European Coastal Cruise: Portugal, Spain & France - Le Lapérouse
Voyage from Porto to London, exploring historic cities, tasting fine wines, and experiencing iconic landmarks from the comfort of your luxury ship.
SPECIAL OFFER
7.7
ECO SCORE
148
PASSENGERS
10
DAYS
2.5/5
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Western Europe: Drink It In
Welcome Aboard the
Le Lapérouse
Embark on a European expedition spanning iconic cities, seldom-visited ports and historic sites renowned the world over. Join a celebrated Expedition Team as you savor the wines of the Douro Valley and Bordeaux, go off the beaten path in Porto and Mont Saint-Michel, browse the collections of the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, visit the Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage route, and reflect on Normandy's legacy.
- • Experience the rich tradition of port wine in Porto, including a visit to a famous riverside lodge for a tasting session.
• Visit the historic city of Santiago de Compostela, the end point of the famous Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route.
• This itinerary provides the opportunity to explore a beautiful blend of heritage, natural beauty, and cuisine.
Travel Curator’s Insights:
Trip Sustainability Awards
Waste
740,000 plastic water bottles saved from use per year.
Conservation
Has won multiple awards for conservation efforts, and partners with 7+ organizations globally.
Community
Partnership with local foundations to facilitate positive empowerment and development of local inhabitants.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Porto, Portugal
Arrive in Porto, where you meet your fellow guests and Expedition Team. This afternoon, board your ship. Later this evening, enjoy a welcome briefing and reception aboard.
Included meals: Dinner
Day 2: Porto | Opulent City on the Rio Douro
Spend the day in the charming-yet-edgy star of the Iberian Peninsula, Porto. Here, explore the vibrant Cais da Ribeira, discovering its Stock Exchange Palace and St. Francis Church, followed by a port wine tasting at a famous riverside lodge. 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 taverns.
Included meals: Breakfast, lunch, & dinner
Day 3: Santiago de Compostela, Spain | Holy Ground
Today, arrive in Cee and head out to explore the province of A Coruña and the city of Santiago de Compostela, the terminus of the Camino de Santiago, a network of pilgrimage routes dating to the ninth century. Choose to explore the city’s cathedral and Old Town, followed by lunch with a Galician folklore dance performance. Alternatively, choose a hike to Cape Finisterre, the last stop on the Camino de Santiago. For another option, explore Santiago’s bustling food market and restaurants, tasting local tapas, empanadas, cheeses and wines. At the end of the day, enjoy a local dinner shoreside before meeting up with your ship in A Coruña.
Included meals: Breakfast, lunch, & dinner
Day 4: At Sea | Cruising to Bilbao
Unwind as you cruise eastward through the Bay of Biscay, enjoying the ship’s amenities along the way. En route, the Expedition Team prepares you for tomorrow’s shore excursion to Bilbao with a series of enriching presentations.
Included meals: Breakfast, lunch, & dinner
Day 5: Bilbao | Shimmering Art in Basque Country
Arrive in Bilbao, a medieval city and proud Basque enclave that has transformed itself into a modern cultural mecca. Here, explore Frank Gehry’s spectacular Guggenheim Museum Bilbao. Alternatively, transfer to Guernica, a historic Basque city inextricably linked to the Spanish Civil War and immortalized in Picasso’s namesake masterpiece, or take a drive through to the quaint fishing town of Bermeo.
Included meals: Breakfast, lunch, & dinner
Day 6: Bordeaux, France | Intoxicating Art de Vivre
Bordeaux offers an exciting mix of castles, vineyards, art and urban street life. Here, explore the Old Town, the 13th-century Cathedral of Saint André and the immersive digital art exhibition of the Bassins de Lumières. Alternatively, delve into Bordeaux’s rich wine heritage with a tour and tasting at a local estate. Or, visit the seaside resort town of Arcachon, where you'll experience its golden beaches, soak in its romantic Belle Époque atmosphere and savor a sampling of fresh local oysters renowned as some of Europe's finest.
Included meals: Breakfast, lunch, & dinner
Day 7: At Sea | Cruising to Saint-Malo
Relish a day of relaxation aboard, perhaps enjoying some time in the spa or conversing with newfound friends. Your Expedition Team shares insights into your next destinations, Saint-Malo and Mont Saint-Michel.
