12 Nights Bordeaux, Basque Lands & Brittany: London to Lisbon

Type of Vessel

With only 212 guests, you begin to feel like it's your own private yacht almost as soon as you step aboard. The sitting area of your spacious suite gives you an expansive ocean view, making it a welcome retreat. When you're ready to make an appearance, the lounges, club, casino and library are waiting to be explored. Take some "you" time in the tranquil WindSpa, enjoy a dip in the pool, work off that decadent dessert in the Fitness Center and, of course, you are always welcome to visit the Bridge to examine navigation charts with the Captain. Star Breeze is large enough to pamper and entertain you, yet small enough to tuck into delightful tiny harbors and hidden coves that others can’t reach.

Itinerary

Day 1 | London, England: London, one of the world's top destinations, is a city begging to be explored. Steeped in history, the well-known sites of Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, and Trafalgar Square beckon, or get a modern perspective from the top of the London Eye. This cosmopolitan city offers all the world cuisines you’re used to, but there are still places to find traditional British fare like bangers and mash or shepherds’ pie.

Day 2 | At Sea

Day 3 | Le Havre, France: Le Havre is a major port in northern France where the Seine River meets the English Channel. A UNESCO Site, Le Havre was almost completely destroyed during WWII and completely and thoughtfully rebuilt with modernist vision. It is the gateway to Normandy – including the medieval city of Rouen, the picturesque port of Honfleur and romantic Paris only 110 miles away.

Day 4 | St Peter Port, Guernsey, United Kingdom: Positioned off the coast of France in the English Channel, St Peter Port’s cobblestone streets, picturesque marina and historic gardens have earned it the reputation of being Europe’s prettiest harbor town. Its centerpiece is the beautiful Salem Church with its classic stone architecture, believed to be the closest church to a pub in the British Isles. For over 800 years Castle Cornet has stood guard of the town, home to the world-famous Guernsey cows. Victor Hugo also wrote Les Miserables while living here.

Day 5 | Le Palais, Belle-Ile, France: Find yourself on one of France’s most beautiful islands with staggering cliffs, cheerful green country sides, jagged rocky coastlines, bright pastel houses and the bustling town of Le Palais. The island has been the inspiration for Flaubert and Dumas, Claude Monet and Matisse. And if you take a trek to Vauban’s Citadel you’ll quickly see why.

Day 6 | La Rochelle, France: La Rochelle is said to be the most lovely and unspoiled port city in France, and who are we to argue? Two 14th century stone towers guard the gateway to the medieval core of the city, the Vieux Port. And this is a city that is focused on ships. You’ll find yachts floating in the Port des Minimes, ships in the stained glass of church windows, maybe even decorating the arcaded walkways that line the streets. Learn the art of brandy making with a visit to the Cognac region and the Hennessy maisson, dating back to 1765. While walking past the aging barrels, inhale the heady aroma—the escaping vapors known as “the angels’ share.”

Day 7 & 8 | Bordeaux, France: Bordeaux has long been known as La Belle au Bois Dormant, Sleeping Beauty. And while the beauty part is undeniable, the sleeping part could be argued. Sure, the region is filled with treasures from long ago, including more than 350 historic monuments and buildings in the city alone. But the capital of Aquitaine is also home to a vibrant culture and, as oenophiles well know, is the gateway to some of France’s most famous vineyards. In this UNESCO World Heritage city, 13th century cathedrals and 18th century palaces are commonplace. Venture beyond the city’s borders to the chateaux of the Médoc region or to Saint-Émilion, a breathtaking medieval village set among the vineyards that is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Day 9 | Saint-Jean-De-Luz (Biarritz), France: Three impressive sea walls protect Saint-Jean-de-Luz’s famous long beach of fine sand making it perfect for swimming. It is also famous for delicious and rustic-style Basque cuisine and its close proximity to well-known Biarritz, an eclectic place of posh restaurants, cozy pizza parlors, beautiful beaches with therapeutic waters popular for surfing and is a preferred haunt of the rich and famous.

