Viking Oceans Cruises – NEW! Iberia, France & England Explorer (Portugal, Spain, France, England) 12 Days

Lisbon, Portugal
Embark your ship and settle into your stateroom. Lisbon has inspired explorers for centuries with its stunning setting at the Tagus River’s mouth. Its labyrinthine streets carry echoes of 16th-century navigators who sailed on the winds of the Age of Discovery. The city prospered greatly from its trade. And today’s streets are lined with the legacies of wealthy builders, including the Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower, stunning works that introduced Manueline architecture. Savoring local cuisine and port wine are favorite pastimes here. On any evening, the strains of fadospill from clubs in the historic Alfama District.

Lisbon, Portugal
Throughout Lisbon, fascinating monuments tell this proud city’s story. Along the riverfront, in Praça do Comércio, an equestrian statue at its center represents Portugal’s King José I, who capably rebuilt the city following the devastating 1755 earthquake. Among the most recognized of Lisbon’s monuments is the grand Monument to the Discoveries on the banks of the Tagus River, displaying statues of more than 30 contributors to exploration, whose bravery and spirit still shape the culture of this vibrant European capital.

Shore Excursions – Lisbon City Drive
Duration: 4 hours
Witness the enduring legacy of the Age of Discovery in Portugal on this tour of Lisbon’s grandest landmarks. On the banks of the Tagus River, gaze up at the Monument to the Discoveries, inaugurated on the fifth centennial anniversary of explorer Henry the Navigator’s death. Nearby is Belém Tower, a UNESCO Site and a reminder of the great maritime discoveries that laid the foundations of the New World. Another UNESCO Site is the Jerónimos Monastery at the entrance to Lisbon’s harbor. You can also see the 25th of April Bridge, named for the date of the revolution that restored democracy to Portugal. With your guide, view the riverside statue of Christ the King looking over the city, and pass beautifully landscaped Eduardo VII Park, named for England’s king, who visited here to improve Anglo-Portuguese relations. After your insightful tour, return to your ship.

Porto (Leixões), Portugal
Porto holds a place of great traditional importance. The town lends its name to the port wine produced in the region and throughout the nation. Located along a rocky embankment, the city boasts picturesque neighborhoods, fashionable restaurants and lively markets. Like Lisbon, Porto has a rich past; its historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site of narrow cobblestone streets brimming with romantic buildings spanning the centuries and a Romanesque cathedral. At the riverside, small barcos rabelos, boats once used to transport casks of wine, paint a charming scene.

Shore Excursions – Porto by Foot
Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes
Get to know the city built on port, the fortified wine for which it is named. Straddling the Douro River, Porto is a vital center of education, religion, trade and industry. You will meet your guide at your ship, then head into the heart of the “City of Granite.” Thanks to the frequent use of this stone in the architectural landscape, the city has a grand appearance. In the Cordoaria district, you will view the masterful exterior of the Clérigos Tower, or Clergyman’s Tower. Once Portugal’s tallest structure, it was designed by Italian architect Nicolau Nasoni. Continue past the city’s Romanesque cathedral, built in the 12th century, and stop to admire its facade. En route back to your ship, pass through Aliados Avenue and gaze up at the beautiful buildings that line the street.

A Coruña, Spain
The stunning Atlantic setting of A Coruña lends this historic city a wide-open feel. The Roman-era Tower of Hercules is a lighthouse that has been in continuous operation since the 2nd century. The coastal San Antón Castle once defended northern Spain from seafaring intruders. The city is known for the historic row of houses along Avenida de la Marina; these 19th-century buildings are fronted by white-glazed glass balconies that, viewed side by side, form a wall of white. The city’s bicycle-friendly promenade leads to the glass Millennium Obelisk monument and Orzán Beach.

Shore Excursions – A Coruña & the Old Town
Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes 
Discover the treasures of seldom-visited A Coruña. With your guide, set out on a panoramic city tour by motor coach, passing San Antón Castle and the Tower of Hercules, an imposing lighthouse and UNESCO World Heritage Site. This seaside marvel has been operating continuously since it was built by the Romans 2,000 years ago. Follow the promenade past the newly refurbished aquarium, the Domus (Museum of Mankind) and the beaches of Orzán and Riazor. You will conclude your scenic drive in the heart of A Coruña, famous for its distinctive window balconies, called las galerias, that adorn historic houses. The glazed-glass style of these balconies was originally created for ships so that navy captains could see in inclement weather. Take a short walk through Maria Pita Square before returning to your ship.

