Begin your journey in London, the vibrant capital of the United Kingdom, with an overnight stay aboard your ship, docked near the iconic London Bridge.

London, the official residence of the British monarch, financial powerhouse, and government seat, is the nation's economic and cultural heart. A city of dynamic contrasts, it balances deep-rooted traditions with modern energy. From Hyde Park to Westminster and Trafalgar Square, London offers endless historic districts and iconic landmarks to explore. Discover the National Gallery, stroll through Covent Garden, and visit Tower Bridge, then find tranquility in one of the city's many lush parks and gardens amidst the vibrant pace of the capital.

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.

The mere mention of Saint-Malo’s name is enough to plunge you back into the richness of its past. The fortifications testify to the Malouins’ determination to defend their citadel, fought over by France and Britain. When the ship drops 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 Francois-Rene de Chateaubriand, who was born here and chose to be buried here anonymously.

During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to 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 journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, do some shopping in the boutique, or 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. It is an enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest, and entertainment.

Bilbao, the capital of the Spanish Basque country, is one of the most avant-garde cities in Europe. Its architectural audacity, and ancient heritage will take you on a journey between traditions and innovations. An unusual cable car will allow you to reach the magnificent Guggenheim Museum, a unique construction of stone, glass, and titanium designed by the architect Frank Gehry, home to a collection of modern art and contemporary monumental sculpture. The old city's narrow streets and the unmissable Ensanche district are also worth a visit, as is the Vizcaya bridge, the world's first-ever transporter bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

La Coruña stands on a peninsula in north-west Spain. As you enter the harbor, you can see the imposing Castillo de San Antón, which houses archaeological collections from Galicia. In the old town, you travel back in time as you meander through the streets from the medieval church of Santiago to the contemporary Domus building, a museum dedicated to human biology and psychology. Brightly colored tramways connect to the waterfront, on one side, Riazor Beach, and on the other, the Hercules Tower. This lighthouse overlooking the Atlantic is a UNESCO World Heritage site, listed for its history dating back to Antiquity.

Nestling on the Atlantic coast, in the south of Galicia, the former fishing port of Vigo is now the region’s largest municipality. Its old town, more commonly known as O Berbés, will unveil its many historical monuments and the unusual architectural style of its homes. Off the coast, the Cíes Islands, declared a Nature Reserve and located in the Atlantic Islands of Galicia National Park, offer truly splendid landscapes and exceptional biodiversity. Further north, make sure you visit Santiago de Compostela, which welcomes many pilgrims worldwide every year. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, its historical center has significant architectural heritage.

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.

Portugal’s capital city, located on the banks of the Tagus, only a few kilometers from the Atlantic coast, has exceptionally rich cultural diversity. At the mouth of the river harbor are two UNESCO World Heritage monuments, Jeronimos Monastery and Belem Tower. The Alfama hillside is also worth visiting: known for its fado bars and Moorish streets, this district is the oldest in 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.