Lisbon to Southampton/Silver Dawn
Cruise holidays   >   Mediterranean and Europe   >   Lisbon to Southampton

Silver Dawn

Lisbon to Southampton - 12 night cruise



Cruise only from €8,795

Price based on lowest available cruise only fare for double occupancy. Subject to change at any time.


Description

Gratuities

Dates and Prices

Cabins

A new world of luxury is waiting aboard Silver Dawn. Elegant and modern, Silver Dawn is the natural evolution of our fleet. Large enough to offer eight dining options – including the superb Sea and Land Taste (S.A.L.T.) programme – yet small enough for the famed Silversea onboard ambience, Silver Dawn inherits the best features of her sister ships Silver Muse and Silver Moon, but is in a class all of her own. With sumptuous suites, outstanding itineraries, plus cutting-edge design and technology and the outstanding OTIVM wellness concept, Silver Dawn sets new standards of luxury. Wake up to a new dawn with Silversea.

Cruise ID: 18422

Setting sail on Silversea promises peace of mind from start to finish. That means no worrying about tipping the butlers or staff. Our crew-to-guest ratio of almost 1:1 ensures flawless service from pole to pole, but with us, you never have to think about who should get a tip, how much you should give and when. It's all included! We believe that not having to deal with tipping helps make your luxury cruise even more special and stress-free. And that is worth every penny.

Date Time Price * Booking
09 October 2025 €8,795 Call us to book

* Price based on lowest available cruise only fare for double occupancy. Subject to change at any time.

Cabins on Silver Dawn

Silver Suite
1-5

A Silversea favourite and by far our best-selling suite! The Silver Suite is one of the foundations of ultra-luxury cruising. Take travelling to a whole new level with the Silver Suite's unparalleled levels of service, comfort and of course style! Available in either a one bedroom, a two bedroom or wheelchair accessible configuration, Silver Suites are fully equipped for the discerning traveller. Whether enjoying the spectacular views from the veranda or relaxing in the large sitting room, Silver Suites offer a comfortable haven on the high seas.

One bedroom: 73 sq.m. including veranda

Two bedroom: 104 sq.m. including veranda

Wheelchair accessible suite: 931

Images are intended as a general reference. Features, materials, finishes and layout may be different than shown.

Please note that the 3rd guest will sleep on a comfortable sofa bed in the reception area of the suite.

Essentials

  • Deck(s): 9, 10, 11
  • Section: Forward, Mid-Ship

Characteristics

  • Veranda
  • Living room with sitting area
  • Double vanity
  • Separate shower
  • Whirlpool bath
  • Walk-in wardrobe with personal safe

Furniture

  • King size bed
  • Writing desk
  • Vanity table
  • Luxury bed mattresses

Media & Communication

  • Unlimited Premium Wi-Fi
  • 2 large flat screen TVs with Interactive Media Library
  • Sound system with bluetooth connectivity
  • Direct dial telephone
  • Wall mounted USB-C mobile device chargers
  • Dual voltage 110/220 outlets

Onboard Services

  • Butler service
  • Complimentary laundry, pressing & wet cleaning
  • Daily canape service, Welcome chocolate, Welcome fruit stand
  • Champagne on arrival

Amenities

  • Espresso machine
  • Pillow menu
  • Refrigerator and bar setup stocked with your preferences
  • Plush bathrobe
  • Luxury bath amenities
  • Umbrella
  • Hair Dryer
  • Slippers

Facilities

  • Lounge Area
  • Shower
  • Butler Service
  • TV
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Safe
  • Hair Dryer
  • Telephone
  • Desk
  • Dining Area
  • Toiletries Provided
  • Room Service Available
  • Suite Benefits
  • Media/Entertainment Station
  • Coffee Machine
  • Pillow Menu Available
  • King or Twin Configuration
  • Sofa Bed
  • Whirlpool Bath

Vista Suite
1-2

Comfortable, spacious and offering stupendous ocean views, the Vista Suite carries its name very well! Wake up to wide ocean views, breakfast to the sound of the waves lapping at the side of the ship or simply relax with the in-suite entertainment system and comfy sofas. Some Vista Suites are a little larger than standard – perfect for our guests with limited mobility. If you have ever wanted a home away from home on the high seas, the vista Suite is it.

