Study Voyage: the Iberian Atlantic Coast, Brittany & the English Channel
With French elegance and a spirit of discovery aboard Le Bellot
Interested in this voyage?
Personal advice, no call centre - a reply within 24 hours.
Lisbon to London
This nine-night voyage aboard Le Bellot, in association with Smithsonian Journeys, runs the western coast of Europe from Lisbon to London. The 184-guest Explorer-class ship links the Portuguese Atlantic coast with Galicia, the Basque Country, Brittany and the English Channel. Smithsonian experts accompany the voyage with lectures on maritime history, architecture and the cultures of the Atlantic harbours. Sixteen Zodiacs and the marina platform allow active exploration of smaller bays. Full board, beverages and excursions are part of the premium all-inclusive concept.
Route highlights
- Lisbon: Portuguese capital on the Tagus with the Belém Tower and the Fado quarters.
- Leixões / Porto: harbour for Porto with the Ribeira quarter on the Douro and the port wine cellars.
- Vigo: Galician port at the gateway to the Cíes Islands.
- La Coruña: Galician port with the Roman Tower of Hercules lighthouse.
- Bilbao: Basque port with Frank Gehry's Guggenheim Museum.
- Saint-Malo: walled corsair town on Brittany's Emerald Coast.
- Caen: Norman gateway to the D-Day landing beaches of June 1944.
- London: British capital with a Thames-side mooring in the heart of the city.
Early booking advantage: Voyages in 2028 fill quickly - premium cabins are often reserved 18-24 months in advance. An early booking enquiry is non-binding and secures your preferred cabin category.
The Route
Lisbon
9 nights
London
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Lissabon · Embarkation
Built on seven hills, Lisbon blends a southern European sense of life with a great history of discovery. From the Tower of Belém, Vasco da Gama and other navigators set out into the unknown - yellow trams and the melancholic Fado still tell the tale today.
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Leixões - Porto
Nestled at the mouth of the Douro on the Atlantic in north-western Portugal, the country's second city tumbles down both banks of the river in terraces. The Ribeira old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, while across the river in Vila Nova de Gaia, the famed port wines age in centuries-old cellars.
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Vigo - Santiago de Compostela
Vigo is Spain's largest fishing port and gateway to Galicia. The Cíes Islands off the coast (Atlantic Islands of Galicia National Park) are among the most pristine beaches in Europe; the pilgrim city of Santiago de Compostela is one hour away.
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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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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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At sea
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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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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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At sea
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London · Disembarkation
Climate & best time to sail
Embarkation: Lisbon
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air °C | 15 | 16 | 18 | 19 | 21 | 25 | 28 | 28 | 26 | 22 | 18 | 15 |
| Sea °C | 15 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 19 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 19 | 17 | 16 |
| Rain mm | 96 | 76 | 58 | 62 | 44 | 16 | 5 | 6 | 28 | 88 | 104 | 102 |
Long-term monthly normals · Reference: Atlantic coast (Lisbon)
Disembarkation: London
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air °C | 8 | 8 | 10 | 13 | 16 | 19 | 21 | 21 | 19 | 15 | 11 | 9 |
| Sea °C | 9 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 14 | 17 | 18 | 17 | 15 | 12 | 10 |
| Rain mm | 80 | 58 | 60 | 50 | 48 | 50 | 45 | 52 | 62 | 88 | 94 | 90 |
Long-term monthly normals · Reference: English Channel (Portsmouth/Cherbourg)
Le Bellot
Le Bellot is the sixth and final ship of the Explorer class - the completion of a concept that makes expedition and luxury inseparable. 184 guests, Blue Eye Lounge, Zodiac fleet, French cuisine.
In northern Europe, Le Bellot links Norwegian fjords with the Scottish Hebrides - natural encounters with the comfort of the Explorer class.
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 Bellot
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 | € 6.180 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 4 | € 6.790 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 | € 7.090 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 | € 7.460 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 3 | € 10.130 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 4 | € 10.130 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 5 | € 10.130 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 6 | € 10.130 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Suite Deck 5 | € 13.470 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Suite Deck 6 | € 14.140 | Available | Enquire |
| Privilege Suite Deck 5 | € 14.810 | Available | Enquire |
| Privilege Suite Deck 6 | € 14.810 | Available | Enquire |
| Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 6 | € 16.200 | Available | Enquire |
| Owner's Suite - | € 23.840 | Available | Enquire |
Prices as of: 14.08.2026
Standard inclusions of the ship voyage
On board
- Schiffsreise in der gewählten Kabinenkategorie
- Vollpension an Bord: Frühstücksbuffet, französische Brasserie-Küche zum Mittagessen, mehrgängiges Abendessen
- Große Auswahl an Getränken in Markenqualität (Mineralwasser, Softdrinks, Wein, Bier, Champagner, Kaffee, Tee, ausgewählte Spirituosen)
- Inhalt der Minibar
- 24-Stunden-Roomservice
- Unbegrenzter WiFi-Zugang an Bord
- Ein Landausflug pro Person und Anlaufhafen
- Vorträge und Begleitung der Naturforscher und Lektoren an Bord
- Abendunterhaltung, Vorträge und Shows
- Zugang zu Fitnessbereich und Sauna
- Nicht-motorisierte Wassersport-Aktivitäten (Kajak, Stand-up-Paddle)
- Bei Expeditionsreisen: Zodiac-Anlandungen und Ausfahrten
- Hafen- und Sicherheitsgebühren
Not included
- An- und Abreise zum Schiff (Flüge, Bahn)
- Flughafentransfers
- Reiseversicherung
- Trinkgelder für Crew (übliche Empfehlung 8 bis 10 Euro pro Person und Tag)
- Premium-Spirituosen und ausgewählte Edel-Weine
- Zusätzliche, optionale Landausflüge
- Spa- und Wellness-Anwendungen
- Persönliche Ausgaben (Wäscheservice, Boutique)
- Tauchgänge
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 5.850 p.p. With Ponant, selected wines and beverages at meals are included.
How many guests sail on the Le Bellot?
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.
When is the best time to sail this voyage?
For embarkation in Lissabon the best time to sail is May to October; for disembarkation in London it is June to September.
Non-binding enquiry
Your enquiry reaches a person familiar with this voyage and ship.
