years. Some argue that the boomtown transformation of their heretofore-tranquil city has permanently affected its spirit and character. These skeptics (skepticism long being a favorite pastime in the capital city) await the outcome of "Dublin: The Sequel," and their greatest fear is the possibility that the tattered old lady on the Liffey has become a little less unique, a little more like everywhere else.Oh ye of little faith: the rare ole gem that is Dublin is far from buried. The fundamentals—the Georgian elegance of Merrion Square, the Norman drama of Christ Church Cathedral, the foamy pint at an atmospheric pub—are still on hand to gratify. Most of all, there are the locals themselves: the nod and grin when you catch their eye on the street, the eagerness to hear half your life story before they tell you all of theirs, and their paradoxically dark but warm sense of humor. It's expected that 2016 will be an extra-special year in the capital, as centenary celebrations of the fateful 1916 Easter Rising will dominate much of the cultural calendar.

Welcome to Dublin. On arrival at Dublin airport make your way to the Arrivals Hall to meet our representative, followed by a transfer to our group hotel. At the hotel, visit our hospitality desk in the lobby to meet our team who will provide you with useful information regarding pre-embarkation procedures and about your time in Dublin. You will also receive cabin tags for your luggage. Please clearly label the tags with your name and your cabin number on the ship. This evening offers time to relax in preparation for our ‘day out in Dublin’ tomorrow. Our group hotel has a popular restaurant and is close to plenty of corner pubs and cosy restaurants should you wish to ‘share a jar’ or try some local cuisine. Accommodation: Dublin Hotel

Dublin is making a comeback. The decade-long "Celtic Tiger" boom era was quickly followed by the Great Recession, but The Recovery has finally taken a precarious hold. For visitors, this newer and wiser Dublin has become one of western Europe's most popular and delightful urban destinations. Whether or not you're out to enjoy the old or new Dublin, you'll find it a colossally entertaining city, all the more astonishing considering its intimate size.It is ironic and telling that James Joyce chose Dublin as the setting for his famous Ulysses, Dubliners, and A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man because it was a "center of paralysis" where nothing much ever changed. Which only proves that even the greats get it wrong sometimes. Indeed, if Joyce were to return to his once-genteel hometown today—disappointed with the city's provincial outlook, he left it in 1902 at the age of 20—and take a quasi-Homeric odyssey through the city (as he so famously does in Ulysses), would he even recognize Dublin as his "Dear Dirty Dumpling, foostherfather of fingalls and dotthergills"?For instance, what would he make of Temple Bar—the city's erstwhile down-at-the-heels neighborhood, now crammed with cafés and trendy hotels and suffused with a nonstop, international-party atmosphere? Or the simple sophistication of the open-air restaurants of the tiny Italian Quarter (named Quartier Bloom after his own creation), complete with sultry tango lessons? Or of the hot–cool Irishness, where every aspect of Celtic culture results in sold-out theaters, from Once, the cult indie movie and Broadway hit, to Riverdance, the old Irish mass-jig recast as a Las Vegas extravaganza? Plus, the resurrected Joyce might be stirred by the songs of Hozier, fired up by the sultry acting of Michael Fassbender, and moved by the award-winning novels of Colum McCann. As for Ireland's capital, it's packed with elegant shops and hotels, theaters, galleries, coffeehouses, and a stunning variety of new, creative little restaurants can be found on almost every street in Dublin, transforming the provincial city that suffocated Joyce into a place almost as cosmopolitan as the Paris to which he fled. And the locals are a hell of a lot more fun! Now that the economy has finally turned a corner, Dublin citizens can cast a cool eye over the last 20 crazy years. Some argue that the boomtown transformation of their heretofore-tranquil city has permanently affected its spirit and character. These skeptics (skepticism long being a favorite pastime in the capital city) await the outcome of "Dublin: The Sequel," and their greatest fear is the possibility that the tattered old lady on the Liffey has become a little less unique, a little more like everywhere else.Oh ye of little faith: the rare ole gem that is Dublin is far from buried. The fundamentals—the Georgian elegance of Merrion Square, the Norman drama of Christ Church Cathedral, the foamy pint at an atmospheric pub—are still on hand to gratify. Most of all, there are the locals themselves: the nod and grin when you catch their eye on the street, the eagerness to hear half your life story before they tell you all of theirs, and their paradoxically dark but warm sense of humor. It's expected that 2016 will be an extra-special year in the capital, as centenary celebrations of the fateful 1916 Easter Rising will dominate much of the cultural calendar.

