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Peregrine Travel Centre

Historic Ports of The Western Seaboard – Netherlands, Belgium, France, Spain & Portugal Cruise

Historic Ports of The Western Seaboard – Netherlands, Belgium, France, Spain & Portugal Cruise

From AUD $10,481

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Description

Follow in the footsteps of sailors, artists and royals as you discover Europe’s historic ports , from Oostende to Lisbon. Wander the ramparts of old Saint-Malo, see the Gothic Château in Concarneau and experience the wild beauty of Bilbao. From the classics like Honfleur and Santander to off-the-beaten-path Ferrol and Leixoes, you’ll be left with a timeless feeling, forever touched by the wonders of Western Europe.

Trip Name
Historic Ports of The Western Seaboard - Netherlands, Belgium, France, Spain & Portugal Cruise
Days
13
Overview
Vessel Type: Expedition Ship Length: 125 meters Passenger Capacity: 192 Built: 2022-2023 Arriving in early 2023, SH Diana will be the largest ship in our fleet, providing elegant and spacious 5-star accommodation for 192 guests in 96 spacious staterooms and suites, the vast majority with large balconies. Operated by an onboard team of 140 she will provide the highest levels of personal service and take Swan Hellenic back to its roots when she launches, exploring the Mediterranean and its famous sites of antiquity. Now sit back, relax and take a moment to get to know this amazing new ship, purpose-designed for our unique cultural expedition cruises. Named after the Ancient Roman goddess of light, the moon, hunting and the wilderness, SH Diana been specially designed for worldwide cruising to explore the most inspiring and inaccessible places on earth. Building on the outstanding amenities of her sister ships, she adds a dedicated Multifunctional Room next to the Observation Lounge, a Private Dining Room for special occasions, and two tenders which bring guests a comfortable alternative to Zodiacs for expedition landings. A Polar Class 6 ice-strengthened hull combines with extra-large stabilisers to make your journey as comfortable as possible. SH Diana has been designed for immersive experiences, with extensive outside deck areas, multiple observation points and bright, open and relaxing public spaces with unobstructed views. The pleasure and safety of our guests is paramount at all times, cared for by our attentive crew and seasoned expedition leaders. Cutting edge hygiene technology protects the health of all on board to the highest standards and includes air conditioning with UV sanitisation systems. SH Diana’s 96 staterooms , including 11 suites, are each a superbly comfortable home from home and all feature panoramic sea views, a flame-effect fireplace, original works of art, plush couches, premium pocket sprung mattresses, en-suite bathrooms with glass-enclosed rain showers, and Egyptian cotton towels, bathrobes and sheets. A pillow menu offers customised head and neck comfort during rest, while a large flat screen TV, espresso machine with Illy premium coffee, tea making facilities with the finest Kusmi teas, and a minibar with refreshments enhance relaxation at any time. In-room dining is of course available at all hours.