One bedroom: 32 sq.m.

Wheelchair accessible suites: 407, 409, 417

Images are intended as a general reference. Features, materials, finishes and layout may be different than shown.

Essentials

  • Deck(s): 4
  • Section: Forward

Characteristics

  • Window
  • Sitting area
  • Standard vanity
  • Separate shower
  • Full-size bath
  • Walk-in wardrobe with personal safe

Furniture

  • Queen size bed
  • Writing desk
  • Luxury bed mattresses

Media & Communication

  • Unlimited Standard Wi-Fi
  • 1 large flat screen TV with Interactive Media Library
  • Direct dial telephone
  • Wall mounted USB-C mobile device chargers
  • Dual voltage 110/220 outlets

Onboard Services

  • Butler service
  • Champagne on arrival

Amenities

  • Pillow menu
  • Refrigerator and bar setup stocked with your preferences
  • Plush bathrobe
  • Luxury bath amenities
  • Umbrella
  • Hair Dryer
  • Slippers

Facilities

  • Queen or Twin Configuration
  • Lounge Area
  • Shower
  • Bath
  • Butler Service
  • TV
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Safe
  • Telephone
  • Desk
  • Toiletries Provided
  • Room Service Available
  • Hair Dryer
  • Pillow Menu Available
  • Vanity Area
  • Suite Benefits
  • Free Mini Bar
  • Media/Entertainment Station

Owner's Suite
1-5

Available in a one or two bedroom configuration (so perfect for families) the Owner's suite is the epitome of elegance at sea. A large seating area is the hub of the suite, equipped with all mod cons – think a Bose sound system, an interactive 55” TV and even an Illy coffee machine! Whether inside or relaxing on the large teak veranda, the Owner's suite offers supreme comfort every hour of the day!

One bedroom: 88-98 sq.m. including veranda

Two bedroom: 119-129 sq.m. including veranda*

*The difference in size is largely due to a larger entry corridor space and does not concern the living or sleeping area.

Images are intended as a general reference. Features, materials, finishes and layout may be different than shown.

Please note that the 3rd guest will sleep on a comfortable sofa bed in the reception area of the suite.

Essentials

  • Deck(s): 9
  • Section: Mid-Ship

Characteristics

  • Veranda
  • Separate dining area
  • Living room with sitting area
  • Double vanity
  • Separate shower
  • Whirlpool bath
  • Walk-in wardrobe with personal safe

Furniture

  • King size bed
  • Writing desk
  • Vanity table
  • Luxury bed mattresses

Media & Communication

  • Unlimited Premium Wi-Fi
  • 2 large flat screen TVs with Interactive Media Library
  • Sound system with bluetooth connectivity
  • Direct dial telephone
  • Wall mounted USB-C mobile device chargers
  • Dual voltage 110/220 outlets

Onboard Services

  • Butler service
  • Complimentary laundry, pressing & wet cleaning
  • Daily canapé service, Welcome chocolate, Welcome fruit stand
  • Dinner for two in La Dame, one evening per voyage,
  • Two hours of worldwide phone use, per voyage segment
  • Champagne on arrival

Amenities

  • Espresso machine
  • Pillow menu
  • Refrigerator and bar setup stocked with your preferences
  • Plush bathrobe
  • Luxury bath amenities
  • Umbrella
  • Hair Dryer
  • Slippers

Facilities

  • Second Bedroom
  • Dining Area
  • Vanity Area
  • Whirlpool Bath
  • Free Mini Bar
  • Butler Service
  • Media/Entertainment Station
  • Coffee Machine
  • Pillow Menu Available
  • Lounge Area
  • Shower
  • Toiletries Provided
  • Room Service Available
  • Suite Benefits
  • TV
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Safe
  • Hair Dryer
  • Telephone
  • Desk
  • Sofa Bed
  • King or Twin Configuration

Grand Suite
1-5

A grand traveller needs a grand suite, and we are happy to oblige! Get ready to scale new heights of comfort in our ultra-luxury Grand Suite. Situated at the front of the ship for the most spectacular views, the Grand Suite is for travellers who like the finer things in life. A large veranda, furnished with sunbeds, makes for perfect memories. Indoors, the sumptuous seating area and cosy bedrooms are the very definition of relaxing in style.

