Lisbon to London

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.

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.

Cruise ships dock at Vigo Port, which is 90 kilometers (56 miles) from Santiago de Compostela, with a travel time of about 1.5 hours. The port is centrally located, making it easy to explore Vigo's attractions such as the historic Casco Vello district and El Castro Park before heading to Santiago de Compostela.

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale watching, catching up on your reading or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shore side.

For many visitors Tresco is the most attractive of the Isles of Scilly. This is especially due to its Abbey Garden, which is home to thousands of exotic plant species from around 80 different countries. Plant collector Augustus Smith began the gardens in the 1830s on the site of an old Benedictine Abbey by channelling the weather up and over a network of walled enclosures built around the Priory ruins. He had three terraces carved from the rocky south slope and maximised Tresco’s mild Gulf Stream climate. Even in mid-winter there still are hundreds of plants flowering here. Another surprising attraction at the Abbey Garden is the collection of figureheads from ships that wrecked among the Isles of Scilly.

Scattered 30 miles offshore from England’s most south-westerly point, the Isles of Scilly are home to rich wildlife, and green land sloping to powdery white beaches.

St. Mary's is the biggest of the isles and is one of only five occupied islands. Isolated and serene, life here hums along at its own pace and the locals enjoy the UK’s mildest climate, and some of its most spectacular beaches.

Look our for Atlantic seals and seabirds like puffins and fulmars along the coastline. Visitors can also spot the ghostly shipwrecks strewn around the island's waters.

The largest town on the isle of Anglesey in Wales, Holyhead is all about outdoor adventures and ancient history. Holyhead and Anglesey are your gateway to Wales, a land with a strong and proud Celtic tradition and with some of the most beautiful countryside in the British Isles. Ships will dock or anchor offshore at the Port of Holyhead.

Top Things to Do in Holyhead:

• explore Breakwater Country Park
• visit Caernarfon Castle
• drive through Snowdonia National Park
• ride the Rheilffordd Ffestiniog
  

aking its name from the Norse word for puffin, Lundy is a secluded sanctuary for seabirds and the UK’s marine wildlife. Just 12 miles off the coast of Devon, yet seemingly a world away, tiny Lundy Island rises where the River Severn meets the Bristol Channel and merges into the vast Atlantic’s waters. Its stark, soaring cliffs face out towards the next landmass - the distant Americas - while the eastern grasslands offer room to roam for goats, deer and ponies. Designated as the UK’s first Marine Nature Reserve, Lundy is a true haven for wildlife enthusiasts and bird watchers. Puffins, Manx shearwaters, and peregrine falcons nest on Lundy during the spring and summer months, while the surrounding waters teem with grey seals, basking sharks, dolphins, and porpoises.

Beneath the waves, divers relish an underwater world rich with soft corals, anemones, and a wide variety of fish species, as well as the intrigue of historic shipwrecks. You can explore the island on foot, following trails that offer sweeping coastal views. The towering cliffs offer breathtaking panoramas of the surrounding sea and dramatic landscapes. Humans have been intrigued by Lundy for over 4,000 years, but development remains minimal, restricted mostly to a small village and a scattering of scenic lighthouses, stout churches, castles and monuments and, of course, a cosy pub - the Marisco Tavern.

Situated on the south-west coast of England, it seems that Dartmouth is a town that time forgot. Pretty pastel painted houses dating from the medieval times flank the idyllic port, while the enchanting jumble of streets only add to the quiet authenticity of this, very English, seaside town. Ships will anchor offshore and tender guests to dock.

Top Things to Do in Dartmouth:

• visit Greenway, Agatha Christie's mansion
• hike the Dart Valley Trail system
• cruise up the River Dart
• visit Slapton Sands and the WWII memorial

St. Helier, the vibrant capital of Jersey in the Channel Islands, offers a delightful blend of history, culture, and coastal charm. The picturesque harbour is perfect for a leisurely stroll, providing views of colourful boats and the surrounding waterfront. Don’t miss Elizabeth Castle, a historic fortress accessible by foot during low tide or by ferry, offering fascinating insights into the island’s past.

The Central Market, housed in a beautiful Victorian building, is a must-visit for fresh local produce and artisan goods. Nearby, the Jersey Museum and Art Gallery showcases the island’s rich heritage. For a touch of nature, head to Howard Davis Park, a serene spot ideal for relaxation. St. Helier combines scenic beauty with a lively atmosphere, making it a captivating port of call.

The crowning glory of the Channel Islands, Sark Island is an unbeatable place to escape modern life's busyness and slip into serenity. Nestled between Guernsey and Jersey, the island is just 24 miles from France’s Normandy coast. The rhythm of life is dictated by foot, bicycle, or the gentle rumble of a traditional horse-drawn carriage. The crisp, beautiful sea is visible practically everywhere on the island. Explore sweeping trails across the emerald cliffs, finding hidden beaches, coves, and sea caves. Cars are forbidden on the island, which plunges into deep, undisturbed darkness at night, allowing the glorious strands of the Milky Way to shine brightly overhead.

Sark Island has been designated as Europe’s first International Dark Sky Community. Soak up the silence and stillness of this serene land in a blissful time warp of tranquillity. It hasn’t always been smooth sailing; and Sark’s history reads like a fascinating tome. Regarded as one of the smallest semi-autonomous territories in the world, until recently, it was described as Europe's last feudal stronghold. Settled and occupied by many over the years, this two-square-mile island has seen it all. Nowadays, it is a semi-autonomous dependency of Guernsey. This colourful history has endowed Sark with a glorious independence and an idiosyncratic, quaint charm. With just 600 residents and a few content cows for company - Sark Island is a truly unique and rejuvenating place.

The picturesque capital of Guernsey proves that you don’t have to go to the Caribbean for white sand and crystal clear water. St Peter Port is both wonderfully pretty and atmospheric, full of blooming floral displays, tiny stone churches and brightly painted boats. What’s more, summers are mostly sunny and comfortable, making the weather something you don’t have to worry about

As the capital of Guernsey, St. Peter Port is where the “action” is found. This mainly takes the form of strolling the cobbled streets, stopping every now and then to admire, and perhaps photograph, the stunning views. Once French (original name: St. Pierre Port), the town is at least 800 years old, with the stone castle and maze like streets to prove it.

Once you have made you way up to the ancient castle, make like a local and find refreshment with a cream tea, washed down perhaps with a glass of cider! If the weather is on your side, then surely there is no more invigorating pastime than hiking up to the spectacular Guernsey cliffs, taking in stunning views of wildflowers, sandy beaches and English Channel views. For those who want to spread their wings a little further, the tiny island of Herm is just a 20-minute boat ride away, and homes no cars, one pub, a few cows, some puffins and about 50 people. Don’t be fooled by St Peter Port’s nostalgic exterior. The seaside town has made a name for itself as a foodie heaven, with everything from beach huts to Michelin starred restaurants offering sumptuous, locally sourced fare.

Joined to the mainland of Dorset by a spindly strip of beach, the Isle of Portland is ruggedly beautiful, with endless vistas and wild landscapes. Just four miles long, its coastal cliffs and area's unique flora and fauna are awe-inspiring, the perfect complement to the islands rich history. Ships will dock in Portland Harbour.

Top Things to Do on the Isle of Portland:

• explore Portland Castle
• visit the Abbotsbury Swannery
  
• view the Jurassic coast from atop the Portland Bill Lighthouse
• visit the Castletown D-Day Centre

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.

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.