A&K x Crystal Cruises: Europe’s Culinary Atlantic Coast

Like the illustrated tins of its famous sardines, the pretty Portuguese capital is colorful, compact and packed with flavor. Trams and hilly streets tip travellers out into Bairro Alto’s lively bars, the chic beaches at Cascais and Alfama’s winding backstreets, which echo with the refrains of a fado singer. Settle in to your hotel in the heart of it all and unwind with an evening at leisure.

Head to Lisbon’s waterfront to see the filigreed Belém Tower and jaw-dropping Jerónimos Monastery, an impressive symbol of Portugal’s power and wealth during the age of exploration. Complement your tour with a hands-on azulejos (Portuguese tile art) workshop or a visit to the National Coach Museum, home to a world-class collection of gilded Baroque coaches dating back to the 17th century. Alternatively embark on a day trip to the whimsical National Palace of Sintra. Reconvene this evening for a welcome reception and dinner.

Visit a historic wine estate for an exclusive tour and tasting. Afterward, head to Lisbon’s waterfront to board your vessel. Gather this evening for a welcome dinner.

At once moody and magnificent, Porto is a city of brutish good looks, set on the steep terraced banks of the Douro River. Here, explore vibrant Cais da Ribeira, discovering its Stock Exchange Palace and St. Francis Church. Or, see why this region is renowned among foodies the world over as you set out on a culinary tour of Porto’s vibrant central market and beloved backstreet petiscos (tapas) taverns. A tour, port tasting and lunch at one of the Douro Valley’s finest wine estates is also on offer.

About an hour’s drive inland from the port of A Coruña, Santiago de Compostela marks the terminus of the hallowed Camino de Santiago, a network of pilgrimage routes dating to the ninth century. Explore the city’s cathedral and Old Town, followed by lunch with a Galician folklore dance performance. Alternatively, hike to Cape Finisterre, the last stop on the Camino de Santiago; explore the city’s bustling market and restaurants; or visit the Roman lighthouse known as the Tower of Hercules.

Relax onboard as the team shares insights into your next destination, Bordeaux.

Not all Bordeaux’s pleasures come by the glass: a deal with a Chartrons antique dealer, the taste of a rum-sweet canelé, the 18th century grandeur of the Place de la Bourse. Explore Bordeaux’s Old Town, the 13th-century Cathedral of Saint André and the captivating Bassins de Lumières. Alternatively, delve into the region’s renowned viniculture with a tour and tasting at a wine estate or a visit to the Cité du Vin. Later this evening, gather for a special event ashore.

Today, climb the slopes of Europe’s tallest sand dune at the Grande Dune du Pilat and experience the golden beaches, romantic Belle Époque atmosphere and fresh oysters of Arcachon. Or, opt for a visit the charming medieval village of Saint-Émilion.

Meeting the Bay of Biscay with two imposing watchtowers, the port town of La Rochelle boasts a proud maritime tradition stretching back to the 12th century. With this historic port as your staging point, head to taste Cognac’s renowned brandies or explore the salt marshes of Île de Ré.

The daunting battlements of Brest Castle loom large over this historic port city, much as they have in some form for over 1,700 years. Relive the history of Brittany amid the half-timbered houses of Morlaix. Or, embark on a cultural or horticultural adventure nearby, each with its own historic abbey to explore.

Set some 30 miles off the Normandy coast, Guernsey has been coveted for its prime location since neolithic times. Delve into the island’s history as you explore a wartime gun battery and vast underground hospital, visit the former home of French writer Victor Hugo, or walk a scenic clifftop path and sit down to a traditional teatime.

The gleaming, modern architecture of Le Havre belies the utter devastation this port city witnessed during the fierce fighting of World War II. Explore the region’s wartime legacy at the D-Day landing site of Omaha Beach as well as the Normandy American Cemetery and Visitors Center at Colleville-sur-Mer. Or, head to the quaint Norman port town Honfleur to explore St. Catherine’s Church and visit a nearby apple orchard, cidery and distillery. Alternatively, visit the Gothic Renaissance Palais Bénédictine and take in the white cliffs of Étretat.

Generations of English mainlanders have looked to the Isle of Wight for holidays full of sandy beaches, historic landmarks, fresh seafood and cozy coastal cottages. Experience this island enclave’s enduring appeal firsthand as you hike the coastal cliffs, visit the family retreat of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, browse a collection of over 30,000 rare and sub-tropical plants at the Ventnor Botanical Gardens, or take in the majestic Needles chalk stack from a speedboat.

Disembark Crystal Symphony in Portsmouth and head to London to catch your flight or continue on your post-tour extension.