One bedroom: 137-146 sq.m. including veranda

Two bedroom: 174-183 sq.m. including veranda

Images are intended as a general reference. Features, materials, finishes and layout may be different than shown.

Please note that the 3rd guest will sleep on a comfortable sofa bed in the reception area of the suite.

Essentials

  • Deck(s): 8, 9
  • Section: Forward

Characteristics

  • Veranda
  • Separate dining area
  • Living room with sitting area
  • Double vanity
  • Separate shower
  • Whirlpool bath
  • Walk-in wardrobe with personal safe

Furniture

  • King size bed
  • Writing desk
  • Vanity table
  • Luxury bed mattresses

Media & Communication

  • Unlimited Premium Wi-Fi
  • 2 large flat screen TVs with Interactive Media Library
  • Sound system with bluetooth connectivity
  • Direct dial telephone
  • Wall mounted USB-C mobile device chargers
  • Dual voltage 110/220 outlets

Onboard Services

  • Butler service
  • Complimentary laundry, pressing & wet cleaning
  • Daily canape service, Welcome chocolate, Welcome fruit stand
  • Dinner for two in La Dame, one evening per voyage,
  • Two hours of worldwide phone use, per voyage segment
  • Champagne on arrival

Amenities

  • Espresso machine
  • Pillow menu
  • Refrigerator and bar setup stocked with your preferences
  • Plush bathrobe
  • Luxury bath amenities
  • Umbrella
  • Hair Dryer
  • Slippers

Facilities

  • Second Bedroom
  • Dining Area
  • Vanity Area
  • Toiletries Provided
  • Room Service Available
  • Suite Benefits
  • Free Mini Bar
  • Media/Entertainment Station
  • Coffee Machine
  • Pillow Menu Available
  • Lounge Area
  • Shower
  • Butler Service
  • TV
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Safe
  • Hair Dryer
  • Telephone
  • Desk
  • Sofa Bed
  • King or Twin Configuration
  • Whirlpool Bath

Royal Suite
1-5

With just two Royal Suites on board, this stateroom is in a class all of its own! Spacious and dignified, commanding and majestic, there's no secret to why we named this suite Royal. Ample indoor space with a living room (including state of the art entertainment systems), twin beds that can be joined upon demand and even an adjoining bedroom if required, the Royal Suite is the answer when travelling with the family! Not to mention unlimited Wi-Fi, a sumptuous marble bathroom and spacious teak veranda, the Royal Suite is fit for a king!

One bedroom: 105 sq.m. including veranda

Two bedroom: 142 sq.m. including veranda

Images are intended as a general reference. Features, materials, finishes and layout may be different than shown.

Please note that the 3rd guest will sleep on a comfortable sofa bed in the reception area of the suite.

Essentials

  • Deck(s): 7
  • Section: Forward

Characteristics

  • Veranda
  • Separate dining area
  • Living room with sitting area
  • Double vanity
  • Separate shower
  • Whirlpool bath
  • Walk-in wardrobe with personal safe

Furniture

  • King size bed
  • Writing desk
  • Vanity table
  • Luxury bed mattresses

Media & Communication

  • Unlimited Premium Wi-Fi
  • 2 large flat screen TVs with Interactive Media Library
  • Sound system with bluetooth connectivity
  • Direct dial telephone
  • Wall mounted USB-C mobile device chargers
  • Dual voltage 110/220 outlets

Onboard Services

  • Butler service
  • Complimentary laundry, pressing & wet cleaning
  • Daily canape service, Welcome chocolate, Welcome fruit stand
  • Dinner for two in La Dame, one evening per voyage,
  • Two hours of worldwide phone use, per voyage segment
  • Champagne on arrival

