Trip Type: Lecture
Physical Activity Level: Moderately Active
Highlights:
- Enjoy a full day at Santiago de Compostela, which was declared both a national monument and a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Visit Île-de-Ré, one of the island jewels of the French coast
- Explore the Bilbao Guggenheim Museum of Contemporary Art, perhaps the 20th century’s most audacious design experiment
- Visit Mont St. Michel, a majestic tidal island and UNESCO World Heritage site
Day 1: U.S.
Depart the U.S.
Day 2: Lisbon, Portugal
Arrive in Lisbon and embark the M.S. Le Boréal.
Day 3: Leixões/Oporto
Dock in Leixões, northern Portugal’s principal port. In nearby Oporto, the hub of the Douro River’s port wine trade, see traditional barrels of port being loaded onto typical Portuguese rabelos, or sailboats.
Visit the Church of São Francisco in the historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the Stock Exchange, with its elaborate Arabian Hall inspired by the famous Moorish Alhambra.
Optional Culinary Excursion: Stroll through the lively Matosinhos Market, housed in an iconic building known for its unique architectural style, en route to a popular restaurant in the Palace of the Arts. Formerly part of a medieval convent, the Palace of the Arts is located in the oldest historical district of Oporto. There, a renowned local chef introduces you to Portuguese specialties and wine during a specially arranged private lunch. Tour the cellars of a world-famous port producer, walk among the seasoned oak casks and enjoy a tasting of this sweet fortified wine.
Day 4: Muros/Santiago de Compostela, Spain/La Coruña
Today, the full-day excursion takes you from the town of Muros into the oak and pine-forested hills of Galicia, one of Spain’s self-governed principalities, which radiates an unexpectedly Celtic atmosphere. The golden-hued granite buildings of its well-preserved capital, Santiago de Compostela, lend a warm glow to the almost completely pedestrianized streets leading to the expansive Plaza del Obradeiro. Tour Santiago de Compostela’s grand and highly revered Romanesque cathedral, built to enshrine the tomb of St. James and recognized for its distinctive Baroque façade, original medieval portico and incomparable Churrigueresque altar. This national monument and UNESCO World Heritage site has been a pilgrimage destination since the Middle Ages. Enjoy lunch in a renowned 16th-century parador.
Continue to La Coruña, dubbed “the crystal city” for its harbor-side houses with glass-enclosed balconies. See the restored Castle of San Anton, former fortress and military prison, now the archeological museum. Stop at the acclaimed Tower of Hercules, a working lighthouse since Roman times and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Day 5: Santander/Bilbao
Upon arrival in Santander, travel to nearby Bilbao, surrounded by the verdant Basque Mountains. Bilbao is home to architect Frank Gehry’s iconic Guggenheim Museum of Contemporary Art. Stroll through the galleries of pop art, minimalism, Arte Povera and conceptual works by contemporary Spanish and Basque artists.
Then enjoy an orientation tour of the city to see the casa viejo(old quarter) and the promenade of El Arenal, a popular route for Bilbainos’ evening paseos(leisurely strolls).
Optional Culinary Excursion: Learn about and experience the history of Basque cooking in a rustic country venue on the outskirts of Bilbao.
Day 6: Île-de-Ré/La Rochelle
On Île-de-Ré, one of the island jewels of the French coast, see the Fortifications of Vauban; a UNESCO World Heritage site built by the preeminent military engineer of his age who, under Louis XIV, masterminded the consolidation of France’s borders.
Continue to the bustling port city of La Rochelle where luminous limestone faҫades glow in bright coastal sunlight. La Rochelle was once the Knights Templar’s largest base on the Atlantic Ocean; Frenchmen from here later emigrated to North America and eventually founded Montreal, Canada. During World War II it became a German naval stronghold and the last Frence city to be liberated. Throughout its history, La Rochelle has thrived on its wine and salt trade, but is famous for its fresh seafood.
Optional Culinary Excursion: Sample the flavors of the port’s lively markets that feature locally farmed oysters, vegetables and meats in a distinguished local venue. You will also have an opportunity to learn about the renowned local process of distilling Cognac complimented with a tasting of the refined brandy.
Day 7: Cruising the Bay of Biscay
Spend the day at leisure cruising from the Bay of Biscay to the English Channel.
Day 8: St. Malo/Mont St. Michel
Today, visit Mont St. Michel, a majestic tidal island and UNESCO World Heritage site. Stroll the cobblestone Grande Rue through the fortified village to visit the spectacular medieval abbey and cloisters.
Return to St. Malo along Brittany’s Côte d’Emeraude (Emerald Coast), named for the green hue of the sea in spring.
Attend the Captain’s farewell reception and dinner this evening.
Day 9: Honfleur, France/U.S.
Disembark from the ship in Honfleur and continue on the Paris Post-Cruise Option or transfer to the airport for your return flight to the U.S.