Dublin, the vibrant capital of Ireland, is a city brimming with energy and resilience. Once under British rule, Dublin has emerged with a distinct sense of identity, leading Ireland as a proud member of the European Union and reflecting its evolving role in modern Europe. The city has been home to some of the world’s most influential literary figures, including Oscar Wilde, James Joyce, W.B. Yeats, and George Bernard Shaw. Iconic landmarks such as Trinity College, home to the esteemed Book of Kells, highlight its storied past, while the city also serves as a hub of artistic and cultural expression, with global musicians like U2, whose impact resonates from their Dublin roots, having invigorated its creative scene. Dublin’s vibrant pub culture offers a lively social fabric, where traditional and contemporary influences merge to create a city to explore both day and night. Choose your favourite ‘Your Choice’ experience for a morning full of all things Irish, with time to explore Dublin this afternoon, before we gather for a Welcome Reception this evening. Personalise your exploration with our included ‘Your Choice’ experiences. Option 1- Morning experience: A taste of Teeling This morning we stroll to the historic liberties district of Dublin with our local guide, taking in the sights and sounds of ‘Old Dublin, en route to the Teeling Whiskey Distillery. Set in the heart of the historic Liberties district, Teeling opened in 2015, the first new distillery in Dublin in over 125 years. Whiskey-making runs deep in the Teeling family, tracing back to 1782. Today, brothers Jack and Stephen Teeling carry that legacy forward with a bold, modern spirit. We’ll tour the working distillery, learn about their innovative approach, and enjoy a guided tasting of their signature whiskeys, crafted at a site honoured as ‘Sustainable Distillery of the Year’ in 2022. Option 2 – Morning experience: An EPIC Tale of Emigration Explore one of Dublin’s top sites, focused on Ireland’s favourite topic: emigration. Our ancestry theme allows us to meet one of Ireland’s greatest exports, its people, with a self-guided tour of the award-winning EPIC; the Irish Emigration Museum. Alongside poets and presidents, singers and suffragettes, you’ll uncover surprising ways Irish heritage has shaped the world, even in your glass. Irish immigrants took the craft of whiskey-making wherever they went. In the United States, the spelling ‘whiskey’ kept the Irish ‘e,’ while most other English-speaking countries, influenced by Scottish tradition, adopted ‘whisky’ instead. It’s a small but lasting imprint of Irish culture abroad. At EPIC, you’ll meet famous folk and families, from Ned Kelly to the Kennedys, as you follow your souvenir passport to find out where they came from, why they left, and the impact they’ve had on the world. Option 3 – Morning experience: The Guinness Story The Guinness Brewery opened on this spot over 250 years ago, when Arthur Guinness famously signed a 900-year lease—only 650 years to go. Today, Guinness is brewed in nearly 50 countries and enjoyed in over 150, with more than 10 million glasses consumed daily around the world. On our visit, we’ll see, hear, and smell the secret ingredients as they travel through a series of vast machines during the immersive, self-guided tour. It all culminates in the circular, panoramic Gravity Bar, offering sweeping views across Dublin. Here, we’ll raise a pint of ‘the black stuff’—on the house, of course. Afterwards, choose to return to the hotel on your own or catch a lift back with our coach. Accommodation: Dublin Hotel Meals: Breakfast, Welcome Reception (drinks and canapés)

The largest town in the Southeast and Ireland's oldest city, Waterford was founded by the Vikings in the 9th century and was taken over by Strongbow, the Norman invader, with much bloodshed in 1170. The city resisted Cromwell's 1649 attacks, but fell the following year. It did not prosper again until 1783, when George and William Penrose set out to create "plain and cut flint glass, useful and ornamental," and thereby set in motion a glass-manufacturing industry long without equal. The famed glassworks closed after the 2008 financial crisis, but Waterford Crystal has triumphantly risen again from the flames in a smaller, leaner version, opened in 2010 and now relocated to the Mall.

When the Irish partake of an after-dinner drink there’s one favourite they’ll always reach for. Baileys Irish Cream now rivals Guinness and whiskey as a true Irish icon with over 80 million bottles sold each year in more than 160 countries. Today, we drive south towards Waterford with a visit to where it all begins: The Orchard Centre Baileys Farm in County Wicklow, home to fourth-generation farmers Joe and Michael Hayden. On our visit to the 146-hectare, award-winning dairy farm, we’ll hear their family’s story and discover what goes into creating the ultimate adult treat. As a key supplier to Baileys, the farm is a shining example of sustainable, pasture-based dairy farming and proudly part of Baileys’ journey to earning B-Corp certification in 2022. The true stars of this venture — the 220 pampered ‘Ladies’ who produce the rich cream behind every bottle will be nearby as we learn more about this truly Irish treat. And of course, no visit would be complete without a delicious tasting of Baileys, enjoyed right where it all begins. We make our way further south to the county’s namesake, Waterford, arriving in time for lunch (own expense). Known as the city where culture meets the ‘craic’ (that is Irish for a good time), Waterford is a modern city with a layered history. Invaded by the Norsemen in 914, Waterford became a Viking settlement, which is reflected in its people even today. It emerged from the Middle Ages as a trading port with the wealth from goods that came from as far away as Newfoundland, the profits of which funded the construction of the many Georgian Mansions that line the city’s streets. Your time here is free to stroll this easily navigated city, before transferring to the Douglas Mawson. This evening, we enjoy a ‘Welcome aboard’ dinner, where we meet our crew and Aurora Expeditions team. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner onboard

