Epicurean Awakening

London, a vibrant metropolis brimming with history and culture, is a must-visit destination for cruise travellers. Explore the historic Tower of London, witness the grandeur of Buckingham Palace, and stroll across the majestic Tower Bridge. Art enthusiasts will relish the treasures housed in the British Museum and Tate Modern.

Explore London's culinary diversity at Borough Market, where a variety of international flavors await. Be sure to visit the lively Covent Garden, renowned for its street performers and charming boutiques. From the tranquil Royal Parks to the vibrant West End theatres, London provides a captivating blend of British heritage and modern vitality.

Your cruise is about to begin! It's time to make your way to Southampton, if you haven't already. To reach Southampton from London, you can take a train from London Waterloo to Southampton Central, with the journey taking around 1.5 hours - that's approximately 128 km's (80 miles). Alternatively if you're travelling by coach or have arranged a private transfer, please allow around 2 hours for the journey. Once in Southampton, the cruise terminals are within a short taxi ride from the station.

Located on the Brittany Coast and built on a rock at the mouth of the River Rance, Saint-Malo's roots go back to before Roman times. Surrounded by tall granite walls, this fortified city was superbly rebuilt to its original style after 80% of it was destroyed in WWII. Small ships can dock at the this port, while large ships will anchor offshore.

Top Things to Do in Saint-Malo:

• walk the beach to Fort National
• visit the UNESCO listed Mont Saint-Michel
• tour the medieval village of Dinan
• stroll along the cities ramparts

Bordeaux, a jewel of southwestern France, offers cruise travellers a delightful mix of historical charm and modern vibrancy. Start your visit at Place de la Bourse, where the Water Mirror beautifully reflects the grandeur of 18th-century architecture. Stroll along the Garonne River, taking in the scenic views and the buzz of local life.

For a taste of Bordeaux's world-renowned wine, visit the Cité du Vin, an interactive museum dedicated to wine culture. Don’t miss the gothic masterpiece of Saint-André Cathedral or the bustling Capucins Market, perfect for sampling local delicacies.

San Sebastian or Donostia is a decidedly French-influenced city seductively wrapped around the crescent Bay of La Concha. Located in the north of the Basque Country, the city is celebrated for its natural setting. Crystalline waters, flawless beaches and lush green hills on all sides make it a truly captivating city.

Top Things to Do in San Sebastian:

• stroll through the Old Town of Hondarribia
• visit the lookout at Monte Igueldo
• explore the nearby town of Zarautz
• visit the Balenciaga Museum in Getaria
• travel inland to explore Pamplona

Set on the mountainous northern coast of Spain, Gijón is on the road less travelled. In addition to its beaches, it boasts uniquely themed museums, parks, seafront strolls and cultural attractions. Cimadevilla, the oldest part of town, offers picturesque cobblestone streets and the ruins of an old Roman settlement. Ships will dock at Puerto de el Musel.

Top Things to Do in Gijon:

• explore the medieval heart of Oviedo
• hike to the 'Eulogy to the Horizon' Sculpture
• sample some of the regions cider
• discover Aviles’ medieval Old Town
  

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Santiago de Compostela has been an important pilgrimage centre for Christians since the 800's, when the tomb of the apostle James was believed to have been found by a hermit, guided to it by a bright light.

Centuries of building and subsequent preservation efforts have maintained a range of extraordinary architecture in the Old Town, including Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Neoclassical styles. Ships will dock in Vilagarcia which is a 50 minute drive from Santiago De Compostela.

Perched on a rocky peninsula in Spain's northwest, La Coruña is brimming with ancient Roman heritage and maritime history. This historic town is nicknamed the 'Crystal City' due to the 19th-century enclosed glass balconies that reflect the glittering waters of the Atlantic. Ships will dock at the Port of La Coruña.

Top Things to Do in La Coruna:

• visit the Tower of Hercules
• stroll the streets of La Coruña’s Old Town
• cycle along the Paseo Marítimo
• visit the Santiago de Compostela
• sample some of the areas delicious seafood

Surrounded by green mountains and lined by the beautiful blue water of the Bay of Biscay, Bilbao is magnificent mix of historic and spectacular modern architecture. Famed for its Guggenheim Museum, clad in glimmering titanium, this enormous structure is a work of art itself. Ships will dock in Getxo, which is a 20 minute drive from Bilbao.

Top Things to Do in Bilbao:

• stroll through the streets of Casco Viejo
• take the cable car up Artxanda Mountain
• explore the resort town of San Sebastián
• visit the Guggenheim Museum

Bordeaux, a jewel of southwestern France, offers cruise travellers a delightful mix of historical charm and modern vibrancy. Start your visit at Place de la Bourse, where the Water Mirror beautifully reflects the grandeur of 18th-century architecture. Stroll along the Garonne River, taking in the scenic views and the buzz of local life.

For a taste of Bordeaux's world-renowned wine, visit the Cité du Vin, an interactive museum dedicated to wine culture. Don’t miss the gothic masterpiece of Saint-André Cathedral or the bustling Capucins Market, perfect for sampling local delicacies.

La Rochelle is famed for its historic Vieux Port, flanked by medieval towers. Don’t miss the Maritime Museum and the Aquarium, one of Europe's largest. Stroll along the picturesque harbor, and explore the narrow streets lined with shops and cafés. For a taste of local culture, visit the daily market at Place de Verdun.

A lively port in France’s Brittany region, Brest originally dates back to the middle ages. After being heavily bombed during World War II, the city was rebuilt with an eye towards the future. Nestled in one of France’s most picturesque natural harbours, Brest’s history has always been closely aligned with the sea. Ships will dock at the Port of Brest.

Top Things to Do in Brest:

• visit the Chateau de Brest museum
• view Brest from above on the cable car
• visit the Oceanopolis aquarium
• stroll through the National Botanical Reserve

Paris, the 'city of light,' blends monumental landmarks with intimate corners easily explored in a day. The Eiffel Tower dominates the skyline, while a stroll along the Seine reveals bookstalls and bridges framing views of Notre-Dame. The Louvre showcases treasures from every era, and nearby the glasswork of Sainte-Chapelle dazzles. In the Marais, elegant squares and boutiques sit alongside centuries-old architecture, while classic cafés provide the perfect pause before returning to the heart of the city.

Cruise ships dock at Le Havre Cruise Terminal, close to the city center. Paris is 200 km (124 miles) southeast, reached in about 2.5–3 hours by train, coach, or private transfer. Many cruise programs offer full-day excursions that cover the highlights of Paris or the coast of Normandy. An early start and late return are typical, but a visit to Paris from Le Havre is both possible and rewarding.

London, a vibrant metropolis brimming with history and culture, is a must-visit destination for cruise travellers. Explore the historic Tower of London, witness the grandeur of Buckingham Palace, and stroll across the majestic Tower Bridge. Art enthusiasts will relish the treasures housed in the British Museum and Tate Modern.

Explore London's culinary diversity at Borough Market, where a variety of international flavors await. Be sure to visit the lively Covent Garden, renowned for its street performers and charming boutiques. From the tranquil Royal Parks to the vibrant West End theatres, London provides a captivating blend of British heritage and modern vitality.

To reach London from Southampton, you can take a train from Southampton Central (the station is within a short taxi ride from the cruise terminals) to London Waterloo, with the journey taking around 1.5 hours - that's approximately 128 km's (80 miles). Alternatively if you're travelling by coach or have arranged a private transfer, please allow around 2 hours for the journey.