Deluxe Stateroom
20% Ponant Bonus
204 ft²
2
London to Lisbon: Cruising Europe's Western Shores – with Smithsonian Journeys
London - Lisbon
Dates:
8/30/2025
to
9/8/2025
days
nights on board
Shore excursion in each port of call + transfers included
In alliance with Smithsonian Journeys.
This cruise is part of a collection of PONANT voyages that are specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers who want to engage with the world. In addition to the usual elements of the PONANT experience, the listed price for these voyages includes transfers to and from the ship, talks and discussions aboard ship by world class experts, and a shore excursion or activity in each port of call that encourages guests to embrace the sights, sounds, tastes, and smells of the local environment and culture.
Set sail with PONANT aboard Le Lapérouse for a 10-day cruise along the coasts of France, Spain, and Portugal.
Embark in London, England, the cosmopolitan capital of the United Kingdom, and begin with a night aboard ship docked near London Bridge. Your ship then continues down the River Thames, through the Strait of Dover, and along the English Channel.
From Caen, France, whose thousand-year-old castle was built during the reign of William the Conqueror, choose to venture further afield in Normandy to Omaha Beach, where Allied forces launched their attack against German troops during the D-Day invasion of WWII.
Your next call is in Saint-Malo, a charming seafaring town on the coast of Brittany and the gateway to magnificent Mont-Saint-Michel. This iconic medieval town on a tidal islet with its famed citadel and abbey is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
After a day at sea, Le Lapérouse sails into Bilbao, on the northern coast of Spain. Between daring architecture, including the Frank Gehry-designed Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, and the continuation of its ancestral traditions, you will bear witness to the city’s unique energy.
A Coruña, on Spain's northwest coast, is a major shipping port with a long maritime history, tracing back at least as far as the Phoenicians. The Tower of Hercules, built by Emperor Trajan, is a UNESCO World Heritage site—the only Roman lighthouse still in use. More recently, the city played important roles in the launch of the Spanish Armada in 1588, and in the Napoleonic Wars on the Iberian Peninsula in the early 19th-century.
Your journey will continue the city of Vigo in southwest Galicia. Not far from here, Santiago de Compostela awaits you for an extraordinary visit. This Christian pilgrimage destination is home to a number of monuments from the Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque periods, testimony to its illustrious past.
From the port of Leixões, you will visit Porto, Portugal. The capital of Portugal's northern region, this “city of granite” is renowned for its wine but also for its remarkable historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Your voyage ends in Lisbon, Portugal’s buzzing capital.
Ref : LLQV45US - ER300825
Your itinerary
A voyage specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers including discussions with experts, transfers before and after your cruise, and an included excursion in each port of call. Engaging lectures and...
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Included in your cruise
For more peace of mind, PONANT organizes your trip before or after the cruise. This package is included in the price of your cruise.
Additional services
For more peace of mind, PONANT selects stays and flights then takes care of your transfers for your trip as well as shore visits before and after the cruise.
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L'AUSTRAL
LE LAPÉROUSE
4/2/2026 to the 4/12/2026
LE CHAMPLAIN
12/3/2025 to the 12/13/2025
LE BORÉAL
5/14/2026 to the 5/24/2026
LE COMMANDANT CHARCOT
*Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability, and subject to change at any time. The category of stateroom to which this price applies may no longer be available.
Discover all destinations
Services provided
- 24-hour room service
- Inclusive Wifi internet access (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products
- Minibar
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- Electronic safe
- Direct line telephone
- Bose Bluetooth speaker
- Flat screen TV, international channels (availability dependent on navigation) and videos on demand
- 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
- Two ADA staterooms
Select your stateroom category
Ideal clothes for life on board:
During the days spent on board, you are advised to wear comfortable clothes or casual outfits. The entire ship is air-conditioned, so a light sweater, a light jacket or a shawl may be necessary. When moving about in the public areas of the ship and the decks, light but comfortable shoes are recommended.
Informal evening:
In the evening, you are advised to wear smart-casual attire, especially when dining in our restaurants where wearing shorts and tee-shirts is not allowed.
For women:
- Simple dress
- Skirt or trousers
- Blouse
- Polo
For men:
- Pleated trousers or chinos
- Sports jacket
- Shirt
- Polo
Officer’s evening:
For all cruises longer than 8 nights, an Officer’s Evening with a white dress code may be organized. Therefore, we encourage you to bring a stylish white outfit for the occasion (otherwise black and white).
Gala evening:
During the cruise, two gala evenings will be organised on board. Thus, we recommend that you bring one or two formal outfits.
For women:
- Cocktail attire
- Evening dress (if you wish to)
For men:
- Dark suit
- Tie recommended, possibly bow tie (if you wish to)
SHOP:
A small shop is available on board offering a wide range of outfits, jewellery, leather goods and many accessories.
A laundry service (washing/ironing) is available on board, but unfortunately there are no dry cleaning services. For safety reasons, your cabin is not equipped with an iron.
ACCESSORIES:
- Polarized sunglasses
- Swimsuit (for the Spa on board)
- Gym wear (fitness)
- Battery charger and memory cards for your camera
- Mobile phone charger
- Hat/cap
HEALTH CARE:
- Sunscreen and after-sun lotion
- Medications and prescriptions
OUTFITS ON BOARD:
- Casual outfits for the day
- Smarter outfits for dinners
- Elegant outfits for Gala evenings
- White or black and white outfit
PRECAUTIONS:
In your hand luggage, remember to bring any medicines that you need, and possibly a small spare bag of toiletries (in case of delay in the delivery of your baggage by the airline). Remember to always have your travel documents with you in case you need them: hotel vouchers, cruise vouchers, return flight tickets... Never leave them in your hold luggage.
All our cabins have a safe. We recommend not to go ashore with valuable jewellery.
PONANT activities
Smithsonian Journeys
Smithsonian Journeys is the travel program of the Smithsonian Institution, the world’s largest museum, education and research complex, consisting of 21 museums, the National Zoological Park, education centers, research facilities, cultural centers, and libraries. Drawing on Smithsonian's resources dating back 175 years, these sailings will feature notable experts and experiences that embrace local cultures and dive deeper into a destination’s history, cuisine, language, environment, and wildlife. For more than 50 years, Smithsonian Journeys has been rooted in and focused on cultural immersion and discovery – with a goal of inspiring guests to become global citizens through travel.
Subject to withdrawal in case of force majeure
Highlights
- A voyage specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers including discussions with experts, transfers before and after your cruise, and an included excursion in each port of call.
- Engaging lectures and discussions on board with two Smithsonian Journeys Experts, including archaeologist and geologist Peter Bobrowsky and former diplomat Karl Eikenberry.
- UNESCO World Heritage sites en route: Mont-Saint-Michel, Tower of Hercules, Santiago de Compostela, and Historic Centre of Oporto.
- An opportunity for remembrance at historic Omaha Beach and the World War II Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial.
- A visit to the magnificent Guggenheim Museum Bilbao.
