For this cruise, Le Boreal will transform itself into a unique meeting place for a few lucky Epicureans. Tastings, cooking classes, and speakers specializing in wine and cuisine will help you discover and better appreciate what the French call "l’Art de la Table." Enjoy an elegant cuisine focused on pleasure, taste and beauty. This true celebration of gastronomy will delight you with original recipes from talented creators.
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Arrive in Lisbon. Board Le Boreal between 4:30 and 5:30 PM. Settle in to your cabin and familiarize yourself with the ship and her crew.
Day 2: Porto, Portugal
The city of Porto is located in the estuary of the Douro river in northern Portugal. The largest city in the region is considered the economic and cultural heart of the entire region. The historic Centre of Porto has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO (1996). One of Portugal's most internationally famous products, Porto wine, was named after the city because it was originally shipped from the area, or, more precisely, from Vila Nova de Gaia, a city just across the river which belongs to the same conurbation. Porto is well known for its enterprising spirit, characteristic culture, people, and local cuisine.
Choose from two optional excursions: Historic Porto, which will take you on a panoramic tour of the city by coach, and to a river cruise along the Duoro. End this trip at Vila Nova Gaia, where you can partake in a wine tasting of the local varietals.
The Aveleda Wine Tasting tour offers an opportunity to see main Oporto sights and an unique experience in one of "vinho verde" main producers: Quinta da Aveleda. Quinta da Aveleda has just been awarded with the international Best of Wine Tourism 2011 award, in the “Architecture, Parks and Gardens” category. The ivy-covered 17th century main house and its private chapel can be admired from outside but you will also visit the wine facilities, such as the old cellar and the wine bottling center. End the visit tasting two wines accompanied by local cheese. Enjoy some free time or visit the shop before returning to the ship.
Day 3: Viana do Castelo, Portugal
Viana do Castelo is one of the most beautiful Portuguese cities, in the Minho-Lima subregion of Northern Portugal. The Pilgrimage of Nossa Senhora da Agonia and the amazing views of the Lima River make this city unforgettable. Classified as a Mecca of Architecture, the city is famous for the monuments in and around the city, and the surrounding natural beauty.
Three optional excursions will take you into this gorgeous region:
Villages of North Portugal is a full-day trip through Caminha, into Ponte de Lima, and Viano do Castelo. At each stop, explore the small and historic villages on foot.
Wine Tour
This full day tour takes you the top of Church Santa Luzia and her magnificent panoramic view of Viana do Castelo. Your next stop is a wine producer. Paco d´Anha, a "quinta" with an ancient manor house in Vila Nova de Anha. Next up is another "Vinho Verde" wine producer. The history of the "Quinta de Merufe" goes back to the 15th century and you can witness it during your visit. The Winner of the Best of Wine Tourism on Sustainable Wine & Tourism Practices, see the vineyards, the cellars and taste five different types of region wine.
Viana do Castelo
Visit one of Northern Portugal treasures: Viana do Castelo. This town was founded in the 13th century , developed during the Manueline and Renaissance period, had a Baroque building boom in the 18th century and has always been connected to the sea, having till nowadays an important fishing community.
Day 4: Cee - La Coruna, Spain
Port details pending.
Day 5: At Sea
As you prepare for the next stops on your adventure, enjoy the ocean views from the deck, acquaint yourself with the ship's luxurious amenities, or simply relax as you cruise.
Day 6: Bilbao, Spain
Departing from the port, explore Bilbao on one of two optional excursions:
Guggenheim Museum & Bilbao takes you on a panoramic coach tour of the city before stopping at the iconic Guggenheim museum of modern and contemporary art. One of the most admired works of contemporary architecture, the building has been hailed as a "signal moment in the architectural culture." After some free time on your own at the museum, re-board your coach to the Old Quarter, where the narrow streets are lined with Renaissance, Baroque and Modernist buildings. As you stroll through this area, your guide points out the main sights including the Cathedral of Santiago, the Gothic Church of San Anton and the Plaza Nueva and arcaded square. Spend some free time exploring before returning to the ship by coach.
On La Cote de Biscaye excursion, discover the Cantabrian corniche, a fishing port or Bermeo and historic Guernica. First visit Bermeo, one of the area's most important fishing ports in the region. This colourful, working town has a large deep-sea fishing fleet that regularly operates off the coast of the Azores and southern Africa. Continue to Guernica, once the capital of the Basque Country. After the visit, drive to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe for a photostop before returning to the pier in Bilbao.
Day 7: Le Verdon - Bordeaux, France
Le Verdon sur Mer is situated on the Pointe de Grave on the Gironde estuary, close to large vineyards. Le Verdon also offers extensive beaches on the Atlantic coast and on the Gironde estuary, forests and marshland, cycling paths and hiking trails. The streams also offer a complete change of scenery, sail on the estuary or go and explore the Cordouan lighthouse on optional excursions.
Day 8: Bordeaux, France
Bordeaux is a port city on the Garonne River and is the ninth largest city in France and the world's major wine industry capital. It is home to Vinexpo,the world's main wine fair, and the local wine economy takes in 14.5 billion euros each year. Bordeaux wine has been produced in the region since the 8th century. The historic part of the city is on the UNESCO World Heritage List as "an outstanding urban and architectural ensemble" of the 18th century.
Choose among several half- or full-day excursions to explore this enchanting city.
Day 9: Bordeaux, France / Disembark
Following breakfast on board, disembark Le Boreal in Bordeaux. Transfer to the airport to continue your travels.
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.
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Superior Stateroom
8 cabins, 226 sq ft, located on Le Champollion Deck. A/C, king or twin beds, seating area and private bath.
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Deluxe Stateroom
28 cabins, 200 sq ft with private balcony. A/C, king or twin beds, seating area, private bath.
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Prestige Stateroom - Deck 4
Deck 4, 200 sq ft with 43 sq ft private balcony. A/C, king or twin beds, seating area, private bath.
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Prestige Stateroom - Deck 5
Deck 5, 200 sq ft with 43 sq ft private balcony. A/C, king or twin beds, seating area, private bath.
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Prestige Stateroom - Deck 6
Deck 6, 200 sq ft with 43 sq ft private balcony. A/C, king or twin beds, seating area, private bath.
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Deluxe Suites
3 suites, 290 sq ft with 54 sq ft private balcony, located on the Le France Deck. A/C, king or twin beds, seating area, desk, minibar, private bath.
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Prestige Suite - Deck 5
398 sq ft with 86 sq ft private balcony. A/C, king or twin beds, communicating cabins available. Separate living area, private bath.
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Prestige Suite - Deck 6
398 sq ft with 86 sq ft private balcony. A/C, king or twin beds, communicating cabins available. Separate living area, private bath.
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Owners Suite
1 suite, 484 sq ft with 97 sq ft private balcony. A/C, king or twin beds, communicating cabins available. Separate living, dining areas, private bath with large tub and shower, minibar, 2 flat screen TVs, DVD, CD, and IPOD, Video on demand, Satellite phone.
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.
Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
Meyer Smolen
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.