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Explore the Iberian and Gascon Shores: Cruise from Lisbon to Bordeaux

Explore the Iberian and Gascon Shores: Cruise from Lisbon to Bordeaux

From AUD $9,775

Description

Embark on an enchanting voyage along Europe’s Atlantic coastline with “Explore the Iberian and Gascon Shores,” a cruise from Lisbon to Bordeaux. Follow the footsteps of Portuguese explorers and discover French winemaking mastery. Visit captivating ports like Ferrol, Gijón and Santander, rich in maritime history and coastal charm. Experience Santander’s medieval streets and gothic cathedral, and the legendary pilgrimage site of Santiago de Compostela, where the cathedral is believed to hold St. James the Great’s remains.
Your itinerary offers activities to indulge in local culture at each destination. Whether exploring Lisbon’s vibrant arts districts, savouring world-renowned pintxos in San Sebastián’s Michelin-starred establishments, or touring prestigious wine châteaux in Pauillac, there’s something for every traveller. Your journey culminates in Bordeaux, the elegant wine capital where centuries of tradition meet the futuristic Cité du Vin museum along the UNESCO World Heritage waterfront. This voyage offers a rich tapestry of heritage, cuisine, and coastal beauty across three nations, promising something for every traveller.

Trip Name
Explore the Iberian and Gascon Shores: Cruise from Lisbon to Bordeaux
Days
10
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 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 2 - Day 2 Leixões (Porto)
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Day 3 - Day 3 Vilagarcia de Arousa
Vilagarcía de Arousa serves as the natural gateway to Santiago de Compostela, where a sweeping seafront promenade buzzes with waterfront cafés and restaurants offering fresh Galician seafood. Inland lies the UNESCO World Heritage Old Town of Santiago de Compostela, where the soaring spires of its legendary cathedral welcome thousands of pilgrims completing their transformative journey along the ancient Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route.
Day 4 - Day 4 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 5 - Day 5 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 6 - Day 6 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 7 - Day 7 San Sebastian
Set on the stunning Bay of Biscay, the culinary powerhouse of San Sebastián blends big-city style with Basque tradition. Renowned for innovative chefs and Michelin stars, its cobblestone old town, Parte Vieja, buzzes with lively pintxo bars where world-renowned bite-sized specialities are paired with local wines. The town’s Belle Epoque elegance is framed by two beaches, Playas de la Concha and de Ondarreta, both lined with a scenic promenade.
Day 8 - Days 8-9 Pauillac
The small port town of Pauillac is a cornerstone of the Médoc wine region, on the Gironde estuary north of Bordeaux. Highly regarded by wine enthusiasts, it is home to three of the five Bordeaux First-Growth wines: the prestigious Châteaux of Mouton-Rothschild, Latour, and Lafite-Rothschild. Renowned for Cabernet Sauvignon, these wines boast rich tannins and age beautifully. Pauillac also has a unique history with a WWI US Navy seaplane base.
Day 9 - Days 9-10 Bordeaux
Bordeaux, a key port city in southwestern France, is the heart of the French wine industry. The Cité du Vin, an interactive wine museum, and the UNESCO-listed 18th-century old city highlight its cultural and architectural significance. Surrounded by famed wine regions like Médoc, Graves, Sauternes, Pomerol and Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux blends rich history with world-class gastronomy and markets like Capucins and Chartrons.
Day 10 - Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change. 

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
21-05-202730-05-2027AUD $9,775Oceanview D4
21-05-202730-05-2027AUD $10,275Oceanview M4
21-05-202730-05-2027AUD $10,750Balcony D5
21-05-202730-05-2027AUD $11,250Balcony M5
21-05-202730-05-2027AUD $11,750Balcony D6
21-05-202730-05-2027AUD $14,675Junior Suite
21-05-202730-05-2027AUD $17,125Suite
21-05-202730-05-2027AUD $19,575Premium Suite

Inclusions

    • Explore the old streets of Gijon’s fisherman’s quarter, Cimadevilla
    • Venture off the beaten path to Ferrol, a city with a rich seafaring history.
    • Immerse yourself in Bordeaux's wine culture at the renowned Cité du Vin museum.

Map