Portugal to Ireland: The History & Traditions of Europe

Ever since the Romans constructed a fort here and began using it as a trading post, Oporto has been a prosperous commercial centre. In the 15th and 16th centuries the city benefited from the wealth generated by Portugal’s maritime discoveries, and later, the establishment of a lucrative wine trade with Britain compensated for the loss of the spice trade. Today, Portugal’s second-largest city is a thriving, cosmopolitan place and is famous for its production of the fortified, sweet ‘port’ wine. Its historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the city was also awarded the status of European Capital of Culture in 2001. A large sandbar prevents ships from sailing into Oporto itself, so for over a century they have used nearby Leixões instead, a man-made seaport constructed nine miles from the city. Leixões is one of Portugal’s major sea ports and is also home to one of the country’s oldest football clubs, winners of the Taça de Portugal cup in 1961.

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Spend the morning getting to know your 6-star ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht before we arrive in Porto around lunchtime. One of Portugal’s largest seaports, Leixões is just 8 kilometres from the heart of Porto, where the city shares its name with one of the country’s best-known exports, port wine.Located at the mouth of the Douro River, Porto is a World Heritage-listed city of baroque splendour, Gothic cathedrals, and incredible food. Wander through winding alleys lined with houses decorated with Portuguese tiles, see the city’s street art, and take in the views from the cable car and funicular.Freechoice: Porto City Tour with Gaia Cellar Visit: Explore Porto's historical and cultural charm, including the iconic Cathedral, UNESCO-listed Ribeira district, and renowned port wine cellar in Gaia, where you can taste its rich flavors.Porto Active City Tour with Palacio da Bolsa visit: Enjoy an active walking tour of Porto’s highlights then visit the Palacio da Bolsa (Stock Exchange).Guimaraes with Ducal Palace visit: Discover Guimarães, considered the birthplace of Portugal, and visit the 15th-century Ducal Palace.Aveleda Winery – A Journey through the Senses: Since 1870, Aveleda has been a cherished family legacy. Visit and enjoy a glass of wine with the perfect pairing!

El Ferrol has been inextricably linked to the sea for more than two millennia, being a major shipbuilding centre for most of its history. From its beginnings as a tiny fishing port in the 1st century BC, it endured conquests by Vandals, Suebis, Arabs and Christians. With the arrival of the Bourbons in the 18th century, Ferrol became a leading maritime centre, largely due to its large natural harbour on the Ferrol Inlet, an arm of the Atlantic. Now a large commercial port, Ferrol is also the gateway to the northern Spanish province of Galicia, a region noted for its green mountains, deep gorges and fast-flowing rivers. It is also well placed for visiting the medieval holy city of Santiago de Compostela. Interestingly, Ferrol’s city centre is modelled on Lisbon in Portugal, a country with which it has strong historical and linguistic ties. The layout comprises of a rectangle lined with six parallel streets, with two squares on each side. These squares have the city’s best shops, restaurants and bars.

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Start your day relaxing in your suite. Ask your butler to bring you breakfast in bed or alternatively, choose to savour it in the Yacht Club before arriving in Ferrol around lunchtime.Explore the boutiques and Galician-style houses in Ferrol’s Magdalena neighbourhood, a declared Historic-Artistic site, and visit the 18th century San Felipe Castle, where bulwarks and cannons defended the city. Today, experience the breathtaking views from above in one of our two onboard helicopters^.Freechoice: Ferrol & Betanzos: Enjoy a walking tour of the medieval town centre, with sights like the 14th-century Igrexa de San Francisco and the 16th-century Igrexa de Santiago. After free time, return to Ferrol for a brief panoramic city tour.La Coruna & Tapas: Embark on a scenic drive, passing Riazor and Orzán beaches, the Tower of Hercules, and more. Stroll through Plaza Maria Pita and visit a local bar for a traditional tapas experience, sampling Galician wine and local delicacies like cured ham and cheese.The Roofs of Santiago: Embark on a scenic journey from Ferrol to the enchanting city of Santiago de Compostela. Delight in a guided rooftop tour with sweeping views, then immerse yourself in the city's charm with time to wander, shop, and soak up its historic ambiance before returning to your Discovery Yacht.

