Bay of
Biscay Passage

Portugal’s capital Lisbon comes alive with a rich history seen in every nook and cranny of the city. From the resting place of famous explorer Vasco de Gama at Jeronimos Monastery to the impressive turrets of São Jorge Castle dating all the way back to second century B.C.E., Lisbon offers a deep dive into the past to satiate the most curious travelers. While Western Europe’s oldest city boasts an array of Baroque and Neoclassical architecture, that does not mean it has remained stuck in the past. On the contrary, the colorful culture and vibrant life that runs throughout the city’s restaurants, shops, and rooftop bars make it buzz with infectious energy. Taking a tuk tuk through its hard-to-reach passages allows you to experience Lisbon as the locals do.

Along the Douro River in the north of Portugal lies Porto, the country’s second-largest city. It may be renowned for its port wine - the Ferreira Caves being one such famed cellar and one of the oldest port wine cellars in Portugal - but the city contains so much more for the explorer spirit to discover. Starting in the port of Leixões, your journey takes you to the Dom Luis I bridge, a direct link to Ribeira, Porto’s oldest district. One of Porto’s most significant sites, the Livraria Lello, is filled with historical, architectural, and literary importance, containing a world of books that any bibliophile traveler will find exciting.

Sitting within the Galicia region of Spain, where the locals have their own distinct language and culture, lies the quiet town of Vilagarcía de Arousa, or simply Vilagarcía. The stone walls of Convento de Vista Alegre hold intrigue for architecture admirers seeking stories of the past. The lush gardens and grand estate of Pazo de Rubianes invite you and your fellow history buffs to pique your curiosity about the town’s origins and connections to winemaking. Strolling along the seaside promenade, many local restaurants entice you with mouthwatering aromas of fresh seafood prepared in the traditional Galician style. Pair it with a locally produced Albariño wine, enjoying good food and wine along with good company. Gather a group of adventurous spirits to make the journey to the nearby UNESCO World Heritage Site, Santiago de Compostela. Every year many travelers make the pilgrimage to this beautiful cathedral, rumored to be the burial site of the apostle St. James.

Spend the day on the high seas pampering yourself at the spa or enjoying some time on deck. Mingle with your fellow explorers and swap stories of your exploits, making plans for new ones together once you get to shore

Nestled along the Loire River lies Nantes, a city that beckons lovers of history and cuisine alike. Start your day with a leisurely stroll through the vibrant Talensac Market, wandering past stalls brimming with colorful produce and filled with the scent of freshly baked bread. Here, savor a taste of regional cheeses and share bites of buttery Nantes gâteau with fellow connoisseurs. Venture into the rolling vineyards of the Loire Valley to sip on crisp Muscadet wines under the warm French sun, echoing the region’s storied legacy. As you explore the grand Château des Ducs de Bretagne, every stone speaks of valor and intrigue. Feel the thrill of walking through centuries-old corridors, imagining the whispers of dukes and duchesses who once graced these halls. Nearby, Les Machines de l’île awaits with its fantastical creations inspired by Jules Verne and Leonardo da Vinci, including the mechanical elephant that wanders this whimsical wonderland. Admire the Gothic grandeur of the Cathédrale Saint-Pierre et Saint-Paul, a towering structure boasting incredible stained-glass windows and a history dating back to the 15th century.

Nestled along the Loire River lies Nantes, a city that beckons lovers of history and cuisine alike. Start your day with a leisurely stroll through the vibrant Talensac Market, wandering past stalls brimming with colorful produce and filled with the scent of freshly baked bread. Here, savor a taste of regional cheeses and share bites of buttery Nantes gâteau with fellow connoisseurs. Venture into the rolling vineyards of the Loire Valley to sip on crisp Muscadet wines under the warm French sun, echoing the region’s storied legacy. As you explore the grand Château des Ducs de Bretagne, every stone speaks of valor and intrigue. Feel the thrill of walking through centuries-old corridors, imagining the whispers of dukes and duchesses who once graced these halls. Nearby, Les Machines de l’île awaits with its fantastical creations inspired by Jules Verne and Leonardo da Vinci, including the mechanical elephant that wanders this whimsical wonderland. Admire the Gothic grandeur of the Cathédrale Saint-Pierre et Saint-Paul, a towering structure boasting incredible stained-glass windows and a history dating back to the 15th century.