Included meals: Breakfast, lunch, & dinner
Day 8: Saint-Malo | Gateway to Mont Saint-Michel
Arrive in Saint-Malo, a historic fortified port renowned for its walled battlements, idyllic beaches and regional gastronomy. Once ashore, explore the city’s market, 15th-century buildings and Fort National. Alternatively, you might visit Mont Saint-Michel, a stunning village perched atop a tidal island. Here, wander its steep cobblestone streets and climb over 350 steps to reach its famed abbey. Or, visit Dinan, a walled Breton town renowned for its 14th-century castle. For yet another option, travel to the D-Day landing site of Omaha Beach, as well as the Normandy American Cemetery and Visitors Center at Colleville-sur-Mer.
Included meals: Breakfast, lunch, & dinner
Day 9: Ouistreham | Reflections on Normandy's Legacy
Arrive in Ouistreham, a historic and charming seaside town that serves as Caen’s main port. Here, you might opt to stroll the sprawling seafront promenade from Lion-sur-Mer to Hermanville-sur-Mer. Or, visit the World War II memorial at Pegasus Bridge and the No 4 Commando Museum commemorating the 177 French servicemen who landed on Normandy’s Sword Beach. Alternatively, you may opt to explore the local beachfront or market.
Included meals: Breakfast, lunch, & dinner
Day 10: Depart London, England
Disembark in Dover and continue on your post-tour extension to the Cotswolds, or transfer to London airport for your return flight.
Included meals: Breakfast
*Please note: The above itinerary is reflective of the May 2025 voyage. The September 2024 voyage is very similiar, but runs from London to Lisbon and includes a stop in Honfleur instead of Ouistreham.
Le Lapérouse
Environmentally friendly, fitted with innovative equipment and complete with lounges designed to be largely open to the exterior, this new and intimately sized yacht offers a unique type of cruise experience. Onboard this ship sailing under the French flag, you'll experience the incomparable pleasure of a cosily intimate cruise offering the possibility of exploring an ever-increasing range of destinations in an ethnic chic ambiance and with five-star service. The Blue Eye, a multi-sensorial underwater lounge offering a unique experience unlike anything else in the world. The cabins onboard Le Lapérouse offer complete and absolute comfort. Tastefully decorated, the ship's 92 cabins and suites combine light tones and touches of blue with a softly muted, refined atmosphere. With their private balconies and terraces, all cabins benefit from high levels of light and luminosity and offer breathtaking views out towards the horizon.
• Capacity: 148 guests (Ship carries 184)
• Cabins: 92 cabins
• Specialists: Highly Credentialed Naturalists & Experts, 1.1.3 Guest to Staff Ratio
ACHIEVEMENTS
Condé Nast Traveller's "Europe's Leading Luxury Tour Operator" - 2022
Travel Weekly's "Best Tour Operator - Luxury" (17 Years)
Afar Magazine's "Best Cultural Trips" 2020
"Le Lapérouse is one of the most luxurious expedition ships at sea, and when operated by this world-class company, her voyages come alive with expert guiding and off-the-beaten-path itineraries. If you're looking for a way to see the world in comfort and style with expert service, enthusiastic staff, and a fantastic education program, we heartily recommend this lovely ship."
Wild Nectar
Life On Board
Deck Plan
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Questions?
Rates
Exploring Europe from a ship is truly a dream. Unpack once and let your world class expedition staff flawlessly manage all the logistics. Visit three countries and peer behind the scenes on local food expeditions, wine tastings, historical sites and trips to local markets, all while enjoying the amenities of a floating luxury hotel. Heaven.
Joy Martinello, Founder
Questions?
What’s Included & Cancellation Policy:
WHAT'S INCLUDED:
An exclusively chartered, all-inclusive voyage led by an expedition team and local guides; airport meet and greet and transfers; private balcony with every onboard accommodation and butler service with every suite; maximum personnel-to-guest ratio of 1 to 1.2 and ship occupancy limited to 80 percent; culinary program featuring french-inspired cuisine, including house drinks, afternoon tea and pastries; 24-hour room service and breakfast in bed on board; choice of curated, all-inclusive shore excursions; enrichment program, lectures and presentations; Traveller’s Valet® laundry service on board; all gratuities, port charges and taxes; complimentary Wi-Fi on board and in hotels; onboard service from an english-speaking staff, including an accredited physician; 24/7 on-call support.
NOT INCLUDED
Travel Insurance; international and internal airfares, unless otherwise noted; costs associated with obtaining passports or entry visas; airport departure taxes, unless otherwise noted; excess baggage charges; gratuities to the crew members; meals other than those specified in the itinerary; beverages other than those noted in inclusions above; sightseeing not included in the published itinerary; and personal expenses such as communication charges and optional activities (which are subject to availability).