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Start your day in the PURE: Yoga & Pilates Studio or work out in the fully equipped state-of-the-art gym.Explore Avilés, a historic city located in the Asturias region of northern Spain. The city's old town, or Casco Antiguo, features a range of well-preserved medieval buildings and streets. Highlights include the Plaza del Carbayedo, a charming square surrounded by traditional buildings and home to a lively weekly market.  In the evening, share your travel notes with your new friends over dinner in one of up to 10 all-inclusive dining experiences on board your Discovery Yacht.Freechoice: Walking tour of Aviles: Explore Avilés' historic center, featuring medieval architecture like the Church of Sabugo and Valdecarzana Palace. Visit the modern Niemeyer Centre and enjoy local cider and Asturian tapas.Gijon City tour: Discover Gijón's highlights, including Universidad Laboral, San Lorenzo beach, and the marina. Visit landmarks of the old town, with free time in Cimadevilla.Oviedo: Visit Oviedo's historic centre, including San Salvador Cathedral and the town hall. Enjoy a traditional Asturian meal at a sidrería.Western Asturian Coast: Visit the fishing villages of Luarca and Cudillero, known for their rugged coastlines, colourful houses, and maritime history.

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).

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Today you'll explore Bilbao, deemed one of the Basque Country jewels. This vibrant city is famous for its striking modern architecture, home to the iconic Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, which showcases contemporary art and is a must-visit attraction.Bilbao also boasts a rich cultural heritage, which can be experienced by visiting landmarks such as the Basílica de Begoña and the Casco Viejo, or the charming old town. It's also a culinary hotspot, with a range of pintxo bars and restaurants serving up traditional Basque cuisine.Freechoice: Guernica, a Symbol of Peace: The 1937 bombing of Gernika inspired Picasso’s iconic painting. In 1987, the town began promoting peace, continuing this legacy with the annual “Gernika Peace and Reconciliation Award.” Note: Casa de Juntas may close unexpectedly, allowing for free time instead.Bilbao, a city of transformation: Discover Bilbao's evolution through its architecture, showcasing the city’s blend of tradition and innovation.Visit to Rioja wine region: Experience wine tastings in Laguardia, tour a family winery, and enjoy beautiful La Rioja landscapes.Pintxos Masterclass: Learn from a renowned Basque Chef in a three-hour masterclass featuring Basque recipes and Txakoli wine.EnrichConcert at the Chocolate Box TheatreStep into the iconic Campos Elíseos Theatre, a historic 1902 masterpiece with a stunning art nouveau façade. Immerse yourself in the dynamic sounds of Korrontzi, a renowned group blending Basque music with Flamenco, Fado, and Fandango for an unforgettable performance.

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Enjoy a relaxed and delicious breakfast in the privacy of your ultra-luxury suite or meet your fellow guests at the Yacht Club. Then, set out to explore the charming San Sebastián.The famous La Concha Beach offers beautiful views of the Bay of Biscay, where the historic old town, known as Parte Vieja, is home to some of the city's most iconic landmarks, including the Basilica of Saint Mary of the Chorus and the San Vicente Church. Less than ten kilometres from San Sebastián is the picturesque fishing village of Pasajes. Enjoy a late-night departure from San Sebastián.Freechoice: Discover the Cider trail: Visit a typical Basque cider cellar followed by a trip to beautiful San Sebastian.Pamplona & Hemingway: Explore Hemingway's connection to Pamplona, where his experiences during the San Fermín festivities inspired The Sun Also Rises.Getaria & the Art of Haute Couture & Txacoli wine: Visit the medieval town of Getaria, birthplace of Juan Sebastián Elcano and Cristobal Balenciaga, and enjoy its port, Gothic church, and local txakoli wine.French Basque Country: Explore Biarritz’s Grande Plage and Casino, stroll to the Rock of the Virgin, then discover the historic fishing village of St. Jean de Luz.

Pauillac, France, is a scenic village in the Bordeaux wine region, renowned for its prestigious vineyards and charming riverfront. Located on the Gironde estuary, it is famed for its high-quality red wines, including those from renowned châteaux like Lafite Rothschild and Mouton Rothschild. The village features historic buildings, vibrant markets, and stunning views of the estuary. Pauillac’s blend of rich winemaking heritage and picturesque landscapes makes it a delightful destination for wine enthusiasts and travellers seeking a taste of Bordeaux’s elegance.

Pauillac, France, is a scenic village in the Bordeaux wine region, renowned for its prestigious vineyards and charming riverfront. Located on the Gironde estuary, it is famed for its high-quality red wines, including those from renowned châteaux like Lafite Rothschild and Mouton Rothschild. The village features historic buildings, vibrant markets, and stunning views of the estuary. Pauillac’s blend of rich winemaking heritage and picturesque landscapes makes it a delightful destination for wine enthusiasts and travellers seeking a taste of Bordeaux’s elegance.

