British Isles to Iberia - London to Istanbul Cruise

Day 1 - Southampton

Arrive: Fri 15 August 2025 / Depart: Fri 15 August 2025 at 20:00

Take a trip up to London and get a bird’s eye view of the city from the London Eye. See sights like Parliament, Westminster Abbey and Piccadilly. Stroll along Lower Regent Street or visit the British Museum.

Day 2 - At Sea

Day 3 - Ringaskiddy (for Cork)

Arrive: Sun 17 August 2025 at 07:00 / Depart: Sun 17 August 2025 at 16:00

Ringaskiddy is a village in County Cork, Ireland. It is located on the western side of Cork Harbour, south of Cobh, and is 15 kilometres from Cork city, to which it is connected by the N28 road. The village is a port with passenger ferry, with two bi-weekly sailings to Roscoff in France.

Day 4 - Galway

Arrive: Mon 18 August 2025 at 08:00 / Depart: Mon 18 August 2025 at 19:00

From shopping and culture to castles and cliffs, the city of Galway and its surroundings offer a wide array of fascinating experiences. In town, visit An Taibdearc – the national Irish language theater of Ireland – or learn about the area’s history at the Galway City Museum. Venture into the countryside to take in the dramatic Cliffs of Moher, which are more than 700 feet high and home to 29 species of seabirds. Wrap up the day at a pub featuring traditional Irish music.

Day 5 - Killybegs

Arrive: Tue 19 August 2025 at 08:00 / Depart: Tue 19 August 2025 at 18:00

Donegal’s scenic fishing village, Killybegs is situated in a region marked by natural beauty and rich in Celtic heritage. Discover thatched Irish cottages and picturesque Gaeltacht villages, not to mention super fresh seafood and beautiful stretches of coastline with Blue Flag beaches. Get a sense of the town’s history and see the world’s largest hand-knotted loom at the former factory of Donegal Carpets, now known as Killybegs International Carpet Making & Fishing Centre. Nature lovers will want to head to hiking trails of dramatic Slieve League Mountains just west of Killybegs – those up for the adventure will be rewarded with stunning views of Donegal Bay, local wildlife and some of the highest sea cliffs in Europe.

Day 6 - Belfast

Arrive: Wed 20 August 2025 at 08:00 / Depart: Wed 20 August 2025 at 22:00

Delight in this vibrant city of ornate Victorian and Edwardian architecture, gracious gardens and friendly pubs. Thrill to the natural phenomenon of the Giants' Causeway, a stunning geological anomaly of tightly packed, uneven basalt columns disappearing into the sea, and the enigmatic ruins of Grey Abbey.

Day 7 - Douglas

Arrive: Thu 21 August 2025 at 08:00 / Depart: Thu 21 August 2025 at 20:00

The capital of the Isle of Man, Douglas lies on a beautiful bay backed by wild moors and rugged glens. A horse-drawn tram ride is a great way to see the considerable sights. Don't miss the fascinating collection of Viking artifacts in the Manx Museum.

Day 8 - Dun Laoghaire, Ireland

Arrive: Fri 22 August 2025 at 07:00 / Depart: Fri 22 August 2025 at 20:00

The coastal suburb of Dún Laoghaire is popular for strolls on the East Pier, and locally caught fish and chips. The National Maritime Museum of Ireland has nautical art and artefacts inside a 19th-century sailors’ church, while the harbour is a busy hub for fishing, water sports and cruises. Nearby Sandycove is home to the James Joyce Tower and Museum, as well as the sheltered beach and bathing spot at Forty Foot.

Day 9 - Waterford, Ireland

Arrive: Sat 23 August 2025 at 08:00 / Depart: Sat 23 August 2025 at 18:00

Stroll through this 1,100-year-old Viking town and admire Rodney's Tower, still in use, and see the exquisite treasures in the museum. Visit the Waterford Crystal Visitors' Centre, where you can see how the artisans cut their famous designs. Or enjoy the beautiful Irish countryside as you pass majestic abbey ruins, stroll through quaint villages and see remnants of Viking heritage.

