Old World Gateways to the Atlantic - France, Spain & Portugal Cruise

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12 days from

£4375.8

* Current p/p indicative rate.

Overview
Highlights
Dates & Prices
Itinerary
Map
Ships

Highlights

  • Explore the old streets of Gijon’s fisherman’s quarter, Cimadevilla
  • Admire the striking ship-shaped Frank Gehry–designed Guggenheim Museum Bilbao
  • Wander the steep cobbled streets of the medieval hamlet and holy island of Mont St Michel
  • Explore one of Brittany’s most beautiful port cities: Concarneau
  • Vist the town of Santiago de Compostela, an important pilgrimage centre

Highlights

  • Explore the old streets of Gijon’s fisherman’s quarter, Cimadevilla
  • Admire the striking ship-shaped Frank Gehry–designed Guggenheim Museum Bilbao
  • Wander the steep cobbled streets of the medieval hamlet and holy island of Mont St Michel
  • Explore one of Brittany’s most beautiful port cities: Concarneau
  • Vist the town of Santiago de Compostela, an important pilgrimage centre
Ship Diana
Capacity: 192, Type: Luxury Expedition

Experience Europe’s maritime history as we travel to lesser-known ports and cities along the Portuguese, Spanish, and French Atlantic coasts before exploring the rugged beauty of Brittany and finally landing in the historic Naval town of Portsmouth. Take in all the sights, sounds, and flavors during our Western Europe cruise as you savor local specialties from port to cider to Rioja wine and be tempted by Portuguese cakes, Breton butter biscuits, and crepes. This maritime odyssey takes you from Lisbon, one of Europe’s oldest cities, to Portsmouth, one of the world's best-known ports whose history can be traced to Roman times. Along the way, discover old towns and medieval walled cities with steep, narrow streets and ramparts, fisherman’s quarters, long stretches of sand, and exotic gardens. Journey with us on our boutique expedition ship and enjoy everything this little slice of Western Europe offers.

  • Explore the old streets of Gijon’s fisherman’s quarter, Cimadevilla
  • Admire the striking ship-shaped Frank Gehry–designed Guggenheim Museum Bilbao
  • Wander the steep cobbled streets of the medieval hamlet and holy island of Mont St Michel
  • Explore one of Brittany’s most beautiful port cities: Concarneau
  • Vist the town of Santiago de Compostela, an important pilgrimage centre
11 May, 2025 to 21 May, 2025 on Diana
Prices

Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or [email protected]) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.