Cork City received its first charter in 1185 from Prince John of Norman England, and it takes its name from the Irish word corcaigh, meaning "marshy place." The original 6th-century settlement was spread over 13 small islands in the River Lee. Major development occurred during the 17th and 18th centuries with the expansion of the butter trade, and many attractive Georgian-design buildings with wide bowfront windows were constructed during this time. As late as 1770 Cork's present-day main streets—Grand Parade, Patrick Street, and the South Mall—were submerged under the Lee. Around 1800, when the Lee was partially dammed, the river divided into two streams that now flow through the city, leaving the main business and commercial center on an island, not unlike Paris's Île de la Cité. As a result, the city has a number of bridges and quays, which, although initially confusing, add greatly to the port's unique character. Cork can be very "Irish" (hurling, Gaelic football, televised plowing contests, music pubs, and peat smoke). But depending on what part of town you're in, Cork can also be distinctly un-Irish—the sort of place where hippies, gays, and farmers drink at the same pub.

Once a port town, always a port town, Cork sits proudly on an island in the middle of the Lee River. Surrounded by water, the city’s salty air tells the story of Irish emigration, with its historical harbour of Cobh and shores of Kinsale, famed as the port of boarding for the Irish who left for foreign lands. If your ancestors are Irish, there is a high chance they came through Cork. Today, the city has a flair for great gigs and modernised traditional dishes and is considered an Irish food mecca that is centred around its restored 18th-century English Market. Our morning 'Your Choice' experiences offer you the opportunity to ‘get the gift of the gab’, follow those Irish who left their homeland for foreign shores at the quaint seafront village of Kinsale, or indulge in a quintessential Irish experience with a popular whiskey tasting. There’s time this afternoon to enjoy Cork at your own pace with the Douglas Mawson berthed near the towns centre. Personalise your exploration with our included ‘Your Choice’ experiences. Option 1 – Morning experience: The Seaside Gem of Kinsale We drive to the coast and the picture-perfect town of Kinsale, where we hear stories of naval battles, foreign invasions and shipwrecks. Once a garrison town embroiled with invading navies, Kinsale became the natural landfall for ships sailing from the continent and the Americas. It is in these waters where two of the world’s greatest ocean liners were last seen. In the early hours of 7 May 1915, the Cunard liner Lusitania was struck, only a mere 11 nautical miles off the coast of Kinsale, by a single torpedo shot from a German U-Boat. The people of Kinsale rallied to assist, but within 18 minutes she sank, with only 764 of the 1959 souls on board surviving. There is time to enjoy a stroll around this colourful coastal enclave before returning to Cork for lunch onboard, and time this afternoon to explore Cork independently. Option 2 – Morning experience: Blarney Castle with an Irish Coffee break If every myth, legend and limerick associated with Blarney Castle’s indomitable ‘stone’ were true, the world would be asking it to solve all our problems. Where the stone came from and how its modern-day reputation was conceived is a matter of contention, but regardless, thousands of travellers come to kiss it every week, hoping to be bestowed with ‘the gift of eloquence’. Was it a witch who was saved from drowning that revealed its power? Was it the Lord of Blarneys eloquent reply to the land title demands of Queen Elizabeth I? Was it the Goddess Cliodhna’s hinted reply to a love-lost Cormac McCarthy? Today, we hope to find out. Option 3 – Morning experience: Jameson Whiskey Distillery Experience High on the ‘bucket list’ of any visit to Ireland, a whiskey tasting is as traditional as four-leaf clovers and St. Patricks Day. This afternoon we expand our knowledge of this iconic beverage with a tour of Jameson Midleton Whiskey Distillery. Established in 1780, by John Jameson, the distillery established a way of making Irish whiskey that they’ve been proudly sticking to ever since. Today Jameson is the world's bestselling Irish whiskey brand, selling 31 million bottles annually. During our tour, we’ll uncover the rich heritage and craftsmanship behind every drop, as a master distiller shares the passion and tradition that have made Jameson a global icon, while we immerse ourselves in a world of rich heritage, craftsmanship, and the unforgettable stories connected to this amber treasure.

Situated on the Garonne River, 70 miles (113 km) inland from the Atlantic, Bordeaux's origin can be traced back to the 3rd century when it was Aquitaine's Roman capital called Burdigala. From 1154 to 1453, the town prospered under the rule of the English, whose fondness for the region's red wines gave impetus to the local wine industry. At various times, Bordeaux even served as the nation's capital: in 1870, at the beginning of World War I, and for two weeks in 1940 before the Vichy government was proclaimed. Bordeaux's neo-classical architecture, wide avenues and well-tended public squares and parks lend the city a certain grandeur. Excellent museums, an imposing cathedral and a much-praised theatre add to the city's attractions. The principal highlights, clustered around the town centre, can easily be explored on foot.

