DATES / RATES
Rates are listed per person
|
Start Date | End Date | From EUR | From USD |
Apr 25, 2025 | May 03, 2025 | 3,876 |
4,027 |
Rates are listed per person
|
Start Date | End Date | From EUR | From USD |
Apr 25, 2025 | May 03, 2025 | 3,876 |
4,027 |
ITINERARY
Day 1 Lisbon, Portugal -
Embarkation
Straddling the hills at the mouth of the river Tagus, the Portuguese
capital of Lisbon needs little introduction. The city's history
stretches back thousands of years, encompassing occupation by the
Phoenicians, Romans, Visigoths, the Islamic Umayyad Caliphate and a
succession of Christian kingdoms, before being officially proclaimed
the capital of the Kingdom of Portugal in 1256.
After Athens, Lisbon is the second oldest European capital, pre-dating
latecomers like London, Paris and Madrid by centuries. It is the
westernmost city on the European mainland, and has for centuries been
the base for expeditions to far-flung corners of the world, as it does
for our guests!
MV Ocean Albatros awaits our guests in the city's harbour. After the
mandatory safety briefing and drill, enjoy a hand-crafted cocktail on
the outer decks as we sail of of this magnificent city, bound for the
wild western coasts of northern Europe.
Day 2
Leixões/Porto, Portugal
Situated on the northern side of the city of Porto, Leixões
is Portugal's second largest and busiest sea port, constructed to
relieve pressure on the city's ancient center. And what a city center
it is! Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996, Porto is one
of the finest examples of a preserved historic city anywhere on Earth,
with monuments, ancient buildings and other architectural marvels at
every turn.
Porto straddles a deep gorge, formed where the River Douro - the
largest in Iberia by output - flows into the sea. Here, warm air masses
from inland meet cool breezes off the Atlantic ocean, creating the
perfect climate, with sunny summer days tempered by fresh ocean air.
The city's golden beaches are exposed to the open Atlantic ocean, and
the vast ocean swells here attract surfers and adrenaline seekers from
around the world.
However, this majestic city has so much more to offer than the beach;
despite its small size compared to many European cities, Porto plays an
ourside role in world history. It was here that marriage sealed the
military alliance of Portugal and England in 1387 - an alliance as
strong today as it was 650 years ago. Ships laid down in Porto were
among the first to sail down the coast of West Africa, beginning
Portugal's role in the Age of Exploration (including, sadly, it's role
in Transatlantic Slavery).
Founded on commerce, it is no surprise that the city's most beautiful
buildings cluster at the docksides of the River Douro. Today, these
ancient docks are loomed over by a vast iron bridge, connecting the
northern and southern sides of the city, and the hilltops above are
crowned by some of the oldest and best preserved buildings in Europe,
such as Porto Cathedral.
You can choose one of the following optional excursions for Porto:
Porto Walking Tour with Local Delicacies ($105 p.p.)
St. Francis Church and Stock Exchange ($105/p.p.)
Wine Tasting and Porto Cathedral ($130 p.p.)
Day 3 A
Coruña, Galicia, Spain
On a narrow spit of land a the northwestern tip of the Spanish mainland
sits the city of A Coruña, one of the largest and most
culturally important cities in Galicia. A Coruña has been a
port city long before the Romans arrived in this part of Europe, and
the pre-Roman Celtic roots of the region are strong. In the verdant
hills above the city, thatched roundhouses, unchanges since the Iron
Age look out over the Bay of Biscay - many now swanky cabins and
holiday homes.
When the Romans arrived in A Coruña, they set about
improving the city port, and laid the foundations of the modern city.
In doing so they constructed one of the city's most famous landmarks,
the Torre de Hércules (Tower of Hercules), a fifty-five
metre tall lighthouse, which still stands proud guarding the city's
shipping lanes almost two thousand years later. The area surrounding it
is today a popular local park, where coruñeses stroll in the
footsteps of their ancestors.
The old city of A Coruña forms the core of the modern city,
and sections of the ancient walls constructed in the medieval period
(to keep out Viking mauranders from the North, and Moorish slavers from
the South) still surround the narrow streets. The climate of Galicia is
heavily influenced by the Atlantic Ocean, and the city experiences far
more rain than the majority of Spain. Even the buildings in the city
reflect the climate. Lining the waterfront are galería style
balconies; glazed verandas with retractable glass panes, originally
modelled on warship towers, they are considered essential in the
region's wet climate.
A Coruña's mild climate makes it a popular getaway spot for
Spaniards fleeing the fierce summer heat of the interior. However, its
position controlling several vital European chipping lanes have meant
foreigners have visited the city since time immemorial - the city was
the main entry point by sea for pilgrims on their way to the sacred
city of Santiago de Compostela. While these holy journeys continue to
this day, foreign visitors are more commonly found enjoying the gentle
warmth on the city beaches, soaking up the atmosphere in the cafe-lined
Plaza María Pita, or strolling along the Paseo
Maritímo, the city's spectacular nine kilometre promenade
which passes all the major sights in town - definitely the place to be!
