Join us on a 7 night short cruise to Ireland and the Iberian Peninsula. Visiting four ports in three countries, this Cruise Break calls at a selection of fascinating cities. At every port, you’ll discover diverse sights rich in history and culture.
Many attractions await. The exquisite eighth-century Book of Kells at Trinity College, Dublin. The dramatic rugged coastline around Cork Harbour, the world’s second largest natural harbour. The dazzling futuristic architecture of the Guggenheim museum in Bilbao. And Oceanopolis, a massive new attraction dedicated to the sea and marine life in Brest, France’s main naval port.
Arrive: 00:00
Depart: 16:30
Day
1
Sat, Aug 28th 2010
Dublin, Ireland
The Irish capital Dublin has undergone an incredible transformation in the last decade with many modern buildings springing up to add to its historical and cultural appeal.
Dublin's pubs and bars are world-renowned from the city's oldest, The Brazen Head, to the newest wine bar. A visit to the Guinness Storehouse and Brewery provides an insight into the history of Ireland's favourite tipple.
Cobh
Pronounced ‘Cove', Cobh is the cruise port of Ireland's second biggest city, Cork, and boasts one of Europe's largest natural harbours. Poignantly, it was also the final departure point of the ill-fated Titanic.
With its colourful seafront houses, the town has the feel of a true seaside resort, dominated by a cathedral offering fabulous views over the bay.
Nearby Cork City, European Capital of Culture in 2005, hosts many festivals, ranging from jazz and folk to choral and film. The bustling city centre is home to fascinating shops and markets while traditional Irish music can be heard in many of the historic pubs and bars which populate the city centre.
Bilbao
An important fishing port, Bilbao has long been famed for its splendid seafood, available from superb restaurants in the Old Town. However, today the city has a new claim to fame: some of the most dazzling modern architecture you'll see anywhere, culminating in the silvery, sinuous, futuristic masterpiece that is the Guggenheim - with its priceless art collection!
Brest
There's a classic ‘je ne sais quoi' about Brest. For centuries the city has been a key port for strategic and shipbuilding purposes. Today, everything from the dashing uniforms of the Gendarmes to the pungent aroma of Gauloises reeks chic. This is the perfect place to languish over a wonderful lunch, rounded off with a cognac. Or two!
Arrive: 06:30
Depart: 00:00
Day
8
Sat, Sep 4th 2010