Day 10 | Bilbao, Spain: The industrial port of Bilbao is surrounded by lovely green mountains, fertile landscapes with lush forests, steep coasts and the Bay of Biscay. Famed for the curvy, titanium-covered Frank Gehry-designed Guggenheim Museum, other sites of Bilbao include the Euskalduna Conference and Music Centre, Norman Foster’s Underground, towers designed by architects Arata Isozaki and Cesar Pelli, and an airport designed by Calatrava.

Day 11 | At Sea

Day 12 | Porto, Portugal: Built into the granite cliffs at the mouth of the Rio Douro, the hilly city of Porto presents a heady juxtaposition of eras and styles. Here, medieval alleyways, orderly neighborhood squares, and ornate Baroque churches readily intermingle. Porto’s historic heart is a UNESCO site of winding lanes, zigzagging staircases and tiled churches. The highlight, though, is a taste of port wine at its best – a happy accident dating from the 17th century when brandy was discovered to preserve wine for transit. After your choice of palate-pleasing shore excursions, return for an onboard fado folk music performance.

Day 13 | Lisbon, Portugal: The rhythm of Lisbon invites you to join its captivating dance. This splendid capital city on the banks of the Rio Teja offers a warm welcome and an unparalleled blend of architectural styles. Elegant outdoor cafés line the cobbled sidewalks. Turn-of-the-century funiculars climb the scenic hills. Find the UNESCO sites of the Tower of Belem and the Monastery of the Hieronymites. And, everywhere, the city engages you with its easy style and remarkable charm.

Food and Dining

All meals in all venues at all times, including room service menu available 24 hours. All non-alcoholic beverages, including cappuccino, espresso, and other specialty non-alcoholic drinks are offered to guests. There is also a welcome cocktails reception as well.

Onboard Activities/Events

Guests are allowed unlimited access to use all water sports equipment and there is also on board entertainment. A casino, library/business center, lounge, pool, whirlpool, and screening room are also available for guests at their leisure.

Shore Excursions

Explore beautiful landmarks throughout your journey between Spain and Rome on many highlighted excursions. Below are just a few of the many that you can experience on your voyage.

Normandy & The D-Day Landing Beaches
Guernsey Cliff Walk & Cream Tea
Hiking Port Jean
The Green Venice: Exceptional Ecosystem of the Poitevin Marshland
Cooking Class at R&Ch St James Restaurants Cooking School
Panoramic Bordeaux & Its New Wine Museum La Cite Due Vin
Gourmet Tapas Bar Tasting in San Sebastian
Pintxos Cooking Class
Oporto & River Cruise with Wine Tasting

Staterooms or Cabins

Guests can enjoy amenities including a queen size bed with luxurious linens, a waffle weave robe and slippers, a flat screen TV with DVD player, a full stocked minibar and refrigerator, safety deposit box, direct dial phone, luxury bath amenities, Wi Fi access, fresh flowers and fruit, granite vanity with makeup mirror, wake in closet with ample drawer space, bathroom with granite countertop, full size tub and a shower, and hairdryers.
Gracious Balcony and Ocean View Suites are where stylish comfort and ocean views welcome you in 277 square feet. Your queen bed, which can be separated as twins if you prefer, features luxurious Egyptian cotton linens. Enjoy a luxurious soak in your full-size tub or an invigorating shower, then wrap up in your waffle-weave robe and slippers, savor a treat from the fresh fruit bowl, or simply stretch out and enjoy the fresh flowers.
Classic Suites allow you to relax in 400 to 530 spacious square feet. Your living area offers beautiful views from the forward-facing window and French doors onto your private veranda. Two spacious closets give you plenty of room to unpack.
Owner’s Suites with 575 square feet, your Owner’s Suite offers separate living room and dining areas. A veranda, two flat-screen TVs and DVD players, and a full master bath and separate powder room indulge you in spacious comfort.

Spa

WindSpa is available to guests who wish to take time and relax after an adventurous day out exploring Panama or Costa Rica.

Fitness

There is a fitness center on board for guests who want to continue their workout while sailing.