You can choose one of the following optional excursions for A
Coruña:
Santiago de Compostela - The Heart of Galicia ($100 p.p.)
Walking Tour - Discover History, Sights & Flavours ($45 p.p.)
Day 4 At sea, en route to
Concarneau
Between Galicia and Brittany lies the Bay of Biscay. Sailors of old
would whisper of this infamous seaway, which is home to some of the
Atlantic Ocean's most ferocious winter weather. Thankfully, modern
advances in maritime technology have tamed these infamous waters!
With direct access to the Bay of Biscay from Spain, France and Britain,
these waters have seen some of the most dramatic naval engagements in
history. It was here that the British and Spanish Armadas clashed
during the age of exploration, and where warships have sunk to Davy
Jones locker during both World Wars. Thankfully, the bay today is a
peaceful place, home to a multitide of commercial shipping lanes, and
criss-crossed by ferries.
Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax and unwind and enjoy
the onboard amenities aboard Ocean Alabtros. Work up a sweat in the
gym, refresh with panoramic views in the sauna, or enjoy the ocean
views from our hot tubs.
The Bay of Biscay is world-renowned for its cetecean activity - in the
middle of the bay lies a huge continental shelf, which drives nutrients
from the deep ocean to the surface, creating a haven for marine
wildlife. Dolphins, porpoise and whales are all commonly seen in the
area, so be sure to grab your binoculars and join your expedition team
on the outer decks!
Day 5 Concarneau,
Brittany, France
Standing proud in the Baie de La Forêt is the medieval walled
city of Concarneau, one of Brittany's most historic towns. Steeped in
Breton culture and rich in art and history, Concarneau enjoys one of
the most beautiful natural settings in Europe, surrounded by golden
beaches and rolling green hills.
Concarneau sits in the heart of Brittany, the large peninsula in the
northwest of France. As Roman power in Europe collapsed in the 4th
Century, Britons from what is now Devon and Cornwall sailed to
Brittany; more followed after the Anglo-Saxon invasions in the 5th and
6th Centuries. Their language evolved into modern Breton, a Celtic
language closely related to Welsh, Gaelic and Irish, and radically
different to French. The language declined due to government
Francization policies in the 1800s, but is experiencing a vibrant
revival - expect to see dual-language signs throughout the city.
The exact origins of the walled city are lost to time, although the
walls today were constructed during the 14th and 15ht Centuries, a
period when England and France where almost constantly at war. After
the French Revolution, the city attained its modern shape, with new
houses lining the bay surrounding the walled island city. One of the
most popular destinations in Brittany, the old town is a maze of
cobbled streets, walls and independent shops and cafes - all lovingly
restored during the 2010s. The modern port surrounding the walled city
is home to one of France's largest artisanal fishing fleet - taste the
catch of the day in one of the many local restauratns lining the
quayside.
You can choose one of the following optional excursions for Concarneau:
Walking Tour of the Village of Locronan ($75 p.p.)
Château Keriolet and "Ville Close" ($95 p.p.)
Quimper and Pont-Aven ($150 p.p.)
Day 6 Scilly Isles,
England, United Kingdom
A cluster of granite islands and skerries 45km southeast of Cornwall,
the Scilly Isles are the southernmost part of the United Kingdom.
Green, lush and verdant, these welcoming islands are a veritable
garden, kept warm and moist by the Gulf Stream.
The main settlement of Hugh Town on the island of St Mary's is our
morning destination. A beautiful and quiant town, Hugh Town houses the
majority of the islands' population. Star Castle, a 16th Century
fortress looms over the narrow winding streets of the town, which are
lined with independent shops, cozy cafes and welcoming pubs.
During the afternoon, we will visit the island of Tresco, the second
largest of the islands. The whole island can be walked in a few hours,
and is home to fewer than two hundred people. Without doubt the most
famous attraction in the islands exists on Tresco - the world-famous
Abbey Gardens. Built around the ruins of a medieval Benedictine abbey,
these stunning gardens were established by Augustus Smith in the 19th
Century. The warm humid climate of Scilly provides the perfect habitat
for hundreds of species of plants from around the world, many of which
can grow nowhere else in the UK. Golden pheasants strut around the
overgrowing flowerbeds, and medieval archways, modernist sculptures
brimming planters and bubbling fountains are around every turn! This
veritable Eden also holds the Valhalla Museum, a collection of
figureheads from vessels wrecked around the islands. Arguably the most
spectacular garden in the United Kingdom, it is a highlight not to be
missed!
You can choose one of the following optional excursions for Scilly
Isles:
St. Mary's History Walk ($65 p.p.)
Island Explorer Walk ($60 p.p.)
Wildlife Sea Safari ($55 p.p.)
Seaquest Glassbottom Boat Tour ($60 p.p.)
Tresco Abbey Garden ($70 p.p.)