Amenities

  • Espresso machine
  • Pillow menu
  • Refrigerator and bar setup stocked with your preferences
  • Plush bathrobe
  • Luxury bath amenities
  • Umbrella
  • Hair Dryer
  • Slippers

Facilities

  • Dining Area
  • Vanity Area
  • Toiletries Provided
  • Room Service Available
  • Suite Benefits
  • Free Mini Bar
  • Media/Entertainment Station
  • Coffee Machine
  • Pillow Menu Available
  • Lounge Area
  • Shower
  • Butler Service
  • TV
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Safe
  • Hair Dryer
  • Telephone
  • Desk
  • King or Twin Configuration
  • Sofa Bed
  • Whirlpool Bath

Deluxe Veranda Suite
1-3

After a busy day of on shore exploring, the Deluxe Veranda Suite is the perfect home away from home. Spacious and well-situated, enjoy ultra-luxury amenities from the 24-hour butler service to the well-stocked mini-bar (and yes, they're all included!). Not forgetting the teak veranda from which the suite takes her name, the Deluxe Veranda is the perfect setting for making perfect memories.

One bedroom: 36 sq.m. including veranda

Images are intended as a general reference. Features, materials, finishes and layout may be different than shown.

Please note that the 3rd guest will sleep on a comfortable sofa bed in the reception area of the suite.

Essentials

  • Deck(s): 6, 7, 8
  • Section: Mid-Ship

Characteristics

  • Veranda
  • Sitting area
  • Standard vanity
  • Separate shower
  • Full-size bath
  • Walk-in wardrobe with personal safe

Furniture

  • Queen size bed
  • Writing desk
  • Luxury bed mattresses
  • Media & Communication
  • Unlimited Standard Wi-Fi
  • 1 large flat screen TV with Interactive Media Library
  • Direct dial telephone
  • Wall mounted USB-C mobile device chargers
  • Dual voltage 110/220 outlets

Onboard Services

  • Butler service
  • Champagne on arrival

Amenities

  • Pillow menu
  • Refrigerator and bar setup stocked with your preferences
  • Plush bathrobe
  • Luxury bath amenities
  • Umbrella
  • Hair Dryer
  • Slippers

Facilities

  • Queen or Twin Configuration
  • Lounge Area
  • Shower
  • Bath
  • Butler Service
  • TV
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Safe
  • Hair Dryer
  • Telephone
  • Desk
  • Toiletries Provided
  • Room Service Available
  • Suite Benefits
  • Free Mini Bar
  • Pillow Menu Available
  • Sofa Bed
  • Vanity Area
  • Media/Entertainment Station

Superior Veranda Suite
1-3

A superior location makes the Superior Veranda Suite, well … superior! From the sumptuous views from the teak veranda to the spacious sitting room and large marble bathroom, everything about the Superior Veranda has been designed for your comfort. So settle in and get comfortable, order some 24-hours room service from your butler and enjoy a bit of R&R. We guarantee you won't want to leave.

One bedroom: 36 sq.m. including veranda

Images are intended as a general reference. Features, materials, finishes and layout may be different than shown.

Please note that the 3rd guest will sleep on a comfortable sofa bed in the reception area of the suite.


Essentials

  • Deck(s): 7, 8, 9
  • Section: Forward

Characteristics

  • Veranda
  • Sitting area
  • Standard vanity
  • Separate shower
  • Full-size bath
  • Walk-in wardrobe with personal safe

Furniture

  • Queen size bed
  • Writing desk
  • Luxury bed mattresses

Media & Communication

  • Unlimited Standard Wi-Fi
  • 1 large flat screen TV with Interactive Media Library
  • Direct dial telephone
  • Wall mounted USB-C mobile device chargers
  • Dual voltage 110/220 outlets

Onboard Services

  • Butler service
  • Champagne on arrival

Amenities

  • Pillow menu
  • Refrigerator and bar setup stocked with your preferences
  • Plush bathrobe
  • Luxury bath amenities
  • Umbrella
  • Hair Dryer
  • Slippers