Day 10 - Plymouth, UK

Arrive: Sun 24 August 2025 at 08:00 / Depart: Sun 24 August 2025 at 19:00

History comes alive as you wander the cobblestone streets of the Barbican district from the Mayflower Steps, near the site where the Pilgrims sailed for the New World, to the Black Friars Distillery, which has been producing Plymouth Gin since 1793. The National Marine Aquarium boasts one of the deepest tanks in all of Europe, and a boat tour offers remarkable views of Plymouth Harbour.

Day 11 - Southampton

Arrive: Mon 25 August 2025 at 08:00 / Depart: Mon 25 August 2025 at 18:00

Take a trip up to London and get a bird’s eye view of the city from the London Eye. See sights like Parliament, Westminster Abbey and Piccadilly. Stroll along Lower Regent Street or visit the British Museum.

Day 12 - Zeebrugge

Arrive: Tue 26 August 2025 at 09:00 / Depart: Tue 26 August 2025 at 16:00

Step back in time to the 14th century as you meander along the narrow streets of this medieval gem past gabled buildings and through the bustling market. Take a boat ride along the city's canals. Or spend the day exploring Brussels and its famed Grand Place or Antwerp, home of Rubens and Bruegel, seeing the verdant countryside along the way.

Day 13 - Paris

Arrive: Wed 27 August 2025 at 07:00

Enjoy the relaxing drive through the countryside to Paris and then savor its bountiful attractions. Visit the Louvre, Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower. Ride a boat on the Seine, stroll the Champs-Élysées and climb to the top of the Arc de Triomphe. Our two gateways to Paris are outstanding as well. Honfleur dates to the 11th century and features a historic waterfront. Across the Seine lies Le Havre, once home to Claude Monet. His Impressionist works hang in the Malraux Museum. Historic Rouen is closest to Paris and boasts the great Cathédrale Notre Dame.

Day 14 - Paris

Depart: Thu 28 August 2025 at 16:00

Enjoy the relaxing drive through the countryside to Paris and then savor its bountiful attractions. Visit the Louvre, Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower. Ride a boat on the Seine, stroll the Champs-Élysées and climb to the top of the Arc de Triomphe. Our two gateways to Paris are outstanding as well. Honfleur dates to the 11th century and features a historic waterfront. Across the Seine lies Le Havre, once home to Claude Monet. His Impressionist works hang in the Malraux Museum. Historic Rouen is closest to Paris and boasts the great Cathédrale Notre Dame.

Day 15 - St. Peter Port, Guernsey

Arrive: Fri 29 August 2025 at 08:00 / Depart: Fri 29 August 2025 at 18:00

Enjoy this charming port, its beautiful harbor, architecture and imposing castle. See the rugged countryside and take a walk along the extraordinary cliffs and down to the sea, where Renoir once admired the view. Or savor the landscape in a drive around the island past grazing Guernsey cows in rich pastures. Then visit artisans working with silver and gold. Learn about the German occupation during WWII, or tour Victor Hugo's house and absorb the spectacular view. Stroll through the lovely Candie Gardens on this island known for its flowers.

Day 16 - Brest

Arrive: Sat 30 August 2025 at 09:00 / Depart: Sat 30 August 2025 at 17:00

Strategically located near the western tip of the Breton peninsula, this naval port has a rich military history. Among its landmarks are the heavily fortified Chateau de Brest and the rotund, 14th-century Tour Tanguy tower. It contains a fascinating museum with dioramas depicting Brest on the eve of World War II. The city's Oceanopolis, one of Europe's largest marine complexes, presents more than 1,000 different species. Brest is also known for its National Botanical Reserve, which focuses on endangered plants rarely found elsewhere.

