Vineyards & Vistas
Barcelona to London
May 20th to June 3rd, 2012
Barcelona pre-cruise – May 18th to 20th
A special tour planned and escorted by Gerhard Meng
highlighting the best of the Iberian Peninsula and French Atlantic Coast
including fourteen nights aboard the luxurious and grand MS Seven Seas Voyager
I invite you to join me on an adventure to an exotic part of the world. We’ll start in Barcelona, one of the Mediterranean’s busiest ports, and the capital of Catalonia. Here we board our ship, stopping in the famous ports defined by ancient history as well as fascinating off-the-beaten-path ports tucked away like hidden treasures as we make our way to London. Join me on an enriching journey through a fascinating part of Europe.
Fourteen nights of the trip will be aboard the MS Voyager. The atmosphere on board is easy going informality in a luxurious environment. Service and comfort will be the six-star standard for which Regent Seven Seas Cruises is renowned. The European stewards and staff are meticulously trained and eager to meet every need. Maximum passenger capacity is 700, served by a crew of 447. Cabins are spacious with a minimum of 356 square feet and each has a private balcony. In Barcelona our accommodation will be in a deluxe hotel that has been selected for amenities, location and comfort.
The tour has been planned for your convenience. Leisure time is always balanced with scheduled activities. All gratuities, port charges, shore excursions, transfers and porterage are included in the cost of the tour. All meals but two lunches are included. I will be available to meet flight arrivals in Barcelona and will help with airport transfers on the day the cruise is completed in Southampton.
It would be my pleasure to have you join me.
Gerhard Meng
Director, Gerhard’s Odysseys
PRICE PER PERSON: $8,399 - cruise cost (single surcharge applies)
$995 - Barcelona pre-cruise (no single surcharge)
- Two nights at the Barcelona El Palace Hotel.
- Get Acquainted reception in Barcelona.
- Fourteen nights aboard the grand MS Seven Seas Voyager – “H” category cabin, with balcony.
- All meals but two lunches are included.
- Complimentary wine, beer, spirits, bottled water and soft drinks during all meals and at all times throughout the ship while cruising aboard the MS Seven Seas Voyager.
- Hosted group cocktail party each evening on the ship.
- Free in cabin mini-bar replenished daily with soft drinks, beer and bottled water.
- Captain’s Welcome and Farewell party on board the MS Seven Seas Voyager.
- Personalized tours of towns visited with local guides and entrance fees.
- Shore excursions at all ports visited during the cruise.
- All gratuities, port charges, visas, taxes, service charges for the restaurants, hotel staff, coach drivers, local guides and the MS Seven Seas Voyager crew. No additional tipping.
- Transfers between airports, hotel and the ship.
- Porterage and handling of luggage at the hotel and on the ship.
- Laminated luggage tags and tour information packet.
- A careful balance of free time to pursue your own interests.
- Hosted by Gerhard Meng.
- Special feature: a brisk pre-breakfast or after dinner walk for those who would like to start or finish the day with a bit of exercise.
DAILY ITINERARY
Thursday, May 17th - to Europe
Overnight flight across the North Atlantic to Barcelona.
Friday, May 18th - Barcelona
Arrival in Barcelona. Gerhard will meet you at the airport and provide a transfer to our luxury hotel located in the heart of the city center. El Palace Hotel
Saturday, May 19th - Barcelona
This morning we visit the city’s most spectacular views and sites. After returning to the hotel, you’ll have leisure time for museums, shopping or relaxing in one of the outdoor cafes. El Palace Hotel
Sunday - MS Voyager - sail at 10 pm
Today we travel down the Catalan coastline to Sitges, a quaint beach village. The mountain of Montserrat is crowned with a Gothic style Benedictine monastery. Here we’ll see the black Madonna, the most cherished religious relic of the Catalan people. Arrival back in Barcelona in time to board our ship.
Monday – Cruise the coast of Spain
Relax and enjoy the amenities provided for your comfort and enjoyment aboard the MS Voyager. Included are the Spa, well stocked library, and a nine piece Orchestra.
Tuesday - in port from 7 am to 6 pm
This morning we discover Malaga, a city that still retains an authentic Spanish flair. We’ll explore the twisting, narrow streets and inviting waterfront promenade. This is Picasso’s birthplace.
Wednesday - in port from 10 am to 6 pm
Today we visit Casablanca, the economic capital and chief port of Morocco. Our tour will include the Central Market with its vast array of fruits and flowers. The Hassam ll Mosque is the third largest in the world.
Thursday - in port from 8 am to 6 pm
Palm trees, gracious squares, flower-filled parks, red-tile roofed buildings and bustling street markets make Cadiz a delightful port with beautiful, lively plazas. Option of visiting nearby Seville.
