Embark on a 12-day cruise aboard the SH Vega. Departing from Lisbon, discover hidden ports and towns along the Atlantic coasts of Portugal, Spain, and France. Explore Brittany before reaching the historic naval city of Portsmouth. Immerse in Europe's maritime legacy by exploring old towns, medieval cities, steep streets, and enchanting gardens. Indulge in local delights, from port wine and cider to butter biscuits and crepes, while savoring the essence of each region's specialties.
Highlights
Explore Lisbon's colorful neighborhoods brimming with history, culture, and tradition
Experience Vigo's picturesque squares and hike to the top of Monte O Castro Hill
Discover Ferrol's rich history and culture, including the Ferrol Naval Museum and San Felipe Castle
Explore Gijon's colorful old houses and visit the Atlantic Botanical Garden
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
One of the oldest cities in the world, Lisbon’s technicolored past is evident just about everywhere. The medina-like streets of Alfama still bear Moorish influences. Baroque architecture surrounds you in Baixa, and the scars of the Great Lisbon Earthquake of 1755 can still be found throughout the city. It’s estimated that over 100,000 people died in what became one of history’s deadliest earthquakes. Today, Lisbon is a delightful mix of colorful neighborhoods brimming with history, culture, and tradition.
Portugal's second city, Oporto, is a city of two halves, known for stately bridges over Douro. On the left bank is Gaia, best known for its port houses such as Graham's and Taylor's, where you can enjoy a cellar tour or port tasting. On the right bank, Ribeira has rows of colorful old houses that line the riverfront and narrow streets. Head to the top of the hill to admire the blue azulejo tile murals in the Igreja de Carmo church, or ride a vintage tram to the Foz district.
Gateway to the Atlantic, the Spanish Atlantic city of Vigo is one of Europe's major fishing ports, known for its freezing and canning industry. Wander around the steep, narrow streets and picturesque squares of Casco Vello, the old town, towards the fish market. Hike to the top of Monte O Castro Hill, encompassing an ancient fortress and Castro's 3rd-century BC archaeological site. The Outlying Cies Islands are part of the Atlantic Islands National Park, renowned for its birdlife. Inland Santiago de Compostela, an important pilgrimage center, is a short bus ride away.
Ferrol is a city in the province of A Coruña in Galicia, Spain. It is on the Atlantic coast and has a rich history and culture. You can enjoy exploring the city’s many historic sites and museums, including the Ferrol Naval Museum, the San Felipe Castle, and the Jofre Theater. The city is also known for its beautiful beaches and natural scenery. Some popular attractions include the Playa de Doniños, the Playa de San Xurxo, and the Parque Reina Sofía.
With its colorful old houses, the Asturian port city of Gijon is surrounded by rolling green hills and is home to the Atlantic Botanical Gardens, packed with over 2,000 plants. Wander around the fisherman’s old quarter of Cimedevilla to see the monumental Eulogy to the Horizon sculpture, crafted from cement blocks by Basque sculptor Eduardo Chillida in 1990, and the Campo Valdés Roman Baths dating from around 100 AD. Local ciders are a specialty, best enjoyed in a traditional sideria.
Santander is renowned for its beautiful beaches, historic sites, and cultural attractions. Visitors can explore the city’s many museums and galleries, including the Centro Botín, the Museum of Prehistory and Archaeology of Cantabria, and the Museum of Fine Arts. The city also has many beautiful parks and gardens, including the Jardines de Piquío and the Parque de la Magdalena.
Sea days are rarely dull. Take the time to sit back and let the world go by. The ship’s observation decks provide stunning views of the passing ocean. A day at sea allows you to mingle with other passengers and share your experiences of this incredible trip, or head to the library full of reference books. Get an expert’s view in one of the on-board lectures, or perhaps perfect your photography skills with invaluable advice from professional photographers.
The enchanting coastal city of Saint-Malo is a labyrinth of medieval streets filled with history and culture. Dating back to the 12th century, Saint-Malo was once a haven for pirates and a stopping point for merchant ships. Today, you can find colorful shops and outdoor markets alongside aromatic markets, cafes, and restaurants. Oysters and crêpes are the local delicacies; sample some while here. The ancient walled town of Intra-Muros forms the heart of Saint-Malo. The striking Gothic and Romanesque Cathédrale de St. Malo dominates the skyline.