Balcony M5
£ 5957 GBP pp
Balcony M5
Located on decks 5, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or a double bed, distinct bedroom and living room areas, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6 sq. m balcony. 28 m2 Sleeps 2
Balcony D5
£ 5702 GBP pp
Balcony D5
Located on decks 5, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or a double bed, distinct bedroom and living room areas, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6 sq. m balcony. 28 m2 Sleeps 2
Premium Suite
£ 9220 GBP pp
Premium Suite
SH Diana’s Premium Suites feature a Super King Size bed, separate living room with homely flame-effect fireplace, luxurious en-suite bathroom, spacious walk-in wardrobe and a 12 sq. m private balcony. 47 m2 Sleeps 2
Suite
£ 8353 GBP pp
Suite
Our Suites features a superking bed and separate living room with and a soothing flame-effect fireplace a luxurious ensuite bathroom and a 12 sq.m. private balcony. 44 m2 Sleeps 2
Junior Suite
£ 7997 GBP pp
Junior Suite
SH Diana’s Junior Suites features a Super King Size bed, separate living room area with homely flame-effect fireplace, private kitchen, luxurious en-suite bathroom and a 7 sq. m private balcony. 35 m2 Sleeps 2
Oceanview M4
£ 4579 GBP pp
Oceanview M4
Oceanview staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom. 20 m2 Sleeps 2
Balcony D6
£ 6262 GBP pp
Balcony D6
Located on decks 6, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or a double bed, distinct bedroom and living room areas, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6 sq. m balcony. 28 m2 Sleeps 2
Oceanview D4
£ 4375 GBP pp
Oceanview D4
Oceanview staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom. 20 m2 Sleeps 2
show reverse itinerary
DAY 1 PRE CRUISE
DAY 2 LISBON
One of the oldest cities in the world, Lisbon’s technicoloured past is evident just about everywhere. The medina-like streets of Alfama still bear Moorish influences. Baroque architecture surrounds you in Baixa and scars of the Great Lisbon Earthquake of 1755 can still be found throughout the city. It’s estimated that over 100,000 people died in what became one of history’s deadliest earthquakes. Today Lisbon is a delightful mix of colourful neighbourhoods, all brimming with history, culture and tradition. Baixa is where you’ll find the hustle and bustle, set below São Jorge Castle. Nearby Chiado is one of Lisbon’s trendiest neighbourhoods with its historic cafes and designer shops.
DAY 3 LEIXOES (OPORTO)
Portugal’s second city, Oporto is a city of two halves, known for stately bridges over the river Douro. On the left bank is Gaia, best-known for its port houses such as Graham’s and Taylor’s where you can enjoy a cellar tour or port tasting. Ribeira, on the right bank, has rows of colourful old houses that line the riverfront and narrow streets. Head to the top of the hill to admire blue azulejo tile murals in Igreja de Carmo church or take a ride on a vintage tram to the Foz district.
DAY 4 VIGO
Gateway to the Atlantic, the Spanish Atlantic city of Vigo is one of Europe’s major fishing ports, known for its freezing and canning industry. Wander around the steep narrow streets and picturesque squares of Casco Vello, the old town towards the fish market. Hike to the top of Monte O Castro hill encompassing an old fortress and the 3rd-century BC archaeological site of Castro. Outlying Cies Islands are part of the Atlantic Islands National Park, renowned for its birdlife. Inland Santiago de Compostela, an important pilgrimage centre, is a short bus ride away.
DAY 5 FERROL
Ferrol is a city in the province of A Coruña in Galicia, Spain. It is on the Atlantic coast and has a rich history and culture. You can enjoy exploring the city’s many historic sites and museums, including the Ferrol Naval Museum, the San Felipe Castle, and the Jofre Theater. The city is also known for its beautiful beaches and natural scenery. Some popular attractions include the Playa de Doniños, the Playa de San Xurxo, and the Parque Reina Sofía.
DAY 6 GIJON
The Asturian port city of Gijon with colourful old houses is surrounded by rolling green hills, and is home to the Atlantic Botanical Gardens, packed with over 2,000 plants. Wander around the fisherman’s old quarter of Cimedevilla to see the monumental Eulogy to the Horizon sculpture, crafted from cement blocks by Basque sculptor Eduardo Chillida in 1990, and the Campo Valdés Roman Baths dating from around 100 AD. Local ciders are a speciality, best enjoyed in a traditional sideria.
DAY 7 SANTANDER
Santander is renowned for its beautiful beaches, historic sites, and cultural attractions. Visitors can explore the city’s many museums and galleries, including the Centro Botín, the Museum of Prehistory and Archaeology of Cantabria, and the Museum of Fine Arts. The city also has many beautiful parks and gardens, including the Jardines de Piquío and the Parque de la Magdalena.
DAY 8 DAY AT SEA
Sea days are rarely dull. Take the time to sit back and let the world go by. The ship’s observation decks provide stunning views of the passing ocean. A day at sea gives you the opportunity to mingle with other passengers and share your experiences of this incredible trip or head to our library which is stocked full of reference books. Get an expert’s view in one of our on-board lectures or perhaps perfect your photography skills with invaluable advice from our onboard professional photographers.
DAY 9 SAINT-MALO
The enchanting coastal city of Saint-Malo is a labyrinth of medieval streets filled with history and culture. Dating back to the 12th century, Saint-Malo was once a haven for pirates and a stopping point for merchant ships. Today you’ll find colourful shops and outdoor alongside aromatic markets, cafes and restaurants. Oysters and crêpes are the local delicacies - definitely sample some whilst here. The ancient walled town of Intra-Muros forms the heart of Saint-Malo. Here the striking Gothic and Romanesque Cathédrale de St Malo dominates the skyline.
DAY 10 CHERBOURG
Cherbourg is a port town in the Manche department of Normandy, France. You can explore the city’s many museums and galleries, including the Cité de la Mer, the Musée Thomas Henry, and the Musée des Beaux-Arts. The city has many beautiful parks and gardens, including the Jardin Public de Cherbourg-Octeville and the Parc Emmanuel Liais. Some popular attractions include the Fort du Roule, the Basilique Sainte-Trinité, and the La Glacerie Golf Course.
DAY 11 HONFLEUR
Your port of call today is Honfleur, Normandy’s most charming port town. If it looks familiar, that’s because Honfleur was a favourite subject of Monet and many other artists too, including Boudin, Corot, Courbet, Dubourg, Sisley, Bazille and Daubigny. Thanks to landscapes by these masters, the town’s timber-framed houses and the appealing Vieux Bassin (Old Harbour) are part of our collective consciousness. Before the city became a refuge for 19th-century artists escaping Paris, in the 16th and 17th centuries, Honfleur was one of France’s most important ports. It was from here that, in 1608, Samuel de Champlain set sail to found Québec. Some of the city’s unmissable attractions include Les Maisons Satie Musée d’Ethnographie et d’Art Populaire Normand, Musée de la Marine and Musée Eugène Boudin. The Eglise Ste-Catherine is an extraordinary wooden church. Constructed in the late 15th and early 16th centuries, it contains maritime motifs.
DAY 12 PORTSMOUTH, ENGLAND
Your cruise end in the UK’s only island city and the world’s oldest dry dock. With easy access by rail and road from airports in London and Southampton, Portsmouth has a long and proud naval heritage. Boarding your boutique ship, you’ll be following in the footsteps of the likes of Admiral Nelson and Henry VIII as you settle in for your voyage. If time permits, the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is definitely worth a visit. The attraction is home to a wonderful collection of famous historical ships including Lord Nelson’s HMS Victory, Queen Victoria’s HMS Warrior and the only surviving ship from the First World War’s Gallipoli campaign, the HMS M.33. A very fitting way to begin your sea faring adventure.
Please Note:
Itinerary changes and surprising experiences are part of expedition cruise life. The world has a habit of amazing us with incredible things when we yield to the unexpected. Join us with an open mind and a sense of adventure and you’ll find that this can pay off in the most rewarding ways.
Diana
Launched in 2023, SH Diana provides elegant and spacious 5-star accommodation for 192 guests in 96 spacious staterooms and suites, the vast majority with large balconies. Operated by an onboard team …

