Duration
24 Nights
Journey Type
Sailing from the UK
Ports
20 Ports
8 June
Setting sail from Dover
White Cliffs Country is a fascinating region, one packed with history and natural beauty. We think there is no sight like that of the stunning cliffs rising from the sea, topped by the fortifications of Dover Castle, and surrounded by lush green countryside. But the nearby area is also packed with charm, and not so further afield are captivating pretty villages, fascinating towns such as Sandwich (one of the original Cinque ports), and of course Kent's glory, Canterbury with its magnificent cathedral. A final thought must go to the many castles including Deal, Walmer and the magnificently photogenic Leeds Castle.
Our tip
You will be amazed how much there is to see and do, so drive down early, pick a base such as Canterbury to explore, and join your cruise completely relaxed.
9 June
Jersey: St Helier
Situated just 14 miles off the coast of Normandy, the sunny island of Jersey blends British seaside charm with a discernible French influence. The bustling capital, St Helier, is the perfect base for exploring the island’s beautiful beaches, wartime fortifications and superb seafood restaurants.
10 June
At sea
11 June
United Kingdom: Bristol
Bristol is rich in both historical interest and contemporary culture, home to the Clifton Suspension Bridge, the S.S. Great Britain and infamous street artist Banksy. The bustling waterfront is full of fantastic restaurants, bars and arts venues, while the genteel city of Bath is just a short drive or train ride away.
12 June
United Kingdom: Fishguard
Fishguard holds the unusual distinction of being the site of the last invasion of Britain by a foreign power; a band of 1,400 French revolutionaries landed here in 1797, and were promptly repelled by the locals. The surrounding countryside is also full of history, with a plethora of impressive medieval castles.
13 June
Ireland: Bantry
Bantry Bay is one of the most picturesque spots on County Cork’s west coast, sandwiched between the Beara and Sheep’s Head peninsulas. Local highlights include the 18th-century Bantry House, with its elegant gardens and intriguing links to the United Irishmen Rebellion of 1798.
14 June
Ireland: Foynes
15 June
At sea
16 June
France: Belle-Île-en–Mer
Beautiful Belle-Île-en–Mer is the largest of Brittany’s islands, and the wild coastal landscapes inspired some of Monet’s most famous paintings. This peaceful island benefits from a pleasantly mild climate, and has plenty of secluded beaches and coastal paths that are ideal for hiking and cycling.
17 June
France: Bordeaux (Le Verdon)
18 June
France: Biarritz
Biarritz basks in its reputation as a glitzy seaside resort, where the emperor Napoleon III’s wife Eugenie famously built a palace on the beach in 1854 (now the Hotel du Palais). The glamour of old also lingers on in the town’s belle époque villas, while the broad sandy beach is a popular spot for surfers.
19 June
Spain: Bilbao
It’s not so long ago that Bilbao was a grim and unappealing place, scarred by heavy industry, but the Basque Country’s biggest city has reinvented itself as a cultural hub since the opening of the shimmering Guggenheim Museum in 1997.
20 June
Spain: Gijón
Gijón is the largest city in the Asturias region of northern Spain, an important industrial port but also a lively and youthful place, ideally positioned for exploring the Costa Verde. The most interesting area is the historic fishing village of Cimadevilla, which sits on a peninsula that divides the bay in two.
21 June
At sea
22 June
Portugal: Lisbon
Spread across steep hillsides that overlook the Rio Tejo, Lisbon’s colourful cityscape includes Gothic cathedrals, majestic monasteries and quaint museums. But for many the best times will be had wandering the narrow lanes of Lisbon’s lovely backstreets, with their great local food, wine and music.
23 June
At sea
24 June
Spain: Cádiz
The crumbling, sun-baked seafront city of Cádiz is said to be the oldest continuously inhabited settlement in the western world, founded by the Phoenicians around 1100 BC. Although the city lacks any obvious landmarks, it’s rich in atmosphere, and plays host to one of Spain’s most colourful carnivals.
25 June
Spain: Marbella
26 June
At sea
27 June
Spain: Mahón
Smaller than Mallorca and mellower than Ibiza, Menorca is rightly feted for its beautiful, unspoilt beaches. The laid back capital, Mahón, is set on the Mediterranean’s largest natural harbour, and the city’s striking Georgian architecture is a reminder of the 18th century British occupation of the island.
28 June
France: Port-Vendres
Port-Vendres is a bustling fishing port on the coast of French Catalonia, close to the Spanish border and a short drive from the picturesque town of Collioure. It’s a great destination for seafood lovers, and the surrounding vineyards produce some excellent wines.
29 June
France: Saint-Raphaël
Saint-Raphaël is perfectly positioned for exploring the glamorous Côte d’Azur, situated roughly midway between Cannes and Saint-Tropez. Check out some of the local beaches, browse the farmers’ markets and explore the forested mountains and craggy coastline of the Massif de l’Esterel.
30 June
Italy: Portoferraio (Elba)
The island of Elba, just off the Tuscan coast, is where Napoleon Bonaparte was famously forced to live in exile between 1814-15. It’s hard to feel too sorry for him, though; the views from his plush Villa dei Mulini, situated high above the town of Portoferraio, are quite spectacular.
1 July
Italy: Santa Margherita Ligure
Santa Margherita is Portofino without the bling, a photogenic yet down-to-earth place where yachts bob in the water and elegant hotels overlook the lovely seafront promenade. Relax and enjoy the view, or use the town as a base for exploring the beaches and picturesque towns of the Ligurian coast.
2 July
Arriving in Monte Carlo
Renowned for its casino, its Grand Prix and its oligarch-friendly tax policies, Monte Carlo is glamour and hedonism personified, with a price tag to match. Wedged between Italy and France on the Côte d'Azur, this little principality enjoys a lovely setting, the villas and penthouses tumbling down the hillside towards the sweeping blue expanse of the Mediterranean. Most visitors won't feel the need (or be able to afford) to stay more than a day or two, but the Prince's Palace and the Oceanographic Museum are both well worth a visit. Enter the casino at your own risk...
Don't miss
Make sure you’re outside the Prince’s Palace by 11.55 am sharp for the daily Changing of the Guard ceremony; it’s a wonderful spectacle that always draws a crowd.
Your home from home
Once again Seabourn leaps ahead, expanding the most modern luxury fleet with the innovative Seabourn Encore and Ovation.
What we love
When Seabourn introduced the three sisters, they changed the face of luxury cruising. Seabourn Encore and her sister Seabourn Ovation, with 604 guests on board, take things a step further, with lots of new thinking and special additions, continuing Seabourn's magical ability to surprise and delight.
Capacity |
604 Guests |
---|---|
Crew | 450 International Staff |
Style |
The contemporary décor appeals to a sophisticated and cosmopolitan crowd. With lots of outside space, you can enjoy an al fresco experience if you choose. |
Inclusions |
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Tailor-make your trip
Extend your stay in Kent
We love historic Walletts Court, just ten minutes outside Dover but feels like another world – cosy, welcoming, and great food too.
Our recommended private tour
An extraordinary trip up the coast by RIB to the mouth of the Stour River and the orange seals basking on the mudflats.
Where to stay in Monte Carlo
We prefer the Monte-Carlo Bay to the city hotels, lovely sea views and next to the beach.
See Monte Carlo in style
If you like luxury or performance cars, rent one - a Ferrari or a Lamborghini - and drive along the Corniche.