Facilities

  • Queen or Twin Configuration
  • Lounge Area
  • Shower
  • Bath
  • Butler Service
  • TV
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Safe
  • Hair Dryer
  • Telephone
  • Desk
  • Toiletries Provided
  • Room Service Available
  • Suite Benefits
  • Pillow Menu Available
  • Sofa Bed
  • Vanity Area
  • Media/Entertainment Station

Classic Veranda Suite
1-2

A lower-bow location makes the Classic Veranda Suite a comfortable choice for travellers. A lovely comfortable bed – available in a twin or queen bed configuration – with a choice of mattress makes sure that you enjoy the best night's sleep of your life, while the seating area is perfect for in-suite dining. But perhaps the Classic Veranda's best feature lies outside the suite – with the 6m2 veranda for which the suite was named.

One bedroom: 36 sq.m. including veranda

Images are intended as a general reference. Features, materials, finishes and layout may be different than shown.

Essentials

  • Deck(s): 5, 6
  • Section: Forward

Characteristics

  • Veranda
  • Sitting area
  • Standard vanity
  • Separate shower
  • Full-size bath
  • Walk-in wardrobe with personal safe

Furniture

  • Queen size bed
  • Writing desk
  • Luxury bed mattresses

Media & Communication

  • Unlimited Standard Wi-Fi
  • 1 large flat screen TV with Interactive Media Library
  • Direct dial telephone
  • Wall mounted USB-C mobile device chargers
  • Dual voltage 110/220 outlets

Onboard Services

  • Butler service
  • Champagne on arrival

Amenities

  • Pillow menu
  • Refrigerator and bar setup stocked with your preferences
  • Plush bathrobe
  • Luxury bath amenities
  • Umbrella
  • Hair Dryer
  • Slippers

Facilities

  • Queen or Twin Configuration
  • Lounge Area
  • Shower
  • Bath
  • Butler Service
  • TV
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Safe
  • Telephone
  • Desk
  • Vanity Area
  • Toiletries Provided
  • Room Service Available
  • Suite Benefits
  • Free Mini Bar
  • Media/Entertainment Station
  • Hair Dryer

Panorama Suite
1-2

Beautiful elegant furnishings are the perfect choice to soothe and relax as you sail from one destination to the next. Large windows flood the room with light, making for luxurious sea views whether it's morning, noon or night! Panorama suites are the perfect accompaniment to a Silver Suite for larger parties, or just perfect on their own. With all the mod cons that you would expect from an ultra-luxury cruise line, Panorama Suites offer comfort, space and style!

One bedroom: 31 sq.m.

Images are intended as a general reference. Features, materials, finishes and layout may be different than shown.


Essentials

  • Deck(s): 9
  • Section: Forward

Characteristics

  • Floor-to ceiling window
  • Sitting area
  • Standard vanity
  • Separate shower
  • Full-size bath
  • Walk-in wardrobe with personal safe

Furniture

  • Queen size bed
  • Writing desk
  • Luxury bed mattresses

Media & Communication

  • Unlimited Standard Wi-Fi
  • 1 large flat screen TV with Interactive Media Library
  • Direct dial telephone
  • Wall mounted USB-C mobile device chargers
  • Dual voltage 110/220 outlets

Onboard Services

  • Butler service
  • Champagne on arrival

Amenities

  • Pillow menu 
  • Refrigerator and bar setup stocked with your preferences
  • Plush bathrobe
  • Luxury bath amenities
  • Umbrella
  • Hair Dryer
  • Slippers

Facilities

  • Queen or Twin Configuration
  • Lounge Area
  • Room Service Available
  • TV
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Safe
  • Hair Dryer
  • Telephone
  • Desk
  • Bath
  • Shower
  • Toiletries Provided
  • Suite Benefits
  • Media/Entertainment Station
  • Pillow Menu Available
  • Vanity Area

View Itinerary By Date



Day 1 Lisbon, Portugal

Set on seven hills on the banks of the River Tagus, Lisbon has been the capital of Portugal since the 13th century. It is a city famous for its majestic architecture, old wooden trams, Moorish features and more than twenty centuries of history. Following disastrous earthquakes in the 18th century, Lisbon was rebuilt by the Marques de Pombal who created an elegant city with wide boulevards and a great riverfront and square, Praça do Comércio. Today there are distinct modern and ancient sections, combining great shopping with culture and sightseeing in the Old Town, built on the city's terraced hillsides. The distance between the ship and your tour vehicle may vary. This distance is not included in the excursion grades.

