DAY 1 – BARCELONA, SPAIN
One of Europe’s most visually stunning cities, Barcelona balances the medieval intimacy of its Gothic Quarter with the grace and distinction of the wide boulevards in the Moderniste Eixample. It was the home of architect Antoni Gaudí, whose Sagrada Familia Cathedral, Park Güell and Casa Milà are the most profound statements of Modernisme. View the splendid works at the Picasso Museum and the Miro Foundation, or discover Barcelona’s passionate ambiance at a flamenco show.
DAY 2 – CRUISING THE MEDITERRANEAN SEA
Take time to enjoy your first full day at sea, relax by the pool, join in activities or sit back and enjoy the ample amenities all available at your fingertips.
DAY 3 – MALAGA, SPAIN
Situated on Spain’s Costa del Sol, Malaga is the region’s capital and a popular holiday destination. The city is also renowned as the birthplace of Pablo Picasso, whose works can be seen in the fairly new Museo Picasso housed in the Palacio de Buenavista. And connoisseurs can imbibe in the sweet Malaga dessert wines that come from the hilly vineyards just outside of town. This is a pleasant town to explore and also serves as a popular starting point for excursions to splendid Granada and the famed Alhambra, located inland at the foothills of the Sierra Nevada.
DAYS 4 & 5 – LISBON, PORTUGAL
Legend states that Ulysses founded Lisbon, calling it Olisipo. Others claim that the name is Phoenician, but all agree it’s one of Europe’s most fascinating destinations. On All Saints’ Day in 1755 a devastating earthquake destroyed much of the city. The Baixa (Lower City) was rebuilt on neo-classical lines that still form the heart of the city. The elegant ‘City of Explorers’overlooks the River Tagus, and offers a number of distinctive neighborhoods to discover. Tour the Alfama, where the winding streets still retain much of their Moorish atmosphere. Stroll to Bairro Alto and hear the melodious sounds of Portugal’s Fado music. Nearby excursions transport you to the lavish 18th-century palace of Queluz and Sintra’s Royal Palace.
DAY 6 – OPORTO, PORTUGAL
Explore picturesque, historic Oporto and the Vila Nova de Gaia quarter, home of its signature port wine industry. Or discover Portugal’s scenic countryside and visit Guimaraes with its impressive medieval castle and beautiful Braga with its Bom Jesus shrine and superb cathedral. Look for gold and silver filigree jewelry, lovely azulejos tiles, porcelain, leather goods, needlepoint carpets and Madeiran lace and embroidery. Try a northern specialty – caldo verde, a soup of potatoes, shredded cabbage and smoked sausage, or appetizers including sheep’s cheese, olives and smoked ham. Fish and pork top most menus, accompanied by port wine.
DAY 7 – CRUISING THE BAY OF BISCAY
DAYS 8 & 9 – BORDEAUX, FRANCE
Bordeaux is located near the European Atlantic coast, in the north of the Aquitaine region in France. The city is built on a bend of the river Garonne, with the city literally divided into two parts. The world’s wine capital, Bordeaux has about 60 appellations, 9,000 wine-producing châteaux, and 13,000 grape growers. With an annual production of over 700 million bottles, Bordeaux produces large quantities of everyday wine as well as the most expensive ones.
DAYS 10 & 11 – LORIENT, FRANCE
Explore the historic, thriving fishing port of Lorient with colorful fishing boats, container ships and yachts coming and going. Visit the submarine base now home to a naval museum and authentic French Navy submarine. Then have a look at the Maison de l’Imprimeur, parts of which date back to the eighteenth century. Stroll over to Rue du Port and Rue de Liege for shopping. Look for handmade lace and linens, Quimpere pottery, and fleur de sel harvested nearby. Enjoy fresh Breton seafood, cod, mussels, and crepes. Stop for a glass of wine or the popular local cider as you drink in the history of Lorient’s dynamic surroundings.
DAY 12 – ST. PETER PORT (GURNSEY), CHANNEL ISLANDS
Tiny, compact and brimming with history, St Peter Port is the capital and main port of Guernsey in the Channel Islands. A stroll along its steep, cobbled streets is like traipsing through the best of Europe: The 800-year-old Castle Cornet stands sentinel. A Town Church is housed in an historic chapel building. Candie Gardens offer breathtaking views across St Peter Port harbor. The Hauteville House, home to Victor Hugo from 1856-70, precisely preserves the Frenchman’s DIY surroundings when he wrote Les Misérables. And, of course, world-class dining and shopping options abound.
DAY 13 – PARIS (HONFLEUR), FRANCE
The peaceful setting of the picturesque port of Honfleur along the Seine attracted many artists and writers over the years, including English painter Bonington, French painter Boudin, French poet Charles Baudelaire and later the members of Impressionist Painters. Throughout its history, numerous maritime journeys were initiated from Honfleur. It is especially known for its old, beautiful picturesque port, characterized by its houses with slate-covered frontages.
DAY 14 – DUNKERQUE, FRANCE
Site of Operation Dynamo, the mass evacuation of Allied soldiers in May 1940 recently spotlighted by Christopher Nolan’s 2017 film, Dunkirk is awash in wartime history and Flemish-influenced cuisine. Visit the non-profit Mémorial du Souvenir to learn about the evacuation – it’s housed in Bastion 32, a 1874-built coastal defence base, that was Allied and French headquarters during Operation Dynamo. You’ll hear the chiming bells of Unesco World Heritage–listed Le Beffroi before you see its 50 bells for yourself; keep climbing for a view that stretches the English Channel. Nearby is Église St-Éloi and its glorious stained glass and massive pipe organ. If it’s a French beach you seek, head to Malo-Les-Bains for a swim and an appreciation of the shoreline’s history.
DAY 15 – LONDON (DOVER), ENGLAND
Made famous by its beautiful white cliffs, Dover is located on the Strait of Dover at England’s closest point to continental Europe. Steeped in history, Dover’s famous white chalk cliffs and its Medieval castle have guarded England from Roman to modern times. A tour of the castle offers views of the Secret Operations Room, the Communications Room, the Hospital and the Napoleonic casements. Stroll along the miles of National Trust countryside and coastline with its spectacular views of the white cliffs and the Dover Straits, and the landmark Victorian South Foreland Lighthouse. Visit the still working Crabble Corn Mill built in 1812 and the 3500 year old Bronze Age boat at the Dover Museum. Dover can be your gateway to London, with its exceptional museums, monuments, world-class shopping and restaurants.