Today, we dock at the port of Le Verdon, the northern gateway to Le Médoc region. Due to tidal restrictions on the Gironde estuary, we moor near its mouth readying ourselves for our journey on the Gironde tonight, while still allowing us access to the region’s coastline and the renowned vineyards of Le Médoc. Located between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gironde estuary, Le Médoc is home to some of the most famous wine estates in the world, including Château Lafite Rothschild, Château Margaux, and Château Latour. The châteaux in Médoc have been producing wines of exceptional quality for centuries, significantly contributing to Bordeaux’s wealth and reputation. Médoc’s unique terroir, with its gravelly soil and ideal climate, allows for the cultivation of grapes that produce wines known for their elegance, complexity, and ageing potential. While some wineries require visitors to be licensed wine merchants, many warmly open their cellar doors for tastings to wine enthusiasts from around the world. Our ‘Your Choice’ experiences offer you the opportunity to immerse yourself in Le Médoc’s winemaking tradition or learn the dramatic story of the Atlantik Wall fortifications which once scattered this shoreline. For those who would prefer an independent trip to the French seaside, a shuttle will operate from the port to the coastal hamlet of Le Verdon-sur-Mer throughout the day. Personalise your exploration with our included ‘Your Choice’ experiences. Option 1 – Morning experience: The Wines of Médoc – A Winery Tour and Tasting Discover the heart of the Médoc on a relaxed coach tour through one of France’s most storied wine-growing regions. As you travel along the famed Route des Châteaux, you’ll pass through a landscape draped in vines, where stone châteaux rise among the rows and village church steeples peek above patchworked paddocks. This region is celebrated for its powerful, age-worthy red wines, crafted primarily from cabernet sauvignon and merlot, with touches of petit verdot and malbec. The gravel-rich soils and temperate climate lend structure and elegance to the wines, known for their deep colour, firm tannins, and layered aromas of dark fruit, spice, and cedar. A highlight of the morning is a visit to a traditional château winery. Here, you’ll step into the rhythm of life on the estate, exploring the cellars, learning about their heritage winemaking methods, and enjoying a tasting that reflects the soul of the land. It’s an authentic glimpse into the Médoc’s enduring legacy, where every glass tells a story. Option 2 – Morning experience: The bunkers of the Atlantik Wall Just beyond the dunes of Soulac-sur-Mer, in the commune of Le Verdon-sur-Mer, lies Batterie de Arros, once known as Stutzpunkt 307 Reichenberg. This sprawling 10-hectare bunker complex was built between 1941 and 1943 by the German Kriegsmarine to defend the mouth of the Gironde River and protect Bordeaux, a vital port for the Nazi war effort. Part of the massive Atlantik Wall, which stretched over 2,600 kilometres (1,615 miles) along Europe’s western coast, the site housed 20 bunkers, including artillery casemates, command posts, and personnel shelters. Touring with a local guide, you’ll explore the remnants of this wartime stronghold, some still bearing original murals and bunk beds. Learn how French forces reclaimed the site in April 1945, and how the Gironde’s strategic importance shaped its heavy fortification. After the tour, enjoy free time in Le Verdon-sur-Mer, where the echoes of history linger in the sea breeze and shifting sands.

Bordeaux as a whole, rather than any particular points within it, is what you'll want to visit in order to understand why Victor Hugo described it as Versailles plus Antwerp, and why the painter Francisco de Goya, when exiled from his native Spain, chose it as his last home (he died here in 1828). The capital of southwest France and the region's largest city, Bordeaux remains synonymous with the wine trade: wine shippers have long maintained their headquarters along the banks of the Garonne, while buyers from around the world arrive for the huge biennial Vinexpo show (held in odd-number years).Bordeaux is, admittedly, a less exuberant city than many others in France, but lively and stylish elements are making a dent in its conservative veneer. The cleaned-up riverfront is said by some, after a bottle or two, to exude an elegance reminiscent of St. Petersburg, and that aura of 18th-century élan also permeates the historic downtown sector—“le vieux Bordeaux"—where fine shops invite exploration. To the south of the city center are old docklands undergoing renewal—one train station has now been transformed into a big multiplex movie theater—but the area is still a bit shady. To get a feel for the historic port of Bordeaux, take the 90-minute boat trip that leaves Quai Louis-XVIII every weekday afternoon, or the regular passenger ferry that plies the Garonne between Quai Richelieu and the Pont d'Aquitaine in summer. A nice time to stroll around the city center is the first Sunday of the month, when it's pedestrian-only and vehicles are banned.