Day 17 - La Rochelle

Arrive: Sun 31 August 2025 at 08:00 / Depart: Sun 31 August 2025 at 15:00

Known for its white limestone cliffs, La Rochelle features a bustling Vieux Port (Old Harbor) with exceptional shops and restaurants. Three medieval towers once protected the port and are now symbols of the waterfront. The imposing Four Sergeants Tower was formerly a prison, and you can see where the corsairs scrawled graffiti on the walls. The city aquarium holds thousands of species living in re-creations of their natural habitats. You will also appreciate La Rochelle's pedestrian-friendly streets, especially in the city center, which is graced by 17th and 18th century architecture.

Day 18 - Bordeaux

Arrive: Mon 01 September 2025

Enjoy the city's visual feast of wonderful ornate buildings, broad avenues, marvelous squares and the Cathedral of St. André, where Eleanor of Aquitaine married Louis VII. Stroll through Old Bordeaux. Then visit the area's fabulous vineyards and magnificent châteaux and delight in tasting their superb wines.

Day 19 - Bordeaux

Depart: Tue 02 September 2025 at 14:00

Enjoy the city's visual feast of wonderful ornate buildings, broad avenues, marvelous squares and the Cathedral of St. André, where Eleanor of Aquitaine married Louis VII. Stroll through Old Bordeaux. Then visit the area's fabulous vineyards and magnificent châteaux and delight in tasting their superb wines.

Day 20 - San Sebastian, Spain

Arrive: Wed 03 September 2025 at 08:00 / Depart: Wed 03 September 2025 at 19:00

Day 21 - Bilbao

Arrive: Thu 04 September 2025 at 06:00 / Depart: Thu 04 September 2025 at 19:00

Bilbao is a charming city both modern and dynamic while at the same time, with its 700 years of history, it is quite traditional as well. Enjoy a walk around the Old Quarter, the most popular area of the city. Here you will see the Teatro Arriaga; el Arenal, the old stevedoring port and today one of the favorite promenades of the citizens of Bilbao; the San Nicholas Church; and the Cathedral of Santiago along with its cloister, Plaza Nueva. No visit to Bilbao would be complete without a visit to the architecturally stunning Guggenheim Museum, which is in and of itself a work of art.

Day 22 - Gijon

Arrive: Fri 05 September 2025 at 08:00 / Depart: Fri 05 September 2025 at 19:00

While tourists and locals alike flock to the beautiful beaches of Gijon, there is plenty to do in and around the city as well. There are several uniquely themed museums, including the Campo Valdés Roman Baths, considered one of the most important Roman remains in northern Spain. Visit the aquarium, the botanical gardens or simply stroll through the streets of Cimavilla, the oldest part of Gijon.

Day 23 - La Coruna, Spain

Arrive: Sat 06 September 2025 at 08:00 / Depart: Sat 06 September 2025 at 18:00

See the famed Tower of Hercules, the still working 2nd century Roman lighthouse, and wander through this historic town of fine churches, old palaces, cobbled streets and unique fishermen's houses. Or spend the day in beautiful Santiago de Compostela, an important pilgrimage site renowned for its magnificent cathedral and superb architectural and cultural heritage.

Day 24 - Porto, Portugal

Arrive: Sun 07 September 2025 at 08:00 / Depart: Sun 07 September 2025 at 19:00

Explore picturesque, historic Oporto and the Vila Nova de Gaia quarter, home of its famed 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.

Day 25 - Lisbon

Arrive: Mon 08 September 2025 at 08:00

Visit the ornate Belem Tower and Jeronimos Monastery and stroll the narrow, winding streets of the charming Alfama district. Enjoy marvelous old Sintra, a royal country retreat, and Cascais, a beautiful seaside resort. Explore medieval Obidos or make a pilgrimage to Fatima, where the Virgin Mary appeared repeatedly to three shepherd children in 1917.

Day 26 - Lisbon

Depart: Tue 09 September 2025 at 15:00

Visit the ornate Belem Tower and Jeronimos Monastery and stroll the narrow, winding streets of the charming Alfama district. Enjoy marvelous old Sintra, a royal country retreat, and Cascais, a beautiful seaside resort. Explore medieval Obidos or make a pilgrimage to Fatima, where the Virgin Mary appeared repeatedly to three shepherd children in 1917.

