France, Portugal & Gibraltar

Cruise Itinerary

• Day 1: Southampton, UK

  Embark on board MSC Virtuosa for your 9-night cruise.

• Day 2: Brest, France

  Brest is a port city located in France's Northern region Britanny. Divided by the Penfeld River it’s known for its rich maritime history and naval base. Explore the cobbled streets and gaze in awe at the heavily fortified Chateau de Brest and the rotund 14th century Tour Tanguy tower. Journey back in time at Musee National de la Marine, enjoy an exciting voyage through the tropical seas and oceans at Oceanpolis' multi-coloured aquarium.

• Day 3: At sea

  Day at sea

• Day 4 : Lisbon (Cascais), Portugal

  The resort town of Cascais nestles on Portugal's coast, 25km west of the capital Lisbon, and is best-known for its sandy beaches and busy marina. The old town is home to the medieval Nossa Senhora da Luz Fort and the nearby white-washed Nossa Senhora da Assunção church with its glazed azulejo tiles. Explore the Bairro do Museus’ 20+ museums; including Casa das Historias Paula Rego, Casa Duarte Pinto Coelho, Museu do Mar-Rei Dom Carlos, and Cidadela Art District inside Fortaleza de Cidadela de Cascais. Meander through the leafy Parque do Marechal Carmona and walk around Marina de Cascais to Santa Marta Lighthouse. Perhaps sample sea-to-table fare including sea bass, octopus, and cod accompanied by bread, olives, and Portuguese wine. Drive along Estrada de Serra de Sintra to Colares and the beautiful Azenhas do Mar or visit Sintra's Chalet e Jardim da Condessa D'Edla and Palacio Nacional de Pena.

• Day 5: Gibraltar

  Gibraltar is a vibrant slice of Britain at the heart of the sunny Mediterranean. From its helmet-wearing policemen and fish and chips to familiar stores such as Marks & Spencer, this place truly feels like home. Take a cable car up to Europa Point to meet the famous Barbary macaque tailless monkeys and admire all of Gibraltar. Explore the labyrinth of the Great Siege Tunnels and St Michael's Cave inside The Rock. Enjoy a stroll to the Moorish Castle or discover the 100 Ton Gun at the Napier Magdala Battery beside Rosia Bay. Indulge in VAT-free shopping on Main Street and uncover local artisan shops and Gibraltar Crystal Factory on Casemates Square.

• Day 6: Malaga (Granada), Spain

  Nestling at the heart of Spain's Costa del Sol, Málaga is a chic and cosmopolitan city. From its lively port and historical buildings to the mouth-watering cuisine and stylish shopping streets, Malaga offers something for everyone. Enjoy the panoramic vistas from Gibralfaro Castle and explore Picasso's birthplace, found in Plaza de la Merced. Unwind in the idyllic Jardin Botanico Historico La Concepcion, or view the paintings at the Picasso Museum. Explore the majestic cathedral or shop on the traffic-free Calle Marques de Larios. Relax with a coffee at Plaza de la Constitucion or spend the morning on La Malagueta beach. Venture further afield and admire the stunning Alhambra Palace in Granada or the amazing underground caves in Nerja.

• Day 7: Cadiz (Seville), Spain

  The ancient port city of Cadiz lies on a peninsula on Spain's south-west coast. From its bustling harbour to its Moorish-style old town, Cadiz is awash with things to see and do. Explore Museo de Cadiz and Museo de las Cortes de Cadiz, or visit the cathedral to see more of the city from its Toree de Poniente. Soak up the sunshine on Playa de Caleta beach and escape to Parque Genoves. Relax with a plate of fried fish on Plaza de Flores, before shopping in the adjacent Mercado Central de Abastos. Venture further afield and experience flamenco and fiestas in the tree-lined streets of Seville or uncover the art of sherry making in Jerez.

• Day 8-9: At sea

  Day at sea

• Day 10: Southampton, UK

  Today your cruise comes to an end.