Navigating the Gironde River estuary, we overnight upstream from Bordeaux at Grattequina ensuring dependable access to Bordeaux city and the renowned surrounding vineyards, affording you two days in this wine rich region. Explore Bordeaux, or immerse yourself in the regions winemaking tradition, promising an unforgettable visit to this esteemed wine country. Our ‘Your Choice’ Experiences are available each day, while a shuttle will operate each afternoon to enable you to enjoy Bordeaux at your own pace. (Note: listed wineries may vary and morning experiences may operate in the afternoon due to availability and sailing times.) Personalise your exploration with our included ‘Your Choice’ experiences. Option 1 – Morning experience: Discovering Bordeaux Our 15-minute journey takes us to the iconic city of Bordeaux, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its beautifully preserved architecture and deep-rooted connection to the wine trade. Situated on the Gironde River, the city’s historic waterfront was its lifeblood for centuries — enabling Bordeaux to flourish as a major port and wine trading hub since Roman times. We begin with a panoramic introduction to the city, including a visit to the Chartrons riverfront, once the heart of Bordeaux’s wine commerce. Along the way, we’ll pass several of the city’s landmark sites: the grand Esplanade des Quinconces, the elegant Place de la Bourse, the 15th-century Cailhau Gate, and the 14th-century Grosse Cloche. We’ll also see the Palais Rohan, now City Hall, and the St. Andrew’s Cathedral, where Aliénor d’Aquitaine wed Louis VII. Afterwards, enjoy free time to explore at your leisure. Return to the ship for lunch or stay longer and enjoy the services of our complimentary shuttle. Option 2 – Morning experience: A tribute to wines worldwide - La Cité du Vin Spend a morning at La Cité du Vin, a bold and immersive tribute to wine in the heart of Bordeaux, long considered the centre of global wine production. This extraordinary cultural space offers an introduction to the world of wine and reflects wine’s integral role in the city's story and its broader impact on civilisation. Spanning 3,000 sqm, the Permanent Exhibition features six themed worlds and 18 interactive modules. You'll explore wine’s journey from Antiquity to today, across five continents, through engaging, multi-sensory experiences. Discover how wine has shaped landscapes, traditions, and societies — transcending borders, beliefs, and centuries. The experience is self-guided, allowing you to follow your own pace and interests. The visit concludes on the 8th floor at the Belvedere, where you’ll enjoy panoramic views over Bordeaux along with a glass of wine from vineyards around the world, or grape juice, as a perfect toast to this rich cultural journey. Option 3 – Morning experience: Bordeaux - a winemaker’s paradise Embark on a journey into the vineyards of Bordeaux, where centuries of winemaking tradition meet the charm of the French countryside. This region, renowned for its world-class reds and picturesque estates, offers a rich canvas of history, terroir, and taste. As you travel through gently rolling hills and vine-covered landscapes, you’ll discover why Bordeaux has earned its reputation as one of the globe’s premier wine destinations. Cabernet sauvignon and merlot dominate here, supported by varietals like petit verdot and malbec, producing wines of depth, elegance, and longevity. This morning’s experience includes a visit to a classic château winery, where you’ll explore the cellars, learn about time-honoured techniques, and enjoy a tasting that captures the essence of Bordeaux. It’s a chance to connect with the land, the legacy, and the passion behind every bottle. Option 4 – Morning experience: Organic wines - a sustainable future France is embracing a greener future in winemaking, and nowhere is this more evident than at Château de La Dauphine in Bordeaux’s historic Fronsac region. With vineyards dating back nearly 2,000 years, the estate took a bold step in 2015 by converting to biodynamic and organic farming, part of a growing national movement toward sustainability. Unlike standard organic methods, biodynamics treats the vineyard as a living ecosystem, aligning cultivation with lunar and planetary rhythms to enhance soil vitality and grape expression. This shift has elevated the quality and character of La Dauphine’s wines, bringing out deeper complexity and purity in each bottle. During your visit, you’ll explore these lush, chemical-free vineyards and learn how nature’s cycles shape the terroir. The tour concludes with a tasting—likely featuring their signature merlot, known for its velvety texture and rich scarlet hue. It’s a sip of tradition, innovation, and France’s eco-conscious future. Option 5 – Half-day experience: The UNESCO World Heritage village of Saint-Émilion Nestled in the heart of Bordeaux, Saint-Émilion is a UNESCO World Heritage site famed for its medieval charm and world-class wines. During our visit, we’ll explore its cobbled streets on ‘Le train des Grand Vignobles’ which offers a guided insight into this quaint town with a stop for a wine tasting at a local château, where merlot reigns supreme. Saint-Émilion’s vineyards are unique for their limestone-rich soils, which lend a distinct minerality to the wines. Another fascinating fact: many of the region’s wine cellars are carved directly into the limestone hillsides, creating naturally cool aging environments. The area’s classification system, revised every ten years, is one of the strictest in France thus ensuring exceptional quality. Saint-Émilion is more than just a pretty village, it’s a wine lover’s haven.

