Vineyards
& Vignettes

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.

A province of Galicia, La Coruña (also known as A Coruña) holds a great deal of history that attracts the intellectual traveler. Home of the Spanish Armada and second-biggest port town in the country, it’s a city that invites explorer spirts to rediscover all its lost secrets and hidden gems.

About an hour away lies Santiago de Compostela, a beautiful cathedral to which many make a pilgrimage spanning 500 miles across the top of Spain. If you seek the beauty of nature within the splendor of historic architecture, La Coruña offers the Garden of San Carlos and the Gardens of Mendez Nuñez with verdant patches of bushes and palm trees sprinkled throughout paved paths amid cultural landmarks.

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

There is no region in the world more closely associated with fabulous vineyards than the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bordeaux. Located in the southwest of France, not far from the Bay of Biscay, Bordeaux offers about 60 appellations, 9,000 wine-producing châteaux and 13,000 grape growers - more than you could possibly try. For an amazing overview of Bordeaux wine, journey up the Castles Route, which runs along the length of the Médoc peninsula. This road passes eight of the most famous châteaux, including Margaux, Pauillac and Saint-Julien. Not far off lies the mouth of the Gironde estuary, off the coast of Royan and the Grave headland, where you’ll catch the first glimpse of the famous Cordouan Lighthouse of Le Verdon-sur-Mer, the oldest working lighthouse in France.

There is no region in the world more closely associated with fabulous vineyards than the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bordeaux. Located in the southwest of France, not far from the Bay of Biscay, Bordeaux offers about 60 appellations, 9,000 wine-producing châteaux and 13,000 grape growers - more than you could possibly try. For an amazing overview of Bordeaux wine, journey up the Castles Route, which runs along the length of the Médoc peninsula. This road passes eight of the most famous châteaux, including Margaux, Pauillac and Saint-Julien. Not far off lies the mouth of the Gironde estuary, off the coast of Royan and the Grave headland, where you’ll catch the first glimpse of the famous Cordouan Lighthouse of Le Verdon-sur-Mer, the oldest working lighthouse in France.

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

With a history dating back to the first century BCE, Saint Malo, France has a deep and profound past that has stood the test of time. From the monolithic menhirs and dolmens of the Neolithic era to the Celtic influences and traditions running through its music, festivals and language, this city holds a fascinating story that every explorer can appreciate. Famous for its remarkable ocean tides, the view of the difference between high and low tide in St. Malo cannot compare. Just outside the city limits are the captivating Rochers Sculptes, sculpted rocks carved by deaf and mute French artist Adolphe Julien Fouéré, hugging the cliffs of the Emerald Coast. The city’s Brittany heritage runs strong in its local fare and you can indulge in a helping of moules frites - steamed mussels and chips (fries).

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.

London is a fascinating city with storied landmarks, iconic attractions and countless hidden gems. As we navigate the famous River Thames, we pass renowned sights like Greenwich, the Maritime Museum, the Royal Observatory and historic locales that have made cinematic history. Our small yacht allows us to dock near the Tower Bridge, sailing under its impressive span, and come closer to the HMS Belfast, a historic ship known worldwide with a story that sparks your curiosity. Photographers often want to head toward central London near the Westminster Bridge. With Big Ben and Westminster Palace on one side and the London Eye on the other side of the river, it’s the best spot for the ultimate picture of the English capital. Among the lesser-known highlights of London is the British Library, where you may see a scribbled page of Beatles songwriting or a Leonardo da Vinci notebook. There are some stunning illuminated scripts and landmark-scientific items too. If you’re looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, head to Hyde Park or Kensington Gardens.

London is a fascinating city with storied landmarks, iconic attractions and countless hidden gems. As we navigate the famous River Thames, we pass renowned sights like Greenwich, the Maritime Museum, the Royal Observatory and historic locales that have made cinematic history. Our small yacht allows us to dock near the Tower Bridge, sailing under its impressive span, and come closer to the HMS Belfast, a historic ship known worldwide with a story that sparks your curiosity. Photographers often want to head toward central London near the Westminster Bridge. With Big Ben and Westminster Palace on one side and the London Eye on the other side of the river, it’s the best spot for the ultimate picture of the English capital. Among the lesser-known highlights of London is the British Library, where you may see a scribbled page of Beatles songwriting or a Leonardo da Vinci notebook. There are some stunning illuminated scripts and landmark-scientific items too. If you’re looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, head to Hyde Park or Kensington Gardens.