Ship:  Prince Albert II

Itinerary:  Portugal to England

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Day 1 : Lisbon, Portugal
Day 2 : Oporto, Portugal
Day 3 : La Coruna, Spain
Day 4 : Day at Sea
Day 5 : Bilbao, Spain
Days 6-7 : Bordeaux, France
Day 8 : Nantes, France
Day 9 : Day at Sea
Day 10 : St. Malo, France
Day 11 : St. Peter Port, Guernsey
Day 12 : Honfleur, France
Day 13 : Portsmouth, England
 Click for full itinerary
Days Dates Deck + Cabin Type
Adventurer Class Explorer Class View Suite Vista Suite Veranda Suite Expedition Suite Medallion Suite Discoverer Suite Silver Suite Grand Suite Owner
13 Apr 28, 2010 $8,195 $8,695 $9,695 $10,195 $12,195 $14,795 $17,295 $14,795 $18,395 $21,395 $22,895
Destinations : Europe, France, Mediterranean, Portugal, Spain, United Kingdom
Activities : Cultural Activities, Expedition Cruising, Gourmet, History, Modern History, Nature Viewing, Photography

-The supplement for single occupancy in a Vista, Veranda or Midship Veranda Suite ranges from 25% – 100% above the double occupancy fare, depending upon the sailing and suite selected. Single supplement for a Silver or Medallion Suite (Silver Shadow and Silver Whisper), Owner’s, Grand or Royal Suites are 100% above of the double occupancy fare. Suites for single and third guests are capacity controlled.
-All prices are in US Dollars, Cruise-Only per person based on double occupancy. Port charges, Government fees and taxes are additional.
Expedition highlights and wildlife listed here are possible experiences only and cannot be guaranteed. Your Expedition Leader and Captain will work together to ensure opportunities for adventure and exploration are the best possible, taking into account the prevailing weather and wildlife activity. Guest speakers are subject to change and/or cancellation without notice.

Expedition Highlights: · Taste Portugal’s famous port wine · Discover UNESCO World Heritage sites · Visit the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao · Savour France’s Bordeaux wine region · Wander through magnificent chateaus and ancient cathedrals · Photograph the tenth-century Abbey of Mont St Michel · Learn of Guernsey’s German occupation · Take in the D-Day landing site on Normandy’s beaches Major JGH Corrigan MBE, Special Guest Lecturer Olga Stravrakis, Special Guest Lecturer

Day 1 : Lisbon, Portugal

Embark the Prince Albert II this evening and depart on your exciting 12-day Silversea Expedition – Vintage Europe. You will be introduced to your Expedition Team. Tonight you are invited to attend a special Welcome Aboard cocktail party.

Day 2 : Oporto, Portugal

Oporto is located near the mouth of the Douro River and the second largest city in Portugal. During your afternoon visit to the city centre (a World Heritage site), see the Castelo Queijo and the impressive 14th-century St Francis Church with its magnificent 18th-century gold-encrusted interior. Proceed to Ribeira, its picturesque riverfront quarter made up of narrow, twisting streets lined with brightly tiled or pastel-painted façades. Your day in Oporto would not be complete without a visit to a well-known wine cellar for a taste of some world-famous port wine. The history of port wine dates from the 17th century when British merchants doctored the wine with brandy to prevent it from turning sour while in transit. It was found that the stronger and sweeter the wine, the better flavour it acquired. Learn how over the years, methods of maturing and blending were refined and continue today in the port wine lodges.

Day 3 : La Coruna, Spain

Today visit Santiago de Compostela. It has attracted Christian pilgrims from all parts of Europe since the Middle Ages and is now recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With its Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque buildings, the Old Town of Santiago exudes an air that is at once ancient, mystical and lively. The oldest monuments are grouped around the tomb of St James and the magnificent 12th-century cathedral, which contains the medieval Pórtico de la Gloria erected in 1188.

Day 4 : Day at Sea

Gather in The Theatre to hear fascinating tales of adventure or to learn about the region’s endemic wildlife and nature. Knowledgeable experts in a variety of scientific fields present lectures and seminars. Other onboard diversions may also include photographic workshops, spa treatments, a workout in the Fitness Centre, and, of course, exquisite dining experiences.

Day 5 : Bilbao, Spain

A noble city, Bilbao was founded in 1300 and delights visitors with its contrasts of historic and modern. Within the old quarter find the Cathedral of Santiago, the church and bridge of San Antón, the Ribera Marquet, the Museum of Basque Archaeology, and the Plaza Nueva. In the modern part of Bilbao see the Gardens of Albia, the Church of San Vicente and the Palace of Chavarri. The amazing architectural design of the famous Guggenheim Museum invites us to step inside to explore its impressive exhibits of contemporary art.

