Celtic Coasts and Iberian Shores: Voyage from Edinburgh to Lisbon

Arrive in Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, one of Europe’s most vibrant and charismatic cities. Captivating history, art, culture and delectable cuisine make it a city worth discovering. Spend the day exploring the city of seven hills at your leisure before embarking in the late afternoon.

Arrive in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Porto this afternoon. The birthplace of port wine, Porto straddles a gorge on the beautiful Douro River, linked by numerous bridges and filled with medieval architecture. See the region’s famous azulejo tiles and take in the views from the Ponte Dom Luis bridge, an iron masterpiece completed in 1886. Learn the secrets of port making during a tasting at a riverside port house.

Known for its Roman-era lighthouse, the Tower of Hercules, A Coruña sits on a peninsula that creates a gateway to the stunning region of Galicia in northern Spain. At this last outpost of the Celtic nations linked through Cornwall and Brittany, keep a watchful eye and ear open for connections across these storied peninsulas. Choose from two options for the day. You could travel to Santiago de Compostela, where you’ll walk a part of the famed path that leads to the city’s legendary cathedral, visited by millions of pilgrims since its completion in the 12th century. Alternatively, explore the peninsulas and hidden coves that make this coastline so unique.

Spend a relaxing day at sea sailing along the British coast. Join your officers on the Bridge and learn about navigating through the English Channel or attend a presentation led by your naturalists. Take advantage of the amenities on board such as a rejuvenating spa treatment with the wellness specialist.

Natural promontories, pine forests and turquoise waters can be found throughout the Brittany region of France. These striking settings also form the backdrop to a unique cultural and culinary scene, inspired by Celtic traditions. Spend time hiking the coastal paths and relishing the relaxed pace of life in this idyllic setting.

Guernsey is a Crown dependency of the United Kingdom with a distinctive culture, history and landscape all its own. Overlooking the harbor of St. Peter Port, Castle Cornet stands sentinel above the capital, a reminder of the island’s storied past. Over the centuries, Guernsey has been shaped by Roman, Norman, English and German rule, resulting in a rich tapestry of influences that can still be felt today. As you explore the harbor and walk the castle walls, you’ll uncover echoes of the island’s World War history and its rich literary traditions.

Arrive this morning into the famous harbor of Portsmouth. The dockyards date back to the 1200s and are now a living museum combining present day naval operations of the Royal Naval fleet, along with historic ships on display such as King Henry VIII’s flagship, the Mary Rose and a World War II submarine. For nature lovers and ancient history buffs, the surrounding areas of Portsmouth offer a wide range of conservation reserves and peaceful outlooks to soak in the rolling hills and estuaries.

Spend a relaxing day at sea sailing along the British coast. Join your officers on the Bridge and learn about navigating through the English Channel or attend a presentation led by your naturalists. Take advantage of the amenities on board such as a rejuvenating spa treatment with the wellness specialist.

Spend the last two days of the expedition exploring the estuaries and beaches of Northumberland, the northernmost county in England, home to 23 different bird species. Once a medieval Anglo-Saxon kingdom encompassing present day northern England, this region is rich in striking coastlines and estuaries of the Tyne and Tweed rivers, as well as the ancient cities protecting this region for millennia. Choose to spend your days along the coast and estuaries, or venture inland to Hadrian's Wall to witness the last outpost of the Roman empire in this northern kingdom.

Disembark in Edinburgh and transfer to the airport for flights home.