Day 2 Lisbon, Portugal

Set on seven hills on the banks of the River Tagus, Lisbon has been the capital of Portugal since the 13th century. It is a city famous for its majestic architecture, old wooden trams, Moorish features and more than twenty centuries of history. Following disastrous earthquakes in the 18th century, Lisbon was rebuilt by the Marques de Pombal who created an elegant city with wide boulevards and a great riverfront and square, Praça do Comércio. Today there are distinct modern and ancient sections, combining great shopping with culture and sightseeing in the Old Town, built on the city's terraced hillsides. The distance between the ship and your tour vehicle may vary. This distance is not included in the excursion grades.

Day 3 Porto, Portugal

Lively, commercial Oporto is the second largest city in Portugal after Lisbon. Also called Porto for short, the word easily brings to mind the city's most famous product - port wine. Oporto's strategic location on the north bank of the Douro River has accounted for the town's importance since ancient times. The Romans built a fort here where their trading route crossed the Douro, and the Moors brought their own culture to the area. Oporto profited from provisioning crusaders en route to the Holy Land and enjoyed the riches from Portuguese maritime discoveries during the 15th and 16th centuries. Later, port wine trade with Britain compensated for the loss of the spice trade and the end of gold and gem shipments from Brazil. In the 19th century, the city went through a period of new prosperity with the rise of industries. In its wake followed the building of workers' quarters and opulent residences. Since the declaration of Oporto as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the city aims to build up a cultural reference that will provide it with a new image, based on deep historical roots. Among the attractions that make Oporto such an interesting place are its graceful bridges spanning the Douro River, a picturesque riverfront quarter and, most notable, its world-famous port wine lodges. Although Oporto is a bustling centre and home to many different businesses, the source of its greatest fame is the rich, sweet fortified red wine we know as port.

Day 4 Vigo, Spain

Dating from Roman times, the Galician city of Vigo has a fine natural harbour and is renowned as the biggest fishing port in the world. It is also full of history - it was in this fjord-like quay that the English and Dutch defeated the French and Spanish fleets in 1702. Today, the attractive marinas stand in contrast to the industrialised areas of the city, while further exploration will reveal the characteristic 17th-century architecture and attractive countryside beyond. The charming Old Town is a delight, with its labyrinth of winding narrow streets and shaded squares. Nearby is the Cathedral city of Tui, and further to the north is the pilgrimage centre of Santiago de Compostela, which can be reached by car in approximately 1¼ hours.

Day 5  Cruising

Day 6 Gijón, Spain

The Campo Valdés baths, dating back to the 1st century AD, and other reminders of Gijón's time as an ancient Roman port remain visible downtown. Gijón was almost destroyed in a 14th-century struggle over the Castilian throne, but by the 19th century it was a thriving port and industrial city. The modern-day city is part fishing port, part summer resort, and part university town, packed with cafés, restaurants, and sidrerías.