Bilbao, Spain
The largest city in the Basque Country, Bilbao exudes culture and innovation. Famed for its stunning architecture, the riverside city is home to the Guggenheim Museum, designed by Frank Gehry, which has fast become Bilbao’s most recognizable symbol. The quaint streets that form the backbone of the Casco Viejo, or old town, are a maze of charming shops and bars with traditional pintxos—creatively presented small servings of bread, with delicious toppings. Bilbao’s gastronomic scene also extends to upscale eateries—it boasts a number of Michelin-starred restaurants.

Shore Excursions – Panoramic Bilbao
Duration: 2 hours 45 minutes
Enjoy a scenic drive to view the sights of Bilbao, including the iconic Guggenheim Museum. Meet your guide at the pier and board your motor coach, then sit back and relax as you listen to lively commentary. Head to Mount Artxanda to take in the stunning panoramas from the top. Spending time at the summit is one of the city’s most popular pastimes, and offers a number of eateries, a park and sports complex. Afterward, journey to the city center to Ensanche Square, and view its range of elegant stores. Then continue past the neo-Baroque style Arriaga Theater, modeled on the Paris Opera, and Arenal Bridge, to view the neo-Gothic Sagrado Corazon Church. From a distance you will get a glimpse of Frank Gehry’s Guggenheim Museum. Cap your tour with a stroll around the perimeter and admire the modern, contemporary structure of the city’s most recognized symbol.

Bordeaux, France
Capital of the Aquitaine region, Bordeaux is celebrated for its thoughtfully preserved 18th-century architecture. Together, its glorious buildings, many of them built on the wine trade, comprise the world’s largest urban UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today, honored as a City of Art and History, Bordeaux is a “Little Paris” of beautiful boulevards, Gothic and baroque churches, and lovely parks and gardens. The towering spire of the flamboyant Basilica of St. Michael is visible from all over the city, while the city’s green spaces are a delight to explore on foot.

Bordeaux, France
Stately mansions, restored houses and grand squares form the heart of Bordeaux’s old town. Among its treasures, the neoclassical Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux is the pride of the city. Another cultural gem, and a national monument of France, is the spectacular Cathedral of St. Andrew. In 1137, Eleanor of Aquitaine wed the future Louis VII in the cathedral when she was 13 years old. The elegant, 17-arched Stone Bridge is favored among the Bordelais for whiling away an afternoon and capturing views over the river, docks and the harbor.

Shore Excursions – Bordeaux Walking Tour
Duration: 7 hours 30 minutes
Walk the capital of the wine-growing region that has more protected buildings than any French city besides Paris. You and your guide will take a short stroll from your ship to the Monument des Girondines at the Esplanade des Quinconces. You can marvel at the majestic sculptures and fountains in the Place des Quinconces, Europe’s largest square. From there, you will walk to the Place de la Comédie, a pedestrian-friendly square that is home to the magnificent Grand Theatre de Bordeaux. This 18th-century, neoclassical masterwork is distinguished by its 12 Corinthian columns. After some free time, your guide will lead you on a tour of Notre Dame, the most Romanesque-style church in Bordeaux. Your walking tour culminates at the beautiful Place de la Bourse, where the world’s largest reflecting pool, the Miroir d’eau or Water Mirror, spreads out like glass amid stately buildings.

Sail the Atlantic Ocean
Sail the Atlantic Ocean, divided in half, north to south, by the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Longer than the Rockies, the Himalayas and the Andes combined, this underwater mountain range is the longest on Earth. Renew your body, mind and spirit in our Scandinavian-inspired Spa, a Nordic sanctuary of holistic wellness, today while at sea. Whether you unwind in the Sauna, refresh in the Snow Grotto or take a dip in the Thermal Pool, you will feel recharged and revitalized.

Paris (Honfleur), France
Honfleur is set along the Seine estuary and is considered one of the coastal jewels of Normandy. Dating back to the 11th century, this bustling port changed hands many times during the Hundred Years War, before finally coming under French control. A thriving commercial port until the 19th century, it has since become a popular destination for artists; they can be frequently seen perched at their easels along the old harbor. Honfleur is renowned for its historic houses, quaint galleries and charming cafes that line the water, as well as the timbered Church of St. Catherine.

