Itinerary: Cruise from Bristol – Le Verdon (tours to Bordeaux) – Getxo (for Bilbao) – Gijón – A Coruña (tours to Santiago de Compostela) – Porto (Leixões) – Lisbon – Lorient – Brest – Return to Bristol.
Ports of Call
Cruise from Bristol
- Le Verdon (tours to Bordeaux): Atlantic gateway to Médoc vineyards and Bordeaux’s quays. Taste at nearby châteaux or head into the city for the Cité du Vin and the cathedral. Riverfront walks and tram links keep it simple. Wine country and urban sights pair neatly in a day.
- Getxo (for Bilbao): Coastal town beside the Vizcaya Bridge. Take the metro into Bilbao to visit the Guggenheim and enjoy pintxos in the old quarter. Clifftop paths and beaches are just a short distance away if you stay local. City art or sea air—both are easy options.
- Gijón: Headland old town between broad beaches. Climb Cimavilla, see Roman remains, and loop the marina. Sidrerías make lunch straightforward—a clean mix of shoreline and history.
- A Coruña (tours to Santiago de Compostela): Promenade, lighthouse views, and a compact centre. Walk to the Tower of Hercules or take the run to Santiago’s cathedral. Maria Pita Square is perfect for a quick pause. It’s a clear plan from pier to plaza.
- Porto (Leixões): Port stop for Ribeira’s riverfront lanes and blue-tiled churches. Ride the tram or metro into the centre for a bridge walk and a cellar visit in Vila Nova de Gaia: Pastel de nata and a Douro view finish the loop. Easy transfers and strong landmarks.
- Lisbon: Hills, viewpoints, and river light. Tram through Alfama, then Belém for Jerónimos and the tower. Time allows a stroll in Chiado or along the waterfront. Significant sights sit on simple routes.
- Lorient: Breton harbour with wartime heritage. The Keroman U-boat base and Cité de la Voile tell the maritime story. Markets and crêperies lie near the centre. Compact and close to the quay.
- Brest: Sea walls, harbour paths, and Océanopolis for families. The castle houses the maritime museum. Bridges frame the river approach—a tidy final stop before the sail home.