Wines Of France & Iberia

Lisbon, Portugal's vibrant capital, is a city of hills, history, and stunning views. Start your day at the iconic Belém Tower, a UNESCO World Heritage Site offering a glimpse into Portugal’s maritime past. Nearby, visit the Jerónimos Monastery, a masterpiece of Manueline architecture, where you can admire its intricate designs.

In the afternoon, explore the historic Alfama district, with its narrow, winding streets and traditional Fado music echoing from cozy taverns. Ride the famous Tram 28 to see landmarks like the Lisbon Cathedral and the São Jorge Castle. For a panoramic view of the city, head to the Miradouro da Senhora do Monte viewpoint.

At the mouth of the Rio Douro lies Porto (or Oporto), a city famed for its production of Port, which is still stored and matured in the vast cellars that stretch along the banks of the river. The cities skyline is composed of sky-high bell towers, opulent baroque churches, and majestic beaux art buildings. Ships will dock at the Port of Leixoes.

Top Things to Do in Porto:

• visit Guimarães, the first capital of Portugal
• cruise the Douro River
• explore the historical city centre, Ribeira
• visit a wine cellar and taste some port wine

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

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
  

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

Biarritz, an elegant seaside town on southwestern France’s Basque coast, has been a popular resort since European royalty began visiting in the 1800s. The coastline is dotted with rocks shaped by the ocean, buildings and villas in eclectic architectural styles and long, sandy beaches. Ships will anchor offshore in Saint Jean de Luz.

Top Things to Do in Biarritz:

• visit the Cristobal Balenciaga Museum
• cross the border to visit San Sebastian
• hike along the Basque Coastal Path
• explore the UNESCO listed Bayonne

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.

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

St. Peter Port, the capital of Guernsey and the main port of the island, is home to over 800 years of history. The town overlooks the harbour, with cobblestone streets, rows of brightly painted houses and terraced gardens. Ships will anchor offshore and tenders will be provided to Albert Pier.

Top Things to Do in St. Peter Port:

• shop at the National Trust of Guernsey
  
• visit Victor Hugo’s home
• explore the royal fortress of Castle Cornet
• visit the German Occupation Museum and Underground Hospital
  

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.