Shore Excursions – Paris On Your Own
Duration: 10 hours 30 minutes
Follow your own interests in Paris, from must-see treasures to lesser-known gems, on this independent excursion. Transfer to the city with your escort, who will provide advice on tailoring your time here to suit your desires. Upon arrival, enjoy a brief panoramic tour to get you acquainted with the city’s layout. You will leave your guide in the city center and have about three hours to explore. Browse the famous bookstore Shakespeare & Company, and stroll along the romantic Seine or the shop-lined Champs-Élysées. You will also have ample options for lunch on your own, perhaps at a sidewalk café that affords you the opportunity to linger over wine and watch Parisians stroll by. At an allotted time, you will meet your escort at a prearranged location for your return to your ship.

Dover, England
Most famously known for its dramatic white-chalk towering cliffs, Dover is the nearest city to France across the English Channel. Its strategic location as a doorway into England has earned it the moniker “Key to England.” As the port was under constant threat because of its location, the massive Dover Castle overlooking the channel grew over the centuries to become the nation’s largest edifice and remains so today. Dover also served as a bastion and command center during World War II.

Shore Excursions – Historic Canterbury
Duration: 4 hours 
Take a stroll around the beautiful city of Canterbury and explore its sights at your leisure. Board your motor coach for a short drive to this historic city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Meet your guide and enjoy a short orientation walk that will introduce you to Canterbury’s main sights. View the city’s Roman walls and gates while learning about the origins of the Canterbury Cross. See St. George’s Tower and Canterbury High Street, and stroll the city’s maze of ancient avenues. Your guide will regale you with historic tales from the Anglo-Saxons to the Tudors as you discover more about the city’s fascinating past. You may walk to the magnificent Canterbury Cathedral where you can enjoy free time to explore at your leisure. Or you may continue to discover more of Canterbury, where pilgrim’s inns and weaver’s houses still stand to this day.

Shore Excursions – Deal & Dover Castle
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Travel through Kent’s rolling countryside and see landmarks including the White Cliffs of Dover and Deal Castle. Begin with a scenic journey by motor coach through Dover, known as the “Gateway to England.” Steeped in over 2,000 years of history, this vibrant coastal town is home to the famed Dover Castle, perched high atop the iconic White Cliffs of Dover. Take in the views of this historic fortress, which likely originated as an Iron Age hillfort, and pause for a photo stop before continuing through the countryside. Your next stop is the town of Deal, a former fishing town with a rich naval history. As you approach, you will see Deal Castle, a defensive stronghold built by order of King Henry VIII during the 16th century. Join a guide for an orientation walk through the town, followed by free time to explore further, before returning to your coach for the journey back to your ship.

London (Greenwich), England
Greenwich, a borough of London, is home to the Royal Observatory. From here, the world’s longitude is measured from the prime meridian, and Greenwich Mean Time sets the global time standard. At the port, the clipper ship Cutty Sark, one of Greenwich’s renowned historic landmarks, is preserved as a fascinating museum. Upriver, London is home to Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey. In addition, this major economic and cultural hub boasts a long tradition of arts and architectural innovation—from Shakespeare’s Globe Theater to West End musicals.

Shore Excursions – Royal Greenwich by Foot
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Discover Greenwich’s maritime and royal history by foot. You will join your guide for a walk that will take you past the famous Cutty Sark, the world’s only surviving tea clipper and the fastest sailing ship in the world when it was built in 1869, and the Greenwich Market, an eclectic mix of arts and crafts, and street food. Continue on to St. Alfege Church, dedicated to the archbishop of Canterbury who was killed on this spot in 1012 and where Henry VIII was baptized. Then, stop for photos at the Queen’s House, the first classical building built in England. See the National Maritime Museum, housed in a former royal palace and the world’s largest seafaring museum, and the iconic Old Royal Naval College, the architectural centerpiece of Maritime Greenwich, before returning to your ship.

London (Greenwich), England
Bid farewell to your fellow guests and journey home. Or spend more time exploring, perhaps joining one of our extensions.