- An exploration of the Christian pilgrimage site of Santiago de Compostela.
- A chance to savor the famed wines of Porto.
Ports of Call & Excursions
August 30, 2025 August 31, 2025 - London
Embarkation 8/30/2025 from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Departure 8/31/2025 at 8:00 AM
The main residence of the British monarch, financial hub and seat of British government, London is the economic and cultural heart of the country. A city of contrasts, attached to its traditions while buzzing with modernity, the capital of the United Kingdom has countless historic districts and notable sites to explore. From Hyde Park to the City through Westminster and Trafalgar Square, get ready to take on London's frenetic tempo. In between a visit to the National Gallery, a stroll through Covent Garden and a trip to Tower Bridge, you can take a quiet breather in one of London's many beautiful parks and gardens.
September 1, 2025 - Caen
Arrival 9/1/2025 early morning
Departure 9/1/2025 late afternoon
Located in the heart of Normandy, Caen is the city that William the Conqueror built. Caen Castle, one of the largest walled fortifications in Europe, as well as a Men's Abbey and a Women's Abbey — all were built in the late 11th century by William and his wife, Queen Mathilde of Flanders, both of whom are buried here. Caen is also the site of the first successful action of Allied operations on D-Day, June 6, 1944, when British Airborne forces secured two bridges between Caen and the English Channel. Though the city was badly damaged during WWII, it has now been restored and serves a monument of French resilience.
September 2, 2025 - Saint-Malo
Arrival 9/2/2025 midday
Departure 9/2/2025 evening
The mere mention of Saint-Malo’s name is enough to plunge us back into the richness of its past. The fortifications stand as testimony to the Malouins’ determination to defend their citadel, fought over by France and Britain in turn. When we drop anchor here, immerse yourself in the diversity of its heritage: the time when privateers sailed the oceans in search of trade and victories; the legendary yacht races the port city is still famous for, such as the Route du Rhum; and the final resting place of the French writer François-René de Chateaubriand, who was born here and chose to be buried here anonymously.
September 3, 2025 - At sea
Arrival 9/3/2025
Departure 9/3/2025
During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
September 4, 2025 - Bilbao
Arrival 9/4/2025 late morning
Departure 9/4/2025 mid afternoon
Bilbao, capital of the Spanish Basque country, is one of the most avant-garde cities in Europe. Its architectural audacity as well as its ancient built heritage will take you on a journey between traditions and innovations. An unusual cable car will allow you to reach the magnificent Guggenheim Museum, a unique construction of stone, glass and titanium, designed by the architect Frank Gehry and home to a collection of modern art and contemporary monumental sculpture. The narrow streets of the old city and the unmissable Ensanche district are also worthy of a visit, as is the Vizcaya bridge, the world’s first ever transporter bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
September 5, 2025 - La Coruña
Arrival 9/5/2025 early afternoon
Departure 9/5/2025 late afternoon
La Coruña stands on a peninsula in north-west Spain. As you enter the harbour, you can see the imposing Castillo de San Antón, which houses archaeological collections from Galicia. In the old town, you’ll travel back in time as you meander through the streets from the medieval church of Santiago to the contemporary Domus building, a museum dedicated to human biology and psychology. Brightly coloured tramways connect to the waterfront, on one side, Riazor beach, and on the other, the Hercules tower: this lighthouse overlooking the Atlantic, is a UNESCO World Heritage site, listed for its history dating back to Antiquity.
September 6, 2025 - Vigo – Santiago de Compostela
Arrival 9/6/2025 early morning
Departure 9/6/2025 evening
Nestling on the Atlantic coast, in the south of Galicia, the former fishing port of Vigo is now the region’s largest municipality. Its old town, more commonly known as O Berbés, will unveil its many historical monuments and the unusual architectural style of its homes. Off the coast, the Cíes Islands, declared a Nature Reserve and located in the Atlantic Islands of Galicia National Park, offer truly splendid landscapes and exceptional biodiversity. Further north, make sure you visit Santiago de Compostela, which welcomes many pilgrims from all over the world every year. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, its historical centre has significant architectural heritage.
September 7, 2025 - Leixões - Porto
Arrival 9/7/2025 early morning
Departure 9/7/2025 early afternoon
Located at the mouth of the Douro River, the port of Leixões lies less than 10 kilometres from Porto. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the historic centre of Porto is worth a visit for its famous Ribeira district, the metallic silhouette of the Dom-Luis bridge looming over its ancient houses, its richly decorated Baroque churches and its national Soares dos Reis museum. The São Bento station is also interesting for its typically Portuguese decoration, using Azulejos, blue square ceramic tiles decorated with geometric patterns or figurative scenes.
September 8, 2025 - Lisbon
Arrival 9/8/2025 early morning
Disembarkation 9/8/2025 at 8:00 AM
Portugal’s capital city located on the banks of the Tagus, only a few kilometres from the Atlantic coast, is a city of exceptionally rich cultural diversity. At the mouth of the river harbour, impose two UNESCO World Heritage monuments, Jeronimos monastery and Belem tower. The Alfama hillside is also worth visiting: known for its fado bars and its Moorish streets, this district is the oldest one of the city and one of the most typical. Not far from there, Chiado’s elegant streets are home to big fashion labels and are an invitation to a bit of of luxury shopping.
Caen: William the Conqueror's City
Located in the heart of Normandy, Caen is very much the city William the Conqueror built — with considerable help from his wife, Queen Mathilde of Flanders. In fact, your first stop on this tour will be at the Women's Abbey, built by Queen Mathilde. The 11th-century Church of the Holy Trinity, the centerpiece of the Abbey, is a beautiful example of Norman architecture and houses Mathilde's tomb.
Your guide then leads you through Caen Castle, one of the largest walled fortifications in Europe. Damaged during the bombings of 1944, the Castle has since been restored and its extensive walls and towers are truly impressive. Within the Castle you will discover a number of monuments from the Middle Ages, including the Exchequer of the Dukes of Normandy and Saint Georges Church, which give a sense of the wealth of the Duchy in William's time. The castle's northern rampart has recently been restored and is now accessible by elevator to a walkway affording fine views over the town and the castle.
The final visit on your tour is to St. Stephen’s Church in the Men's Abbey. Begun in 1066 as part of William's effort to placate the Pope, who disapproved of his marriage to Mathilde, the Abbey is considered an architectural masterpiece, mingling the simple Norman style with gothic intricacy. It is also William's final resting place.
Before returning to your ship, you will enjoy some time at leisure in Caen's lively city center.
· This moderate excursion involves approximately 1.5 miles of walking over sometimes uneven ground, slopes, and steps. It is not recommended for guests with mobility challenges. Sturdy and comfortable shoes, layered clothing, and protection from the sun are recommended.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Apple Spirits of Normandy
The Pay d'Auge, the region of France to the east of Caen, is known for many things, but it is probably more closely identified with the production of apple cider and Calvados than with anything else.
