France and Spain Jewels

Departure Date: 27 September 2025

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Itinerary Highlights

Southampton

This English borough, located on an inlet of the English Channel, is the country's busiest deep-water port. Southampton is a vibrant city known for its rich maritime history and its meandering Old Town walls. The city's Westgate is where the Pilgrims set sail for America aboard the Mayflower.

Gijon

Once an ancient Roman port, Gijon is now a spirited seaside metropolis filled with cider houses, beachside walkways and museums that preserve its distinct history. As the largest and busiest city in Asturias, Gijon went through years of rebuilding to better showcase what many already loved: the porticoed buildings, the cobblestone streets and the ancient palaces. Cruise to Gijon, Spain and see all of these as you walk the edge of the water and up Gijons lovely hills. Then, stroll among yews and banana trees at the Jardin Botanico Atlantico, and get a clear view of the windswept sea from Mirador Parque de la Providencia.

La Rochelle

La Rochelle is a coastal city in southwestern France and capital of the Charente-Maritime department. Its been a center for fishing and trade since the 12th century, a maritime tradition thats 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.

Bilbao

Travelers generally come to Bilbao to see the Guggenheim some for the art inside, but many for the amazing building itself. The Fine Arts Museum and the Basque Museum may not have been designed by Frank Gehry, but are worth a visit, and you can catch international opera stars at the Palacio Euskalduna.

Cherbourg

Situated on a peninsula that juts into the English Channel, the French city of Cherbourg serves up bountiful ocean views and a deep history. Cherbourg-Normandy cruises give you access to the docks where the Titanic made one of its final stops before its fateful voyage. Ascend Roule Mountain, also called the Montee de Resistants ? the summit offers a priceless panorama and a museum that pays homage to the liberation of the city and Europe during World War II. Later, walk to the waterfront for oysters or fresh-caught Demoiselles de Cherbourg, the local mini lobsters, and a glass of crisp white wine.

During this stopover, you will be able to discover the region's must-see sites on an MSC excursion such as: 

• Cap de La Hague

• Mont Saint-Michel

• Omaha Beach & the American Cemetery

Nestled between Granville and Cancale, Mont Saint-Michel and its bay have been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since the late 1970s. A simple church dedicated to Saint Michael built in 708, the mount was over the centuries the object of covetousness of the Bretons, Normans and English. The monks were expelled from the monastic buildings during the French Revolution and they were used as a prison for several years. Its abbey is a masterpiece of medieval architecture. The bay of Mont Saint-Michel is the site of the highest tides in Europe and a protected nature reserve.

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MSC Virtuosa’s namesake comes from the word virtuoso, meaning someone highly skilled in any field of activity, and so MSC Virtuosa was named to pay homage to the skill and expertise of the MSC Cruises architects and shipyard partners at Les Chantiers de l’Atlantique who designed and built this innovative class of ships. This new cruise ship is one of the two largest in MSC Cruises’ fleet, along with her sister ship MSC Grandiosa, boasting an impressive array of guest features all coming together in perfect harmony to deliver the ultimate cruise holiday experience.

Southampton, At Sea, Bilbao, La Rochelle, Gijon, At Sea, Cherbourg, Southampton

All fares are displayed in AUD, and pricing is per person based on twin share occupancy unless stated otherwise. Although all due care is taken to keep information as up-to-date as possible, pricing and availability are subject to change without notice: due to varying timing schedules of supplier automated update processes; currency fluctuations; fuel surcharges or government tax & fee changes and may not be guaranteed until paid in full. Gratuities may be an additional onboard charge depending on particular cruise line selected. Please ask your cruise consultant for any clarification of Terms & Conditions.