Portugal’s capital city located on the banks of the Tagus, only a few kilometers from the Atlantic coast, is a city of exceptionally rich cultural diversity. At the mouth of the river harbor, impose two UNESCO World Heritage monuments, Jeronimos Monastery and Belem Tower. Sample the local delicacies such as the pasteis de nata—delicious creamy bakery flans. On the Alfama hillside, as you explore the Moorish streets, you may well hear sounds of fado drifting from the bars. Along Chiado’s elegant streets, big fashion labels entice you for a bit of luxury shopping.

Located at the mouth of the Douro River, the port of Leixoes lies less than 10 kilometers from Porto. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the historic center 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 de Reis museum. The Sao Bento station is also interesting for its typically Portuguese decoration, using Azulejos, blue square ceramic tiles decorated with geometric patterns or figurative scenes.

During your day 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 center. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call is the perfect opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they are able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observer marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

Bordeaux stretches along the banks of the Garonne river, in South-West France. Its rich wine tradition makes it the world capital of wine. You can uncover this city’s secrets in the Bordeaux Wine and Trade museum as well as in the bars housed in the historical wine cellars of the old city center. Let yourself be carried away by the history of the 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.

Discover Pauillac, a town in southwestern France located a few kilometers away from Bordeaux, stretching along the Gironde. The undisputed capital of Médoc, Pauillac opens up its magical universe for you, from culture and heritage to vineyards and châteaux. This stop can be a voyage of myriad flavors, particularly during the tasting of the region’s wines, revealing their soft ruby colors 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.

Lying around 50 kilometers north-west of Bordeaux, in the Medoc wine region, Château Latour boasts a strategic position recognized from the 14th Century, with the creation of the Saint-Maubert tower. The heart of its terroir, l’Enclos, enjoys a particularly mild climate, influenced by the sea and the estuary of the Gironde River. Owned by Artémis Domaines, each year Château Latour’s vineyards produce truly excellent and world-renowned fine wines. During your cruise, enjoy an exceptional gala dinner where each course is accompanied by a selection of the best grands crus from the Medoc.

Lying to the South of Brittany, Belle-Île is very aptly named. The largest of the Ponant islands, it owes its glowing reputation to its exceptional environment and generous natural attributes: pristine moors and dunes, headlands and cliffs cut into granite points, rocky inlets, and sheltered bays with sandy or pebble beaches. Aboard your ship, let the wild coastline of Belle-île-en-Mer surprise you, this little speck of land lying on the ocean, sparkling with colors in the morning light.

Guernsey is an atypical and unforgettable port of call. This Channel Island will delight you with its mild, iodic climate and its green and floral landscapes. Don’t be surprised to come across dolmens and menhirs here and there, testifying to the long history of the island and its rich heritage. The attractive capital of St. Peter Port is characteristic of the delightful British atmosphere that gives the island its charm. The memory of the great writer Victor Hugo is also very present, as he lived for fifteen years in exile in Guernsey. His home, Hauteville House, preserves his memory. The incredible richness of the decoration gives a clear illustration of the creative genius of this great man.

A treasure of the Côte Fleurie, Honfleur is located on the edge of la Critique de Rouen in Normandy. Admire the historical ships moored in its old port. With its tall, slate-covered houses, the quays provide a great setting for a very nice walk. In the streets behind the harbor, you will see many timber houses. These picturesque places were the cradle of several pre-impressionist painters. You can see their works in the Eugène Boudin museum. Exhibited works represent scenes of medieval streets and the coastline as it used to be, as illustrated by the Butin beach and its lush green hillsides.

Located to the south-east of London, Portsmouth is one of the three most important military ports in England. This maritime tradition takes shape in the Historic Dockyard, the home of Portsmouth's arsenal, where emblematic ships are to be found, including HMS Victory, captained by Admiral Nelson at the Battle of Trafalgar. The hometown of Charles Dickens and the adopted home of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, author of the celebrated adventures of Sherlock Holmes, Portsmouth is not short of attractions with its parks, seafronts and city walls. Do not miss the view over the city from the Spinnaker Tower, taking the form of a great sail and soaring from 170 meters into the air, making it one of the highest monuments in the United Kingdom. Disembark and continue your independent trip back home.