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Worldway Travels x A&K x Crystal Cruises: Europe’s Culinary Atlantic Coast
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Worldway Travels x A&K x Crystal Cruises: Europe’s Culinary Atlantic Coast

Portugal, Spain, France, United Kingdom14 days

The journey

Overview

Small plates in Lisbon, the Douro Valley’s finest pours, citrusy reds in Bordeaux and fresh oysters in Arcachon — while the menu might sound too good be true, that’s exactly what Worldway Travels x A&K’s Expedition Team is serving up on this connoisseur’s exploration of Europe’s Atlantic coast. Regional history, art and architecture are also on the menu, with a side of active adventure to balance it all out.

Highlights

  • Begin with a stay at the Tivoli Avenida Liberdade Lisboa and an exploration of Lisbon’s iconic sites
  • Our party of 60 Worldway Travels x A&K guests boards Crystal Symphony’s 12-day cruise from Lisbon to Portsmouth to experience the exceptional onboard dining, entertainment, service and suites that have earned Crystal the title of World’s Best Cruise
  • Your menu of included Worldway Travels x A&K shore excursions and onboard programming spans a host of interests such as history, architecture, art, food, wine and active pursuits — all led by Worldway Travels x A&K’s acclaimed experts
  • Sample the renowned wines of Bordeaux and the Douro Valley, sip port in Porto, taste tapas in Lisbon and savor oysters in Arcachon
  • Delve into the evocative World War II history of the Channel Islands and D-Day beaches of Normandy
  • Tread hallowed ground as you walk the Camino de Santiago pilgrims’ trail and tour the historic abbeys of Brest

Day by day

Day 1

Arrive Lisbon, Portugal – Queen of the Sea

Like the illustrated tins of its famous sardines, the pretty Portuguese capital is colorful, compact and packed with flavor. Trams and hilly streets tip travellers out into Bairro Alto’s lively bars, the chic beaches at Cascais and Alfama’s winding backstreets, which echo with the refrains of a fado singer. Settle in to your hotel in the heart of it all and unwind with an evening at leisure.

Day 2

Lisbon – Echoes of Explorations Past

Head to Lisbon’s waterfront to see the filigreed Belém Tower and jaw-dropping Jerónimos Monastery, an impressive symbol of Portugal’s power and wealth during the age of exploration. Complement your tour with a hands-on azulejos (Portuguese tile art) workshop or a visit to the National Coach Museum, home to a world-class collection of gilded Baroque coaches dating back to the 17th century. Alternat

Day 3

Lisbon – Welcome Aboard

Visit a historic wine estate for an exclusive tour and tasting. Afterward, head to Lisbon’s waterfront to board your vessel. Gather this evening for a welcome dinner.

Day 4

Porto – Petiscos Paired with Port

At once moody and magnificent, Porto is a city of brutish good looks, set on the steep terraced banks of the Douro River. Here, explore vibrant Cais da Ribeira, discovering its Stock Exchange Palace and St. Francis Church. Or, see why this region is renowned among foodies the world over as you set out on a culinary tour of Porto’s vibrant central market and beloved backstreet petiscos (tapas) tave

Day 5

A Coruña, Spain – Hallowed Pilgrim’s Trail

About an hour’s drive inland from the port of A Coruña, Santiago de Compostela marks the terminus of the hallowed Camino de Santiago, a network of pilgrimage routes dating to the ninth century. Explore the city’s cathedral and Old Town, followed by lunch with a Galician folklore dance performance. Alternatively, hike to Cape Finisterre, the last stop on the Camino de Santiago; explore the city’s b

Day 6

At Sea – Time to Unwind

Relax onboard as the team shares insights into your next destination, Bordeaux.

Day 7

Bordeaux, France – Intoxicating Art De Vivre

Not all Bordeaux’s pleasures come by the glass: a deal with a Chartrons antique dealer, the taste of a rum-sweet canelé, the 18th century grandeur of the Place de la Bourse. Explore Bordeaux’s Old Town, the 13th-century Cathedral of Saint André and the captivating Bassins de Lumières. Alternatively, delve into the region’s renowned viniculture with a tour and tasting at a wine estate or a visit to

Day 8

Bordeaux – A Parting Glimpse

Today, climb the slopes of Europe’s tallest sand dune at the Grande Dune du Pilat and experience the golden beaches, romantic Belle Époque atmosphere and fresh oysters of Arcachon. Or, opt for a visit the charming medieval village of Saint-Émilion.

Day 9

La Rochelle – Enduring Maritime Sentinels

Meeting the Bay of Biscay with two imposing watchtowers, the port town of La Rochelle boasts a proud maritime tradition stretching back to the 12th century. With this historic port as your staging point, head to taste Cognac’s renowned brandies or explore the salt marshes of Île de Ré.

Day 10

Brest – Gateway to Brittany

The daunting battlements of Brest Castle loom large over this historic port city, much as they have in some form for over 1,700 years. Relive the history of Brittany amid the half-timbered houses of Morlaix. Or, embark on a cultural or horticultural adventure nearby, each with its own historic abbey to explore.

Day 11

Guernsey, Channel Islands – Former German Stronghold

Set some 30 miles off the Normandy coast, Guernsey has been coveted for its prime location since neolithic times. Delve into the island’s history as you explore a wartime gun battery and vast underground hospital, visit the former home of French writer Victor Hugo, or walk a scenic clifftop path and sit down to a traditional teatime.

Day 12

Le Havre, France – Normandy Reflections

The gleaming, modern architecture of Le Havre belies the utter devastation this port city witnessed during the fierce fighting of World War II. Explore the region’s wartime legacy at the D-Day landing site of Omaha Beach as well as the Normandy American Cemetery and Visitors Center at Colleville-sur-Mer. Or, head to the quaint Norman port town Honfleur to explore St. Catherine’s Church and visit a

Day 13

Isle of Wight, Uk – England’s Holiday Home

Generations of English mainlanders have looked to the Isle of Wight for holidays full of sandy beaches, historic landmarks, fresh seafood and cozy coastal cottages. Experience this island enclave’s enduring appeal firsthand as you hike the coastal cliffs, visit the family retreat of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, browse a collection of over 30,000 rare and sub-tropical plants at the Ventnor Bot

Day 14

Depart London – The Voyage Ends

Disembark Crystal Symphony in Portsmouth and head to London to catch your flight or continue on your post-tour extension.

What's included

  • Expert local guides & seamless transfers
  • Carefully selected luxury accommodations
  • Selected meals & signature experiences
  • Private arrival & departure transfers

Not included

  • International airfare
  • Travel insurance
  • Visas where applicable
  • Gratuities & personal expenses

Accommodations

  • Tivoli Avenida Liberdade Lisboa
  • Choose From three Included Excursions
  • Crystal Symphony
  • Choose From one Included Excursions
  • Oporto (Leixões)
  • A Coruna

Frequently asked questions

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