Begin with a drive through the countryside to the town of Cambremer in the heart of Calvados country, where you visit the Pierre Huet family estate, which has been distilling apples since 1865. A guided tour begins with a walk through the orchards, where more than 25 varieties of apples are cultivated—allowing the master brewers to blend flavors in myriad ways. In the distillery, you will see how the fruit is pressed and fermented in the traditional way, and in the aging cellars, you will see the distilled spirits curing in oak barrels and smell the deep and rich aromas as the product takes on ever more complicated flavors.
After the tour, you will be invited into the tasting room, where you will sample a variety of Huet's products, paired with AOC Normandy cheeses: light and effervescent ciders; Pommeaus, which blend apple juice with Calvados; and the prize of the distillery—a range of Calvados of various ages and compositions. You will have time to visit the shop before returning to Caen and your ship.
· This is an easy excursion with very little walking. You will want comfortable shoes and layered clothing.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
D-Day Remembered: Omaha Beach & Cemetery
Everyone will have their own reasons for remembering D-Day and their own ways of honoring the courage and sacrifice of the men and women who gave their lives on June 6, 1944. But all will agree that later generations owe them eternal gratitude for preserving freedom and democracy.
Your tour includes Colleville-sur-Mer, home to the World War II Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial. The majority of the nearly 10,000 American soldiers killed at Omaha Beach are buried in this 170-acre cemetery on land given to the United States by France as a token of gratitude. 9,386 marble crosses and Stars of David are aligned on a plateau above the beach. A memorial contains the Tablets of the Missing, and a map outlines the battle sites of the Normandy beaches.
The nearby Overlord Museum features an extensive collection of artifacts, vehicles, and exhibits depicting the Allied invasion and its impact on the Normandy Region.
Following a stop at a site overlooking Omaha Beach, you will arrive at Pointe du Hoc, a crucial part of the story told in Darryl F. Zanuck's 1962 film epic, The Longest Day. Located between Omaha Beach and Utah Beach, Pointe du Hoc was a strategic element of the German Atlantic Wall. Three companies from the 2nd Ranger Battalion scaled the 100-foot cliffs on D-Day to capture this critical position. The Ranger Memorial towers above the 30-acre battlefield, where one of the toughest battles of the Normandy Landings was fought: of the 225 Rangers who began the assault, only 90 were able to continue the fight for France's Liberation.
· The walking on this tour is largely at your discretion and covers approximately a mile and is over mostly even ground with some uneven spots. You should wear comfortable shoes and bring layers, as the wind on the coast can be quite chilly. Lunch will be included at a local restaurant.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Enchanting Mont-Saint-Michel
Mont-Saint-Michel, a small island located about a thousand yards off the coast of Normandy, has served as a fortress, a monastery, a pilgrimage site, and a prison at various periods during its long history. Today it is a UNESCO World Heritage site, reflecting both its remarkable history and its iconic status as a world landmark — "to France what the Pyramid of Cheops is to Egypt," as Victor Hugo once said.
Your first impression of the Mont will likely be how isolated it seems, rising some 300 feet above an otherwise flat landscape of sandbars and salt marshes. It is arguably one of the most mesmerizing sights in Europe.
Your visit begins as a shuttle takes you across the low bridge that allows access to the island despite tides that are the highest in continental Europe. Walking along through the narrow cobblestone streets of the medieval village, where most of the houses have been converted to shops and cafés, you make your way to the Abbey, where your guide will take you through this fine example of medieval architecture, different parts dating from different periods in its 1000-year history. The impressive gothic choir dates from the 13th century, but like much of the building was extensively renovated in the 19th century as part of France's great gothic revival.
Enjoy some time at leisure for independent sightseeing and shopping before rejoining your guide to take the shuttle back to your coach for the return to Saint Malo.
· The tour of Mont-Saint-Michel is entirely on foot, covering approximately 1.2 miles, including uphill and downhill walking on cobblestone streets with more than 350 steps to negotiate. This tour is not recommended for guests with any mobility challenges. Appropriate clothing is required to enter religious sites: shoulders and knees must be covered.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Saint-Malo: Seafaring & Celtic Tradition
Saint-Malo is fiercely proud of its seafaring traditions, and justly so. Explorer Jacques Cartier, the first European to map the St. Lawrence River, lived his entire life here. And, a bit less praiseworthy, given its strategic position, Saint-Malo was a haven for privateers who would prey upon shipping in the English Channel and then retreat to the safety of its harbor, where they enjoyed the protection of the King.
Your walking tour of the walled city takes you through quaint narrow streets, where you get a sense of the history of this once prosperous town. View the castle, the ramparts protecting the town, the house of Duchess Ann, and the cathedral where Jacques Cartier is buried. Your destination is the Asfeld Hotel, former home of François-Auguste Magon de la Lande, privateer and merchant. La Lande was one of the most powerful ship-owners in the heyday of Saint-Malo and a director of the French East Indies Company. Built in 1725, the house is a French Historic Monument and a good example of the wealth a privateer could amass.
Before returning to the ship, you will be treated to a concert of traditional sea shanties, a reminder of the close ties between northwest France and the Canadian Atlantic provinces. During the concert, enjoy a tasing of the cider for which the region is renowned.
· The tour of Saint-Malo is entirely on foot, covering approximately 2 - 3 miles, including uphill and downhill walking, many steps, and cobblestone streets. It is not recommended for guests with mobility challenges. We recommend you wear sturdy, comfortable walking shoes.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Guggenheim Museum
Bilbao is a dynamic metropolis acknowledged throughout the world as a center of cutting-edge modern buildings, chief among them being the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao.
From the pier, a 45-minute panoramic drive along the coast brings you to the immediately recognizable titanium, granite and glass building that is the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, the avant-garde home to many important works of modern and contemporary art. Designed by American architect Frank Gehry, the Museum is a magnificent example of his groundbreaking architectural vision. Enclosing nearly 260,000 square feet, of which 120,000 are exhibition space, Gehry's design is audacious in both size and configuration—a spectacular, sculpted structure, perfectly integrated within Bilbao's urban pattern and the surrounding riverside.
Your guide will introduce you to the museum from the outside and accompany you as you enter the museum, passing by Puppy, Jeff Koons's monumental floral sculpture that has become as emblematic of Bilbao as the Guggenheim itself. Once inside, download the audio-guide and explore the museum at your own pace.
· This is a relatively easy excursion. The amount of walking is largely at your discretion within the museum and surfaces are flat. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Panoramic Tour and a Walk in the Old Quarter
Bilbao is a constantly evolving metropolis where the traditions of the past live side by side with futuristic buildings acknowledged throughout the world as icons of modernity. This excursion allows you to discover both of these sides of the city—the new and the old.
As you drive from the port to the center of the city, pass by some of the newest structures in Bilbao, many of them built along the shores of the Nervion River. The best known of these, of course, is Frank Gehry’s striking Guggenheim Museum, a work that set the standard for the "new Bilbao." Other modern structures encountered on the drive include the Palacio Euskalduna, a Conference Center and Concert Hall built between 1994 and 1999, and Zubiarte, a shopping mall and entertainment complex opened in 2004 and expanded in 2015.
