Music Voyage: Portugal, Northern Spain & Aquitaine · Aug 2027
Along the Atlantic coast with the Paris Opera Ballet
What makes the voyage of the Le Boréal to Northern Europe special?
This nine-night voyage aboard Le Boréal links the Atlantic coast of Portugal, Galicia, Asturias and the Basque Country with the mouth of the Gironde. Accompanied by the Paris Opera Ballet, you follow a chain of harbours and shores that combine cultural depth with open landscapes, before the voyage ends upriver in Bordeaux. The marina platform and Zodiacs open up smaller calls, while the premium all-inclusive concept sets the frame.
Route highlights
- Lisbon: Atlantic capital on the Tagus with the Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery.
- Leixoes / Porto: Harbour for the World Heritage city of Porto with its Ribeira quarter and port wine cellars.
- Vigo: Galician Atlantic port on the Ría de Vigo, gateway to the Cíes Islands.
- La Coruña: Galician port with the Tower of Hercules, the world's oldest still-functioning lighthouse.
- Avilés: Asturian port with the Niemeyer Cultural Centre and a medieval old town.
- Santander: Cantabrian bay with the Magdalena Palace and a Belle Époque seaside promenade.
- Saint-Jean-de-Luz: Basque fishing harbour with a pelota tradition and the church where Louis XIV was married.
- Gironde: Navigation along Europe's longest estuary between vineyards and fortresses.
- Bordeaux: World Heritage city on the Garonne, defined by the neoclassical Place de la Bourse and the surrounding wine estates.
Early booking advantage: Voyages in 2027 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.
What is the route of the cruise aboard the Le Boréal to Northern Europe?
9 nights from Lisbon to Bordeaux, including Leixões / Porto, Vigo, La Coruña.
Lisbon
9 nights
Bordeaux
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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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Aviles
Avilés sits on the Atlantic coast of the Spanish region of Asturias and ranks among the best-preserved medieval towns in northern Spain. The striking landmark is the Oscar Niemeyer Cultural Centre, the Brazilian architect's only work in Spain.
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Santander
Santander is the elegant capital of Cantabria on Spain's northern coast, with long sandy beaches and the striking Palacio de la Magdalena overlooking the bay. Tapas bars and Belle Epoque architecture shape the city centre.
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Saint-Jean-de-Luz
In the French Basque Country near the Spanish border, Saint-Jean-de-Luz sits on a sheltered Atlantic bay. Once a whaling and corsair port, it is now known for its sandy beaches and Basque cuisine.
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Kreuzen im Gironde-Ästuar
The Gironde Estuary is the largest estuary in western Europe, formed on the south-western coast of France by the Garonne and Dordogne. The waterway leads inland to the port city of Bordeaux.
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Bordeaux · 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: Bordeaux
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air °C | 15 | 15 | 17 | 19 | 23 | 27 | 30 | 31 | 27 | 23 | 18 | 16 |
| Sea °C | 14 | 14 | 14 | 15 | 17 | 21 | 24 | 25 | 24 | 22 | 18 | 16 |
| Rain mm | 43 | 37 | 25 | 32 | 30 | 15 | 7 | 20 | 52 | 66 | 58 | 52 |
Long-term monthly normals · Reference: Balearic Islands (Palma)
What are the highlights of the cruise aboard the Le Boréal to Northern Europe?
Highlights of this route: Lissabon · Leixoes / Porto · Vigo
Lissabon
Built on seven hills, Lisbon blends a southern European sense of life with a great history of discovery.
Leixoes / Porto
Leixões is the port of Porto.
Vigo
Vigo is Spain's largest fishing port and gateway to Galicia.
La Coruña
Bustling port city in north-west Spain on the Galician Atlantic coast, at the entrance of the Ría de Betanzos.
Avilés
Avilés sits on the Atlantic coast of the Spanish region of Asturias and ranks among the best-preserved medieval towns in northern Spain.
Santander
Santander is the elegant capital of Cantabria on Spain's northern coast, with long sandy beaches and the striking Palacio de la Magdalena overlooking the bay.
Destination
What does the Le Boréal offer?
Le Boréal was the first ship of the Odyssée class and marked Ponant's move into expedition cruising. 264 guests, ice-reinforced hull, two restaurants - a ship built equally for the passage to the North Cape and the islands of the South Seas.
In northern Europe, Le Boréal sails through the fjords of Norway and along the British coast - natural encounters with the comfort of a French hotel.
Impressions of the Le Boréal
What cabins does the Le Boréal offer?
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
What does the deck plan of the Le Boréal look like?
What does the cruise aboard the Le Boréal to Northern Europe cost?
From € 5,820 p.p., 9 nights, departure 06.08.2027.
Prices per person in double cabin (suites: based on double occupancy), all-inclusive. Subject to availability.
| Category | Price p.P. | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Superior Aussenkabine | € 6.150 | On request | Book |
| Deluxe Balkonkabine | € 6.640 | Available | Book |
| Prestige Deck 4 | € 7.330 | Available | Book |
| Prestige Deck 5 | € 7.670 | Available | Book |
| Prestige Deck 6 | € 8.090 | Available | Book |
| Deluxe Suite | € 11.130 | On request | Book |
| Prestige Deck 5 Suite | € 14.930 | Available | Book |
| Prestige Deck 6 Suite | € 15.690 | Available | Book |
| Owners Suite - LE FRANCE | € 22.270 | On request | Book |
What is included as standard in the ship voyage of the Le Boréal?
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 the voyage aboard the Le Boréal to Northern Europe?
Send an enquiry to IVENT-SAILING via the booking form on this page. Our team of experienced travel experts will be in touch shortly with a personal offer. We would be glad to advise you.
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 5.820 p.p. With Ponant, selected wines and beverages at meals are included.
How many guests sail on the Le Boréal?
A maximum of 264 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 for a cruise to Northern Europe?
For embarkation in Lissabon the best time to sail is May to October; for disembarkation in Bordeaux it is May to October.