Itinerary



Day 1 - DAY 0 PRE CRUISE
 One-night pre-cruise accommodation with breakfast in a 4/5-star hotel or onboard
Day 2 - DAY 1 AMSTERDAM
 Amsterdam is a gorgeous Dutch city where a boat cruise along the canals gets to the heart of things. Yet, the magic also unfolds while strolling through narrow streets and crossing the hundreds of bridges. It houses a treasure trove of fabulous art museums, including the Rijksmuseum, adorned with Dutch Masters, conveniently located near the Van Gogh Museum. To the south, picturesque stretches of countryside with windmills line the canals.
Day 3 - DAY 2 OOSTENDE
 Once a retreat for European nobility, Oostende's charm lies in its sandy beaches, boardwalk, racetrack, 19th-century Belle Époque architecture, beachfront cafés and a harbour with seafood stalls. The Atlantikwall, a network of WWI and WWII bunkers, is now an open-air museum. Other museums include the Ensor Museum with James Ensor's maritime artworks, the Mercator aboard a 1930s three-masted ship, and Mu.ZEE, displaying Belgian art from the 1830s.
Day 4 - DAY 3 HONFLEUR
 Honfleur in Normandy has attracted artists for centuries, including Impressionist Claude Monet. Set on the Seine estuary, in the department of Calvados (known for apple brandy), this picturesque harbour town has cobbled streets and colourful 16th- to 18th-century townhouses around the Vieux Bassin (old harbour). An hour away is Bayeux, home of the famous Bayeux Tapestry, a 70m-long embroidery depicting the Norman conquest and Battle of Hastings.
Day 5 - DAY 4 SAINT-MALO
 The medieval coastal city of Saint-Malo is a labyrinth of streets. Dating back to the 12th century, Saint-Malo was once a haven for pirates and a stopping point for merchant ships. Today, colourful shops sit alongside aromatic markets, cafes and restaurants serving oysters, crêpes and cider. Intra-Muros, the ancient walled town, forms the heart of Saint-Malo, where the striking Gothic and Romanesque Cathédrale de St Malo dominates the skyline.
Day 6 - DAY 5 ROSCOFF
 The charming French port of Roscoff sits on a peninsula at Brittany's tip. Despite a history of privateers and smugglers, the little city is known for its richly decorated merchants' houses. Near the port, a local hotelier created an exotic garden growing more than 3,500 species of plants from the Southern Hemisphere. Roscoff is also the origin of Onion Johnnies, Breton farmers who crossed to England to sell Roscoff pink onions on their bikes.
Day 7 - DAY 6 CONCARNEAU
 The picturesque French port city of Concarneau is in the Finistère department of Brittany. On a tiny islet, Its medieval walled city has narrow alleys and ramparts. Nearby, the artist village of Pont Aven, discovered in the 1860s by American painters, became a popular stop for French artist Paul Gauguin who set up the École de Pont-Aven art movement known as synthetism. The local speciality, galettes are melt-in-the-mouth Breton butter biscuits.
Day 8 - DAY 7 ROYAN
 Royan, a French Atlantic coastal gem, features five beaches nestled between dunes and pine forests at the broad mouth of the Gironde. La Grande Conche, a 2 km stretch of golden sands, lures sun-seekers. Royan endured significant damage during an allied bombing on January 5, 1945. The town's charm continues to shine through its blend of belle époque villas and vibrant postwar architecture, including the distinctive Notre-Dame de Royan church.
Day 9 - DAY 8 BILBAO
 Bilbao, the de facto capital of the Basque region, is an industrial city renowned for its culture, skyscrapers and the Frank Gehry–designed Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, which sparked the city's revitalisation. The city’s many pintxo bars are a mainstay of the culinary scene, while the lively La Ribera Market dates back to the 14th century. Spain’s famous La Rioja wine region is a full-day trip from the port.
Day 10 - DAY 9 SANTANDER
 Santander, known for its beaches, unveils tales of a bygone era through medieval alleyways and ancient architecture. The Paseo de Pereda is a lush haven of gardens and sculptures. The city's history, dating back to Roman times, is marked by landmarks like the 13th-century Gothic cathedral, Catedral de la Asunción, and the Palacio de la Magdalena, a former royal summer residence. Santander is also renowned for traditional Basque cuisine.
Day 11 - DAY 10 FERROL
 With a rich seafaring history and scenic beaches, Ferrol, in A Coruña, Galicia, on the Atlantic coast, champions the Ferrol Naval Museum and the 16th-century San Felipe Castle. Nearby, La Coruña, dubbed the Crystal City for its glass-fronted buildings, showcases the 1st-century Hercules Tower, a UNESCO landmark. Santiago de Compostela, a famed pilgrimage centre, houses the cathedral believed to hold the remains of St. James the Great.
Day 12 - DAY 11 LEIXOES (OPORTO)
 Famed for its port wine and bridges over the river Douro, Portugal’s second city, Oporto (Porto) is a city of two halves. On the left bank is Gaia's famed port houses such as Graham’s and Taylor’s offer cellar tours and port tastings. Ribeira, on the right bank, has rows of colourful old houses that line the riverfront and narrow streets, while a vintage tram trundles to the Foz district. Blue azulejo tile murals cover Igreja de Carmo church.
Day 13 - DAY 12 LISBON
 Spread over seven hills with São Jorge Castle views, bustling Lisbon is one of the world's oldest cities. Elegant Baixa, hilltop Alfama with its yellow tram, and scenic Graça overviewing pastel buildings, are top areas. The Jerónimos Monastery in Belém is a World Heritage Gothic site. The classic Portuguese pastel de nata custard tarts are a local treat. Europe’s longest suspension bridge, the Ponte 25 de Abril, crosses the river Tagus.
Day 14 - Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change. 

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
30-07-202511-08-2025AUD $10,481Oceanview D4
30-07-202511-08-2025AUD $10,980Oceanview M4
30-07-202511-08-2025AUD $13,681Balcony D5
30-07-202511-08-2025AUD $14,380Balcony M5
30-07-202511-08-2025AUD $15,080Balcony D6
30-07-202511-08-2025AUD $19,081Junior Suite
30-07-202511-08-2025AUD $20,080Suite
30-07-202511-08-2025AUD $22,080Premium Suite

Inclusions

    • Follow in the footsteps of French artists Claude Monet and Paul Gauguin in Brittany and Normandy
    • Admire outstanding Gothic architecture while walking the granite ramparts of Concarneau and St Malo
    • Admire the striking ship-shaped Frank Gehry–designed Guggenheim Museum Bilbao

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