Having seen the riverfront New Bilbao, you reach Bilbao's Old Quarter (Casco Viejo), an area of narrow streets lined with Renaissance, Baroque and Modernist buildings, where a guided tour introduces you to the old. As you walk, your guide will point out key landmarks and monuments, including Santiago Cathedral, the oldest structure in the quarter, the Gothic Church of San Anton, and the Plaza Nueva, the center of the social life of the area. Enjoy some time at leisure to stroll around on your own, perhaps sampling some of the Basque region's twist on Spanish tapas, before returning to the ship.
· This is a relatively easy excursion, with a total of approximately 1 mile of walking over mostly flat, sometimes cobblestone surfaces. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and layered clothing.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Walking Tour of Ciudad Vieja
Your walking tour of A Coruña begins with a leisurely stroll along the waterfront promenade to reach the city's Old Town (Ciudad Vieja), where your guide will lead you on a tour along cobblestone streets and through charming plazas. Visit the Church of Santo Domingo, which contains a chapel dedicated to the city's patron saint, and the Church of Santa Maria del Campo, built mainly in the 12th and 13th centuries. Continuing to weave your way through the narrow streets, you will also pass by the Church of Santiago, the oldest in A Coruna and once a stop along the pilgrimage route to Compostela. The tour comes to an end in the grand Maria Pita Square, site of A Coruña's Town Hall, dedicated to the local heroine who rallied the citizens in 1589 to repel an attack on the city from the forces of Sir Francis Drake.
Enjoy a snack of local tapas before returning to the ship.
· This is a moderate excursion, involving about a mile and a half of walking over a mix of paved and cobblestone surfaces with some inclines. We recommend sturdy shoes, layered clothing, and sun protection.
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Highlights of A Coruña
Meet you guide and driver at the pier and begin your panoramic tour with a drive along the Paseo Maritimo, the longest urban seafront promenade in Europe, passing by the glass-fronted galleries of the marina (nicknamed "Crystal City) and the Castle of San Anton, a 16th-century fort that now serves as the city's archaeological museum.
At the tip of a small peninsula, stop briefly to admire A Coruña's emblematic Tower of Hercules, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, built during the reign of Roman Emperor Trajan and still fulfilling its original function as a lighthouse. Resuming your tour, pass by several of Coruña's famous beaches and perhaps spot a few outdoor sculptures inspired by Bronze Age standing stones (menhirs). Continue along the shores of the estuaries that surround the city—Ria A Coruña and Ria Betanzos—passing by fishing villages and mussel farms, and enjoying the scenic views of rolling hills covered with eucalyptus groves.
Before returning to the ship, stop at a local restaurant for a tasting of a variety of Spanish wines accompanied by some Galician tapas.
· This is an easy excursion with very little walking required. Guests need to be able to negotiate the steps on and off the motorcoach, and there are steps at the restaurant.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Santiago de Compostela
From Vigo, travel to Santiago de Compostela, one of the most beautiful and historic medieval cities in Spain, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the third most important Christian pilgrimage site in the world, after Jerusalem and Rome.
After an orientation in Obradoiro Square, your guide will lead you on a walking tour of Santiago, where highlights include the exterior of the Cathedral, the Townhall, and the Palace of Saint Jerome. Construction of the present cathedral began in 1075 on the ruins of an earlier church believed to house the tomb of Saint James, the first of Jesus's apostles to be martyred. It has been remodeled and added to numerous times since. Your guide will show you where to find the tomb of Saint James and the Portico da Gloria, a special door opened to pilgrims only during years when St. James's feast day falls on a Sunday, and you will then enjoy time at leisure during which you may explore the Cathedral on your own or use the time for shopping in the Cathedral museum gift shop.
Rejoin your group at the Hostal de Los Reyes Catolicos. Built in 1501 on orders from Ferdinand of Aragon and Isabella of Castile as a hospital to welcome pilgrims, it is today a luxury hotel, where you will be treated to a full lunch served amid the grandeur of this elegant parador.
After lunch, your guide will lead a tour of the interior of the Cathedral and its museum before you board your motorcoach for the return to Vigo and your ship.
· This tour involves about 1 ½ mile of walking on cobblestone streets with many steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Proper attire is requested to visit the religious sites (shoulders and knees covered). Total driving time is approximately 2 ½ hours.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Baiona: A Galician Fishing Village
This excursion to the village of Baiona begins with a short drive to Monte Castro, a mountain in the center of Vigo with unobstructed views over the city and the Vigo River estuary. It is the site of the earliest (Celtic) settlement in Vigo. Leaving the city, a panoramic drive south along the coast to brings you to Baiona.
A walking tour of the old town includes the waterfront, where a replica of La Pinta marks the spot where Christopher Columbus's caravel returned from the New World at the end of his first voyage, and a visit to Fortaleza de Monterreal, an impressive 16th-century castle that has been converted to a parador hotel. A path circles the fort's outer walls and provides stunning views of the ocean and the Cies Islands, as well as a chance to study the castle's stone walls, turrets, and cannons. Enjoy time at leisure to explore on your own before returning to Vigo and your ship.
· This is a moderate excursion involving a total of approximately 1.5 miles of walking over a mix of cobblestone and flat surfaces. There are inclines and steps. It is not suitable for those with limited mobility. Sturdy shoes, layered clothing, and protection from the sun.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Historic Oporto
From Leixoes, a panoramic drive brings you to Oporto, Portugal’s “city of granite,” whose historic town center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On arrival in the city, your first stop will be at Igreja de São Francisco, the Church of St. Francis, known for its lavish baroque interior and ornate gilded carvings. Founded by Franciscan friars in the 13th century, its originally spare Gothic interior was transformed in the late 17th century with intricate carved panels, all coated with gold leaf. It is said that nearly 700 pounds of gold dust were needed for the task. São Francisco is a truly breathtaking work of art, decades in the making.
Enjoy some time at leisure on the charming Ribeira, a riverside pedestrian area filled with shops and cafés, before traveling to the Porto Tram Museum. Established in 1992 and housed in the former thermoelectric generating plant that powered the trams, the museum chronicles the history of public transportation in Porto through a collection of cars, including an original horse-drawn tram from 1872, an electric trolley form 1895 (marking Porto as a pioneer in electric tram service), and later cars that show the evolution of design for passenger comfort and safety.
· This moderate excursion requires approximately a mile of walking over uneven surfaces. And there are steps to be navigated. We recommend comfortable shoes and layered clothing.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
The Wines of Oporto
Oporto has been an important center of the wine trade since the 17th century, when merchants discovered a booming market for the region's fortified wines in London and in English colonies around the world. This excursion introduces you to the world of port wine — its history, manufacture, and consumption.
