Itinerary: Cruise from Liverpool – Brest – Bordeaux (Overnight onboard) – El Ferrol – Gijon – Bilbao (Getxo) – La Rochelle – Lorient – Belfast – Return to Liverpool.
Ports of Call
Cruise from Liverpool
- Brest: Naval history and open Atlantic views. Visit the National Maritime Museum, cross the Penfeld by tram, or explore the covered market at Les Halles. It’s a working port with a clear Breton character.
- Bordeaux (Overnight onboard): Elegant streets and riverfront quays. See the Place de la Bourse and the Miroir d’Eau, tour the Cité du Vin, then enjoy a later supper ashore. The overnight stay allows for time to visit both galleries and take a stroll after dark.
- El Ferrol: Galicia’s naval dockyards and fortified entrance. Walk the Magdalena district grid, see the castles at the ria mouth, or take a short hop to A Coruña. It’s quieter than its neighbours, with neat 19th-century façades.
- Gijón: A seaside city with a broad bay. Explore the old Cimavilla quarter, visit the Laboral City of Culture, or walk the headland path. Local cider houses add a simple, regional flavour.
- Bilbao (Getxo): Gateway pier at Getxo for metro links into Bilbao. See the Guggenheim’s riverside curves, cross the Vizcaya Transporter Bridge, or browse the old town’s narrow streets. Industrial roots and modern design meet along the estuary.
- La Rochelle: Arcades, towers and a sheltered harbour. Climb the medieval Tour de la Lanterne, wander the old port, or visit the aquarium. It’s an easy town for walking and cafés.
- Lorient: Former submarine base and Brittany port. Tour the Keroman U-boat pens, take a boat to Île de Groix, or cycle the quays. Maritime history is often situated near good beaches.
- Belfast: Revisit Northern Ireland’s capital from a different angle. Take a Black Taxi tour for context, see the Botanic Gardens and Ulster Museum, or walk the Lagan towpath. The city strikes a balance between past and present with clarity.
Return to Liverpool