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Western Europe Cruise from Ireland to Portugal

Western Europe Cruise from Ireland to Portugal

From AUD $11,280

Description

Embark on a captivating voyage with the Western Europe cruise from Ireland to Portugal, a luxury cruise that takes you from the bustling city of Dublin to the sun-kissed shores of Lisbon. This enchanting trip begins in Dublin, where rich history blends with modern charm. From there, sail to Waterford, Kinsale, and across the Celtic coast through France, Spain, and Portugal, ending in the vibrant city of Lisbon. Throughout this journey, you’ll have the chance to explore fascinating destinations. In Waterford, discover the centuries-old Reginald’s Tower and the treasures within the Medieval Museum. Kinsale invites you to stroll through its colorful streets, while Brittany’s Batz Island offers lush gardens and historic sites. En route to Portugal, visit Belle-Île’s dramatic cliffs and the fortified Citadelle Vauban, and absorb the historic ambiance of Royan, Santander, Gijón, and Ferrol. Your itinerary offers an array of activities to indulge in the local culture and scenic beauty of each stop. Whether touring Waterford Crystal’s esteemed factory, admiring the charms of Santander’s gardens, or sipping local ciders in Gijón, there’s something for every traveler. As you traverse the Atlantic coast, relish in the architectural wonder of Porto’s azulejos-adorned churches and Lisbon’s historic quarters, where culinary delights await.