Day 7 Bilbao, Spain

Time in Bilbao (Bilbo, in Euskera) may be recorded as BG or AG (Before Guggenheim or After Guggenheim). Never has a single monument of art and architecture so radically changed a city. Frank Gehry's stunning museum, Norman Foster's sleek subway system, the Santiago Calatrava glass footbridge and airport, the leafy César Pelli Abandoibarra park and commercial complex next to the Guggenheim, and the Philippe Starck AlhóndigaBilbao cultural center have contributed to an unprecedented cultural revolution in what was once the industry capital of the Basque Country.Greater Bilbao contains almost 1 million inhabitants, nearly half the total population of the Basque Country. Founded in 1300 by Vizcayan noble Diego López de Haro, Bilbao became an industrial center in the mid-19th century, largely because of the abundance of minerals in the surrounding hills. An affluent industrial class grew up here, as did the working class in suburbs that line the Margen Izquierda (Left Bank) of the Nervión estuary.Bilbao's new attractions get more press, but the city's old treasures still quietly line the banks of the rust-color Nervión River. The Casco Viejo (Old Quarter)—also known as Siete Calles (Seven Streets)—is a charming jumble of shops, bars, and restaurants on the river's Right Bank, near the Puente del Arenal bridge. This elegant proto-Bilbao nucleus was carefully restored after devastating floods in 1983. Throughout the Casco Viejo are ancient mansions emblazoned with family coats of arms, wooden doors, and fine ironwork balconies. The most interesting square is the 64-arch Plaza Nueva, where an outdoor market is pitched every Sunday morning.Walking the banks of the Nervión is a satisfying jaunt. After all, this was how—while out on a morning jog—Guggenheim director Thomas Krens first discovered the perfect spot for his project, nearly opposite the right bank's Deusto University. From the Palacio de Euskalduna upstream to the colossal Mercado de la Ribera, parks and green zones line the river. César Pelli's Abandoibarra project fills in the half mile between the Guggenheim and the Euskalduna bridge with a series of parks, the Deusto University library, the Meliá Bilbao Hotel, and a major shopping center.On the left bank, the wide, late-19th-century boulevards of the Ensanche neighborhood, such as Gran Vía (the main shopping artery) and Alameda de Mazarredo, are the city's more formal face. Bilbao's cultural institutions include, along with the Guggenheim, a major museum of fine arts (the Museo de Bellas Artes) and an opera society (Asociación Bilbaína de Amigos de la Ópera, or ABAO) with 7,000 members from Spain and southern France. In addition, epicureans have long ranked Bilbao's culinary offerings among the best in Spain. Don't miss a chance to ride the trolley line, the Euskotram, for a trip along the river from Atxuri Station to Basurto's San Mamés soccer stadium, reverently dubbed "la Catedral del Fútbol" (the Cathedral of Football).

Day 8 Bordeaux, France

Bordeaux as a whole, rather than any particular points within it, is what you'll want to visit in order to understand why Victor Hugo described it as Versailles plus Antwerp, and why the painter Francisco de Goya, when exiled from his native Spain, chose it as his last home (he died here in 1828). The capital of southwest France and the region's largest city, Bordeaux remains synonymous with the wine trade: wine shippers have long maintained their headquarters along the banks of the Garonne, while buyers from around the world arrive for the huge biennial Vinexpo show (held in odd-number years).Bordeaux is, admittedly, a less exuberant city than many others in France, but lively and stylish elements are making a dent in its conservative veneer. The cleaned-up riverfront is said by some, after a bottle or two, to exude an elegance reminiscent of St. Petersburg, and that aura of 18th-century élan also permeates the historic downtown sector—“le vieux Bordeaux"—where fine shops invite exploration. To the south of the city center are old docklands undergoing renewal—one train station has now been transformed into a big multiplex movie theater—but the area is still a bit shady. To get a feel for the historic port of Bordeaux, take the 90-minute boat trip that leaves Quai Louis-XVIII every weekday afternoon, or the regular passenger ferry that plies the Garonne between Quai Richelieu and the Pont d'Aquitaine in summer. A nice time to stroll around the city center is the first Sunday of the month, when it's pedestrian-only and vehicles are banned.

Day 9 Bordeaux, France

Bordeaux as a whole, rather than any particular points within it, is what you'll want to visit in order to understand why Victor Hugo described it as Versailles plus Antwerp, and why the painter Francisco de Goya, when exiled from his native Spain, chose it as his last home (he died here in 1828). The capital of southwest France and the region's largest city, Bordeaux remains synonymous with the wine trade: wine shippers have long maintained their headquarters along the banks of the Garonne, while buyers from around the world arrive for the huge biennial Vinexpo show (held in odd-number years).Bordeaux is, admittedly, a less exuberant city than many others in France, but lively and stylish elements are making a dent in its conservative veneer. The cleaned-up riverfront is said by some, after a bottle or two, to exude an elegance reminiscent of St. Petersburg, and that aura of 18th-century élan also permeates the historic downtown sector—“le vieux Bordeaux"—where fine shops invite exploration. To the south of the city center are old docklands undergoing renewal—one train station has now been transformed into a big multiplex movie theater—but the area is still a bit shady. To get a feel for the historic port of Bordeaux, take the 90-minute boat trip that leaves Quai Louis-XVIII every weekday afternoon, or the regular passenger ferry that plies the Garonne between Quai Richelieu and the Pont d'Aquitaine in summer. A nice time to stroll around the city center is the first Sunday of the month, when it's pedestrian-only and vehicles are banned.