A 40-minute panoramic drive brings you to one of Oporto's best wine cellars, where you will be able to sample several varieties of port while learning how both the product and the market have evolved since 1678, when the Abbot of Lamego discovered that when brandy is added before fermentation has finished, the wine retains the sweetness of very ripe grapes and improves with age.
Leaving the wine cellar, drive to Luís I Bridge for a walk on its upper platform for panoramic views of the city, the Douro, and the surrounding countryside. The town center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue to the 12th-century Oporto Cathedral, situated on a small hill overlooking the Douro River. This ancient church has been remodeled many times over its long history, but it retains important artefacts you may find intriguing. Being a Sunday, we will not tour inside the Cathedral, but will visit the Cloister with its magnificent glazed tiles picturing scenes from the Bible, and the Cathedral Treasury Museum housing important gold and silver ornaments and other objects.
· This excursion involves a total of about three-quarters of a mile of walking over sometimes uneven surfaces and some steps. We recommend sturdy, comfortable walking shoes and layered clothing.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Le Lapérouse
Environmentally friendly, fitted with innovative equipment and complete with lounges designed to be largely open to the exterior, this new and intimately sized yacht offers a unique type of cruise experience.
Onboard this ship sailing under the French flag, you'll experience the incomparable pleasure of a cosily intimate cruise offering the possibility of exploring an ever-increasing range of destinations in an ethnic chic ambiance.
The Blue Eye, an underwater lounge offering a unique experience unlike anything else in the world.
Decks
Shore excursion in each port of call + transfers included
PONANT has organized the following included program for you, which starts the day of embarkation.
Included Features:
- A program of onboard enrichment provided by two Smithsonian Journeys Experts, including archaeologist and geologist Peter Bobrowsky and former diplomat Karl Eikenberry.
- Transfers and luggage handling from the airport in London to the ship on the day of embarkation
- Comprehensive 9-night cruise aboard the deluxe Le Lapérouse, with all the amenities for which PONANT ships are famous
- One included shore excursion in each port of call (see “Itinerary” for more information and choice of excursions, if applicable)
- Gratuities for ship crew and for guides and drivers on excursions
- Transfer from the ship to the airport in Lisbon at the end of the cruise on the morning of disembarkation
Not included:
- Independent meals and beverages ashore
- Personal expenses (such as laundry, telephone, etc.)
Notes:
- This voyage is offered on a space available basis
- Program is subject to change without notice
Special Guest Speaker
On our departures in alliance with Smithsonian Journeys, we are joined by two Smithsonian Journeys Experts who will provide an insightful English-language lecture series that enhances your experience with valuable context and new perspectives. From enriching talks to casual conversations on board, their in-depth knowledge will bring you deeper into the history, culture, and natural world of your destination.
Timeless
With one included excursion per day and per guest*, and the presence of expert lecturers on board, Timeless Explorations blend cultural curiosity, immersive experiences, and serene relaxation. A refined way to journey far from the everyday, both in mind and in spirit.
- Activities: One included excursion per day and per guest. Optional paid excursions are also available depending on the port of call.
- Landings (depending on the destination): By dock, tender boat, or aboard local vessels.
- Your experts on board: The dedicated excursion team and one or more guest lecturers.
- Children: Children from one year of age are welcome on board (from 8 years old on board Le Commandant Charcot).
*Excluding Paul Gauguin
The full program of all excursions, both included and optional, is available eight months prior to departure. Reservations open approximately two months before departure.
No single supplement
FREE SINGLE SUPPLEMENT *
*The supplement for single usage of a double cabin is waived, according to availability and staterooms categories.
Shore excursions, Pre/Post & Overlands
LONDON & THE ROYAL BOROUGH OF GREENWICH (1 NIGHT)
In 2012, the London suburb of Greenwich, which was already a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was chartered as a Royal Borough by the Queen in recognition of the town's historically close association with the Crown, especially under the Tudors and Stuarts, and to acknowledge Greenwich's contributions to British maritime history and to the development of the science of navigation.
Day 1 – London
Arrive at your London area airport, where you will be met and transferred to The Great Scotland Yard Hotel in the center of the city, your home for the night. A local representative will be present at the hospitality desk in the afternoon to welcome you and answer any questions you may have. Relax and unwind at the hotel, or explore some of the sites that are just steps away from the front door. This evening, join fellow travelers for a welcome cocktail reception. Dinner is independent.
Day 2 – London | Embark
Following breakfast at the hotel and check out, meet your guide for the short drive to Greenwich, where your exploration of the Royal Borough begins at the Royal Observatory. Designed by Christopher Wren, who began his career as an astronomer, the Observatory is probably best known as the marker of the Prime Meridian—the line that divides East from West (longitude 0° 0’ 0”). It is also one of the most important centers of navigational research in the world, serving as the original home of the clocks that maintain Greenwich Mean Time and the site of the only planetarium in London. You will be free to explore the galleries here on your own before rejoining your guide to walk through Greenwich Park to the National Maritime Museum.
First opened in 1937, the Museum’s extensive collections include boats and naval memorabilia, relics, maps, charts, and uniforms, all of which contribute to telling the story of Britain’s history as a seafaring nation. But the multitude and variety of the museum's exhibits reach far beyond the exploits of a single nation to portray the long and diverse history of mankind’s association with the sea.
Lunch will be served at a local restaurant, followed by time at leisure to explore lower Greenwich at your own pace. You may browse the stores and boutiques in and around Greenwich Market, perhaps visit the Cutty Sark, once the fastest ship in the world and the sole surviving tea clipper in the world, or stroll through the Old Royal Naval College—the architectural centerpiece of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In mid-afternoon, transfer to the Tower Pier to embark Le Lapérouse, which remains docked overnight.
Your hotel:
Part of the Hyatt Unbound Collection, The Great Scotland Yard Hotel is a five-star luxury property located in historic Westminster, just off Trafalgar Square and within easy walking distance of Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, and other places of interest. It has an onsite restaurant, a cozy bar, a fitness center, and all of the amenities you would expect in a luxury hotel.
Your program includes:
- 1 night at the The Great Scotland Yard Hotel (or similar)
- Transfer and luggage handling from the airport to the hotel on the scheduled program arrival day
- Transfer and luggage handling from the hotel to the ship on embarkation day
- Welcome Reception on Day 1
- Breakfast and lunch on Day 2
- Sightseeing and programming as noted in the itinerary
- Local English-speaking guide
- Gratuities for the drivers and local guides
Your program does not include:
- Transfer from the airport to the hotel on any day other than the scheduled program arrival day
- Personal expenses and other services and meals not mentioned as included in the program
Please note:
- It is imperative that your flight arrival details are communicated at least 60 days prior to the beginning of your cruise in order to secure your transfer from the airport to the hotel.
- Early check-in may be available at a supplement, and an additional night is possible upon request and depending on hotel availability. Please contact reservations or your travel agent for further details.
- The official currency is the British pound. Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, shops, and restaurants.
- This pre-cruise program is offered as a package. There will be no refunds for unused accommodations, meals, or excursions.
