European Coastal Cruise: France, Spain & Portugal (2024)

Arrive in London, where you meet your fellow guests and Expedition Team. Then transfer to Dover to board your luxurious ship this afternoon. Later this evening, enjoy a welcome briefing and reception aboard.

'Le Dumont d’Urville' | Meals: D

Arrive in Honfleur, a quaint Norman port town with a rich maritime heritage dating to the 16th century. Stroll the narrow streets, taking in St. Catherine’s Church and the Old Port. Or, you might travel to the D-Day landing site of Omaha Beach, as well as the Normandy American Cemetery and Visitors Centre at Colleville-sur-Mer. Alternatively, embark on a culinary adventure in the countryside, sampling local cheeses, hard cider and Calvados.

'Le Dumont d’Urville' | Meals: BLD

Arrive in Saint-Malo, a historic fortified port renowned for its walled battlements, idyllic beaches and regional gastronomy. Once ashore, explore the city’s market, 15th-century buildings and Fort National. Then, visit a traditional Breton biscuit maker in Cancale and enjoy a seafood lunch. Alternatively, you might visit Mont Saint-Michel, a stunning village perched atop a tidal island. Here, wander its steep cobblestone streets and climb over 350 steps to reach its famed abbey. Or, visit the town of Dinan and its 14th-century castle, enjoying walks along the estuary, a guided oyster farm experience and a visit to the Jacques Cartier Museum. For another option, visit medieval Rennes, capital of Brittany, to explore its turbulent history, tour its Old Town and savour a traditional Breton lunch of crêpes.

'Le Dumont d’Urville' | Meals: BLD

Unwind during a relaxing day at sea, enjoying the ship’s amenities and engaging presentations by our experts.

'Le Dumont d’Urville' | Meals: BLD

Bordeaux offers an exciting mix of castles, vineyards, art and urban street life. Here, explore the Old Town, the 13th-century Cathedral of St. André and the immersive digital art exhibition of the Bassins de Lumières. Alternatively, set out for an exclusive Bordeaux wine estate tour and tasting with privileged access to areas closed to the public. Or, visit the seaside resort town of Arcachon, where you experience its golden beaches, Belle Époque atmosphere and freshly caught oysters. You might also opt for a nature walk through coastal Landes, home to the largest forest in Europe.

'Le Dumont d’Urville' | Meals: BLD

Arrive in Bilbao, a medieval city and proud Basque enclave that has transformed itself into a modern cultural mecca. Here, explore Frank Gehry’s spectacular Guggenheim Museum Bilbao with time to wander the city at leisure. Alternately, transfer to Guernica, a historic Basque city inextricably linked to the Spanish Civil War and immortalized in Picasso’s namesake masterpiece. Alternatively, choose a hike and visit to a cave adorned with Paleolithic art, or a drive through to the quaint fishing town of Bermeo. Return to your vessel for lunch and a relaxing afternoon sailing scenic coastal Spain.

'Le Dumont d’Urville' | Meals: BLD

Today, explore the province of A Coruña and the city of Santiago de Compostela, the terminus of the Camino de Santiago, a network of pilgrimage routes dating to the ninth century. Choose to explore the city’s cathedral and Old Town, followed by lunch with a Galician folklore dance performance. Alternatively, choose a shorter walk to Cape Finisterre, the last stop on the Camino de Santiago, followed by a visit to the medieval castle of Vimianzo. For another option, explore Santiago’s bustling food market and restaurants, tasting local tapas, empanadas, cheeses and wines.

'Le Dumont d’Urville' | Meals: BLD

Arrive in Porto, the charming-yet-edgy star of the Iberian Peninsula. Here, explore vibrant Cais da Ribeira, discovering its Stock Exchange Palace and St. Francis Church, followed by a port wine tasting at a famous riverside lodge. Or, opt for a culinary tour of Porto’s vibrant central market and beloved backstreet taverns. Alternatively, visit the enchanting Douro Valley for a winery tour, tasting and lunch at one of the region’s finest wine estates; or see Braga, home of the Baroque Bom Jesus de Braga Sanctuary. You may also visit historic Guimarães and its medieval castle.

'Le Dumont d’Urville' | Meals: BLD

Arrive in Lisbon, a charismatic seaside capital renowned for its white-bleached limestone buildings and easygoing charm. Once ashore, tour the iconic Tower of Belem and Jerónimos Monastery, pausing to sample local culinary specialties along the way. Or, drive to Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its glittering palaces. Alternatively, set out on an excursion to the enchanting walled city of Évora. You might also opt to learn about the region’s tilemaking tradition with a hands-on experience at a local workshop.

'Le Dumont d’Urville' | Meals: BLD

Disembark and continue on your post-tour extension or transfer to the airport for your return flight.

Meals: B

Note: Itinerary is for guidance purposes only and may be adjusted due to unforeseen circumstances including weather, wildlife, ice, medical emergencies and other conditions beyond A&K’s control at the sole discretion of the Captain.

This journey contains active elements, including walks over uneven terrain.

Minimum age is 7 years.

Categories 4–8 include butler service aboard the ship.

First group event: embarkation at 4:00 p.m. on Sep 21.

Last group event: disembarkation by 9:00 a.m. on Sep 30.

Included with this Luxury Expedition Cruise

• An Exclusively Chartered, All-Inclusive Voyage Led by A&K’s Expedition Team and Local Guides
• Airport Meet and Greet and Transfers
• Private Balcony with Every Onboard Accommodation and Butler Service with Every Suite
• Maximum Personnel-to-Guest Ratio of 1 to 1.3 and ship occupancy limited to 80 percent
• Culinary Program Featuring French-Inspired Cuisine, Including House Drinks, Afternoon Tea and Pastries
• 24-Hour Room Service and Breakfast in Bed on board
• Choice of Curated, All-Inclusive Shore Excursions
• Enrichment program, lectures and presentations
• Traveller’s Valet Laundry Service on board
• All Gratuities, Port Charges and Taxes
• Complimentary Wi-Fi on Board and in Hotels
• Onboard Service from an English-Speaking Staff, Including an Accredited Physician
• 24/7 A&K On-Call Support