fbpx

Gastronomic Delights with Le Meurice and Château Latour – Portugal, Spain & France Cruise

Gastronomic Delights with Le Meurice and Château Latour – Portugal, Spain & France Cruise

From AUD $8,960

Description

Flavours, sensory pleasures, and culinary exploration are the watchwords of this unique gastronomy and wine cruise organised in partnership with the famous Parisian luxury hotel Le Meurice and Château Latour, featuring the exceptional presence of Amaury Bouhours, Executive Chef at Le Meurice, and Jérôme Lacressonnière, Michelin-starred chef and the head of executive chefs at Ducasse Paris.
Over 10 days, along the coasts of Portugal, Spain and France, awaken your senses and your emotions during culinary demonstrations, wine tastings, unforgettable dinners, and discussions with the renowned professionals joining us aboard. Enjoy unique moments suspended in time off the coast of these emblematic cities where the gastronomic heritage is still very much alive.
Throughout your journey, you will benefit from an excursion included per person per port of call, to choose from a selection offered by PONANT. During this cruise, follow the Médoc region’s famous “Route des Châteaux” from Pauillac, admire iconic works of art at the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao or hike the final kilometres of the Camino de Santiago (the Way of St. James) from Vigo. The diversity of experiences on offer promises you intense and varied moments (to discover the full range of excursions, go to the itinerary tab). The diversity of experiences on offer promises you intense and varied moments (to discover the full range of excursions, go to the itinerary tab).
Setting sail from Lisbon, the seven-hilled Portuguese capital, you will chart a course for the port of Leixoes, from where you will reach the city of Porto. Capital of the northern region of Portugal, this ‘city of granite, the centre of which is a UNESCO World Heritage site, is renowned for its wine.  
Your journey will continue to Galicia and the city of Vigo, the biggest fishing port in Spain. Not far from here, Santiago de Compostela awaits you. This unmissable pilgrimage destination is home to a number of monuments from the Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque periods, testimony to its illustrious past. 
Le Lyrial will then head for the capital of the Spanish Basque Country, Bilbao. Between daring architecture and the continuation of its ancestral traditions, you will be able to enjoy the city’s unique energy. 
You will conclude your exploration of Basque Country on the French side with a stay in the city of Saint-Jean-de-Luz, before reaching the beautiful fortified town of Talmont-sur-Gironde. 
During your last call in Pauillac, you will have the opportunity to make several visits and wine tastings at some very beautiful wine estates in the Saint-Estephe, Margaux, and Pauillac appellations. 
Your cruise will end in Bordeaux, the wine capital of the world. 

Trip Name
Gastronomic Delights with Le Meurice and Château Latour - Portugal, Spain & France Cruise
Days
10
Overview
Vessel Type: Luxury Small Ship Length: 142 metres Passenger Capacity: 224 Launched: 2015 A sleek silhouette, a welcoming intimate atmosphere, discover aboard this new ship the philosophy that has made our sisterships such a success: the spirit of Yacht Cruises. Sailing under the French flag, this magnificent yacht of only 122 staterooms and Suites, with balconies, will join our fleet in April 2015. You will be enchanted by the contemporary decor inspired by the our destinations and the blue light of the Vega star in the Lyra constellation. The result is a subtle variation around a palette of blues, ranging from the  luminous delicate grey-blue of the Polar ice to splashes of the vivid turquoise blue found in  Mediterranean coves A refined ambiance is enhanced by the quality of the workmanship and materials: white Corian counters in the lobby contrast with the warmth of leather to recall a boat’s hull, while the central sculpture of enamelled pieces takes its inspiration from the sea. In the loungebar, the carpet picks up a tennis stripe theme symbolising a certain idea of cruising, one synonymous with French elegance and a chic seaside spirit.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 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 2 - Day 2 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 3 - Day 3 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 4 - Day 4 AT SEA
 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.
Day 5 - Day 5 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 6 - Day 6 SAINT-JEAN-DE-LUZ
 A renowned seaside resort in the South West of France, Saint-Jean-de-Luz is a picturesque and authentic town with a rich history. In particular, King Louis XIV married Maria Teresa in the famous Saint Jean the Baptist church in 1660. The seafront unveils stunning views, between the Basque architecture and the Cantabrian Sea. An unforgettable bay, which was frequented in the 17th century by privateers and wealthy ship-owners.
Day 7 - Day 7 TALMONT-SUR-GIRONDE
 You will sail along the coast to discover the remarkable Meschers caves, natural cavities carved into the chalk cliffs that loom over the Gironde estuary. Enlarged by man in the 19th century, they became troglodyte dwellings, some of which are still inhabited today. Punctuating the coastline of the Charente region with their poetic presence, the carrelets, fragile-looking huts on stilts fitted with a square fishing net, can be seen along the Saintonge coastline. The beautiful town of Talmont-sur-Gironde is to be found at the heart of the fortified city founded by Edward I, King of England and Duke of Aquitaine. The Sainte-Radegonde church, a jewel of Romanesque art, dating from the 12th century, looms majestically over the estuary.
Day 8 - Day 8 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 9 - Days 9 - 10 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 10 - Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
29-04-202508-05-2025AUD $8,960Superior Stateroom
29-04-202508-05-2025AUD $9,780DeLuxe Stateroom
29-04-202508-05-2025AUD $34,380Grand Privilege Suite
29-04-202508-05-2025AUD $10,940Prestige Stateroom - Deck 4
29-04-202508-05-2025AUD $11,540Prestige Stateroom - Deck 5
29-04-202508-05-2025AUD $12,220Prestige Stateroom - Deck 6
29-04-202508-05-2025AUD $17,360Deluxe Suite
29-04-202508-05-2025AUD $23,780Prestige Suite - Deck 5
29-04-202508-05-2025AUD $25,060Privilege Suite
29-04-202508-05-2025AUD $28,910Grand Deluxe Suite
29-04-202508-05-2025AUD $28,910Owner’s Suite

Inclusions

    • In partnership with Le Meurice and Château Latour and with the exceptional presence of Amaury Bouhours, Executive Chef at Le Meurice, and Jérôme Lacressonnière, Michelin-starred chef and the head of executive chefs at Ducasse Paris.
    • A unique gastronomic journey ideal for contemplation, culinary and oenological exploration, and discovering historic sites with a plural heritage.
    • Make the most of an excursion included per person per port of call during your cruise thanks to the selection made by our destination experts.
    • UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the historic centre of Porto from Leixões; Santiago de Compostela (Old Town) from Vigo; the Port of the Moon in Bordeaux.
    • In Bilbao, it is possible to visit the famous Guggenheim Museum.
    • Discover the green and historic region of the Basque Country during two ports of call: Bilbao and Saint-Jean-de-Luz.
    • Opportunity to discover and taste exceptional wines during your ports of call at Pauillac and Bordeaux.

Map