Home > A French & Iberian Discovery Cruise

A French & Iberian Discovery Cruise

Cruise aboard the lovely MSC Opera to some of the most attractive ports of call on the French and Iberian Pennisula. Highlights include the fascinating cities of Bilbao, La Rochelle and La Coruna.

Check Price & Availability

Itinerary
Map
Ship
Cabin and Deck Plans

Bilbao
Amsterdam
St Peter Port, Guernsey
La Coruña coast
La Coruña
Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao
La Rochelle

DAY 1: Southampton, UK.

Make your own way to Southampton to embark your cruise ship, MSC Opera. Latest embarkation is 2pm. Ask our reservations team about our pre-cruise hotel stays in Southampton should you want to extend your stay or save on travel time on the day of departure. (D)

DAY 2: Ijmuiden (for Amsterdam).

The Dutch capital is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city with plenty of sights to enjoy. Famed for its charming, tree-shaded canals spanned by 1,000 bridges and lined by handsome gabled merchant houses, it also boasts numerous world-class galleries and museums, including the magnificent Rijksmuseum filled with Dutch masterpieces, and the Van Gogh Museum. Today, why not join an optional canal cruise along the city's 'grachten', passing under picturesque arched bridges and admiring landmarks such as Anne Frank's House and the famous Skinny Bridge? (B, L, D)

DAY 3: St Peter Port.

Guernsey's capital is a captivating patchwork of Georgian and Regency architecture, terraced gardens and cobbled lanes tumbling down to a picturebook harbour. As the Channel Islands' oldest settlement, it boasts many historic sights including the medieval Castle Cornet, Candie Gardens and Hauteville House, once home to Victor Hugo, all fringed by a rugged coastline scalloped with beautiful bays. Enjoy an optional island tour or perhaps head across to the nearby island of Herm to admire its pretty coastline of wild flowers, sandy beaches and quaint harbours. (B, L, D)

DAY 4: At sea.

(B, L, D)

DAY 5: La Coruna.

A city of contrasts, La Coruña blends elements of its origins in the shipping trade, unchanged for years, with a modern, vibrant metropolis laden with shops, galleries and restaurants. A sightseeing trip will acquaint you with the city's highlights. (B, L, D)

DAY 6: Bilbao.

From the wonderful character of the old city (Casco Viejo) to the wide boulevards of the new part, from the historic university of Deusto to the teeming suburbs of Santxu, Bilbao is a delight of vibrant life, remarkable buildings, stunning bridges, lovely parks, quaint museums and much more. At the centre of attention is the world famous Guggenheim museum. (B, L, D)

DAY 7: La Rochelle.

La Rochelle is one of the most beautiful places in France. There is an old port which still has the towers which used to protect it. The centre is particularly beautiful, with pale stone used for the majority of the buildings and many of the walkways. (B, L, D)

DAY 8: At sea.

(B, L, D)

DAY 9: Southampton, UK.

Arrive in Southampton this morning and disembark after breakfast. (B)

ID Requirements

A full passport is required for this holiday and must be valid for at least 6 months after the return date to the UK.

Your Holiday Map

A French & Iberian Discovery Cruise

MSC Opera
Inside twin cabin, MSC Opera
Outside twin cabin, MSC Opera
Outside double cabin, MSC Opera
Outside balcony cabin, MSC Opera
Pool area, MSC Opera
La Caravella Restaurant, MSC Opera
L'Approdo Restaurant, MSC Opera
Aroma Coffee Bar, MSC Opera
La Cabala Piano Bar, MSC Opera
MSC Opera
Sotto Vento Pub, MSC Opera
Teatro dell'Opera, MSC Opera

MSC Opera

Suffused with an understated ambience, MSC Opera is a contemporary ship laden with modern navigational technologies yet retains an old world charm with its sumptuous, traditional décor. Adorned with fine woodwork, marble floors and trimmings, art deco inspired furnishings, acres of rich fabrics, and vast glass walls for plenty of natural light and dramatic sea views, MSC Opera embodies operatic grandeur and spaciousness. Accommodating 2,055 guests in 856 well-appointed cabins, MSC Opera also provides impeccable service and a very good selection of amenities, fine dining options and entertainment to choose from.

Public Rooms & Facilities

Sun deck; 2 swimming pools and pool bar; 2 whirlpools; 2 restaurants; café; outdoor grill; ice cream bar; beer bar; piano bar; coffee bar; pub; Caruso Lounge; deck games; minigolf; jogging track; beauty parlour; spa; fitness centre; casino; theatre; shops and photo gallery; card room; library; disco; internet centre; medical centre; 4 lifts.

Dining

Your cruise includes full board. The choice of on board dining options includes 2 dining rooms: La Caravella and L'Approdo; along with the more casual Le Vele café and Il Patio outdoor grill. Many dishes are cooked with a traditional Italian flavour, although an assortment of international-styled options is also available.

Cabins

All cabins have twin beds that can be made up as a double; air-conditioning; satellite TV; shower and wc. Your holiday price includes an inside cabin, or you may choose to upgrade.

Options/Upgrades

Cabin Categories & Descriptions:

Inside cabin

Outside cabin

Outside cabin with balcony

Tipping

A fixed service charge of 6 euros per person per day will automatically be added to your on board account. This will be shared amongst the crew. Tipping is discretionary and should you wish to make adjustments, you may do so by contacting the guest reception desk during your cruise.

MSC Opera

MSC Opera Sun Deck 13
MSC Opera La Boheme Deck 12
MSC Opera Tosca Deck 11
MSC Opera Turandot Deck 10
MSC Opera Norma Deck 9
MSC Opera La Traviata Deck 8
MSC Opera Rigoletto Deck 7
MSC Opera Otello Deck 6
MSC Opera Aida Deck 5

Category 5 Turandot Deck 10 twin/double inside cabin

Category 7 Rigoletto Deck 7 twin/double outside cabin

Category 9 Norma Deck 9 or Turandot Deck 10 twin/double outside cabin

Category 10 Norma Deck 9 or Turandot Deck 10 twin/double outside cabin with balcony

Holiday Availability

Unfortunately we do not currently have any available departure dates for this holiday. For more information about possible future departures or suitable alternative holidays please contact us using the number at the top of the page or view one of the Other Holiday Choices