Bordeaux as a whole, rather than any particular points within it, is what you'll want to visit in order to understand why Victor Hugo described it as Versailles plus Antwerp, and why the painter Francisco de Goya, when exiled from his native Spain, chose it as his last home (he died here in 1828). The capital of southwest France and the region's largest city, Bordeaux remains synonymous with the wine trade: wine shippers have long maintained their headquarters along the banks of the Garonne, while buyers from around the world arrive for the huge biennial Vinexpo show (held in odd-number years).Bordeaux is, admittedly, a less exuberant city than many others in France, but lively and stylish elements are making a dent in its conservative veneer. The cleaned-up riverfront is said by some, after a bottle or two, to exude an elegance reminiscent of St. Petersburg, and that aura of 18th-century élan also permeates the historic downtown sector—“le vieux Bordeaux"—where fine shops invite exploration. To the south of the city center are old docklands undergoing renewal—one train station has now been transformed into a big multiplex movie theater—but the area is still a bit shady. To get a feel for the historic port of Bordeaux, take the 90-minute boat trip that leaves Quai Louis-XVIII every weekday afternoon, or the regular passenger ferry that plies the Garonne between Quai Richelieu and the Pont d'Aquitaine in summer. A nice time to stroll around the city center is the first Sunday of the month, when it's pedestrian-only and vehicles are banned.

Navigating the Gironde River estuary, we overnight upstream from Bordeaux at Grattequina ensuring dependable access to Bordeaux city and the renowned surrounding vineyards, affording you two days in this wine rich region. Explore Bordeaux, or immerse yourself in the regions winemaking tradition, promising an unforgettable visit to this esteemed wine country. Our ‘Your Choice’ Experiences are available each day, while a shuttle will operate each afternoon to enable you to enjoy Bordeaux at your own pace. (Note: listed wineries may vary and morning experiences may operate in the afternoon due to availability and sailing times.) Personalise your exploration with our included ‘Your Choice’ experiences. Option 1 – Morning experience: Discovering Bordeaux Our 15-minute journey takes us to the iconic city of Bordeaux, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its beautifully preserved architecture and deep-rooted connection to the wine trade. Situated on the Gironde River, the city’s historic waterfront was its lifeblood for centuries — enabling Bordeaux to flourish as a major port and wine trading hub since Roman times. We begin with a panoramic introduction to the city, including a visit to the Chartrons riverfront, once the heart of Bordeaux’s wine commerce. Along the way, we’ll pass several of the city’s landmark sites: the grand Esplanade des Quinconces, the elegant Place de la Bourse, the 15th-century Cailhau Gate, and the 14th-century Grosse Cloche. We’ll also see the Palais Rohan, now City Hall, and the St. Andrew’s Cathedral, where Aliénor d’Aquitaine wed Louis VII. Afterwards, enjoy free time to explore at your leisure. Return to the ship for lunch or stay longer and enjoy the services of our complimentary shuttle. Option 2 – Morning experience: A tribute to wines worldwide - La Cité du Vin Spend a morning at La Cité du Vin, a bold and immersive tribute to wine in the heart of Bordeaux, long considered the centre of global wine production. This extraordinary cultural space offers an introduction to the world of wine and reflects wine’s integral role in the city's story and its broader impact on civilisation. Spanning 3,000 sqm, the Permanent Exhibition features six themed worlds and 18 interactive modules. You'll explore wine’s journey from Antiquity to today, across five continents, through engaging, multi-sensory experiences. Discover how wine has shaped landscapes, traditions, and societies — transcending borders, beliefs, and centuries. The experience is self-guided, allowing you to follow your own pace and interests. The visit concludes on the 8th floor at the Belvedere, where you’ll enjoy panoramic views over Bordeaux along with a glass of wine from vineyards around the world, or grape juice, as a perfect toast to this rich cultural journey. Option 3 – Morning experience: Bordeaux - a winemaker’s paradise Embark on a journey into the vineyards of Bordeaux, where centuries of winemaking tradition meet the charm of the French countryside. This region, renowned for its world-class reds and picturesque estates, offers a rich canvas of history, terroir, and taste. As you travel through gently rolling hills and vine-covered landscapes, you’ll discover why Bordeaux has earned its reputation as one of the globe’s premier wine destinations. Cabernet sauvignon and merlot dominate here, supported by varietals like petit verdot and malbec, producing wines of depth, elegance, and longevity. This morning’s experience includes a visit to a classic château winery, where you’ll explore the cellars, learn about time-honoured techniques, and enjoy a tasting that captures the essence of Bordeaux. It’s a chance to connect with the land, the legacy, and the passion behind every bottle. Option 4 – Morning experience: Organic wines - a sustainable future France is embracing a greener future in winemaking, and nowhere is this more evident than at Château de La Dauphine in Bordeaux’s historic Fronsac region. With vineyards dating back nearly 2,000 years, the estate took a bold step in 2015 by converting to biodynamic and organic farming, part of a growing national movement toward sustainability. Unlike standard organic methods, biodynamics treats the vineyard as a living ecosystem, aligning cultivation with lunar and planetary rhythms to enhance soil vitality and grape expression. This shift has elevated the quality and character of La Dauphine’s wines, bringing out deeper complexity and purity in each bottle. During your visit, you’ll explore these lush, chemical-free vineyards and learn how nature’s cycles shape the terroir. The tour concludes with a tasting—likely featuring their signature merlot, known for its velvety texture and rich scarlet hue. It’s a sip of tradition, innovation, and France’s eco-conscious future. Option 5 – Half-day experience: The UNESCO World Heritage village of Saint-Émilion Nestled in the heart of Bordeaux, Saint-Émilion is a UNESCO World Heritage site famed for its medieval charm and world-class wines. During our visit, we’ll explore its cobbled streets on ‘Le train des Grand Vignobles’ which offers a guided insight into this quaint town with a stop for a wine tasting at a local château, where merlot reigns supreme. Saint-Émilion’s vineyards are unique for their limestone-rich soils, which lend a distinct minerality to the wines. Another fascinating fact: many of the region’s wine cellars are carved directly into the limestone hillsides, creating naturally cool aging environments. The area’s classification system, revised every ten years, is one of the strictest in France thus ensuring exceptional quality. Saint-Émilion is more than just a pretty village, it’s a wine lover’s haven.

