Vistas of France, Spain & Portugal

• Day 1 Bristol (UK)

  The South West's largest city, Bristol has become a hub of culture and creativity with a wealth of art galleries and theatres, a revitalised waterfront and the title of the UK's first bike city. The quirky city is full of history, including Brunel's SS Great Britain, the world's first great ocean liner.

• Day 2 At Sea
• Day 3 Le Verdon-sur-Mer (France)

  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.

• Day 4 Getxo (Spain)

  Stretching along Spain's Basque coast is historic Getxo. Blending cultural richness with seaside charm, Getxo offers gorgeous promenade walks and the chance to indulge in traditional Basque cuisine in the town's famous Old Port.

• Day 5 Gijón

  The Campo Valdés baths, dating back to the 1st century AD, and other reminders of Gijón's time as an ancient Roman port remain visible downtown. Gijón was almost destroyed in a 14th-century struggle over the Castilian throne, but by the 19th century it was a thriving port and industrial city. The modern-day city is part fishing port, part summer resort, and part university town, packed with cafés, restaurants, and sidrerías.

• Day 6 La Coruña

  Perched atop a Galician promontory is La Coruna, an historic Spanish port city. Walk along the storied promenade of Paseo Maritimo and visit ancient sites such as the Tower of Hercules for amazing views of this city overlooking the Bay of Biscay.

• Day 7 Leixões

  Near the city of Porto, Leixoes is one of Portugal's major seaports and is widely associated with the exporting of port wine. Day trips to Porto are a popular activity, but there are also quayside beaches and cafes to enjoy on either side of the Douro River.

• Day 8 Lisbon (Portugal)

  Portugal's bustling capital of Lisbon allures with its mix of Old World charm and seaside vibes. Lose yourself in the maze of narrow streets in the Alfama district, lunch atop the scenic overlook of Santa Catarina, and savour Lisbon's rich cultural tapestry.

• Day 9 - 10 At Sea
• Day 11 Lorient (France)

  Lorient, on the Brittany coast, is imbued with French charm with a distinctly Celtic twist. Engage with local maritime history by visiting beautiful Catholic churches and the Second World War-era Lorient Submarine Base. 

• Day 12 Brest

  Located on the briny coast of Brittany, the French port of Brest offers a seafaring spirit and countless maritime attractions. Stroll along quaysides, discover historic fortifications, and enjoy some unique Breton cuisine.

• Day 13 At Sea
• Day 14 Bristol (UK)

  The gateway to the historic Port of Bristol, Royal Portbury Docks invokes images of the city's proud maritime heritage from the Age of Discovery through to post-Second World War restoration and rejuvenation.

Vistas of France, Spain & Portugal Itinerary