Day 1 — Lisbon, Portugal

Arrive inLisbon, a city on seven hills located at the mouth of the Tagus River. Settle into your cabin this afternoon and set sail, passing two of Lisbon’s World Heritage monuments, theJeronimos Monastery and the Tower ofBélem, as we make our way toward the Atlantic. (D)

Day 2 — Porto

Dock inLeixõesand transfer to nearbyPorto, a former Roman outpost and the center of the port wine trade since the 17th century. Set on the steep banks of the Douro River, this World Heritage-listed city showcases artistic and architectural treasures derived from the civilizations that have occupied it—from the Romans and the Visigoths to the Moors and the Christians. Discover alluring Porto on your choice of two excursions. Visit the 12th-century cathedral and see stunning azulejos—Portugal’s traditional painted tiles—in the cloister. Stroll through the historicRibeiradistrict along the river, and take in expansive views from the platform of theDom Luis I Bridge, designed by a disciple of Gustav Eiffel. Continue to aport lodgeto learn about the history, manufacture, and consumption of Porto’s famous fortified wine, and sample several varieties. Alternatively, delve deeper into some of the city’s architectural gems on a tour of the ornateChurch of São Franciscoand theStock Exchange, a neoclassical palace known for its gold-coveredGolden Roomand its exquisiteArab Room, inspired by the Alhambra. Later, enjoy time on your own to meander through the lovely Ribeira district. (B,L,D)

Day 3 — Santiago de Compostela and A Coruña

Sail into a bay on the northwestern coast of Spain and go ashore in the town of Cee. Travel into the oak- and pine-forested hills ofGaliciato the region’s World Heritage-listed capital,Santiago de Compostela. Here, medieval pedestrian streets lead to the expansivePraza del Obradoiroand the grandRomanesque cathedral, a pilgrimage site since the Middle Ages said to enshrine the tomb of St. James. Take a walking tour of the city center including the town hall and thePalace of Saint Jerome. You’ll have free time to venture into the cathedral to see its distinctive medieval and baroque architectural elements. Gather for lunch at the stunningHostal de Los Reyes Catolicos, commissioned by Ferdinand and Isabella in 1501 to welcome pilgrims. Then drive through the countryside to meet your ship inA Coruña. Before we board, make a brief stop at theTower of Hercules, a World Heritage site that has served as a lighthouse since the Romans built it in the first century. (B,L,D)

Day 4 — Santander for Bilbao

Trace the northern coast of Spain toSantander, and travel overland toBilbao. Set off on a tour of this dynamic metropolis, where the traditions of the past live side by side with futuristic buildings of world renown. Begin at the remarkableGuggenheim Museum Bilbao, an iconic creation of titanium, granite, and glass designed by Frank Gehry. An expert guide will lead you through the contemporary art collection, after which you will have time at leisure to explore on your own. Then take a stroll through the narrow streets of theold city, where handsome Renaissance and baroque buildings coexist with modernist architecture. Highlights include the Gothic Cathedral of Santiago and the elegant Plaza Nueva,以其獨特的廊子。(B L D)

Day 5 — Cruising the French Coast

Sail theBay of Biscayinto French waters and continue north, enjoying a day to relax at sea as we follow the coast of France to Brittany. Take advantage of the ship’s superb amenities, opting for a treatment in the spa or a work out at the fitness center. If weather permits, go for a swim in the pool or read a book on the sundeck. Our Smithsonian Journeys Experts will present lectures on the region. Visit the ship’s upper deck to take in views of the open sea and perhaps spot seabirds or marine species. (B,L,D)

Day 6 — Saint-Malo, France, for Mont St. Michel

Our first port of call in France is the walled city ofSaint-Malo. Choose to spend the day discovering this seafaring city’s dramatic history, from its Celtic roots to its days as a base for privateers. On a walking tour of the walled city view the castle and ramparts, the house of Duchess Ann, and the cathedral where explorer Jacques Cartier is buried. Visit the 18th-century home of the powerful director of the French East Indies Company, now a French Historic Monument and hotel. Then enjoy a concert of medieval and Celtic musicand a tasting of the cider for which the region is renowned. Alternatively, take an excursion to theWorld Heritage site of Mont St. Michel, a fortified abbey perched on a tidal island. A pilgrimage site since the early 8th century, this tiny village began as a humble oratory and grew into an influential Benedictine monastery. Experience its extraordinary cloisters, refectory, stained-glass windows and visit theAbbaye du Mont-St-Michel, a three-story Gothic masterpiece. After lunch in a famous local restaurant, you’ll have free time to explore the village. (B,L,D)

Day 7 — Caen for Normandy Beaches

Located in the heart ofNormandy, Caenwas built by William the Conqueror with considerable help from his wife, Queen Mathilde of Flanders. Choose to delve into the city’s medieval history—and the legacy of William and Mathilde—on a guided tour that includes the Women's Abbeyand its 11th-century Church of the Holy Trinity, andCaen Castle, one of the largest walled fortifications in Europe. Damaged during the bombings of 1944, the Castle has since been restored and its extensive walls and towers are truly impressive. Take a walk on the castle ramparts for a view of the town, and visit theMen's Abbeyto seeSt. Stephen’s Church混合的建築傑作,簡單Norman style with Gothic intricacy. Or set out on an excursion to theNormandy beaches, where Allied soldiers made their dramatic landing on D-Day. Contemplate thousands of solemn crosses and Stars of David in theAmerican Military Cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer. Look out over the serene sands ofOmaha Beachand visit evocativePointe du Hoc, where U.S. Rangers scaled sheer cliffs under heavy enemy fire. (B,L,D)

Day 8 — Cruising the English Channel

Enjoy a final day at sea as Le Champlain plies the English Channel toward London. Hear engaging lectures by our experts, opt for a visit to the sauna or a massage, or find a comfortable spot to read or take in the views as we pass between the shores of England and France. (B,L,D)

Day 9 — London / Return Home

Arrive in London early this morning and disembark the ship after breakfast. Transfer to the airport for your flight home. (B)