- Program is offered on a space available basis.
- Program is subject to change without notice.
Hotel contact information:
Great Scotland Yard Hotel
3-5 Great Scotland Yard
London, England
United Kingdom
SW1A 2HN
Phone: +44 0 207 9254 700
Total : $1,370
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.Caen: William the Conqueror's City
Located in the heart of Normandy, Caen is very much the city William the Conqueror built — with considerable help from his wife, Queen Mathilde of Flanders. In fact, your first stop on this tour will be at the Women's Abbey, built by Queen Mathilde. The 11th-century Church of the Holy Trinity, the centerpiece of the Abbey, is a beautiful example of Norman architecture and houses Mathilde's tomb.
Your guide then leads you through Caen Castle, one of the largest walled fortifications in Europe. Damaged during the bombings of 1944, the Castle has since been restored and its extensive walls and towers are truly impressive. Within the Castle you will discover a number of monuments from the Middle Ages, including the Exchequer of the Dukes of Normandy and Saint Georges Church, which give a sense of the wealth of the Duchy in William's time. The castle's northern rampart has recently been restored and is now accessible by elevator to a walkway affording fine views over the town and the castle.
The final visit on your tour is to St. Stephen’s Church in the Men's Abbey. Begun in 1066 as part of William's effort to placate the Pope, who disapproved of his marriage to Mathilde, the Abbey is considered an architectural masterpiece, mingling the simple Norman style with gothic intricacy. It is also William's final resting place.
Before returning to your ship, you will enjoy some time at leisure in Caen's lively city center.
· This moderate excursion involves approximately 1.5 miles of walking over sometimes uneven ground, slopes, and steps. It is not recommended for guests with mobility challenges. Sturdy and comfortable shoes, layered clothing, and protection from the sun are recommended.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Apple Spirits of Normandy
The Pay d'Auge, the region of France to the east of Caen, is known for many things, but it is probably more closely identified with the production of apple cider and Calvados than with anything else.
Begin with a drive through the countryside to the town of Cambremer in the heart of Calvados country, where you visit the Pierre Huet family estate, which has been distilling apples since 1865. A guided tour begins with a walk through the orchards, where more than 25 varieties of apples are cultivated—allowing the master brewers to blend flavors in myriad ways. In the distillery, you will see how the fruit is pressed and fermented in the traditional way, and in the aging cellars, you will see the distilled spirits curing in oak barrels and smell the deep and rich aromas as the product takes on ever more complicated flavors.
After the tour, you will be invited into the tasting room, where you will sample a variety of Huet's products, paired with AOC Normandy cheeses: light and effervescent ciders; Pommeaus, which blend apple juice with Calvados; and the prize of the distillery—a range of Calvados of various ages and compositions. You will have time to visit the shop before returning to Caen and your ship.
· This is an easy excursion with very little walking. You will want comfortable shoes and layered clothing.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
D-Day Remembered: Omaha Beach & Cemetery
Everyone will have their own reasons for remembering D-Day and their own ways of honoring the courage and sacrifice of the men and women who gave their lives on June 6, 1944. But all will agree that later generations owe them eternal gratitude for preserving freedom and democracy.
Your tour includes Colleville-sur-Mer, home to the World War II Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial. The majority of the nearly 10,000 American soldiers killed at Omaha Beach are buried in this 170-acre cemetery on land given to the United States by France as a token of gratitude. 9,386 marble crosses and Stars of David are aligned on a plateau above the beach. A memorial contains the Tablets of the Missing, and a map outlines the battle sites of the Normandy beaches.
The nearby Overlord Museum features an extensive collection of artifacts, vehicles, and exhibits depicting the Allied invasion and its impact on the Normandy Region.
Following a stop at a site overlooking Omaha Beach, you will arrive at Pointe du Hoc, a crucial part of the story told in Darryl F. Zanuck's 1962 film epic, The Longest Day. Located between Omaha Beach and Utah Beach, Pointe du Hoc was a strategic element of the German Atlantic Wall. Three companies from the 2nd Ranger Battalion scaled the 100-foot cliffs on D-Day to capture this critical position. The Ranger Memorial towers above the 30-acre battlefield, where one of the toughest battles of the Normandy Landings was fought: of the 225 Rangers who began the assault, only 90 were able to continue the fight for France's Liberation.
· The walking on this tour is largely at your discretion and covers approximately a mile and is over mostly even ground with some uneven spots. You should wear comfortable shoes and bring layers, as the wind on the coast can be quite chilly. Lunch will be included at a local restaurant.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Enchanting Mont-Saint-Michel
Mont-Saint-Michel, a small island located about a thousand yards off the coast of Normandy, has served as a fortress, a monastery, a pilgrimage site, and a prison at various periods during its long history. Today it is a UNESCO World Heritage site, reflecting both its remarkable history and its iconic status as a world landmark — "to France what the Pyramid of Cheops is to Egypt," as Victor Hugo once said.
Your first impression of the Mont will likely be how isolated it seems, rising some 300 feet above an otherwise flat landscape of sandbars and salt marshes. It is arguably one of the most mesmerizing sights in Europe.
Your visit begins as a shuttle takes you across the low bridge that allows access to the island despite tides that are the highest in continental Europe. Walking along through the narrow cobblestone streets of the medieval village, where most of the houses have been converted to shops and cafés, you make your way to the Abbey, where your guide will take you through this fine example of medieval architecture, different parts dating from different periods in its 1000-year history. The impressive gothic choir dates from the 13th century, but like much of the building was extensively renovated in the 19th century as part of France's great gothic revival.
Enjoy some time at leisure for independent sightseeing and shopping before rejoining your guide to take the shuttle back to your coach for the return to Saint Malo.
· The tour of Mont-Saint-Michel is entirely on foot, covering approximately 1.2 miles, including uphill and downhill walking on cobblestone streets with more than 350 steps to negotiate. This tour is not recommended for guests with any mobility challenges. Appropriate clothing is required to enter religious sites: shoulders and knees must be covered.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Saint-Malo: Seafaring & Celtic Tradition
Saint-Malo is fiercely proud of its seafaring traditions, and justly so. Explorer Jacques Cartier, the first European to map the St. Lawrence River, lived his entire life here. And, a bit less praiseworthy, given its strategic position, Saint-Malo was a haven for privateers who would prey upon shipping in the English Channel and then retreat to the safety of its harbor, where they enjoyed the protection of the King.
Your walking tour of the walled city takes you through quaint narrow streets, where you get a sense of the history of this once prosperous town. View the castle, the ramparts protecting the town, the house of Duchess Ann, and the cathedral where Jacques Cartier is buried. Your destination is the Asfeld Hotel, former home of François-Auguste Magon de la Lande, privateer and merchant. La Lande was one of the most powerful ship-owners in the heyday of Saint-Malo and a director of the French East Indies Company. Built in 1725, the house is a French Historic Monument and a good example of the wealth a privateer could amass.