Day 27 - Tangier Island, Tangier

Arrive: Wed 10 September 2025 at 10:00 / Depart: Wed 10 September 2025 at 19:00

Explore the Mendoubia Gardens, which contain a fascinating banyan tree that is more than 800 years old. Or experience a more traditional Morocco in Tetouan, a mountain city of grace and culture and the location of the beautiful white royal palace. The Caves of Hercules are nine miles west of Tangier in the Cap Spartel area; it is a place of great beauty and archaeological significance.

Day 28 - Almeria

Arrive: Thu 11 September 2025 at 09:00 / Depart: Thu 11 September 2025 at 19:00

Soak up the sun on one of the numerous exquisite beaches lining this Mediterranean haven. Visit the astonishing Alcazaba, a medieval fortress high on the ridge overlooking the extraordinary city. The revered wall paintings in the caves of Velez Blanco offer fascinating insights into an ancient people. See where the historic and modern merge on a stroll down the Paseo de Almeria.

Day 29 - Cartagena, Spain

Arrive: Fri 12 September 2025 at 07:00 / Depart: Fri 12 September 2025 at 17:00

This walled city has always been a major naval port due to its natural harbor and strategic location. Enjoy a hilltop view from Concepción Castle, which served as a fortress for the Carthaginians, Romans and other peoples who once occupied the city. Visit the 1st century B.C. Roman Theater, the remains of the 13th century Cathedral of Santa Maria and the Naval Museum. For modernist architecture, see the City Hall, Grand Hotel and Casino.

Day 30 - Majorca

Arrive: Sat 13 September 2025 at 10:00 / Depart: Sat 13 September 2025 at 20:00

Explore this beautiful island beginning with the magnificent Seo Cathedral and Bellver Castle. See the windmills and impressive manor house in the verdant countryside. Discover the amazing natural wonders in the Drach Caves. And for romance, visit the former Carthusian monastery in Valldemosa, where George Sand and Chopin spent a winter.

Day 31 - Barcelona

Arrive: Sun 14 September 2025 at 08:00 / Depart: Sun 14 September 2025

Visit the magnificent Gothic cathedral and the amazing La Sagrada Familia, Antoni Gaudí's unfinished masterpiece. Enjoy the lovely Montjuic Gardens, Gaudí's other fabulous structures, the charming squares of the old Gothic Quarter and the Ramblas, Barcelona's famed downtown promenade. Or visit beautiful Montserrat and its monastery in a breathtaking setting high in the mountains.

Day 32 - Marseille, France

Arrive: Mon 15 September 2025 at 08:00 / Depart: Mon 15 September 2025 at 20:00

See the sights and enjoy the views of historic old Marseille and visit the charming fishing port of Cassis. Or venture into the celebrated Provençal countryside with its fields of lavender and sunflowers. Explore lovely Aix or stroll through Avignon and its Papal Palace and the hilltop village of Les Baux.

Day 33 - Nice (Villefranche)

Arrive: Tue 16 September 2025 at 08:00 / Depart: Tue 16 September 2025 at 19:00

Villefranche-sur-Mer is a commune in the Alpes-Maritimes department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region on the French Riviera and is located south-west of the Principality of Monaco, which is just west of the French-Italian border.

Day 34 - Florence/Pisa

Arrive: Wed 17 September 2025 at 07:00 / Depart: Wed 17 September 2025 at 19:00

Spend a glorious day amidst the fabled architecture of this Renaissance city. See the Duomo with Brunelleschi's dome, the famous baptistry, Michelangelo's magnificent David, the bridge over the Arno and the astonishing Uffizi Gallery. Visit Pisa's superb Campo dei Miracoli and its beautiful cathedral and famed campanile. Or enjoy the Tuscan countryside, Siena and San Gimignano, renowned for its medieval towers. Shopping: Find leather goods, lingerie, gold jewelry, Florentine mosaic, lace, marbled paper items, antiques and fine art. Dining: Savor the prosciutto, pecorino cheese and infinite variety of breads, cakes and salamis.