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The vineyards around this small town produce some of the most prestigious wines in the world, including three of the five Bordeaux First-Growth wines. Explore some of wine region's highlights or perhaps take one of the complimentary Discovery Yacht’s e-bikes for an easy ride.In Bordeaux, about 50 kilometres from Pauillac, experience the city's 18th century grandeur, including the opulent Grand Theatre and one of Europe's largest squares, the Place des Quincences. Learn about wine making in Bordeaux's interactive wine museum, La Cité du Vin and perhaps step into an immersive world of art at Bassins des Lumières.Freechoice: Full Day tour to Bordeaux: Travel along the scenic Medoc wine Chateaux Road to Bordeaux. Enjoy a short city tour with sights like Place de la Bourse and St. André Cathedral.UNESCO Classified Village of St. Emilion: Explore the historic St. Emilion village, famous for its wine and 12th-century underground church, on a guided tour.Medoc vineyards & Bordeaux: Visit a Medoc wine château for a tour and tasting, then enjoy a panoramic tour of Bordeaux.Relaxed guided walk in Medoc-Margaux vineyards: Stroll through the Margaux vineyards, visiting estates like Château Margaux and Château Palmer, followed by a tasting.

Pauillac, France, is a scenic village in the Bordeaux wine region, renowned for its prestigious vineyards and charming riverfront. Located on the Gironde estuary, it is famed for its high-quality red wines, including those from renowned châteaux like Lafite Rothschild and Mouton Rothschild. The village features historic buildings, vibrant markets, and stunning views of the estuary. Pauillac’s blend of rich winemaking heritage and picturesque landscapes makes it a delightful destination for wine enthusiasts and travellers seeking a taste of Bordeaux’s elegance.

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Enjoy your last day in this captivating town with a stroll along the waterfront. See 19th century houses and charming cafes, indulging in a little more local Bordeaux wine before setting sail in the afternoon.Continue your world-class wine tasting on board at one of Scenic Eclipse's all-inclusive nine bars and lounges. You may also choose an aged whiskey at the Scenic Lounge Bar or a cocktail in your cabana beside the Sky Bar. Your in-suite mini-bar is also restocked daily with premium beverages, so enjoy relaxing with drinks in the privacy of your verandah.

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In the walled town of Concarneau you can walk along cobbled streets and around 14th century ramparts with views of the harbour and colourful town houses. Visit Keriolet Castle, a 13th century chateau that was given an extravagant neo-gothic renovation by a Russian imperial princess. The pretty and protected bay is ideal for a stroll along the beautiful beach and marina.Back on board, unwind in the PURE: Yoga & Pilates Studio or raise your heart rate in the POWER: Gym as you sail in the afternoon towards Isles of Scilly.Later, ask your butler to set a private dinner on your verandah.Freechoice: Concarneau & Keriolet Castle Exclusive Visit & Tasting: Visit Keriolet Castle to learn about Russian Imperial Princess Zénaïde Narisckine and her commoner husband. Enjoy a tasting of Breton cake and apple juice. Continue to the 14th-century walled city of Concarneau for exploration.A Scenic Walk In Concarneau: Take a guided walk along the "Coastal Guard's Path" from Concarneau to La Forêt-Fouesnant, with stunning views of Concarneau Bay.Pont-Aven, the Painter's Heaven: Visit Pont-Aven, a picturesque village famous for its mills and artists like Paul Gauguin. Explore the town with a guide.

St Mary’s is the Isle of Scilly’s largest island with a population of 1800 residents and an area of 6.58 square Kilometres; this is the gateway to the rest of the magnificent islands. Hugh town -a beautiful Old town with its own beach, nature reserve and church is the main attractions of St Mary’s, with tiny streets brimming with shops to pick up the perfect souvenir. St Mary’s is a hidden gem, with long stretches of white sandy beaches and a breath-taking untouched landscape. The coastline holds many archaeological sites along with miles of splendid walks along the coastal and country paths.