Trip Name
Western Europe Cruise from Ireland to Portugal
Days
11
Overview
Vessel Type: Expedition Ship Length: 125 meters Passenger Capacity: 192 Built: 2022/2023 SH Diana is the newest and largest ship in the Swan Hellenic fleet, designed for modern expedition cruising with a strong sense of elegance and purpose. Built in Finland’s renowned Helsinki Shipyard, she combines cutting-edge hybrid diesel-electric propulsion and a Polar Class 6 ice-strengthened hull, enabling smooth exploration of the world’s most remote and rugged destinations. With space for just 192 guests, SH Diana offers a boutique 5-star experience across nine decks, featuring expansive viewing areas, a grand staircase, and refined interiors accented with exclusive onboard artwork. On board, guests enjoy exceptional facilities including the panoramic sauna, open-deck jacuzzi, heated outdoor pool, and dedicated expedition areas like the Swan’s Nest and BaseCamp. Cabins are thoughtfully equipped with Champagne, Lajatica toiletries, Nikon binoculars, and Illy coffee machines, ensuring comfort at every turn. Dining is a delight with venues like the Swan Restaurant and Pool Bar & Grill, while the crew’s attentive and personalised service ensures you feel truly cared for from the moment you step aboard. SH Diana is the perfect vessel for those seeking adventure wrapped in luxurious simplicity.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 Dublin
Dublin, capital of Ireland, seamlessly blends grit and beauty with Georgian squares, parks and canals. It boasts a rich literary heritage, home to renowned writers like Oscar Wilde and James Joyce. Literary attractions include Trinity College Library, housing the 9th-century Book of Kells, and the James Joyce Centre. The vibrant pub culture, with landmarks like the Guinness Storehouse and Temple Bar, adds to its lively charm.
Day 2 - Day 2 Waterford
Founded by Vikings in 914 AD, Waterford is Ireland's oldest city with well-preserved walls. Highlights include Reginald's Tower with the Waterford Museum of Treasures, and the Medieval Museum, Ireland's sole museum dedicated to the Middle Ages. Waterford Crystal, established in 1783, offers factory tours showcasing its glassmaking heritage. Nearby are Kilkenny Castle, a 1,500-year-old Norman fortress, and Tipperary's legendary Rock of Cashel.
Day 3 - Day 3 Kinsale
At the start of the Wild Atlantic Way, Kinsale blends history, culture and natural beauty. This charming town, established in 1333, features colourful streets, renowned restaurants and two 17th-century fortresses: Charles Fort and James Fort. The 16th-century courthouse houses the Kinsale Regional Museum, with exhibits on local history and the RMS Lusitania torpedoing. Nearby Cork, Ireland's second-largest city, is famous for the Blarney Stone.
Day 4 - Day 4 Roscoff
The charming French port of Roscoff sits on a peninsula at Brittany's tip. Despite a history of privateers and smugglers, the little city is known for its richly decorated merchants' houses. Near the port, a local hotelier created an exotic garden growing more than 3,500 species of plants from the Southern Hemisphere. Roscoff is also the origin of Onion Johnnies, Breton farmers who crossed to England to sell Roscoff pink onions on their bikes.
Day 5 - Day 5 Belle-Ile-En-Mer
Belle-Île, the largest Breton island and second largest in mainland France, is known for its mild climate, rugged cliffs and stunning panoramas. The island features preserved moors, dunes and diverse flora and fauna. In the main town, Le Palais, is Citadelle Vauban, a star-shaped fortress. Other notable sites include the historic water tank Aiguade de Vauban, a museum on Sarah Bernhardt and the Grand Phare lighthouse overlooking Donnant Beach.
Day 6 - Day 6 Royan
Royan, a French Atlantic coastal gem, features five beaches nestled between dunes and pine forests at the broad mouth of the Gironde. La Grande Conche, a 2 km stretch of golden sands, lures sun-seekers. Royan endured significant damage during an allied bombing on January 5, 1945. The town's charm continues to shine through its blend of belle époque villas and vibrant postwar architecture, including the distinctive Notre-Dame de Royan church.
Day 7 - Day 7 Santander
Santander, known for its beaches, unveils tales of a bygone era through medieval alleyways and ancient architecture. The Paseo de Pereda is a lush haven of gardens and sculptures. The city's history, dating back to Roman times, is marked by landmarks like the 13th-century Gothic cathedral, Catedral de la Asunción, and the Palacio de la Magdalena, a former royal summer residence. Santander is also renowned for traditional Basque cuisine.
Day 8 - Day 8 Gijon
The Asturian port city Gijon with colourful old houses is surrounded by green hills and is home to the Atlantic Botanical Gardens with over 2,000 plants. The monumental sculpture "Eulogy to the Horizon" by Basque sculptor Eduardo Chillida overlooks the sea. In the fisherman’s old quarter, Cimadevilla, the Campo Valdés Roman Baths date from around 100 AD. Local ciders are a speciality, best enjoyed in a traditional sideria.
Day 9 - Day 9 Ferrol
With a rich seafaring history and scenic beaches, Ferrol, in A Coruña, Galicia, on the Atlantic coast, champions the Ferrol Naval Museum and the 16th-century San Felipe Castle. Nearby, La Coruña, dubbed the Crystal City for its glass-fronted buildings, showcases the 1st-century Hercules Tower, a UNESCO landmark. Santiago de Compostela, a famed pilgrimage centre, houses the cathedral believed to hold the remains of St. James the Great.
Day 10 - Day 10 Porto
Famed for its port wine and bridges over the river Douro, Portugal’s second city, Oporto (Porto) is a city of two halves. On the left bank is Gaia's famed port houses such as Graham's and Taylor's. Ribeira, on the right bank, has rows of colourful old houses that line the riverfront, narrow streets that rise up the hill and Igreja de Carmo church whose facade is adorned with blue azulejos (tiles). A vintage tram trundles to the Foz district.
Day 11 - Day 11 Lisbon
Spread over seven hills with São Jorge Castle views, bustling Lisbon is one of the world's oldest cities. Elegant Baixa, hilltop Alfama with its yellow tram, and scenic Graça overviewing pastel buildings, are top areas. The Jerónimos Monastery in Belém is a World Heritage Gothic site. The classic Portuguese pastel de nata custard tarts are a local treat. Europe’s longest suspension bridge, the Ponte 25 de Abril, crosses the river Tagus.
Day 12 - Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change. 

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
28-08-202607-09-2026AUD $11,280Oceanview D4
28-08-202607-09-2026AUD $11,880Oceanview M4
28-08-202607-09-2026AUD $13,780Balcony D5
28-08-202607-09-2026AUD $14,380Balcony M5
28-08-202607-09-2026AUD $14,980Balcony D6
28-08-202607-09-2026AUD $17,480Junior Suite
28-08-202607-09-2026AUD $20,480Suite
28-08-202607-09-2026AUD $23,580Premium Suite

Inclusions

    • Explore Ireland's oldest city, Waterford, and learn about its fascinating Viking history.
    • Island hop in Brittany and discover the unique microclimates and flora.
    • Admire the Royal Palace of La Magdalena in Santander, a former summer residence of the Spanish royal family.

Map