Day 10 Bordeaux, France

Bordeaux as a whole, rather than any particular points within it, is what you'll want to visit in order to understand why Victor Hugo described it as Versailles plus Antwerp, and why the painter Francisco de Goya, when exiled from his native Spain, chose it as his last home (he died here in 1828). The capital of southwest France and the region's largest city, Bordeaux remains synonymous with the wine trade: wine shippers have long maintained their headquarters along the banks of the Garonne, while buyers from around the world arrive for the huge biennial Vinexpo show (held in odd-number years).Bordeaux is, admittedly, a less exuberant city than many others in France, but lively and stylish elements are making a dent in its conservative veneer. The cleaned-up riverfront is said by some, after a bottle or two, to exude an elegance reminiscent of St. Petersburg, and that aura of 18th-century élan also permeates the historic downtown sector—“le vieux Bordeaux"—where fine shops invite exploration. To the south of the city center are old docklands undergoing renewal—one train station has now been transformed into a big multiplex movie theater—but the area is still a bit shady. To get a feel for the historic port of Bordeaux, take the 90-minute boat trip that leaves Quai Louis-XVIII every weekday afternoon, or the regular passenger ferry that plies the Garonne between Quai Richelieu and the Pont d'Aquitaine in summer. A nice time to stroll around the city center is the first Sunday of the month, when it's pedestrian-only and vehicles are banned.

Day 11  Cruising

Day 12 Saint-Malo, France

Thrust out into the sea and bound to the mainland only by tenuous man-made causeways, romantic St-Malo has built a reputation as a breeding ground for phenomenal sailors. Many were fishermen, but others—most notably Jacques Cartier, who claimed Canada for Francis I in 1534—were New World explorers. Still others were corsairs, "sea dogs" paid by the French crown to harass the Limeys across the Channel: legendary ones like Robert Surcouf and Duguay-Trouin helped make St-Malo rich through their pillaging, in the process earning it the nickname "the pirates' city." The St-Malo you see today isn't quite the one they called home because a weeklong fire in 1944, kindled by retreating Nazis, wiped out nearly all of the old buildings. Restoration work was more painstaking than brilliant, but the narrow streets and granite houses of the Vieille Ville were satisfactorily recreated, enabling St-Malo to regain its role as a busy fishing port, seaside resort, and tourist destination. The ramparts that help define this city figuratively and literally are authentic, and the flames also spared houses along Rue de Pelicot in the Vieille Ville. Battalions of tourists invade this quaint part of town in summer, so arrive off-season if you want to avoid crowds.

Day 13 Southampton, England

Lying near the head of Southampton Water, a peninsula between the estuaries of the Rivers Test and Itchen, Southampton is Britain's largest cruise port. It has been one of England's major ports since the Middle Ages, when it exported wool and hides from the hinterland and imported wine from Bordeaux. The city suffered heavy damage during World War Two and as a result the centre has been extensively rebuilt, but there are still some interesting medieval buildings including the Bargate, one of the finest city gatehouses in England.

Video provided by 3rd party and complete accuracy can not be guaranteed
Call our experts now

Dublin (01) 2311868

Cruise Finder

All the best cruise deals in one place



TRAVEL AWARE - STAYING SAFE AND HEALTHY ABROAD

The Department of Foreign Affairs has up-to-date advice for Irish citizens on staying safe and healthy abroad. For more security, local laws, health, passport and visa information see https://www.dfa.ie/travel/travel-advice/ and follow dfatravelwise