Day 7 Fowey, England,
United Kingdom
Fowey is a small town on the southern coast of England, in the county
of Cornwall. Named for the river of the same name, the town sits
between the rolling green hills of cornwall and the calm waters of the
English Channel, the town was once a notable haunt for smugglers and
pirates, raiding passing ships and sneaking luxuries such as tea,
tobacco and liquor into England.
During the Victorian period however, the advent of the railways brought
a new demographic to the town - sun-seeking tourists, looking to enjoy
the clean seas and fresh air away from the industrial grime of the big
cities. Rambling mansions and hotels line the waterfront, and
restaurants and cafes tempt visitors in with locally produced
delicacies. While the town lacks the beaches of some Cornish resorts,
its perfect harbour makes it a magnet for watersports enthusiasts, who
can choose between the calm river or the open sea.
Fowey is the ideal gateway to Cornwall. Nearby attractions include the
vast tropical greenhouses of the Eden Project, famous resort towns such
as Padstow and Newquay, and of course, the stunning vistas of the
Cornish coast - undoubtedly some of the most beautiful in the UK!
You can choose one of the following optional excursions for Fowey:
Cornwall Highlights - Discover St. Ives and Lands End ($150 p.p.)
The Eden Project ($200 p.p.)
Walking Tour and Free Time ($50 p.p.)
Day 8 Portland, England,
UK
Linked to the English mainland by a narrow causeway, the Isle of
Portland stands proudly in the English Channel, guarding some of the
world's busiest seaways. Portland is backed by the enormous Chesil
Beach, which at 28km in length is the longest beach in Britain, and
also shields a freshwater lagoon (the Fleet) - a vital habitat for
wildlife and a Ramsar wetland. The region is part of the Jurassic
Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site world-renowned for its incredible
geology and fossil finds. Indeed, Portland is perhaps best known for
the local Portland stone (a limestone) which is used in legendary
buildings including St Paul's Cathedral and the United Nations
Headquarters.
The town of Portland lies at the heart of a vast lagoon, formed by a
series of breakwaters. Its strategic position made it a vital naval
base during both World Wars, and its sheltered waters today
make it a haven for watersports enthusiasts. The southernmost tip of
the island holds the legendary Portland Bill lighthouse, a hotspot for
birders looking for migratory species, which undoubtedly boasts the
best views on the island.
Portland is a town which has has to reinvent itself many times, from
quarrying settlement to smugglers hotspot, from naval base to fortress
town, and today to one of the most popular summer destinations in
England. Boasting beaches on three sides, nowhere offers better access
to the sea, while the modern road link allows easy access to the
mainland to explore the length of England's Jurassic Coast.
You can choose one of the following optional excursions for Portland:
Lyme Regis - A Journey Through Dorset's Coastal Beauty ($110 p.p.)
Jurassic Coastal Walk - Durdle Door & Lulworth Cove ($145 p.p.)
Mystic Stonehenge ($160 p.p.)
Day 9 Portsmouth, England
- Disembarkation
Sitting in the calm waters of the Solent, Portsmouth is undoubtedly the
leading port city of the United Kingdom. A stone's throw from London on
the south coast of England, the city of Portsmouth covers the whole of
Portsea Island - the most densely populated island in the UK.
Situated at the heart of a vast network of waterways, Portmouth has
played a key role in British maritime history; legendary ships such as
the Mary Rose, the Challenger Expedition and Nelson's Trafalgar fleet
all sailed from this port. Portmouth today is a busy and bustling city,
a hub for vast container ships bringing cargo from all over the world,
fleets of ferries sailing to Europe, and the only scheduled hovercraft
service in the world (the fastest route to the Isle of Wight).
On the final day of your voyage, bid a fond farewell to the Officers
and Crew of the Ocean Albatros as you disembark towards your next
adventure.
Ocean Albatros (Luxury Expedition, 189-guests)
The Ocean Albatros, sistership to the Ocean Victory, will join the fleet of Albatros Expeditions in November 2022. The Ocean Albatros will be deployed to a large selection of expedition cruise destinations, Antarctica, the Arctic, any various exciting new destinations in between.
(Click image to view Ship details)
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Inclusions
- 9-day/8-night cruise on Ocean Albatros in a shared outside
double stateroom with a private bathroom in the category chosen
- English-speaking expedition staff
- Near-port walks with the expedition team
- Information briefings and lectures by the expedition team
- Full board on the ship
- Dinner drink package
- Free coffee, tea, and afternoon snacks on the ship
- Welcome and Farewell cocktails
- Taxes, tariffs, and landing fees
- Digital visual journal link after the voyage, including
voyage log, gallery, species list, and more
Exclusions
- International flights
- Extra excursions and activities not mentioned in the
itinerary
- Single room supplement and cabin upgrades
- Meals not on board the ship
- Beverages (other than coffee and tea and dinner-drink
package)
- Tips for the crew (we recommend USD 16 per person per day)
- Personal expenses
- Transfer to/from the ship in Lisbon/Portsmouth
- Travel, cancellation, and senior insurance
- Anything not mentioned under
’Inclusions’
Please request!