Day 35 - Rome

Arrive: Thu 18 September 2025 at 07:00 / Depart: Thu 18 September 2025 at 18:00

Your gateway to the Eternal City, Civitavecchia has served as Rome's seaport since the 13th century. The port has a long and venerable history. The emperor Trajan built a pleasure villa near the modern city, while Bernini and Michelangelo designed the harbor fortifications. Yet the Eternal City eternally beckons. The ancient capital of the Western World and the center of Christianity for nearly 2,000 years, Rome provides an inexhaustible feast. Visit the ruins of the Forum, view the splendors of the Sistine Chapel, or climb the Spanish Steps, once the heart of Rome's Bohemian Quarter. Rome has been a magnet luring the world's greatest artists, architects, and philosophers since the days of the Caesars.

Day 36 - Sicily

Arrive: Fri 19 September 2025 at 12:01 / Depart: Fri 19 September 2025 at 20:00

Visit beautiful Taormina and marvel at its famous Greek theater and the stunning view of Mount Etna. Explore lovely medieval Messina with its historic churches and the cathedral where it is rumored Richard the Lionheart worshipped in 1190. Or discover ancient Tyndaris, founded in 396 B.C., with its fine mosaics, Roman baths and impressive theater overlooking the sea.

Day 37 - At Sea

Day 38 - Chania, Crete

Arrive: Sun 21 September 2025 at 08:00 / Depart: Sun 21 September 2025 at 20:00

Chania wears its past on its sleeve. Spend the day in museums, from those uncovering the ancient history buried beneath the rocky soil to those celebrating Greece’s magnificent maritime history and the region’s unique folklore. Visit the ruins of the city-state of Aptera, a powerhouse in Minoan and Hellenistic times and eventually a Roman stronghold.

Day 39 - Santorini

Arrive: Mon 22 September 2025 at 07:00 / Depart: Mon 22 September 2025 at 20:00

Visit the beautiful whitewashed hilltop towns of Oia and Fira and their breathtaking views of the caldera below. See the stunning artifacts in Fira's museum, including recent finds from the excavation of Akrotiri, thought by many to be the legendary city of Atlantis, or visit a winery. Stroll through the winding streets with fantastic views around every corner.

Day 40 - Athens

Arrive: Tue 23 September 2025 at 06:00 / Depart: Tue 23 September 2025 at 18:00

Climb up the magnificent Acropolis and stand in awe of the Parthenon, the beautiful temples and the view over Athens stretched out before you. See city highlights including the new and old Olympic stadiums. Journey to Cape Sounion and the temple of Poseidon overlooking the sea, or visit ancient Corinth and the narrow Corinth Canal cut through miles of solid rock.

Day 41 - Kusadasi

Arrive: Wed 24 September 2025 at 07:00 / Depart: Wed 24 September 2025 at 16:00

Meander through the ruins of ancient Ephesus and marvel at the famed Library of Celsus, the huge amphitheater, the marble roads with their chariot marks, the amazing mosaic sidewalks and the superb, rarely opened Terrace Houses. Or journey to three monumental cities of antiquity - Priene, Miletus and Didyma - renowned for their majestic temples and impressive, beautifully preserved stadiums.

Day 42 - Istanbul

Arrive: Thu 25 September 2025 at 12:01

Indulge your eyes and senses in this magnificent city astride two continents. Visit beautiful Topkapi Palace, the awesome Hagia Sophia and the impressive Blue Mosque. Cruise the Bosphorus to see the city and its surroundings from another perspective. Visit one of the many museums or stroll through the spice market and the famous Grand Bazaar.

Day 43 - Istanbul

Depart: Fri 26 September 2025

Indulge your eyes and senses in this magnificent city astride two continents. Visit beautiful Topkapi Palace, the awesome Hagia Sophia and the impressive Blue Mosque. Cruise the Bosphorus to see the city and its surroundings from another perspective. Visit one of the many museums or stroll through the spice market and the famous Grand Bazaar.