VIKING AND TRAVELLER TOURS, GAUDI to GOURMET

Barcelona to Copenhagen
Departing 25 April 2019 


About the cruise
Join Fairfax Media's acclaimed food writer Jill Dupleix, award-wining restaurant critic Terry Durack, Traveller contributor Steve McKenna plus Barcelona-based architect Rodrigo Aguirre on a 15-day cruise along Europe’s Western Coast. Your Traveller Tours culinary adventure starts with a welcome dinner in Barcelona. Experience port tasting in Porto, a culinary tour of Amsterdam and intimate Q&A sessions with Jill, Terry and Steve. In the company of Rodrigo Aguirre, you’ll see some of Gaudi’s most famous works. Delight your palate with Traveller Tours exclusive talks on Spanish gastronomy by Jill and Terry where you’ll learn about the great food and wines of Spain. This is a rare opportunity to learn about the food and wines from the experts.


Exclusive inclusions

  • Welcome dinner at Marea Alta restaurant in Barcelona
  • Barcelona architecture presentation from local architect Rodrigo Aguirre
  • Tour of Gaudi’s most famous works
  • Porto walking tour and port tasting
  • Bombay Sapphire and Laverstoke Mill tour and tasting
  • Q&A on the art of food and travel writing with Jill, Terry and Steve
  • Culinary tour of Amsterdam
  • Farewell drinks with your Traveller Tours guests

Map


Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1 — Barcelona, Spain

Step on board to begin your journey then spend the afternoon ambling along Las Ramblas, taking in the architectural masterpieces of Antoni Gaudí or exploring the myriad side streets of the city's ancient Gothic Quarter. This evening, meet Jill Dupleix, Terry Durack, Steve McKenna, Rodrigo Aguirre, and your fellow travellers on board before heading on shore for dinner at Marea Alta. Here, you’ll sample the most authentic local cuisine and enjoy a pre-dinner conversation led by Jill Dupleix, Terry Durack and Steve McKenna. 

Traveller Tours exclusive: Meet and greet on board and dinner at Marea Alta.

Day 2 — Barcelona, Spain

This morning, Barcelona-based architect Rodrigo Aguirre will deliver an exclusive Traveller Tours talk on the architectural masterpieces of Barcelona, and the role of Gaudí in building historical and contemporary Barcelona, including the world famous Sagrada Família Basilica. In the company of Rodrigo Aguirre, see some of Gaudí’s most famous works in Barcelona.

Traveller Tours exclusive: Barcelona architecture presentation from local architect Rodrigo Aguirre and tour of some of Gaudi’s most famous works in Barcelona.

Day 3 — Murcia (Cartagena), Spain

Uncover the rich history of Cartagena, brimming with remarkable architecture that ranges from Roman times to the 20th-century Art Nouveau period. Outside the city, marvel at the beauty of the sanctuary of the Virgin of Fuensanta, Murcia’s patron saint, and the baroque- and gothic-style cathedral. Alternatively, explore Cartagena’s impressive Roman Theatre and Roman Forum.

Day 4 — Granada (Málaga), Spain

Málaga, the Birthplace of Pablo Picasso, is the gateway to Andalucia, a seductive province of rolling hills and endless olive groves. An included Viking tour features the 11th-century Alcazaba Palace, residence of Arabian caliphs, the ancient Moorish Gibralfaro Castle, the renaissance Málaga Cathedral and Picasso’s birthplace. Or, choose to explore the mighty Alhambra palace in Granada, one of Spain’s most treasured sites.

Day 5 — Cruise the Atlantic Ocean

Sail through the famed Strait of Gibraltar into the Alboran Sea, the westernmost portion of the Mediterranean. On a clear day, you can spot the giant Rock of Gibraltar on the port side. According to legend, this enormous geological wonder is one of the Pillars of Hercules, the other being Monte Hacho, a low mountain in Ceuta, a Spanish province in North Africa. Enjoy the day onboard at your leisure. 

Traveller Tours exclusive: Private Porto talk from Viking guest lecturer.

Day 6 — Porto, Portugal

Today, dock in Leixões, a coastal city with a rich history, located near the extraordinary city of Porto. Enjoy a walking tour and port tasting in the company of Jill, Terry, a local guide and your fellow Traveller Tours guests. Be enchanted by Porto’s architecture and culture, including a visit to the 18th-century Clérigos Tower and a walk down Praça da Liberdade to the São Bento Railway Station, with its beautiful azulejo tile mosaics. Continue via Rua das Flores (Flower Street) with its lively cafés, restaurants and shops until you reach the Palácio da Bolsa, Porto’s historic stock exchange. By coach, cross the 19th-century Dom Luís I Bridge to the wine cellars of Vila Nova de Gaia. With Jill and Terry, enjoy a tasting and learn the secrets of making port wine before returning to your ship. 