Days 6-7 : Bordeaux, France

With an overnight in Bordeaux, oenophiles can indulge in excursions to several of the world's most distinguished wineries. In the afternoon, participate in an optional tour ‘St Emilion – Bordeaux Heritage’. On this excursion discover the heart of France’s wine region, visit world-renowned vineyards, explore medieval Saint Emilion, and soak up the atmosphere over a leisurely lunch with good local wines!

Optionl excursion: Tonight join in an exclusive evening of fine dining and wine tasting at the renowned Château Kirwan, located in the heart of the famous Médoc. After a private guided tour of the vat and barrel cellars, enjoy a wine aperitif tasting followed by a sumptuous four-course dinner served with a selection of the estate’s wines in the Chateau’s traditional reception room.

For your second day in Bordeaux, take a private guided tour of the city, including the remarkable Gothic Sainte-André Cathedral. The cathedral is built in the form of a Latin cross and is supported by an intricate web of buttresses. The doors to the cathedral are often left wide open, as in the Middle Ages, to continue the tradition of admitting both worshipers and pedestrians making a short cut. Other sights include the Place du Parliament, the Cours du Chapeau Rouge and the Grande Theatre, constructed in 1773 by Victor Louis and considered to be one of the most magnificent theatres in Europe. Your tour will include a visit to the Museum d’Aquitaine, an outstanding museum illustrating the history of the Bordeaux area from 25,000 years ago to the 19th century. The prehistoric period is represented by a number of exceptional artifacts.

Day 8 : Nantes, France

Today embark on your excursion to Angers – once known as the Athens of Western Europe owing to its importance in the Renaissance period. The old town was built in 1228 by the order of Blanche de Castille, and the Chateau contains the famous tapestry of the Apocalypse, which measures 103 metres long and depicts over 75 scenes. Your explorations continue at Chateau de Brissac, where the Duke de Brissac will give you a guided tour of his property that concludes with a superb lunch in the private hall of the chateau.

Day 9 : Day at Sea

Attend a lecture in The Theatre or in the comfort of your own accommodation with our interactive television system. Relax on deck or peruse an array of titles and topics in the well-stocked Library. Enjoy the finest cigars and cognacs in the Connoisseur’s Corner or indulge in any of the other special amenities offered aboard the Prince Albert II. Tonight, before turning in, take a stroll on deck and enjoy the solitude and splendour of the vast sea and sky.

Day 10 : St. Malo, France

Near the top of any traveler's must-see list is a visit to the legendary Mont Saint Michel – a spectacular granite tidal island, its abbey soaring high above the sea, situated on the border between Normandy and Brittany, and one of the first sites to obtain UNESCO World Heritage listing. Upon arrival, observe the natural flora and local fauna before strolling through the narrow streets of the medieval village up to the Abbey. During your guided visit, learn that monastery was found by the 10th century as the result of a dream vision, three centuries later the Abbey was added. Tonight enjoy St Malo at your leisure, perhaps trying one of St Malo’s many fine restaurants.

Day 11 : St. Peter Port, Guernsey

Today spend the morning on Guernsey – the Island of Flowers. During the years 1940 to 1945, the Channel Islands were under German occupation, and many of the massive concrete towers, gun emplacements and bunkers remain today. First visit the German Occupation Museum, which includes a life-sized street, bunker rooms, an armory of weapons and communications equipment, as well as files of local propaganda newspapers. Drive around the winding coastal road to see one of the many WWII gun casements and visit the charming Little Chapel before returning to St Peter Port.

Alternatively, guests may choose to visit Guernsey’s lovely Sausmarez Manor where the Seigneur himself will guide you around his house and subtropical gardens, which are the delightfully informal setting for his enviable collection of over 200 sculptures from over 90 international artists and the largest display of sculptures for sale in Britain.

Day 12 : Honfleur, France

The whole town is virtually an outdoor museum, full of half-timbered houses and cobbled streets. In the 19th century, Honfleur attracted a steady stream of Impressionist artists who took their inspiration from the town’s picturesque setting. Museums, shops, cafés and the famous Old Port add to the attraction of this lovely city.

Your call at Honfleur allows for a visit to Arromanches and some of the most important locations involved in the historic events of 1944. The D-Day landings, which took place on the beaches of Normandy, involved the largest military operation in history. In the early morning of June 6, swarms of Allied landing craft hit the Normandy beaches and tens of thousands of soldiers invaded the coast of France. The Battle of Normandy that followed led to the liberation of Europe from Nazi occupation, but not without severe casualties including 37,000 killed.