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The largest of the Isles of Scilly, St Mary’s is the gateway to this beautiful archipelago. Only 50 kilometres off the southern coast of England, the 140 islands are covered in lush green pastures and white beaches. They have long been a popular holiday destination for the British, who enjoy the slower pace of life and idyllic surrounds. Wander around the winding paths of Hugh Town, the largest settlement on the islands, with its cluster of charming shops, churches, galleries and cafes.Freechoice: Tresco Abbey Gardens: Enjoy a leisurely guided stroll through this spectacular garden set around the ruins of a Benedictine abbey.Garrison Walk: A 90min walk around the Garrison on St Marys, taking in the Elizabethan defenses, Star Castle Hotel, and views to the outer islands.Wildlife Sea Safari Trip: Explore some of the islands by sea and experience the wildlife and key sights within the archipelago (dependent on weather and season conditions).Star Castle Wine Tasting – Enjoy a wine tasting at Star Castle, featuring six wines from around the world, including a local selection from Holyvale Vineyard.

Dublin is making a comeback. The decade-long “Celtic Tiger” boom era was quickly followed by the Great Recession, but The Recovery has finally taken a precarious hold. For visitors, this newer and wiser Dublin has become one of western Europe’s most popular and delightful urban destinations. Whether or not you’re out to enjoy the old or new Dublin, you’ll find it a colossally entertaining city, all the more astonishing considering its intimate size.It is ironic and telling that James Joyce chose Dublin as the setting for his famous Ulysses, Dubliners, and A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man because it was a “center of paralysis” where nothing much ever changed. Which only proves that even the greats get it wrong sometimes. Indeed, if Joyce were to return to his once-genteel hometown today—disappointed with the city’s provincial outlook, he left it in 1902 at the age of 20—and take a quasi-Homeric odyssey through the city (as he so famously does in Ulysses), would he even recognize Dublin as his “Dear Dirty Dumpling, foostherfather of fingalls and dotthergills”?For instance, what would he make of Temple Bar—the city’s erstwhile down-at-the-heels neighborhood, now crammed with cafés and trendy hotels and suffused with a nonstop, international-party atmosphere? Or the simple sophistication of the open-air restaurants of the tiny Italian Quarter (named Quartier Bloom after his own creation), complete with sultry tango lessons? Or of the hot–cool Irishness, where every aspect of Celtic culture results in sold-out theaters, from Once, the cult indie movie and Broadway hit, to Riverdance, the old Irish mass-jig recast as a Las Vegas extravaganza? Plus, the resurrected Joyce might be stirred by the songs of Hozier, fired up by the sultry acting of Michael Fassbender, and moved by the award-winning novels of Colum McCann. As for Ireland’s capital, it’s packed with elegant shops and hotels, theaters, galleries, coffeehouses, and a stunning variety of new, creative little restaurants can be found on almost every street in Dublin, transforming the provincial city that suffocated Joyce into a place almost as cosmopolitan as the Paris to which he fled. And the locals are a hell of a lot more fun! Now that the economy has finally turned a corner, Dublin citizens can cast a cool eye over the last 20 crazy years. Some argue that the boomtown transformation of their heretofore-tranquil city has permanently affected its spirit and character. These skeptics (skepticism long being a favorite pastime in the capital city) await the outcome of “Dublin: The Sequel,” and their greatest fear is the possibility that the tattered old lady on the Liffey has become a little less unique, a little more like everywhere else.Oh ye of little faith: the rare ole gem that is Dublin is far from buried. The fundamentals—the Georgian elegance of Merrion Square, the Norman drama of Christ Church Cathedral, the foamy pint at an atmospheric pub—are still on hand to gratify. Most of all, there are the locals themselves: the nod and grin when you catch their eye on the street, the eagerness to hear half your life story before they tell you all of theirs, and their paradoxically dark but warm sense of humor. It’s expected that 2016 will be an extra-special year in the capital, as centenary celebrations of the fateful 1916 Easter Rising will dominate much of the cultural calendar.

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Your voyage ends this morning back in Dublin. Savour one last breakfast in your suite before saying goodbye to your new friends and the crew who shared this voyage with you. As you disembark and follow your onward journey, know that the last 12 days have created memories that will last a lifetime.Please book your flight to depart out of Dublin after 12:00 PM.^Flights on board our two helicopters and submersible experiences are at additional cost, subject to regulatory approval, availability, weight restrictions, medical approval and weather, ice and tidal conditions.  Helicopter is not in operation in France and the UK/Scotland. Submersible is not in operation in France and Spain. #Spa treatments at additional cost. +All drinks on board, including those stocked in your mini bar, are included, except for a very small number of rare, fine and vintage wines, Champagnes and spirits. Specialty restaurants require a reservation, enquire on board.The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the voyage will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.