Diana

Length 125 metres
Launched 2022/23

Launched in 2023, SH Diana provides elegant and spacious 5-star accommodation for 192 guests in 96 spacious staterooms and suites, the vast majority with large balconies. Operated by an onboard team of 140 she provides a high level of personal service, exploring the Mediterranean and its famous sites of antiquity.

Now sit back, relax and take a moment to get to know this amazing new ship, purpose-designed for our unique cultural expedition cruises.

Named after the Ancient Roman goddess of light, the moon, hunting and the wilderness, SH Diana been specially designed for worldwide cruising to explore the most inspiring and inaccessible places on earth. Building on the outstanding amenities of her sister ships, she adds a dedicated Multifunctional Room next to the Observation Lounge, a Private Dining Room for special occasions, and two tenders which bring guests a comfortable alternative to Zodiacs for expedition landings. A Polar Class 6 ice-strengthened hull combines with extra-large stabilisers to make your journey as comfortable as possible.

SH Diana has been designed for immersive experiences, with extensive outside deck areas, multiple observation points and bright, open and relaxing public spaces with unobstructed views.

The pleasure and safety of our guests is paramount at all times, cared for by our attentive crew and seasoned expedition leaders. Cutting edge hygiene technology protects the health of all on board to the highest standards and includes air conditioning with UV sanitisation systems.

SH Diana’s 96 staterooms , including 11 suites, are each a superbly comfortable home from home and all feature panoramic sea views, a flame-effect fireplace, original works of art, plush couches, premium pocket sprung mattresses, en-suite bathrooms with glass-enclosed rain showers, and Egyptian cotton towels, bathrobes and sheets. A pillow menu offers customised head and neck comfort during rest, while a large flat screen TV, espresso machine with Illy premium coffee, tea making facilities with the finest Kusmi teas, and a minibar with refreshments enhance relaxation at any time. In-room dining is of course available at all hours.

Cabin layout for Diana
Vega
Launched in 2022, this state of the art ship has been designed to journey to off the beaten path destinations and remote polar regions in style and comfort. The ship incorporates a PC5 ice-stren…

Vega

Launched 2022
Maximum capacity 152

Launched in 2022, this state of the art ship has been designed to journey to off the beaten path destinations and remote polar regions in style and comfort. The ship incorporates a PC5 ice-strengthened hull combined with extra-large stabilisers to make your journey as smooth as possible.

Sophisticated Elegance. We know how important outdoor space is, so our spacious, relaxing public spaces provide wide open, unobstructed views throughout the ship. The destination will always be in view.

Your Wellbeing. The safety & happiness of our guests is paramount to our 120-strong crew on board as well as our passionate expedition team who'll be serving up thrilling shore excursions and lasting memories.

Cabin Types. Our 76 cabins including 6 suites have all the amenities you will need to feel comfortable including dressing gowns, hairdryers, personal safes and minibars. Our stylish cabins all have desks, a dressing area and comfy seating. En suite bathrooms all feature glass-enclosed rain showers.

 

Cabin layout for Vega
Overview
Highlights
Dates & Prices
Itinerary
Map
Ship

12 days from £4375.8

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