Cherbourg is a port town in the Manche department of Normandy, France. You can explore the city’s many museums and galleries, including the Cité de la Mer, the Musée Thomas Henry, and the Musée des Beaux-Arts. The city has many beautiful parks and gardens, including the Jardin Public de Cherbourg-Octeville and the Parc Emmanuel Liais. Some popular attractions include the Fort du Roule, the Basilique Sainte-Trinité, and the La Glacerie Golf Course.
Your port of call today is Honfleur, Normandy’s most charming port town. If it looks familiar, that’s because Honfleur was a favorite subject of Monet and many other artists, including Boudin, Corot, Courbet, Dubourg, Sisley, Bazille, and Daubigny. Thanks to landscapes by these masters, the town’s timber-framed houses and the appealing Vieux Bassin (Old Harbour) are part of your collective consciousness. Before the city became a refuge for 19th-century artists escaping Paris, in the 16th and 17th centuries, Honfleur was one of France’s most important ports.
Day 12: Portsmouth, England | Disembark
1 Breakfast
Your cruise ends in the UK’s only island city and the world’s oldest dry dock. With easy access by rail and road from airports in London and Southampton, Portsmouth has a long and proud naval heritage. Boarding your boutique ship, follow in the footsteps of Admiral Nelson and Henry VIII as you settle in for your voyage. If time permits, the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is worth a visit.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$9,4102-3 travelers
Rates are subject to change without notice. Book early to get the best rate.
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Oceanview D4
19 m2, Oceanview staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.
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Oceanview M4
19 m2, Oceanview staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.
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Balcony D5
28 m2, Located at the forward and aft of the ship, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or double bed bedrooms with a living room area, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6m2 balcony
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Balcony M5
28 m2, Located at the center of the ship, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or double bed bedrooms with a living room area, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6m2 balcony
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Balcony D6
28 m2, Located on deck six, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or double bed bedroom with living room area, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6m2 balcony
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Suite
44 m2, Our Suites features a super king bed and separate living room with and a soothing flame-effect fireplace a luxurious ensuite bathroom, and a 12 sq.m. private balcony.
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Premium Suite
49 m2, Our grandest suites feature a super king bed and separate living room with and a soothing flame-effect fireplace a luxurious ensuite bathroom, a spacious walk-in wardrobe, and a 12 sq.m private balcony.
Initial deposit is 20% (30% for Suite bookings), and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 130 days prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
11 Breakfasts, 9 Lunches, 10 Dinners
11 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Room Service
Wifi
Coffee, tea, soft drinks and selected alcoholic beverages available 24-hours per day
Lecture programs by our experienced expedition team and guest speakers
Onboard gratuities & port taxes
Branded Swan Hellenic expedition parka and use of rubber boots in Polar Regions.
Group return transfers from the airport to the cruise port (via our included accommodation where applicable)
One night pre-cruise accommodation with breakfast in a 4/5-star hotel or onboard
Excluded
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Flight costs (please request a quote)
Additional excursions during free time
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
Passport and Applicable Visa Expenses
We recommend every traveler to take out a travel cancellation insurance, travel interruption insurance and a travel health insurance policy with an assumption of the return transport costs of repatriation
Map
When to Go
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Good to ideal period to travel, and many people choose to visit at this time.
This was my first experience with Adventure Life - and I couldn't have been more pleased with the trip. The guides and local staff in both Buenos Aires and Uruguay were terrific - extremely helpful and accommodating. I really enjoyed meeting the friendly staff in Buenos Aires in person (I left my bags with them for the afternoon).
Karen Snider
TrustScore 4.8 | 176 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 176 reviews on
9 hours ago
Adventure Life is always an excellent choice when planning complicated, extreme, or exotic vacations or expeditions. They provide friendly professional services and advice and are enthusiastic and encouraging in helping us to prepare and thoroughly enjoy our trip. They handle all the details which greatly reduces the stress of planning a difficult trip. I'm very impressed with Adventure Life and definitely recommend them to friends and family.
Scott Trochim
2 days ago
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
4 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
5 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
