| | | | | Arrive | Depart |
| 19th19 | SepSep | 202222 | Portsmouth, England, embark on the World Voyager | | |
| Portsmouth is one of the most densely populated cities in Southern England, and is unusual as most of its built-up area occupies Portsea Island, linked to the mainland by road and rail bridges. Although there is a Roman fort at nearby Portchester, occupied later by the Saxons and Normans, there was no settlement on the site of Portsmouth at the time of the 1086 Domesday Book. The town developed in medieval times and received its first charter in 1194 from King Richard I; soon afterwards it became a major naval base. It has the world’s oldest dry dock, and is home to several famous ships, including HMS Victory, HMS Warrior and the Mary Rose, raised from the Solent in 1982. Portsmouth remains an important naval base and is home to a large proportion of the British service fleet. The waterfront area is now dominated by the Spinnaker Tower, 560 feet high, the United Kingdom’s tallest building outside London. Other things to see in the city include the house where Charles Dickens was born, and the City Museum, which contains a permanent exhibition devoted to another famous writer, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, who lived in the town. Arrive in Portsmouth, where you will embark your well-appointed small ship. The friendly crew are there to welcome you on board, ensuring you settle in and familiarise yourself with your modern surroundings. |
| 20th20 | SepSep | 202222 | Saint Peter Port, Guernsey | | |
| Cobblestone streets, blooming floral displays, and tiny churches welcome you to this wonderfully pretty harbour. The town of St Peter Port is as pretty as they come, with glowing flower displays painting practically every street corner and window-ledge with colour. As the capital, and main port of Guernsey, St Peter Port puts all of the island’s gorgeous beaches, wonderful history and inspiring stories at your fingertips. Feel the gut punch of the midday gun firing at Castle Cornet, which stands guard over one of the world's prettiest ports. This 800-year-old, Medieval castle offers staggering views of the harbour from its imposing, craggy island location, and you can look out across to the looming shorelines of the other Channel Islands from its weathered battlements. With four well-tended gardens, and five museums offering a rich overview of Guernsey's history, you’ll want to leave a few hours aside to explore the many treasures that lie within the castle’s walls. With a morning of cruising, after breakfast is the perfect time to settle in on board and make use of the excellent of facilities. Perhaps unwind in the spa or simply enjoy the warm sunshine on deck, taking in stunning coastal views of nearby France. After a delicious lunch on board, complete with panoramic views, we dock in St Peter Port in Guernsey before heading to Suasmarez Manor house in Saint Martin for a guided visit of the historical house and gardens. Parts of the house date back to the early 13th and 12th centuries, though influences throughout the years have seen the house change. For example, the Tudor period, Queen Anne’s colonial period and the Victorian era. Owning the property twice through history, the Suasmarez family were wealthy and distinguished, some of whom were part of Nelson's Band of Brothers. Here we take a guided tour of the house to admire the beautiful artwork and interior design and enjoy a guided visit of the garden, home to subtropical and unusual plants. Later this afternoon, we return to St Peter Port where you can enjoy some free time before re-joining the ship for dinner as we sail to France. |
| 21st21 | SepSep | 202222 | Saint-Malo, France | | |
| Thrust out into the sea and bound to the mainland only by tenuous man-made causeways, romantic St-Malo has built a reputation as a breeding ground for phenomenal sailors. Many were fishermen, but others—most notably Jacques Cartier, who claimed Canada for Francis I in 1534—were New World explorers. Still others were corsairs, "sea dogs" paid by the French crown to harass the Limeys across the Channel: legendary ones like Robert Surcouf and Duguay-Trouin helped make St-Malo rich through their pillaging, in the process earning it the nickname "the pirates' city." The St-Malo you see today isn’t quite the one they called home because a weeklong fire in 1944, kindled by retreating Nazis, wiped out nearly all of the old buildings. Restoration work was more painstaking than brilliant, but the narrow streets and granite houses of the Vieille Ville were satisfactorily recreated, enabling St-Malo to regain its role as a busy fishing port, seaside resort, and tourist destination. The ramparts that help define this city figuratively and literally are authentic, and the flames also spared houses along Rue de Pelicot in the Vieille Ville. Battalions of tourists invade this quaint part of town in summer, so arrive off-season if you want to avoid crowds. Founded by the Welsh monk Mac Low, the old walled town of Saint-Malo is protected by its charming ramparts, with the oldest dating back to the 12th century. Today is your chance to walk in the footsteps of fascinating characters such as Chateaubriand, Surcouf, Jacques Cartier and Anne of Brittany on this morning’s tour. After a fascinating visit to this historic town, we will take a boat to sail to nearby Dinard, a quaint coastal settlement often dubbed the 'Cannes of the North'. Visiting Dinard is a little like stepping into one of the canvases Picasso painted here in the 1920s. Belle époque mansions built into the cliffs form a timeless backdrop to the beach dotted with blue-and-white-striped bathing tents and the beachside carnival. Whilst it’s no wonder the breathtaking views across to Saint-Malo inspired artists, it’s no surprise the likes of Churchill loved to visit too. |
