Study Voyage: English Channel, Northern Spain & Portugal
With French elegance and a spirit of discovery
Interested in this voyage?
Personal advice, no call centre - a reply within 24 hours.
London → Lisbon
Nine nights along Europe's Atlantic west coast, from London to Lisbon, with Smithsonian Journeys providing scientific commentary. Le Champlain follows the historic trading route across the English Channel, on to Brittany and into the Bay of Biscay as far as Galicia and the Portuguese Atlantic coast. Calls at Saint-Malo, Bilbao, La Coruña and Porto mark the cultural span between Normans, Basques and Iberian Reconquista. The route ends in Lisbon on the Tagus.
Route highlights
- London: Embarkation on the Thames, the United Kingdom's historic maritime capital.
- Caen: Norman port with William the Conqueror's 11th-century Abbaye aux Hommes.
- Saint-Malo: Fortified corsair town on Brittany's Emerald Coast, with city walls dating to the 12th century.
- Bilbao: Economic centre of the Basque Country, home to Frank Gehry's Guggenheim Museum.
- La Coruña: Galician port city with the Tower of Hercules, the world's oldest Roman lighthouse still in use.
- Vigo: Gateway to the Ría de Vigo and the Cíes Islands, an Atlantic nature park.
- Leixões / Porto: Harbour for Porto, with the UNESCO-listed Ribeira quarter and Port wine lodges in Vila Nova de Gaia.
- Lisbon: Disembarkation at the mouth of the Tagus beneath the Ponte 25 de Abril.
The Route
London
9 nights
Lisbon
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London · Embarkation
Capital of the United Kingdom on the River Thames in southern England, one of Europe's largest metropolises. From the Tower and Tower Bridge through Westminster and Big Ben to the London Eye, world heritage lines the river.
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Caen
Caen lies in Normandy about 15 kilometres inland and is linked to the English Channel by a canal to Ouistreham. William the Conqueror made it his seat of power, and his castle and the Abbaye aux Hommes still shape the cityscape close to the D-Day landing beaches.
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Saint-Malo
Saint-Malo is a fully walled corsair town in Brittany, from which bold privateers sailed in the 17th and 18th centuries. The city walls are walkable and offer panoramic views of Île du Grand Bé (Chateaubriand's burial place) and the tidal dynamics off the Mont-Saint-Michel headland. Excursions lead to the monument of Mont-Saint-Michel.
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At sea
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Bilbao
Bilbao in the Basque Country is home to the Guggenheim Museum (Frank Gehry) - the building that coined the term "Bilbao effect". Pintxos bars in the old town, the funicular up Mount Artxanda and the nearby Costa Vasca shape the port.
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La Coruna
Bustling port city in north-west Spain on the Galician Atlantic coast. Its landmark is the Tower of Hercules, the oldest functioning Roman lighthouse in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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Vigo - Santiago de Compostela
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Leixões - Porto
Leixões is the port of Porto. The old town of Ribeira (UNESCO) hums with fado bars and port wine cellars; Eiffel pupil Théophile Seyrig built the striking Dom Luís I bridge across the Douro. Port wine has been aged in Vila Nova de Gaia opposite since the 17th century.
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Lissabon · Disembarkation
Destination
Le Champlain
Le Champlain belongs to the Ponant Explorer class: 184 guests, Blue Eye Underwater Lounge, Zodiac fleet and equipment designed for the most remote waters on earth. Expedition and luxury - at Ponant, no contradiction.
In northern Europe, Le Champlain sails through the fjords of Norway, the Baltic Sea and along the coasts of Scotland - expedition routes with cultural depth.
The Ship
Cabins
Owner's Suite
The most exclusive suite on board, located on Deck 6. Separate bedroom, balneo bathtub, panoramic views, butler service and personalised attention from the crew.
Cabin layout
Prestige Suite with Balcony
Elegant suites on Decks 5 and 6. Separate living and sleeping areas, two dressing rooms, generous balcony. Round-the-clock butler service.
Cabin layout
Deluxe Suite with Balcony
Spacious suites on Deck 6 with a separate bathtub and shower, sitting area and a private balcony. Butler service included.