Arriving at the enchanting port of Brest, the scent of the sea mixes with the aroma of freshly baked pastries. This is where your adventure begins, in a city that offers more than just stunning ocean views - it’s a treasure trove of history, culinary delights, and awe-inspiring heritage. Wander through Brest’s bustling markets, where the vibrancy of local life comes alive. Here, vendors proudly display Breton specialties like crêpes and galettes, kouign-amann - a buttery, caramelized pastry that melts in your mouth - and the freshest catches from the Atlantic, from succulent oysters to tender scallops. Pair your seafood feast with a glass of locally produced cider for the ultimate Breton experience. The impressive fortress of Château de Brest stands guard over the harbor, beckoning with its ancient walls and storied past. Lose yourself in the museum within, where maritime artifacts and naval history come alive, narrating Brest’s seafaring saga. Hidden within the serene sanctuary of the Abbey of Daoulas are enchanting gardens and ancient sculptures that tell tales of spirituality and resilience.

Legend has it that the enchanted land of St. Peter Port was invaded by fairies once upon a time. For proof, head west to the edge of the island to find a mysterious Fairy Ring known as Pleinmont, walk around it three times and make a wish. Aside from local lore, Guernsey is charmed as the second largest of the Channel Islands ideally situated in the bay of St. Malo, a mere 30 miles from the coast of France and 80 miles from the coast of England. Speaking of England, while Guernsey is considered part of the British Isles, it is not a part of the United Kingdom, as it constitutionally owes allegiance to the English Crown, but has its own separate legislature.

Located along the southern bank of the Seine River, the charming port city of Honfleur is characterized by its picturesque houses with slate-covered facades, a captivating aesthetic that has been many the subject and inspiration for painters through history. While France is world-renowned for its cuisine, Normandy stands out as a foodie destination. Local Camembert, Livarot and Neufchatel cheeses are delicious enough to entice travelers to stay, but a trip to Normandy is not complete without sampling the tripes à la mode de Caen, a French stew combining tripe with ox feet, vegetables, herbs and spices, cider and apple brandy. From Honfleur, you could choose to make a trek to the City of Lights, Paris, the fashion capital of the world. Iconic tourist attractions like the Louvre, Versailles and the Eiffel Tower make it easy to see how the city has enjoyed such lasting power in the minds of wanderers and locals alike, but its smaller neighborhoods like Montmartre and Le Marais are where everyday life truly shine.

Characterized by medieval architecture, canals and cobblestone streets, the Belgian city of Bruges is a picture straight out of a fairytale. It’s this historic and charming image that made the whole city a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000. The picturesque Rozenhoedkaai (Quay of the Rosary) offers idyllic views along the waterfront, complete with local boaters, that is now one of the most photographed sites in the city. Its port, Zeebrugge, acts as a commercial center for European trade and fishing. When visiting Belgium, make sure to try a craft beer brewed by Trappist monks, with only 11 breweries in the world permitted to make it.

Characterized by medieval architecture, canals and cobblestone streets, the Belgian city of Bruges is a picture straight out of a fairytale. It’s this historic and charming image that made the whole city a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000. The picturesque Rozenhoedkaai (Quay of the Rosary) offers idyllic views along the waterfront, complete with local boaters, that is now one of the most photographed sites in the city. Its port, Zeebrugge, acts as a commercial center for European trade and fishing. When visiting Belgium, make sure to try a craft beer brewed by Trappist monks, with only 11 breweries in the world permitted to make it.