France & Spain - Anthem of the seas

Day 1: Southampton

The ship Anthem of the Seas sails from Southampton port at 17.00

Day 2: At sea

Day at your leisure to explore the facilities of the megaship Anthem of the seas. 
 

Day 3: La Rochelle, France

The ship arrives at La Rochelle port at 08:00 and departs at 17:00

La Rochelle is a coastal city in southwestern France and capital of the Charente-Maritime department. It's been a center for fishing and trade since the 12th century, a maritime tradition that's reflected in its Vieux Port (old harbor) and huge, modern Les Minimes marina. The old town has half-timbered medieval houses and Renaissance architecture, including passageways covered by 17th-century arches.

Visit La Rochelle’s state-of-the-art Aquarium, one of the most beautiful in Europe. It holds three million litres of water and is home to more than 12,000 marine animals. Sharks, jelly fish, and pouting fish of all sorts keep the whole family entertained. 

You just can’t miss the famous Towers of La Rochelle. Looking out to the Atlantic, the Tour Saint-Nicolas (14th century), the Tour de la Chaîne (14th Century) and the Tour de la Lanterne (12th and 15th century) are the remains of a great fortification building campaign undertaken in the City of La Rochelle from 1199. The “Tour Saint Nicolas” and “Tour de la Chaine” form the majestic gateway to the Old Port and for ten centuries formed the key defensive bastions to the city. The Tour de la Lanterne, the oldest lighthouse on the Atlantic coast, was once a navy prison and contains over 600 examples of graffiti carved into the walls by prisoners in over 3 centuries. Climb the towers to get fabulous views over the city, port and sea.

Day 4: Bilbao, Spain

The ship arrives at Bilbao port at 08:00 and departs at 17:00

The largest city of the Basque Country, Bilbao is magnificent mix of historic and spectacular modern architecture. Head to Casco Viejo to meander medieval streets and sample some of the best pinxtos (tapas) around. And don't miss the massive, ultramodern Guggenheim Museum Bilbao across the river, featuring the works of leading artists of the 20th century. Clad in glimmering titanium, this enormous structure is a work of art itself.

Famous For: Designed by famed architect Frank Gehry, the massive Guggenheim Museum Bilbao is clad in gleaming titanium and features the works of major 20th-century artists.

Day 5: La Coruna, Spain

The ship arrives at La Coruna port at 08:00 and departs at 17:00

The Tower of Hercules, a 2,000-year-old, functioning Roman lighthouse will be the first to welcome you to this friendly port city. Spain's second largest seaport has one of the longest promenades in Europe. Visit the ornate Maria Pita Square and join in the fun at the lively taverns in the Old Town area.

Visit the romantic Jardín de San Carlos is also the burial site of a prominent British general. Don't miss the wonderful views of Old Town as you meander around.

Day 6: At sea

Day at your leisure onboard the megaship Anthem of the seas. 

Day 7: Paris/Normandy (Le Havre), France

The ship arrives at Le Havre at 08:00 and departs at 22:00

Paris is an iconic city — a melange of everything artistic and sublime, with a worldwide reputation for excellence in cuisine, fashion, architecture and the fine arts. After you take the drive in from the port (just over two hours), hit the streets to see the city's monumental landmarks: Pass through the Arc de Triomphe, and stand in the presence of the Eiffel Tower. The beauty here is only matched by the history and culture. Cruise to Paris to feel the cool morning air outside Gothic Notre Dame cathedral, and see works from prehistoric to postmodern at the Louvre. At evening, walk the lamplit avenues as restaurants' wooden tables and rattan chairs spill onto the sidewalks and terraces. Pull up a seat, order a glass of vin rougeand a plate of pate on toast, and dive in.

Day 8: Southampton

The ship arrives at Southampton port at 5.30am.