9-Day Atlantic Europe: Normandy, Bordeaux & Portugal

Overview

A 9-night voyage aboard Rotterdam, departing Rotterdam on 22 Oct 2028 and arriving in Lisbon, calling at 8 destinations along the way.

Cabin prices

Live prices per person based on two sharing. Select a grade to see its fare options.

1. 1

   Day 1 ·Rotterdam, The NetherlandsEmbark

   22 Oct 2028

   Depart 17:00

   Often called the gateway to Europe, the port city of Rotterdam is full of old-world charm. The harbor offers amazing views and a maze of wharves and canals, along with towering spires make for a beautiful sight. Take a stroll and duck into one of the pubs or eateries along the way.
   Only three pre World War II buildings in the city centre have survived and are worth a look - city hall, St. Laurence church and the White House. Explore the Museum Boymans van Beuningen, which houses a unique collection dating from the 14th century, or the Museum Voor Volkenkunde - home to ethnological exhibits. Exquisite architecture can be seen in many areas of Rotterdam, most notably in the Delfshaven quarter of the city - where 18th century houses are on display. For a laugh, check out Kijk-Kubus, an upside-down house.
2. 2

   Day 2 ·Zeebrugge (Brussels)

   23 Oct 2028

   Arrive 07:00Depart 18:00

   From this busy port city tour to canal-laced Brugge; Brussels, home of the European Union; and Ghent, mecca for chocolate lovers. Sample shore excursion: Antwerp, City of Diamonds.
   
3. 3

   Day 3 ·Portsmouth, England, UK

   24 Oct 2028

   Arrive 08:00Depart 21:00
4. 4

   Day 4 ·Cherbourg

   25 Oct 2028

   Arrive 07:00Depart 17:00

   In the 20th century, Cherbourg’s biggest claim to fame was perhaps that it had been a vital port during the Allied forces’ D-Day invasion, which landed to the southeast and traveled overland to capture the well-defended city from the Germans. However, in recent years, Cherbourg has undergone a revitalization that makes it a great place to sample local delicacies in the Place de Gaulle Market and calvados (apple brandy) from nearby orchards, plus visit the historic sites in and near town. Can’t-miss attractions include the wonderful Cité de la Mer maritime museum, as well as the Roule Fort where the Americans ousted the Germans, now home to the Museum of the Liberation.
   
   Cherbourg is also a perfect jumping off point for exploring the sights of Normandy, like the D-Day landing locations on Utah and Omaha Beaches, the historic town of Bayeux—the base of William the Conqueror before he invaded England—and the stunning scenery and sea cliffs of the Cape of La Hague.
5. 5

   Day 5 ·At Sea

   26 Oct 2028
6. 6

   Day 6 ·Le Verdon (Bordeaux)

   27 Oct 2028

   Arrive 08:00Depart 18:00
7. 7

   Day 7 ·Bilbao

   28 Oct 2028

   Arrive 08:00Depart 18:00

   This Basque city combines a heady mix of ancient roots and ultramodern sensibilities. If you like modern design, Bilbao’s got striking architecture—like Frank Gehry’s shiplike Guggenheim Museum, the soaring Isozaki towers and Calatrava’s glass-bottomed Zubizuri Bridge. If you seek older cultural highlights, there are historic buildings, traditional Basque cuisine and inviting cobblestone streets to explore. Outside Bilbao’s bustling center, there’s lots to discover. Find sweeping views and surprising meals—both traditional and avant-garde—waiting to be savored in hilltop communities. Learn about the Basques’ tragic history and promising future in Guernica, the city bombed by Fascist forces and immortalized by Picasso. Or spend a day in San Sebastián, exploring the historic center, the boardwalk and the curving bay, setting some time aside to sample the city's famous Michelin-star worthy cuisine.
   
   
   
8. 8

   Day 8 ·At Sea

   29 Oct 2028
9. 9

   Day 9 ·Leixoes (Oporto)

   30 Oct 2028

   Arrive 07:00Depart 17:00

   From lovely Oporto enjoy a leisurely drive along the Rio d'Ouro (River of Gold) into port wine country. Hear the fascinating story of its origin; taste test the season's best.
   
   
10. 10

    Day 10 ·LisbonDisembark

    31 Oct 2028

    Arrive 07:00

    Find your way in the city that launched the Age of Discovery. Cross the River Tagus on its soaring suspension bridge, watched over by a colossal statue of Christ. Wander the maze of streets in the Alfama, the old Moorish quarter, dominated by the medieval Castle of St George where peacocks strut and shriek. Stroll the Baixa and refuse to leave without a pair of elegant shoes.
    
    

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