Traveller Tours exclusive: Porto walking tour and port tasting.

Day 7 — Cruise the Atlantic Ocean

Enjoy a day at your leisure. You might sample the onboard entertainment or perhaps soothe your body with a hot sauna contrasted with a few minutes in the refreshingly chilled air of the Snow Grotto. 

Traveller Tours exclusive: Q&A with Jill, Terry and Steve on the art of travel writing.

Day 8 — Falmouth, England

Arrive in Falmouth, the gateway to the dramatic county of Cornwall, in the most southwestern corner of England. Admire the gray granite architecture and hilltop college of this picturesque port city overlooking the deep, scenic harbour, famous as the backdrop for countless films and television series. Henry VIII built Pendennis Castle here to defend his country from France and the Holy Roman Empire.

Day 9 — Portsmouth, England

Sail between Napoleonic forts in the Solent Strait and pass stunning citadels at the harbour entrance to picturesque Portsmouth. In the company of Jill, Terry and your fellow Traveller Tours guests, visit the world-famous Bombay Sapphire Distillery at stunning Laverstoke Mill. Explore the distillery at your own pace on a self-guided tour and learn about the age-old tradition of gin making. Then, join your hosts as they take you behind the scenes of the unique vapour infusion distillation process. You can also enjoy a drink "on the house" in the mill bar alongside the beautiful Test River. 

Traveller Tours exclusive: Bombay Sapphire and Laverstoke Mill tour and tasting.

Day 10 — Paris (Le Havre), France

Arrive in historic Le Havre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on a Seine River estuary. This historic port city is the gateway to the pleasures of Paris, so you’ll take a scenic drive through the countryside of Normandy and into the heart of the French capital. You’ll have time on your own to ascend the Eiffel Tower for sweeping city views or to marvel at the Gothic glory of Notre Dame Cathedral. Alternatively, you might choose to pay homage at D-Day beaches or stroll the pretty quay of the artists’ town of Honfleur. 

Day 11 — Bruges, Belgium

Call on Zeebrugge, Belgium’s most important fishing port and your doorway to canal-laced Bruges, one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval cities. Bruges’ early textile trade made it one of the wealthiest trading towns in the world, and the world’s most important port. You can explore its cobblestone streets, ascend its towering belfry in the Market Square for sweeping views of restored guild houses and tree-shaded squares, and shop for lace and chocolate.

Day 12 — Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Today, in the company of Jill and Terry, your local guide and your fellow Traveller Tours guests, enjoy a culinary tour of Amsterdam. This food lover’s walk will take you through beautiful canal paths, stunning waterside homes and cozy shops in the Jordaan District. You’ll get to sample traditional Dutch herring and learn about how this delicacy is prepared; visit a typical Dutch café and try a local beer; and learn about Holland's unique cheeses, enjoying a taste of each paired with wine. 

Traveller Tours exclusive: Culinary tour of Amsterdam.

Day 13 — Scenic Cruising: Kiel Canal

This This afternoon, sail through Germany’s Kiel Canal, a European cruising milestone. Since 1914, ships have used this engineering marvel to shave 250 nautical miles off their journey from the North Sea to the Baltic Sea. As you cruise, enjoy canal-side sights from the deck of your ship. This evening, join Jill, Terry, Steve McKenna and your fellow Traveller Tours guests for farewell drinks. 

Traveller Tours exclusive: Farewell drinks with your Traveller Tours guests.

Day 14 — Copenhagen, Denmark

The Danish capital was founded as a Viking fishing village and boasts more than 850 years of history. Spend the day exploring the fairytale city, including the neighbourhood of Nyhavn, famed for its brightly coloured houses and once the home of Hans Christian Andersen, best known as a writer of fairytales. Discover the rococo interiors of Amalienborg Palace, the winter residence of the Danish royal family or visit the ornate Kronborg Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the setting for Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Indulge in the city’s food halls or whet your palate at oen of its many Michelin-starred restaurants.

Day 15 — Copenhagen, Denmark

Disembark your ship this morning and transfer to the airport for your return flight home or stay on to explore more of Copenhagen’s charms.



Terms & Conditions

*Prices are per person, in Australian dollars, based on double occupancy, subject to availability and correct at time of printing. Prices based on the listed departure only in a Deluxe Veranda (DV4). Prices include all advertised discounts. Valid on new bookings only. Must book by 30 September 2018 unless sold out prior. For full booking conditions go to https://www.vikingcruises.com.au/terms-conditions/index.html