La Coruña, the largest city in Spain's Galicia region, is among the country's busiest ports. The remote Galicia area is tucked into the northwest corner of the Iberian Peninsula, surprising visitors with its green and misty countryside that is so much unlike other parts of Spain. The name "Galicia" is Celtic in origin, for it was the Celts who occupied the region around the 6th-century BC and erected fortifications. La Coruña was already considered an important port under the Romans. They were followed by an invasion of Suevians, Visigoths and, much later in 730, the Moors. It was after Galicia was incorporated into the Kingdom of Asturias that the epic saga of the Pilgrimage to Santiago (St. James) began. From the 15th century, overseas trade developed rapidly; in 1720, La Coruña was granted the privilege of trading with America - a right previously only held by Cadiz and Seville. This was the great era when adventurous men voyaged to the colonies and returned with vast riches. Today, the city's significant expansion is evident in three distinct quarters: the town centre located along the isthmus; the business and commercial centre with wide avenues and shopping streets; and the "Ensanche" to the south, occupied by warehouses and factories. Many of the buildings in the old section feature the characteristic glazed façades that have earned La Coruña the name "City of Crystal." Plaza Maria Pita, the beautiful main square, is named after the local heroine who saved the town in 1589 when she seized the English standard from the beacon and gave the alarm, warning her fellow townsmen of the English attack.

Entering Spain, our port of call is Galicia’s second largest town, A Coruña. The city’s history is intertwined with the Camino de Santiago, with pilgrims traditionally arriving by sea before embarking on their journey to Santiago de Compostela around 80 Kilometres (49.7 miles) south. We conduct our own pilgrimage today with a scenic one-hour drive taking us to Santiago de Compostela, Europe’s most significant pilgrimage city. Once a major site during the Spanish Reconquista, Santiago was heavily damaged in the 10th century by Moorish invaders, igniting the passion of Christian Iberia and spurring a resurgence based on the city’s fervour for St. James. Today, its Old Town, with its mix of romanesque, gothic, and baroque buildings, is renowned as the endpoint of the 495-mile Camino Francés pilgrimage route. The Camino de Santiago pilgrimage has been a spiritual journey for centuries, offering people a chance to seek personal transformation, fulfil a vow, or find a sense of purpose. Pilgrims walk the route for various reasons, including religious devotion, self-discovery or the pursuit of adventure. Upon arrival, we visit the pilgrimage trail’s reward - Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, dating back to 1122, its stunning façade, showcases a mix of architectural styles. Step through the Holy Door to delve into the fascinating history of St James and the city’s belief that his bones lie within its walls. We return to A Coruña, with the ship sailing to neighbouring Portugal, mid-afternoon.

