fbpx

Peregrine Travel Centre

Bay of Biscay & Iberian Peninsula – Portugal, Spain & France in Luxury

Bay of Biscay & Iberian Peninsula – Portugal, Spain & France in Luxury

From AUD $10,100

Book Now Request a callback
Email Us Print

Description

From the Gironde estuary to the banks of the Tagus, this getaway reveals the unique character of the Atlantic coastlines. Prestigious vineyards, charming seaside resorts, and bustling port cities uncover a rich history shaped by the art of living and the sea breeze. From Gironde to the Basque Country, from Asturias to Galicia, and onward to the Portuguese shores, iconic museums, remarkable architecture, and vibrant local cultures mark the route, never far from the legendary Camino de Santiago. Between ocean and mountains, these treasures unfold in the soft light and calm of the off-season.

Trip Name
Bay of Biscay & Iberian Peninsula - Portugal, Spain & France in Luxury
Days
11
Overview
Vessel Type: Luxury Length: 127 metres Passenger Capacity: 92 cabins Built: 2017/2018 Le Champlain, part of the prestigious PONANT EXPLORERS series, masterfully blends the spirit of adventure with refined comfort. Designed to navigate some of the world’s most remote destinations, she offers guests the intimacy of a private yacht alongside discreet luxury and elegant French styling. Her 92 staterooms and suites, all with private balconies, are bathed in natural light, providing a serene retreat after a day of Zodiac® expeditions or fine dining. Every element, from the stylish interiors to the attentive service, reflects PONANT’s dedication to creating a truly authentic voyage. Built with a strong focus on eco-friendly innovation, Le Champlain incorporates the latest environmental technologies to minimise her impact on the oceans she explores. At 430 feet long with a guest capacity of up to 184, she maintains a sense of exclusivity while offering spacious public areas, exceptional cuisine, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Whether gliding through polar waters or sailing to tropical shores, she delivers an unforgettable combination of exploration, sophistication, and respect for the natural world.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 - Bordeaux
Bordeaux stretches along the banks of the Garonne river, in South-West France. Its rich wine tradition makes it the world capital of wine. Let yourself be carried away by the history of the Port de la Lune, made a UNESCO World Heritage site for its prestigious classical architecture. On the famous Place de la Bourse, the past and the present unite: here you can observe the majestic old buildings reflected in the contemporary Miroir d’eau creation.
Day 2 - Day 2 - Pauillac
Discover Pauillac, a town in southwestern France located a few kilometres away from Bordeaux, stretching along the Gironde. The undisputed capital of Médoc, Pauillac will open up its magical universe for you, from culture and heritage to vineyards and châteaux. This stop will be a voyage of myriad flavours, particularly during the tasting of the region’s wines, revealing their soft ruby colours and reflections turning amber with time. Enjoy both a sensorial adventure and an adventure into the heart of the town. Don’t miss the visit of Saint Martin’s Church or the mysterious grotto of Artigues, dominated by a statue of the Virgin Mary. As for the Aspic Tower, it is topped with a dome from which the harvesters’ work used to be overseen.
Day 3 - Day 3 - Royan
A seaside resort whose architecture blends Belle Époque and modernism, Royan offers a quiet port of call on the Atlantic Coast. Its wide beaches, its covered market and its retro villas are as appealing as its prime position: ideal for discovering some of the region’s treasures, such as the island of Oléron and its famous oysters, Talmont-sur-Gironde, one of the most beautiful villages in France, or the iconic port city of La Rochelle.
Day 4 - Day 4 - Bilbao
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.
Day 5 - Day 5 - Santander
Facing the Bay of Biscay, its backdrop a natural setting that combines sea and mountain, Santander rolls out along a huge bay on the northern coast of the peninsula. A city of maritime tradition, it has a century-old touristic vocation. It is home to two treasures that are UNESCO World Heritage Sites: a part of the Way of Saint James and the Cave of Altamira. Its Prehistory and Archaeology Museum houses one of the most valuable Palaeolithic collections in Europe and the Maritime Museum of Cantabria is one of the most comprehensive museums in Spain dedicated to the sea. Its beaches with peaceful waters, protected from the wind, offer one of the most beautiful sea fronts with a succession of Belle Époque buildings.
Day 6 - Day 6 - Aviles
Now the third largest city in the Principality of Asturias, Aviles has managed to retain all its charm. Its old town, declared a Historic-Artistic Site, contains architectural marvels such as the pedestrianised streets Calle Galiana and Calle Rivero, the Plaza de España and its town hall, and the Church of Sabugo, dating from the 13th century. Between palaces – including the very beautiful Valdecarzana and Camposagrado palaces –, shady arcades, fountains and other historical monuments, fall in love with this city and its unique heritage.
Day 7 - Day 7 - La Coruña
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.
Day 8 - Day 8 - Vigo - Santiago de Compostela
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.
Day 9 - Day 9 - Leixões - Porto
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.
Day 10 - Day 10 - Figueira da Foz
Situated at the mouth of the Mondego River, 40 kilometres (25 miles) from Coimbra, Figueira da Foz is known for its beautiful, vast beaches of white sand. A major fishing and trading port in the region, the city has been a popular destination with the Portuguese since the 19th century, a golden age during which the aristocracy made it their seaside resort of choice. Beautiful villas and casinos have sprung up along the immaculate beaches, giving the town an eternal holiday atmosphere. Its proximity to Coimbra makes it an ideal stopover for many travellers wishing to discover one of the jewels of Portugal and its rich history.
Day 11 - Day 11 - Lisbon
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.
Day 12 - Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
09-10-202719-10-2027AUD $0Deluxe Stateroom
09-10-202719-10-2027AUD $0Prestige Deck 4
09-10-202719-10-2027AUD $0Privilege Suite Deck 5
09-10-202719-10-2027AUD $0Privilege Suite Deck 6
09-10-202719-10-2027AUD $0Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 6
09-10-202719-10-2027AUD $0Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 5
09-10-202719-10-2027AUD $0Owner's Suite
09-10-202719-10-2027AUD $0Prestige Deck 5
09-10-202719-10-2027AUD $0Prestige Deck 6
09-10-202719-10-2027AUD $0Deluxe Suite Deck 5
09-10-202719-10-2027AUD $0Deluxe Suite Deck 6
09-10-202719-10-2027AUD $0Deluxe Suite Deck 3
09-10-202719-10-2027AUD $0Deluxe Suite Deck 4
09-10-202719-10-2027AUD $0Prestige Deck 5 Suite
09-10-202719-10-2027AUD $0Prestige Deck 6 Suite

Inclusions

    • Gascon and Iberian shores in early autumn: discover some of the most beautiful towns in France, Spain and Portugal, and their unique way of life, far from the crowds.
    • Highlights: Pauillac and its vineyards, the old town of Santiago de Compostela from Vigo (Unesco), Coimbra (from Figueira da Foz), the bay of Santander, etc.
    • Your excursions include: walking the pilgrim's route to Santiago de Compostela, discovering Avilés and its architecture, visiting the city centre of Porto (UNESCO) and wine tasting, etc.

Map

Related products

Recent Blog Posts

Browse Trips in

France
More of activity:
Mediterranean Cruises