Before returning to the ship, you will be treated to a concert of traditional sea shanties, a reminder of the close ties between northwest France and the Canadian Atlantic provinces. During the concert, enjoy a tasing of the cider for which the region is renowned.
· The tour of Saint-Malo is entirely on foot, covering approximately 2 - 3 miles, including uphill and downhill walking, many steps, and cobblestone streets. It is not recommended for guests with mobility challenges. We recommend you wear sturdy, comfortable walking shoes.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Guggenheim Museum
Bilbao is a dynamic metropolis acknowledged throughout the world as a center of cutting-edge modern buildings, chief among them being the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao.
From the pier, a 45-minute panoramic drive along the coast brings you to the immediately recognizable titanium, granite and glass building that is the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, the avant-garde home to many important works of modern and contemporary art. Designed by American architect Frank Gehry, the Museum is a magnificent example of his groundbreaking architectural vision. Enclosing nearly 260,000 square feet, of which 120,000 are exhibition space, Gehry's design is audacious in both size and configuration—a spectacular, sculpted structure, perfectly integrated within Bilbao's urban pattern and the surrounding riverside.
Your guide will introduce you to the museum from the outside and accompany you as you enter the museum, passing by Puppy, Jeff Koons's monumental floral sculpture that has become as emblematic of Bilbao as the Guggenheim itself. Once inside, download the audio-guide and explore the museum at your own pace.
· This is a relatively easy excursion. The amount of walking is largely at your discretion within the museum and surfaces are flat. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Panoramic Tour and a Walk in the Old Quarter
Bilbao is a constantly evolving metropolis where the traditions of the past live side by side with futuristic buildings acknowledged throughout the world as icons of modernity. This excursion allows you to discover both of these sides of the city—the new and the old.
As you drive from the port to the center of the city, pass by some of the newest structures in Bilbao, many of them built along the shores of the Nervion River. The best known of these, of course, is Frank Gehry’s striking Guggenheim Museum, a work that set the standard for the "new Bilbao." Other modern structures encountered on the drive include the Palacio Euskalduna, a Conference Center and Concert Hall built between 1994 and 1999, and Zubiarte, a shopping mall and entertainment complex opened in 2004 and expanded in 2015.
Having seen the riverfront New Bilbao, you reach Bilbao's Old Quarter (Casco Viejo), an area of narrow streets lined with Renaissance, Baroque and Modernist buildings, where a guided tour introduces you to the old. As you walk, your guide will point out key landmarks and monuments, including Santiago Cathedral, the oldest structure in the quarter, the Gothic Church of San Anton, and the Plaza Nueva, the center of the social life of the area. Enjoy some time at leisure to stroll around on your own, perhaps sampling some of the Basque region's twist on Spanish tapas, before returning to the ship.
· This is a relatively easy excursion, with a total of approximately 1 mile of walking over mostly flat, sometimes cobblestone surfaces. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and layered clothing.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Walking Tour of Ciudad Vieja
Your walking tour of A Coruña begins with a leisurely stroll along the waterfront promenade to reach the city's Old Town (Ciudad Vieja), where your guide will lead you on a tour along cobblestone streets and through charming plazas. Visit the Church of Santo Domingo, which contains a chapel dedicated to the city's patron saint, and the Church of Santa Maria del Campo, built mainly in the 12th and 13th centuries. Continuing to weave your way through the narrow streets, you will also pass by the Church of Santiago, the oldest in A Coruna and once a stop along the pilgrimage route to Compostela. The tour comes to an end in the grand Maria Pita Square, site of A Coruña's Town Hall, dedicated to the local heroine who rallied the citizens in 1589 to repel an attack on the city from the forces of Sir Francis Drake.
Enjoy a snack of local tapas before returning to the ship.
· This is a moderate excursion, involving about a mile and a half of walking over a mix of paved and cobblestone surfaces with some inclines. We recommend sturdy shoes, layered clothing, and sun protection.
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Highlights of A Coruña
Meet you guide and driver at the pier and begin your panoramic tour with a drive along the Paseo Maritimo, the longest urban seafront promenade in Europe, passing by the glass-fronted galleries of the marina (nicknamed "Crystal City) and the Castle of San Anton, a 16th-century fort that now serves as the city's archaeological museum.
At the tip of a small peninsula, stop briefly to admire A Coruña's emblematic Tower of Hercules, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, built during the reign of Roman Emperor Trajan and still fulfilling its original function as a lighthouse. Resuming your tour, pass by several of Coruña's famous beaches and perhaps spot a few outdoor sculptures inspired by Bronze Age standing stones (menhirs). Continue along the shores of the estuaries that surround the city—Ria A Coruña and Ria Betanzos—passing by fishing villages and mussel farms, and enjoying the scenic views of rolling hills covered with eucalyptus groves.
Before returning to the ship, stop at a local restaurant for a tasting of a variety of Spanish wines accompanied by some Galician tapas.
· This is an easy excursion with very little walking required. Guests need to be able to negotiate the steps on and off the motorcoach, and there are steps at the restaurant.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Santiago de Compostela
From Vigo, travel to Santiago de Compostela, one of the most beautiful and historic medieval cities in Spain, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the third most important Christian pilgrimage site in the world, after Jerusalem and Rome.
After an orientation in Obradoiro Square, your guide will lead you on a walking tour of Santiago, where highlights include the exterior of the Cathedral, the Townhall, and the Palace of Saint Jerome. Construction of the present cathedral began in 1075 on the ruins of an earlier church believed to house the tomb of Saint James, the first of Jesus's apostles to be martyred. It has been remodeled and added to numerous times since. Your guide will show you where to find the tomb of Saint James and the Portico da Gloria, a special door opened to pilgrims only during years when St. James's feast day falls on a Sunday, and you will then enjoy time at leisure during which you may explore the Cathedral on your own or use the time for shopping in the Cathedral museum gift shop.
Rejoin your group at the Hostal de Los Reyes Catolicos. Built in 1501 on orders from Ferdinand of Aragon and Isabella of Castile as a hospital to welcome pilgrims, it is today a luxury hotel, where you will be treated to a full lunch served amid the grandeur of this elegant parador.
After lunch, your guide will lead a tour of the interior of the Cathedral and its museum before you board your motorcoach for the return to Vigo and your ship.
· This tour involves about 1 ½ mile of walking on cobblestone streets with many steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Proper attire is requested to visit the religious sites (shoulders and knees covered). Total driving time is approximately 2 ½ hours.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Baiona: A Galician Fishing Village
This excursion to the village of Baiona begins with a short drive to Monte Castro, a mountain in the center of Vigo with unobstructed views over the city and the Vigo River estuary. It is the site of the earliest (Celtic) settlement in Vigo. Leaving the city, a panoramic drive south along the coast to brings you to Baiona.