Lively, commercial Oporto is the second largest city in Portugal after Lisbon. Also called Porto for short, the word easily brings to mind the city's most famous product - port wine. Oporto's strategic location on the north bank of the Douro River has accounted for the town's importance since ancient times. The Romans built a fort here where their trading route crossed the Douro, and the Moors brought their own culture to the area. Oporto profited from provisioning crusaders en route to the Holy Land and enjoyed the riches from Portuguese maritime discoveries during the 15th and 16th centuries. Later, port wine trade with Britain compensated for the loss of the spice trade and the end of gold and gem shipments from Brazil. In the 19th century, the city went through a period of new prosperity with the rise of industries. In its wake followed the building of workers' quarters and opulent residences. Since the declaration of Oporto as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the city aims to build up a cultural reference that will provide it with a new image, based on deep historical roots. Among the attractions that make Oporto such an interesting place are its graceful bridges spanning the Douro River, a picturesque riverfront quarter and, most notable, its world-famous port wine lodges. Although Oporto is a bustling centre and home to many different businesses, the source of its greatest fame is the rich, sweet fortified red wine we know as port.

Arriving in Portugal around midday we enjoy lunch onboard before an afternoon and evening in Porto (or Oporto as it is sometimes known). It was in Porto that the Portuguese ‘Age of Discovery’ began when the indomitable Prince Henry the Navigator set sail to the western coast of Africa in the early 15th century. Porto has never looked back. The city lends its name to the fortified wine produced in nearby valleys, framing the Douro River with its picturesque streets, iconic iron bridges, and renowned wine cellars. We enjoy a panoramic tour of Porto’s most emblematic landmarks, including the striking azulejo-covered São Bento Station, the iconic Livraria Lello and Torre dos Clérigos. Then, take some free time to explore the historic district of the city at your own pace. Perhaps enjoy a coffee, browse local shops, or sip a chilled glass of Portuguese wine while soaking up the vibrant atmosphere, before we cross the river to the city’s famed port wine cellars. It is here, where the Douro Valley’s iconic wine is aged and stored and where Porto’s historical Rabelo boats, once vital for transporting port wine barrels, still grace the riverbanks, adding to the city’s authentic charm. In the early evening, we gather for a dinner, rich with Portuguese flavours, before returning to the ship for a late-night sailing.

Set on seven hills on the banks of the River Tagus, Lisbon has been the capital of Portugal since the 13th century. It is a city famous for its majestic architecture, old wooden trams, Moorish features and more than twenty centuries of history. Following disastrous earthquakes in the 18th century, Lisbon was rebuilt by the Marques de Pombal who created an elegant city with wide boulevards and a great riverfront and square, Praça do Comércio. Today there are distinct modern and ancient sections, combining great shopping with culture and sightseeing in the Old Town, built on the city's terraced hillsides. The distance between the ship and your tour vehicle may vary. This distance is not included in the excursion grades.

Lisbon sits on the river Tagus, gifting it access to the coast that made Portugal one of world’s most successful trading nations. Explorers including Vasco da Gama, Magellan and Bartholomeu Dias sailed on behalf of their monarch, discovering new lands and establishing new trade routes. The city prospered, with much of the proceeds from their colonies spent on opulent architecture. On the morning of All Saints Day 1755, Lisbon’s faithful were huddled in church when a 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck, followed by a series of tsunamis that devastated the city. Candles lit for the religious ceremonies began a firestorm. By the end of the day, more than 75 per cent of the population had perished. Current day Lisbon reflects this tragedy, with few buildings pre-dating the 18th century, but money spent to rebuild the city was spent doggedly, creating a city of wide boulevards, sensible facades and parklands, all backed by opulent baroque interiors and paved by unique black and white-tiled pavements. With a relatively small population, Lisbon is an easy city to navigate. Its hillside suburbs are accessed by trams and funiculars while its waterfront remains a busy harbour, ready to continue the trading prowess that made the city famous. Our locally guided tour visits Belém, where the city's seafaring legacy is on full display. We’ll hear tales of adventurers and explorers as we view the exterior of the Monastery of Jerónimos, the striking Monument to the Discoveries, which honours Prince Henry the Navigator and his explorers, and the iconic Torre de Belém, a fortress that once guarded the entrance to the city for returning ships. After the tour, there’s time to enjoy Lisbon’s charming city centre, perfect for wandering cobbled streets, sampling local flavours, or simply soaking in the riverside views, before we transfer to our hotel, where your evening is at your leisure to enjoy Portugal's capital city. Accommodation: Lisbon Hotel (or similar) Meals: Breakfast onboard

Set on seven hills on the banks of the River Tagus, Lisbon has been the capital of Portugal since the 13th century. It is a city famous for its majestic architecture, old wooden trams, Moorish features and more than twenty centuries of history. Following disastrous earthquakes in the 18th century, Lisbon was rebuilt by the Marques de Pombal who created an elegant city with wide boulevards and a great riverfront and square, Praça do Comércio. Today there are distinct modern and ancient sections, combining great shopping with culture and sightseeing in the Old Town, built on the city's terraced hillsides. The distance between the ship and your tour vehicle may vary. This distance is not included in the excursion grades.

After breakfast, check-out of your hotel and transfer to the airport for your onward flight.