Circling The Bay: No-fly France and Spain

Today, you'll head to Southampton, Britain’s largest cruise port. Embark MS Sirena and settle into your stateroom, before spending the evening getting to know the ship. In addition to its country club ambiance and personalised service, Sirena offers multiple dining venues no surcharge. Visit the casino or one of the ship's many bars for a nightcap, after watching the sunset over the ocean on the open deck.

Stay: Marina

Step back in time to the 14th century as you meander along the narrow streets of this medieval gem past gabled buildings and through the bustling market. Take a boat ride along the city's canals. Or spend the day exploring Brussels and its famed Grand Place or Antwerp, home of Rubens and Bruegel, seeing the verdant countryside along the way.

Stay: Marina

From Le Havre you can enjoy a scenic trip through the rolling French countryside to Paris and spend the day savouring it's gardens, museums and historic sites. Visits to the Louvre, Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower never disappoint. Or take a boat ride along the Seine and a stroll along the Champs Elysee. Or visit historic Rouen or the battlefields of Normandy.  Or even stay local and enjoy tasting the seafood, cheeses and Calvados that the region is justly famous for.

Stay: Marina

Today, explore the fascinating fortified town of Saint-Malo, or visit the lovely medieval town of Dinan, with its picture-perfect clock tower and picturesque half-timbered houses. Drive along the rugged Brittany coast and savour stunning views of mystical Mont St. Michel before wandering through its steep, winding streets and maze-like abbey passages. This evening, dine in one of the many venues onboard, perhaps reserving a special table for the La Reserve by Wine Spectator – the six-course Dom Pérignon Experience is an incredible Champagne pairing dinner blending Dom Pérignon vintages with unique dishes such as Sakura Tea “Geisha Flower” Ice Cream and Lemon Caviar.

Stay: Marina

Lying on an immense natural harbour formed by three rivers that flow into the Atlantic, Lorient nestles along the beautiful southern coast of Brittany. Once a base for French colonialism, Lorient boasts the Musée de la Compagnie des Indes, a museum displaying artefacts from 1660 to the end of the 18th century. Still, Lorient has a modern appearance, as it was thoroughly rebuilt after World War II. For a unique perspective of that time, visit the massive German submarine base.

Stay: Marina

La Rochelle features a bustling Vieux Port (Old Harbor) with exceptional shops and restaurants. Three medieval towers once protected the port and are now symbols of the waterfront. The imposing Four Sergeants Tower was formerly a prison, and you can see where the corsairs scrawled graffiti on the walls. The city aquarium holds thousands of species living in re-creations of their natural habitats. You will also appreciate La Rochelle's pedestrian-friendly streets, especially in the city center, which is graced by 17th and 18th century architecture.

Stay: Marina

Today you'll arrive into Bordeaux, world-renowned for its remarkable wines. Enjoy the city's visual feast of wonderful ornate buildings, broad avenues, marvellous squares and the breathtaking Cathedral of St. André. Take a stroll through Old Bordeaux, then visit the local vineyards and châteaux, and delight in tasting their superb wines. Alternatively, add on a food and wine tour, or perhaps visit nearby Saint-Emilion, and discover its medieval architecture. Back onboard, perhaps head to the Aquamar Spa + Vitality Center for an indulgent treatment before enjoying some evening entertainment in the theatre. The following day, you'll remain in Bordeaux, with more time to explore or take an optional excursion.

Stay: Marina

Biarritz which is located on France's Côte Basque, first came to prominence in the mid-19th century when Napoleon III built a summer palace here for his wife, Empress Eugenie. The oceanside palace is now the esteemed Hotel du Palais, a landmark for the dynamic, beach-rimmed Biarritz. Surfing in France originated here in the late 1950s, and the sport has become synonymous with the city. You might watch surfers riding the waves that funnel into the Bay of Biscay, or simply comb the lovely beaches. Biarritz also has an urbane personality and museums dedicated to everything from Asian art to chocolate. Don't miss the blue-domed Russian Orthodox church, built for visiting Russian aristocrats in the 19th century. 

Stay: Marina

Experience slick modernity alongside nearly 700 years of history in Bilbao. Take a walk around the Old Quarter, the most popular area of the city, and see the Teatro Arriaga, el Arenal – the old stevedoring port, the San Nicholas Church and the Cathedral of Santiago, along with its cloister, Plaza Nueva. And, of course, no visit to Bilbao would be complete without a visit to the architecturally stunning Guggenheim Museum, which is itself a work of art. There are plenty of excursions available here, from Shepherd School with a local farmer to a visit to the vineyards of the Rioja wine region.

Stay: Marina

See the famed Tower of Hercules, the still working 2nd century Roman lighthouse, and wander through this historic town of fine churches, old palaces, cobbled streets and unique fishermen's houses. Or spend the day in beautiful Santiago de Compostela, an important pilgrimage site renowned for its magnificent cathedral and superb architectural and cultural heritage.

Stay: Marina

Today is spent at leisure as you head back towards Southampton. Enjoy breakfast in your suite with views across the ocean, before taking in a lecture or visiting the spa for a treatment. Perhaps enjoy Afternoon Tea with a classical string quartet, or simply relax by the pool with a cocktail in hand. Tonight, enjoy a gourmet dinner and live entertainment before retiring to your stateroom for a final night's rest.

Stay: Marina