Friday - in port from 11 am to 7 pm
This morning we visit picturesque Lisbon. Nearby Sintra is one of the oldest Portuguese towns and was the summer retreat of the royal family. Estoril is a lovely international resort on the Portuguese Riviera.
Saturday - in port from 9 am to 4 pm
Explore picturesque, historic Oporto and the Vila Nova de Gaia quarter, home of its signature port wine industry. Or discover Portugal’s scenic countryside and visit Guimaraes with an impressive medieval castle and Braga with its Bom Jesus shrine and superb cathedral.
Sunday - in port from 8 am to 6 pm
La Courna is the site of the Tower of Hercules, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The lighthouse was built by the Romans in the 2nd Century AD and has been in continuous operation for nearly 2,000 years. The city is also well-known for its glazed window balconies.
Monday - in port from 10 am to 11 pm
Our tour gives an overview of Bilbao and includes a visit to the architecturally stunning Guggenheim Museum. The building is truly a work of art in itself, designed by Canadian architect Frank Gehry. The Museum's collection focuses on postwar works and the art of the past four decades.
Tuesday - in port from 8 am to 6 pm
Tucked in France’s Côte Basque, Biarritz first came to prominence in the mid-19th century when Napoleon III built a summer palace here. Enjoy discovering the charm of some typical Basque villages on an excursion into the countryside surrounding Saint-Jean-de-Luz.
Wednesday - in port overnight
The world's wine capital, Bordeaux, has about 60 appellations, 9,000 wine-producing châteaux, and 13,000 grape growers. The city is built on the river Garonne, with the city literally divided into two parts.
Thursday - depart port at 4 pm
A scenic drive to Saint Emilion, the heartland of the Merlot grape. The outstanding wine-making reputation and colorful history of St. Emilion have become known throughout the world. Enjoy views of the vine-covered "hills with a thousand chateaux", leading to Saint Emilion's 13th-century walls and moat. Explore the town, including the ramparts and the market place.
Friday - in port from 8 am to 4 pm
Lorient nestles along the beautiful southern coast of Brittany. Once a base for French colonialism, it boasts a museum displaying artifacts from 1660 to the end of the 18th century. Option of visiting Quimper, a charming destination that has a long tradition of pottery making.
Saturday - in port from 9 am to 6 pm
Explore Saint Malo, a fascinating fortified town or discover the lovely medieval town of Dinan. Drive along the rugged Brittany coast and savor stunning views of mystical Mont St. Michel before wandering through its steep winding streets and the abbey passages.
Sunday , June 3rd - return to USA.
Morning arrival in Southampton. Bid farewell to Europe and jet back home to North America. Transfer to London’s Heathrow or Gatwick Airport.
GROUP SIZE IS LIMITED TO 29 GUESTS – phone for instructions if you would like to join the tour.
RESERVATIONS: Early reservations are essential. A deposit of 15% of the per person fare is required within six days of reservation. This and the final payment can be charged to a credit card. The Barcelona pre-cruise package is payable by check only. An information packet will be forwarded with confirmation of your reservation and deposit. Full and final payment is due 95 days prior to departure.
AIR TRANSPORTATION: Air fare from North America to Barcelona and returning from London is not included in the tour price. Arrive in Barcelona on May 18th and depart from London on June 3rd. We suggest a minimum of one hour and 30 minutes connecting time at all airports.
EXTRA NIGHTS IN BARCELONA: Because Barcelona is such a fascinating city we encourage you to arrive a day early to have more time to explore. A special rate of $595 per double room ($535 single) will apply at the El Palace Hotel. The rate includes buffet breakfast, tax and service charges. Gerhard will meet you at the airport and provide transportation to the hotel. Additional nights are confirmed on a space-available basis.
CABIN UPGRADES: The tour price is based on accommodation in “H” category cabins and 
may not be available at time of reservations. Upgrades are available to higher category cabins at an additional cost. Ask us for details. Past Regent guests qualify for a special discount.
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: Depending upon the category of cabin reserved on the MS Seven Seas Voyager, the single supplement will be approximately 55% to 75% of the tour cost.
COST OF TOUR DOES NOT INCLUDE: Expenses of passports, laundry, telephone and items of a personal nature; beverages other than those mentioned as being included; excess baggage charges; health and accident and baggage insurance; or any services other than those specifically mentioned as being included. Gerhard’s Odysseys is not responsible for delays or missed portions of your cruise relating to flight delays or incorrect travel documents.
For more information about the MS SEVEN SEAS VOYAGER
Free unlimited shore EXCURSIONS
View the TOURIST OFFICE Web sites for some of the destinations we visit.
Regent Seven Seas, Inc. manages and owns the MS Voyager and the ship’s registry is the Bahamas. Shore excursions are provided and operated by Regent Seven Seas, Inc.
Questions? Call us at 503-223-2402