Embark on a 10-day cruise aboard the Le Champlain, cruising the scenic coasts of France, Spain, and Portugal. Start your journey in London, England. Spend the first night docked near London Bridge. Afterward, sail down the River Thames, through the Strait of Dover, and along the English Channel. Explore the historic castle built during William the Conqueror’s reign in Caen, France, or venture further to Normandy’s Omaha Beach, a key site of the D-Day landings during WWII. Next, visit Saint-Malo, a picturesque town in Brittany, and the gateway to the UNESCO-listed Mont-Saint-Michel, a stunning medieval abbey on a tidal islet. After a day at sea, Le Champlain arrives in Bilbao, Spain, where you can experience a blend of modern architecture, including the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao and the city’s rich cultural traditions. In A Coruña, Spain, explore the Tower of Hercules, a Roman lighthouse still in use, and discover the city’s historical importance during the Spanish Armada and the Napoleonic Wars. Your next stop is Vigo, where a visit to the nearby Santiago de Compostela awaits. This pilgrimage city is famed for its Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque landmarks. From Leixões, head to Porto, Portugal’s northern gem, known for its wine and UNESCO-listed historic center. The journey concludes in Lisbon, Portugal’s vibrant capital.
Highlights
Explore London’s iconic landmarks, including Hyde Park and Westminster
Discover Caen's historic castle and its ties to William the Conqueror
Visit Saint-Malo’s medieval citadel, a testament to its naval past
Stroll through Lisbon’s Alfama district, known for its fado and charm
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.
London, the vibrant capital of the United Kingdom, serves as the residence of the British monarch, a financial powerhouse, and the seat of government. A city that seamlessly blends tradition with modernity, it boasts a wealth of historic districts and iconic landmarks. London pulses with energy from the expansive Hyde Park to the bustling City, Westminster, and Trafalgar Square. Explore world-class attractions like the National Gallery, Covent Garden, and Tower Bridge while finding moments of serenity in the city's lush parks and gardens.
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.
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 severely 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, which France and Britain fought over. 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 François-René de Chateaubriand, who was born here and chose to be buried here anonymously.
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. It is a truly 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 its 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, 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. 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.
Day 10: Lisbon | Disembark
1 Breakfast
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 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.
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.
$6,7802-3 travelers
Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.
Deluxe Stateroom
Area: 19 m². 4m² private balcony with French window. King-size bed or twin beds, and shower.
Prestige Stateroom Deck 4
Area: 19 m². 4m² private balcony with sliding bay window. King-size bed or twin beds, and shower.
Prestige Stateroom Deck 5
Area: 19 m². 4m² private balcony with sliding bay window. King-size bed or twin beds, and shower.
Prestige Stateroom Deck 6
Area: 19 m². 4m² private balcony with sliding bay window. King-size bed or twin beds, and shower.
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.
Prestige Suite Deck 5
Area: 38 m². 8m² private balcony with sliding bay window. King-size bed or twin beds, and shower.
Prestige Suite Deck 6
Area: 38 m². 8m² private balcony with sliding bay window. King-size bed or twin beds, and shower.
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.
Grand Deluxe Suite
Area: 45 m². 30m² private balcony with sliding bay windows. King-size bed or twin beds, and shower + bathtub.
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
9 Breakfasts, 8 Lunches, 9 Dinners
9 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.
A program of onboard enrichment provided by two Smithsonian Journeys Experts
One included shore excursion in each port of call (see “Itinerary” for more information and choice of excursions, if applicable)
Transfer from the ship to the airport in Lisbon at the end of the cruise on the morning of disembarkation
Transfers and luggage handling from the airport in London to the ship on the day of embarkation
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
Kate was great to work with in the planning stage. She was prompt, helpful, and efficient. Our tour guide, Edwin, was knowledgeable and passionate. We were very happy to have traveled with Adventure Life, it made the trip easy and a true pleasure. We could concentrate on enjoying the experience rather than the details of travel.
Creating a checklist was very beneficial and meeting objectives on certain dates helped as well (to keep my trip organized). The Adventure Travel personnel helped keep me on track which is why my trip was so successful. Communication from both travel agencies (AT/MT) was vital.
Iziah Carthens
1 day ago
This is an amazing company to work with. I generally do not use tour companies as I am more of an independent traveller so I was slightly reticent. They were fantastic from the start - 10/10 - from lining up a phone call to discuss requirements, then their ongoing communication in the lead up to the tour and during it (thank you, Franny and Phen). They also explored cost-effective options (eg group transfers). The tour was in Patagonia so Adventure Life organised a pickup from the El Calafate airport to the El Chalten accommodation, two day hikes with a private guide and then to the El Calafate accommodation. A tour coordinator came to the hotel to explain, using the maps, what was involved in each day tour and what should be expected, and patiently answered all questions. The tour guide Marcos was excellent - very professional, knowledgable, communicative and at all times felt very safe with his navigational skills (important in the Patagonian wilderness). On the second day I forgot to take hiking poles so Marcos kindly gave me his. I honestly wouldn't have changed a thing and would happily recommend and book through them again.
Petrina Sta
3 days ago
Adventure Life has been great throughout my planning process for our up and coming Galapagos cruise. Kevin Moore, in particular, was very helpful in assisting me in making choices and providing me with options. He was also very patient, as I worked through figuring out what I really wanted in this vacation.
Lucy Greenway
3 days ago
Adventure Life was a pleasure to work with. They helped us find different options for our charter and answered a lot of questions with patience and clarity.
Brooke Hopper
4 days ago
Excellent service, great hotels and well organized excursions with expert guides! Highly recommended!