Cabin layout
Deluxe Cabin
Outside cabin with a large panoramic window on Deck 3. Ideal for solo travellers or couples. All on-board amenities included.
Cabin layout
Deluxe Cabin with Balcony
Comfortable outside cabins on Decks 3 and 4 with a private balcony. Convertible twin or double beds, shower bathroom.
Cabin layout
Prestige Cabin with Balcony
The most popular category: premium cabins on Decks 4-6 with a private balcony, sitting area and convertible beds. Unobstructed views of the destination.
Cabin layout
Deck plan · Le Champlain
Cabin prices
Prices per person in double cabin (suites: based on double occupancy), all-inclusive. Subject to availability.
| Category | Price p.P. | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deluxe Stateroom - 3 | € 7.880 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 4 - 4 | € 8.690 | On request | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 - 5 | € 9.090 | On request | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 - 6 | € 9.570 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 3 - 3 | € 13.120 | On request | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 4 - 4 | € 13.120 | On request | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 5 - 5 | € 13.120 | On request | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 6 - 6 | € 13.120 | On request | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 Suite - | € 17.550 | On request | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 Suite - | € 18.440 | On request | Enquire |
| Privilege Suite Deck 5 - 5 | € 19.320 | Available | Enquire |
| Privilege Suite Deck 6 - 6 | € 19.320 | On request | Enquire |
| Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 6 - 6 | € 21.180 | On request | Enquire |
| Owner's Suite - 6 | € 22.230 | Available | Enquire |
Prices as of: 14.08.2026
Standard inclusions of the ship voyage
On board
- Full board in gourmet and À-la-carte restaurants
- Afternoon tea and pastries
- Open bar: water, soft drinks, wines, champagne, spirits, beers, coffee and tea
- Minibar in cabin, regularly refilled
- 24-hour cabin service
- All gratuities for crew and service staff
- Complimentary WiFi onboard (standard usage)
- Butler service (in higher suite categories on select ships)
- Zodiac excursions with experienced guides (on Expedition voyages)
- Expert lectures by scientists, marine biologists and historians
- Water sports equipment: kayaks, stand-up paddling, snorkelling gear (subject to weather and region)
Not included
- Flights
- Travel to/from ship (transfers, pre- or post-programmes)
- Some special shore excursions
- Spa treatments
Frequently asked questions
How do I book this voyage?
Send us a non-binding enquiry via the form on this page. Our team replies personally within 24 hours with availability, cabin options and a tailored offer. No enquiry fee, no upfront payment.
What is included in the price?
The base price per person (twin cabin) includes the cabin in your chosen category, full board, all port fees and the onboard programme. Flights and transfers are quoted separately. 9 nights from EUR 7.550 p.p. With Ponant, selected wines and beverages at meals are included.
How many guests sail on the Le Champlain?
A maximum of 184 guests - extraordinarily intimate compared to standard cruise ships. The high crew-to-guest ratio ensures personal attention throughout the voyage.
Can the itinerary change?
Yes - all itineraries are subject to weather, port availability and the captain's decisions. This is part of the charm of small-ship cruising: flexibility allows for unexpected discoveries.
Are there specials for early bookers or solo travellers?
Yes. Early bookers receive discounts for timely booking. Solo travellers often benefit from a reduced or waived single supplement. Simply mention your preferences in the enquiry.
Is my booking protected?
Yes. As a German tour operator, ivent-sailing provides a travel protection certificate (Reisesicherungsschein) under German law. Your payment is fully insured.
What about flights and transfers?
We arrange flights and transfers on request as part of your personal offer. This allows us to find the best connections for your specific departure date and home airport.
Are there shore excursions?
Yes. All cruise lines offer shore excursions - from guided cultural tours to nature experiences. The concepts vary by fleet. We are happy to provide details on available excursions for your chosen voyage.
What water sports and activities are available?
Depending on the ship and route: snorkelling, kayaking, stand-up paddling, diving, and Zodiac landings (on expedition voyages). Many ships have a marina platform for direct access to the water. We will be happy to tell you exactly what is available on your voyage.
Non-binding enquiry
Your enquiry reaches a person familiar with this voyage and ship.
