Be the first to knowWould you like to receive the latest updates, special offers and promotions from Radio Times?Sign up to our newsletter
By proceeding, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. To find out what personal data we collect and how we use it, please visit our Privacy Policy.
At a glance
Visiting:
France
Portugal
Spain
Length:
Make your own way
Request Brochure - Marvels of France, Portugal and Spain from Bristol
To book or for more information please call: 0330 341 1117 and quote RTA
Marvels of France, Portugal and Spain from Bristol (A22511BR)
On selected ocean cruises from Ambassador Cruise Line and Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, customers can claim a free case of Virgin Wines, exclusive to Newmarket Holidays.
Experience the maritime charm of Lorient, a French port with a rich naval history, and explore Le Verdon with its white sand beaches. Cruise to Getxo, a Spanish town blending modernity and tradition, and also your gateway for an optional tour to Bilbao. Discover the cultural richness of Leixoes in Portugal with the option for a tour to Oporto. Visit Cadiz, an ancient port city steeped in history, and a stepping stone for optional tours to Seville and the iconic Gibraltar with its stunning rock formation. Explore Vigo, known for its seafood and cultural sites, with the option for a tour to Santiago de Compostela, before concluding your journey in the historic French port of Brest. This sailing promises a diverse blend of maritime exploration, culinary delights, and cultural discovery.
Holiday Highlights
Begin in Lorient, a French port steeped in rich naval history and maritime charm.
Relax on the white sand beaches of Le Verdon or venture further afield to explore nearby vineyards.
Discover Getxo’s blend of modernity and tradition, with the option for an enriching tour of Bilbao.
Explore Vigo’s vibrant seafood scene and cultural landmarks, or take an optional trip to Santiago de Compostela.
What's Included
Comfortable, contemporary cabins and suites that feature TV, hairdryer, tea and coffee making facilities, a fridge and individually controlled air conditioning
A wide choice of British and International cuisine every day throughout your cruise
Plenty to do during the day, including playing bridge, practising your steps on the dancefloor and interesting, expert-led lectures to attend
A full programme of evening entertainment, including cabaret shows, comedy, dancing and live music
Full use of the ship’s on-board leisure facilities
All UK port taxes (where collectable in advance)
Luggage porterage between your cabin and the drop-off/pick-up point
Itinerary
Friday 13 June 2025
Depart Bristol Royal Portbury
Depart: 1630hrs
Saturday 14 June 2025
Falmouth
Arrive: 1000hrs
Depart: 1900hrs
Sunday 15 June 2025
At Sea
Monday 16 June 2025
Lorient
Arrive: 0800hrs
Depart: 1800hrs
Tuesday 17 June 2025
Le Verdon, for Bordeaux
Arrive: 0900hrs
Depart: 1800hrs
Wednesday 18 June 2025
Getxo, for Bilbao
Arrive: 0800hrs
Depart: 2000hrs
Thursday 19 June 2025
At Sea
Friday 20 June 2025
Leixoes, for Oporto
Arrive: 0800hrs
Depart: 2000hrs
Saturday 21 June 2025
At Sea
Sunday 22 June 2025
Cadiz
Arrive: 0800hrs
Depart: 2300hrs
Monday 23 June 2025
Gibraltar
Arrive: 0800hrs
Depart: 1800hrs
Tuesday 24 June 2025
At Sea
Wednesday 25 June 2025
Vigo, for Santiago de Compostela
Arrive: 0800hrs
Depart: 1800hrs
Thursday 26 June 2025
At Sea
Friday 27 June 2025
Brest
Arrive: 0800hrs
Depart: 1800hrs
Saturday 28 June 2025
At Sea
Sunday 29 June 2025
Arrive back at Bristol Royal Portbury
Arrive: 1000hrs
Ambition
From the UK's newest cruise line, Ambassador, comes its newest ship. And isn't she a beauty? Ambition is set to offer an entirely authentic and innovative cruise experience with a comfortable and spacious range of 714 cabins. Just over a fifth of these dwellings have a balcony, perfect for you to look out over the seven seas as the sun rises or sets at your next exciting travel destination.
Guests will also appreciate Ambassador's 'second lady of the sea' for its speciality dining options, restaurants, laidback bistro caf'e, four bars, lounges and pub. And lovers of leisure and the arts will delight in the vessel's impressive range of entertainment, from the craft studio to the casino, and the library to the theatre. Setting sail on Ambition is an idyllic way to witness the world around you.
Travelling to Europe
Rules may have changed since you last travelled to European Union countries as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. The following are useful guidelines which will help you prepare for your next adventure. You do require government issued passport to travel.
Names - It is very important that all passenger names are exactly as per your passport although we do not require middle names.
Passport - Your passport must meet two requirements to travel to an EU country and to Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. It must be: Less than 10 years old on the day you return home (please check the "date of issue") and valid for at least 3 months after the day you return home (please check the "expiry date").
Visa - You do not need a visa for short trips to most EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. You’ll be able to stay for up to 90 days in any rolling 180-day period.
European Entry/Exit Scheme (EES) - EES is the new electronic entry/exit system for European countries which will replace the physical stamping of your passport. The expected date for its introduction is 10 November 2024. From this date, it means that when you go through passport control on arrival, you will need to produce your passport for checking as you do now, but also have your photograph taken and fingerprints scanned. The system will register your entry on arrival and your exit when departing. You will only need to do this on your first entry into Europe after the scheme starts.Please note: Irish passport holders or British Passport holders with an EU residency are currently excluded. For those travelling via Eurostar, there is a dual British and French/Belgian) border in operational at St Pancras International. Therefore the EES system will be in place at the station, you will not need to be checked again on arrival at the other side. For further information please visit the ABTA website here.European Travel Information & Authorisation System (ETIAS) - Due to commence in 2025, all citizens of the United Kingdom will require a ETIAS electronic form completed prior to their arrival into the EU and Schengen member countries. The cost for this travel authorisation will be €7.00 per person with exceptions for under 18’s and over 70’s. The latest information and further details can be found at www.etias.com.
Terms and conditions
Terms & Conditions: Free case of Virgin Wines offers applies to ocean cruise bookings made with Newmarket Holidays. This offer is valid on new bookings only for cruises of 5 night length or greater for Ambassador Cruise Line and Fred.Olsen sailings and does not apply to any other Newmarket Holidays products. This offer has no cash value. Customers' 6 mix case of virgin wines will be delivered within 4-weeks of return from a qualifying cruise. This offer is subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time. In the event of your cruise being cancelled, you will be guaranteed a full refund. Holidays booked with Newmarket Holidays are financially protected in accordance with ABTA, ATOL & ABTOT regulations. Newmarket Holidays Limited is a company registered in England and Wales. Registered number: 02238316. View the Cruise Price Match Guarantee terms and conditions here