| 22nd22 | SepSep | 202222 | Belle-Île-en-Mer, France | | |
| Although one might think that a name like “the beautiful island in the sea” might be a little too poetic, artists and painters have come to love the nature of this largest of the Brittany islands. “Les Aiguilles de Port Coton”, a famous painting by Claude Monet, depicts the wild southern coast and rocks exposed to wind and waves. The island has a ‘soft’ side too. Its northern shore has two ports and long sandy beaches. At the port of Le Palais is one of the historical gems of the island. Mentioned by Alexandre Dumas in his second book about the Three Musketeers, the Citadelle de Belle Ile had great strategic importance as access to the south of Brittany was controlled by Belle Ile and its smaller neighbours Houat and Hoed. The beautifully maintained fort is now a museum. There are other spectacular and unique fortifications along the island’s shore. After a morning of relaxed cruising, we arrive in Belle Île, an island off the coast of Brittany in northwest France. As the name suggests, it’s a beautifully compact island, boasting an impressive 60 beaches, a glorious coastline and rows of pastel houses that seemingly encompass both British and French coastal charm. Our first visit today is Kervilahouen, an impressionist village watched over by the Grand Phare lighthouse. When you first think of Monet, you might think of his famous house and gardens in Giverny. Though, the Aiguilles de Port Coton rocks were immortalized by Claude Monet in his piece ‘Rocks at Port-Coton, the Lion Rock, Belle-Île, 1886’ – one of 39 paintings he created during his stay. Following this we walk along the cove of Goulphar and its magnificent hotels, before greeting the 'Jean and Jeanne' standing stones. We then continue to Pointe des Poulains, a site dedicated to Sarah Bernhardt, before discovering the charming little port of Sauzon. This part of the world really makes you marvel at the wonders of the wild coast, as you witness the face of the island cut and shaped by the erosion of the majestic winter storms. |
| 23rd23 | SepSep | 202222 | Bordeaux, France | | |
| 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. This morning, after docking at Port Médoc, we will head inland to the world-renowned 'City of Art and History' – it can only be UNESCO-listed, effortlessly beautiful Bordeaux. We’ll dive straight into its history and culture with a panoramic tour, taking in the WWII German submarine base, the opera house 'Grand Theatre' built by Victor Louis in 1773, and of course the picturesque waterfront. After a guided walking tour embracing the essence of France in Bordeaux’s Old Town, you will enjoy some free time for lunch and exploring at your own pace. Alternatively, you can choose to take an optional afternoon trip along the famous ‘Route des Châteaux’. Few things whet a wine lover’s enthusiasm more than making this pilgrimage, just north of Bordeaux on the Médoc peninsula, between the Gironde estuary and the Landes Forest. As we drive through the lush, rolling hills, spy views of Château Lafite Rothschil and Château Pichon Longueville dotted along the winding roads. Please note that lunch is not included today if you join the excursion. On this tour, we will visit the cellars of a prestigious Château. During the visit, you will learn about winemaking processes, followed by a tasting of two wines from the estate. After a wonderful afternoon learning about the region’s wine, we return to the ship in time for dinner this evening. |
| 24th24 | SepSep | 202222 | San Sebastian de la Gomera, Spain | | |
| San Sebastián is one of the most magical coastal resorts in Spain, nestled on a shell-shaped stretch of the Bay of Biscay and fringed with shimmering white sand beaches. Belle-époque architecture and immaculate green spaces that are elegant reminders that this was, and remains, the place to be and be seen, particularly for the Spanish aristocracy. Since 1953 the city has played host to an annual film festival too, which attracted legends including Alfred Hitchcock. San Sebastián is bordered by two hills – Monte Urgull in the east and Monte Igueldo in the west – and this morning we explore the bay between the hills. Admire the opulent buildings at every turn, including the Miramar Palace and the luxurious Hotel María Cristina. As we walk through the old town we’ll see its highlights, such as Constitución Square, which was once a bullring where spectators came to place their bets. The rest of the day is free for you to spend as you wish in this wonderful place. So why not pop into a local pinxto bar for a drink and a snack before exploring more? Perhaps visit the San Telmo Museum dedicated to Basque history, or ascend Monte Urgull to see the remains of the old city walls. |
| 25th25 | SepSep | 202222 | Santander, Spain | | |
| This morning we reach the verdant Cantabria region where we dock in the magnificent city of Santander, starting the day with a guided tour. Our local guide will walk us through the must-see highlights, including the main square, the Pereda Gardens and the Cathedral. We will pass by the impressive Botin Centre and Santander Bank before heading along the seaside through Puerto Chico, the former fishing port, and Reina Victoria promenade. After lunch back on board the ship, you have the afternoon to explore Santander. A combination of green mountain landscapes with white sand beaches, elegant mansions and palatial architecture with avant-garde buildings and the unmistakeable echo of its seafaring past. There’s a sense of many cities within a city, making it perfect for a relaxed afternoon of discovering, whatever your favourite things to do on holiday. |
| 26th26 | SepSep | 202222 | La Coruña, Spain | | |
