sail with PONANT aboard Le Champlain for a 9-day cruise along the coasts of Portugal, Spain, and France. Your voyage begins in Lisbon, Portugal’s capital. Enjoy strolling through the narrow streets of this “city of seven hills,” or hop aboard one of the city’s famous yellow street trams to navigate its slopes. continue to Galicia and the city of Cee in Spain. Not far from here, Santiago de Compostela awaits you for an extraordinary visit on Easter Sunday. Le Champlain will then sail to Santander for an excursion to the capital of the Spanish Basque Country, Bilbao. Your ship then continues along the English Channel, through the Strait of Dover, and up the River Thames before ending in London, England, the cosmopolitan capital of the United Kingdom, where you will disembark.
This cruise is part of a collection of PONANT voyages that are specially tailored for English-speaking travelers who want to engage with the world. In alliance with Smithsonian Journeys.
Highlights
Explore Historic Centre of Oporto, Santiago de Compostela, Tower of Hercules, and Mont-Saint-Michel
Visit to the magnificent Guggenheim Museum Bilbao
Explore Christian pilgrimage site of Santiago de Compostela on Easter Sunday
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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. 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 luxury shopping.
Located at the mouth of the Douro River, the port of Leixões 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 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.
Cee is located at the end of a bay on the north-western Spanish coast. A stone’s throw from the marina, the maritime promenade is a great place to stroll alongside one of the town's beaches or luxuriant gardens. The center can be reached by a pleasant walk down quaint streets bordered by pines and palms. These streets lead you to the market square with its shops offering a profusion of all kinds of delicious food. You’ll want to dally under the arcades and perhaps be tempted by a slice of bica gallega, a regional cake that’s both moist and crunchy. Try it with a cortado or a machado, two delectable espresso drinks.
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 seafronts with a succession of Belle Époque buildings.
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 will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, 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.
The mere mention of Saint-Malo’s name is enough to plunge us back into the richness of its past. The fortifications stand as testimony to the Malouins’ determination to defend their citadel, fought over by France and Britain in turn. When we drop anchor here, immerse yourself in the diversity of its heritage: the time when privateers sailed the oceans in search of trade and victories; the legendary yacht races the port city is still famous for, such as the Route du Rhum; and the final resting place of the French writer François-René de Chateaubriand, who was born here and chose to be buried here anonymously.
Located in the heart of Normandy, Caen is the city that William the Conqueror built. Caen Castle, one of the largest walled fortifications in Europe, as well as a Men's Abbey and a Women's Abbey — all, were built in the late 11th century by William and his wife, Queen Mathilde of Flanders, both of whom are buried here. Caen is also the site of the first successful action of Allied operations on D-Day, June 6, 1944, when British Airborne forces secured two bridges between Caen and the English Channel. Though the city was badly damaged during WWII, it has now been restored and serves as a monument of French resilience.
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 will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, 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 9: London | Disembark
1 Breakfast
The main residence of the British monarch, financial hub and seat of the British government, London is the economic and cultural heart of the country. A city of contrasts, attached to its traditions while buzzing with modernity, the capital of the United Kingdom has countless historic districts and notable sites to explore. From Hyde Park to the City through Westminster and Trafalgar Square, get ready to take on Londonﾒs frenetic tempo. In between a visit to the National Gallery, a stroll through Covent Garden and a trip to Tower Bridge, you can take a quiet breather in one of Londonﾒs many beautiful parks and gardens.
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.
Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.
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Deluxe Stateroom
Area: 19 m². 4m² private balcony with French window. King-size bed or twin beds, and shower.
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Prestige Stateroom Deck 4
Area: 19 m². 4m² private balcony with sliding bay window. King-size bed or twin beds, and shower.
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Prestige Stateroom Deck 5
Area: 19 m². 4m² private balcony with sliding bay window. King-size bed or twin beds, and shower.
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Prestige Stateroom Deck 6
Area: 19 m². 4m² private balcony with sliding bay window. King-size bed or twin beds, and shower.
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Deluxe Suite
Area: 27 m². 6m² private balcony with sliding bay window. King-size bed or twin beds, and shower. Up to 3 passengers per cabin.
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Prestige Suite Deck 5
Area: 38 m². 8m² private balcony with sliding bay window. King-size bed or twin beds, and shower.
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Prestige Suite Deck 6
Area: 38 m². 8m² private balcony with sliding bay window. King-size bed or twin beds, and shower.
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Privilege Suite
Area: 32 m². 8m² private balcony with sliding bay window. King-size bed or twin beds, and shower. Up to 4 passengers per cabin.
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Grand Deluxe Suite
Area: 45 m². 30m² private balcony with sliding bay windows. King-size bed or twin beds, and shower + bathtub.
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Owner's Suite
Area: 45 m². 30m² private balcony with hot tub and sliding bay windows. King-size or twin beds and shower + bathtub.
Notes
Please Note:
Fares are based on double occupancy and are capacity controlled. Rates may increase at any time as the ship sells out and subject to change without notice.
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
8 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 8 Dinners
8 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Port Fees
Unlimited Wifi
Onboard Entertainment
Captain’s Welcome Cocktail and Gala Dinner
Gratuities to Onboard Crew
“Open Bar” (pouring wines, house champagne, alcohol except premium brands...list available upon request)
24h Room Service (special selection)
English-Speaking Lecturer
Highly experienced and bilingual (French-English) expedition staff
Park Entry Fees into Protected Areas
Water sports activities (except scuba diving) using the ship’s equipment, when permitted by local authorities and confirmed by ship Master according to safety and sea conditions onsite.
Excluded
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Flight costs (please request a quote)
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
Visa Fees
Optional Excursions - Ponant allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately six to two months prior to the cruise* departure. Please note that this is subject to change. Please contact us for more details.
Any ground services before and/or after the cruise other than the ones mentioned
Luggage Handling
Laundry Services, Hair Salon, and à La Carte Spa Treatments
Pre or post cruise programs, overland programs or shore excursions
Beverages other than the ones mentioned in inclusions
CDP recommends that every Traveler has full and adequate travel insurance covering the risks of cancellation, assistance being required, repatriation, damages to and loss of baggage, and medical expenses
This was our first trip to South America and we were a little nervous. But Adventure Life made things so easy! All our questions were answered before we left, and our guide, Vidal, was amazing! He gave us enough space to explore without rushing us along. He also knew where the best picture taking opportunities were, which was great.
Lindsay Gompf
TrustScore 4.8 | 174 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 174 reviews on
1 day 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
2 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