Arromanches was the site of the prefabricated Mulberry Harbour, which enabled some 2 ½ million soldiers, to land in France. The remains of the port can still be seen. Visit the Musée du Débarquement (Invasion Museum) in Arromanches and, following lunch, the American Cemetery. The cemetery is located above Omaha beach, which was the site of the heaviest of the American casualties, and known as ‘bloody Omaha’ (the film Saving Private Ryan was based on the Omaha invasion). Here, more than 9,000 white marble crosses and Stars of David stand in perfect alignment on a plateau above the beach. A memorial contains the Tablets of the Missing, and a map outlines the battle sites of the Normandy Beaches. The cemetery is immaculately preserved and has a reflecting pond and chapel for silent prayer. Continuing on to Pointe du Hoc, you can see the positions the German soldiers held and the remaining observation posts, shelters, trenches and anti-aircraft platforms.

Day 13 : Portsmouth, England

Following breakfast, disembark the Prince Albert II.

Ship Description: Prince Albert II

click to enlarge
Prince Albert II | slide show
Previous Image   Next Image Vacation in comfort aboard Prince Albert II

Embark on a luxurious expedition to the best far-flung destinations in the world aboard Prince Albert II, a purpose-built expedition ship unlike any other. Designed specifically for navigating waters in some of the world’s most remote destinations, including both of earth’s polar regions, the 6,072-ton vessel boasts a strengthened hull with a Lloyd’s Register ice-class notation (1A) for passenger ships. With eight Zodiac boats, her 132 privileged guests can visit even the most off-the-beaten path locations. Experience the thrill of a true expedition aboard Prince Albert II. Venture deep into regions where other vessels cannot go whilst enjoying a privileged lifestyle that is simply second-to-none.

Onboard, savor a convivial cosmopolitan ambiance and many special amenities usually found only on larger ships, including a spacious Library with an Internet Café, boutique shopping, a full-service spa, beauty salon, fitness center, sauna and two top-deck whirlpools. Prince Albert II even features live evening entertainment and The Humidor, where connoisseurs can enjoy the finest cigars and cognacs — diversions offered by no other expedition ship.

All Ocean-view Accommodation
The largest average size accommodation of any expedition ship, each with private bath and an elegant ambiance of unrivaled luxury.

Complimentary Beverages Served
Choose from a premium selection of fine wines, champagnes, spirits, bottled water and soft drinks — all with the ship's compliments.

Besides the chilled bottle of champagne that awaits you, every accommodation includes a beverage cabinet stocked with your preferred assortment of beverages.

Gratuities Included
All onboard gratuities are included — none are ever expected.

Dining
Open Seating: when and with whom you dine is up to you. Gourmet menu's are provided by a preferred culinary partner. Enjoy delicious cuisine in casual resort attire - no tuxedos or formal evening dress required.

Complimentary 24-Hour Room Service
Late-night snack or full breakfast, lunch or dinner delivered at your request — with no charge and no tipping.

Complimentary, Hosted Adventures Ashore
Unearth fascinating dimensions of culture, adventure, history, science and the environment through a diverse collection of complimentary shoreside experiences and distinctive onboard events. Travel and interact with leading explorers, notable scholars, renowned authors, photographers and destination aficionados at your side as you learn the nuances of these exotic environments.

Open Bridge Policy
Visits are welcome 24 hours a day except when in port and weather permitting.

Ship Specifics
Crew: 111
Officers: International
Guest Capacity: 132
Tonnage: 6,072
Length: 354 Feet
Width: 52 Feet
Speed: 14 Knots
Passenger Decks: 5
Refurbished 2008
Register: 1A Ice-Class
Registry: Bahamas

Prince Albert II - Comfortable cabins Adventurer Class
6 cabins on Deck 3, 180 sq. feet, Twin or Queen beds, 2 portholes.
Prince Albert II - Explorer Class
4 cabins on Deck 4, Twin or Queen beds, 180 sq. feet with view window.
Prince Albert II - Stunning views from your suite View Suite
12 suites on Deck 3, 230 sq. feet with view window, Twin or Queen beds.
Prince Albert II - Vista Suite
16 suites on Deck 4, 194 - 230 sq. feet with large window, Twin or Queen beds.
Prince Albert II - Veranda Suite
8 suites on Deck 5, 215 sq. feet with French balcony, Twin or Queen beds.
Prince Albert II - Expedition Suite
4 suites on Deck 3, 430 sq. feet with 2 view windows, Twin or Queen beds.
Prince Albert II - Medallion Suite
2 suites on Deck 7, 358 sq. feet with private veranda, Twin or Queen beds.
Prince Albert II - Experience gracious hospitality in your suite Discoverer Suite
4 suites on Deck 4, 430 sq. feet with 2 large windows, Twin or Queen beds.
Prince Albert II - Silver Suite
6 suites on Deck 5, 430 sq. feet with 2 French balconies, Twin or Queen beds.
Prince Albert II - Grand Suite
2 suites on Deck 7, 650 sq. feet with large private veranda, Twin or Queen beds.
Prince Albert II - Luxurious Suites Owner
2 suites on Deck 7, 540 sq. feet with large private veranda, Twin or Queen beds.
 
Prince Albert II -

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