| 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. Overnight we have elegantly cruised to the port of A Coruña, so enjoy views of Spain’s Galicia over your morning coffee. Today we explore the capital of the region, Santiago de Compostela, with a knowledgeable local guide. It wouldn’t be a visit without seeing the imposing Cathedral of St. James, the reputed burial place of Saint James the Great, an apostle of Jesus Christ. It is also one of the only three remaining churches in the world built over the tomb of an apostle of Jesus, the other two being St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City and St. Thomas Cathedral Basilica, Chennai in India. The Romanesque basilica has historically been a place of pilgrimage on the Way of St. James since the Early Middle Ages and marks the traditional end of the momentous route. As you look up to the striking building, notice the Gothic and Baroque additions added through the years. After lunch on board the ship, this afternoon you are free to spend in A Coruña. So, what’s it to be? Perhaps take a stroll down the long promenade or pay a visit to the Tower of Hercules, regarded as the oldest known lighthouse in the world. We return to the ship in time for lunch. This afternoon you are free to spend in A Coruna – perhaps take a stroll down the long promenade or pay a visit to the Tower of Hercules, regarded as the oldest known lighthouse in the world. |
| 27th27 | SepSep | 202222 | Leixões, Portugal | | |
| Ever since the Romans constructed a fort here and began using it as a trading post, Oporto has been a prosperous commercial centre. In the 15th and 16th centuries the city benefited from the wealth generated by Portugal’s maritime discoveries, and later, the establishment of a lucrative wine trade with Britain compensated for the loss of the spice trade. Today, Portugal’s second-largest city is a thriving, cosmopolitan place and is famous for its production of the fortified, sweet 'port' wine. Its historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the city was also awarded the status of European Capital of Culture in 2001. A large sandbar prevents ships from sailing into Oporto itself, so for over a century they have used nearby Leixões instead, a man-made seaport constructed nine miles from the city. Leixões is one of Portugal's major sea ports and is also home to one of the country's oldest football clubs, winners of the Taça de Portugal cup in 1961. This morning we moor in Leixões, an inviting port town where traditional Portuguese houses form a backdrop for friendly locals and their fishing boats. Of course, a cruise of this area wouldn’t be complete without calling by Porto, and so we uncover the best the city has to offer with a local expert. The historical tour begins with a visit to two of the most beautiful churches in the city, the Carmo and Carmelitas. See the bell tower of Clérigos Church, Porto Cathedral, and Säo Bento Railway Station. As well as the main sights, this tour will take you to some breath taking monuments away from other tour groups. your guide will tell you about the politics, religion, local customs, traditions, gastronomy, wines, and everything else you need to know about Porto. Portugal is famous for its striking patterned tiles and delicious egg custard tarts, pasteis de nata, and so of course we experience these first-hand. After an introduction to the process of tile making, we will round it off with a tasting of Portugal's most famous traditional pastry. For lunch you might want to enjoy a local restaurant or take the included transfer back to the ship – the choice is yours. Save some room this afternoon though, as our optional tour takes us to the Vila Nova de Gaia for a port tasting, accompanied by a selection of cheeses and smoked meats. Journey through the most famous Portuguese wines will include a sample three different port wines at this historic venue, found on the south bank of the Douro river. As you get wine tasting tips, get a taste for one of Portugal's most famous products and learn more about the grapes, varieties and wine making process. Felicidades! |
| 28th28 | SepSep | 202222 | Cascais, Portugal | | |
| This morning your ship will moor in the charming harbour of Cascais. An old fishing village with a bustling marina, you can see where it got its reputation as the Portuguese riviera. There will be plenty of time to stroll along the promenade, take in the coastal breeze and soak up local life. Perhaps even pick up some more deliciously moreish pasteis de nata or souvenirs of your trip. During lunch on board, our ship will take full advantage of her nimble size by sailing from Cascais, along the river Tagus. We will sail past the famed Belem Tower, the Monument to the Discoveries and under the impressive 25th April Bridge before docking in central Lisbon. This afternoon is an opportunity to fully experience Lisbon with a local. During this tour you will enjoy the beauty of the city, see some of its hidden gems as well as the most popular highlights. Starting at the famous Miradouro de Sao Pedro de Alcantara viewpoint, enjoy the breath-taking sights while listening to unique local insights. Find out how the city has changed over time and learn about the great mysteries and insights of the notorious 1755 earthquake. Go past the beautiful Carmo church and be amazed by the San Roque golden chapel. Along the way you will stop at small family run businesses where you might choose to purchase some local bites. Enjoy an authentic snack of cheese and chorizo or try the famous sour cherry liquor, ginja. Our guide will share their knowledge and stories about everything, from the Bairro Alto and Alfama neighbourhoods, important churches and so much more. |
| 29th29 | SepSep | 202222 | Porto, Portugal, disembark the World Voyager | | |
| 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. Today we enjoy a final breakfast on board before we disembark and transfer to the airport for the flight home. |