A walking tour of the old town includes the waterfront, where a replica of La Pinta marks the spot where Christopher Columbus's caravel returned from the New World at the end of his first voyage, and a visit to Fortaleza de Monterreal, an impressive 16th-century castle that has been converted to a parador hotel. A path circles the fort's outer walls and provides stunning views of the ocean and the Cies Islands, as well as a chance to study the castle's stone walls, turrets, and cannons. Enjoy time at leisure to explore on your own before returning to Vigo and your ship.
· This is a moderate excursion involving a total of approximately 1.5 miles of walking over a mix of cobblestone and flat surfaces. There are inclines and steps. It is not suitable for those with limited mobility. Sturdy shoes, layered clothing, and protection from the sun.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Historic Oporto
From Leixoes, a panoramic drive brings you to Oporto, Portugal’s “city of granite,” whose historic town center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On arrival in the city, your first stop will be at Igreja de São Francisco, the Church of St. Francis, known for its lavish baroque interior and ornate gilded carvings. Founded by Franciscan friars in the 13th century, its originally spare Gothic interior was transformed in the late 17th century with intricate carved panels, all coated with gold leaf. It is said that nearly 700 pounds of gold dust were needed for the task. São Francisco is a truly breathtaking work of art, decades in the making.
Enjoy some time at leisure on the charming Ribeira, a riverside pedestrian area filled with shops and cafés, before traveling to the Porto Tram Museum. Established in 1992 and housed in the former thermoelectric generating plant that powered the trams, the museum chronicles the history of public transportation in Porto through a collection of cars, including an original horse-drawn tram from 1872, an electric trolley form 1895 (marking Porto as a pioneer in electric tram service), and later cars that show the evolution of design for passenger comfort and safety.
· This moderate excursion requires approximately a mile of walking over uneven surfaces. And there are steps to be navigated. We recommend comfortable shoes and layered clothing.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
The Wines of Oporto
Oporto has been an important center of the wine trade since the 17th century, when merchants discovered a booming market for the region's fortified wines in London and in English colonies around the world. This excursion introduces you to the world of port wine — its history, manufacture, and consumption.
A 40-minute panoramic drive brings you to one of Oporto's best wine cellars, where you will be able to sample several varieties of port while learning how both the product and the market have evolved since 1678, when the Abbot of Lamego discovered that when brandy is added before fermentation has finished, the wine retains the sweetness of very ripe grapes and improves with age.
Leaving the wine cellar, drive to Luís I Bridge for a walk on its upper platform for panoramic views of the city, the Douro, and the surrounding countryside. The town center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue to the 12th-century Oporto Cathedral, situated on a small hill overlooking the Douro River. This ancient church has been remodeled many times over its long history, but it retains important artefacts you may find intriguing. Being a Sunday, we will not tour inside the Cathedral, but will visit the Cloister with its magnificent glazed tiles picturing scenes from the Bible, and the Cathedral Treasury Museum housing important gold and silver ornaments and other objects.
· This excursion involves a total of about three-quarters of a mile of walking over sometimes uneven surfaces and some steps. We recommend sturdy, comfortable walking shoes and layered clothing.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
HISTORIC LISBON (2 NIGHTS)
Portugal is most often introduced to students of history as the country that led the way in Europe's discovery of sub-Saharan Africa, India, and East Asia. But throughout much of the modern era, Portugal, like the rest of the Iberian Peninsula, was in the avant garde of developments in the fields of art and architecture. This specially designed program will introduce you to monuments that celebrate both of these aspects of Portugal's past.
Day 1 - Lisbon | Embark
After breakfast on board, disembark your ship. Your panoramic tour of Lisbon begins with a stop at the imposing Jeronimos Monastery, where Vasco da Gama spent his last night before embarking on his voyage to India, and the finest extant example of the Portuguese architectural style known as Manueline. Enjoy some time at leisure in the historic Belém Quarter. Stop for photos at the 16th-century Belém Tower, the point from which many Portuguese explorers, including da Gama, set sail. Continue to Ajuda National Palace, once a royal residence and now a museum housing an important collection of decorative arts, paintings, and sculptures from the 18th and 19th centuries. Enjoy a local lunch including cod fish-a staple of Portuguese cuisine, then transfer to the Hotel Altis Avenida for check-in. The remainder of the day is at leisure and dinner is on your own.
Day 2 – Sintra
After breakfast, set out on a full-day excursion to the nearby village of Sintra, declared a UNESCO World Heritage site for its role in the early development of European Romantic architecture. Explore Sintra Palace, thought to have first been constructed in the 10th or 11th century when Sintra was under Moorish rule, with buildings subsequently added and adapted by the resident kings and queens over the centuries that followed. Recent conservation initiatives have opened new areas and exhibits to visitors, along with the Preta Garden, which overlooks the Sintra Hills and historical center. After your visit to this fascinating place, drive to the center of Sintra for lunch at a local restaurant and time at leisure for browsing the many shops that offer handicrafts and Portuguese wines before reboarding your motorcoach for the return journey. Your route will take you through a nature preserve to Cabo da Roca on the Atlantic coast, the westernmost point of Europe. From there you will travel along the coastal road back to Lisbon. Dinner is independent and at your leisure.
Day 3 - Lisbon | Homeward
After breakfast at the hotel and checking out of the hotel, transfer to the airport for your flight homeward.
Your hotel:
The Hotel Altis Avenida is a charming boutique hotel, with an extraordinary location in the center of Lisbon, in Praça dos Restauradores. The architecture and decoration are inspired by the 1940s and draw on the concept of "urban chic," where the past and the future meet, creating an atmosphere of charm and glamor. The hotel has 123 rooms, a Lobby Bar, and a fine dining restaurant on the top floor of the hotel that features the cuisine of chef João Rodrigues.
Your program includes:
- 2 nights at the Hotel Altis Avenida (or similar).
- Transfer and luggage handling from ship to the hotel on Day 1 the airport to the hotel on the scheduled program arrival day.
- Transfer and luggage handling from the hotel to the airport on the scheduled program departure day, Day 3.
- Breakfast on Days 2 and 3.
- Lunch on Days 2 and 3.
- Sightseeing and programming as noted in the itinerary.
- Local English-speaking guide.
- Gratuities for the drivers and local guides.
Your program does not include:
- Transfer from the hotel to the airport on any day other than the scheduled program departure day.
- Personal expenses and other services and meals not mentioned as included in the program.
Please note:
- It is imperative that your flight arrival details are communicated at least 60 days prior to the beginning of your cruise in order to secure your transfer from the hotel to the airport.
- Early check-in and/or late check-out are available depending on availability and at a supplement. An additional night is possible, upon request and depending on hotel availability. Please, contact reservations or your travel agent for further details.
- The official currency is the Euro. Credit cards are largely accepted in hotels, shops, and restaurants.
- This post-cruise program is offered as a package. There will be no refunds for unused accommodations, meals, or excursions.
- Program is offered on a space available basis.
- Program is subject to change without notice.
Hotel contact information:
Hotel Altis Avenida
Rua 1° Dezembro, 120
1200-360 Lisbon
Portugal
Telephone: +351 210 440 000
Total : $1,240
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.