ITINERARY Flight from Ireland to Southampton, England Gijon, Spain Bilbao, Spain Cherbourg, France Paris/Normandy (Le Havre), France Southampton, England DEPARTURE PORT Southampton, England. SHIP Royal Caribbean Independence of the Seas
Sailing Itinerary
Day 1 - Sailing Depart: 16:30
Departure Port - Southampton, England
Depart Dublin Airport for Southampton.
Discover Southampton’s maritime history at the SeaCity Museum or see impressive works in the city’s art gallery. Jane Austen used to walk Southampton’s city walls and you can too, stopping at the Tudor House Museum along the way. Go all nostalgic over vintage cars at the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu or see King Arthur’s fabled Round Table at nearby Winchester, the ancient capital of England.
Depart 16:30
Day 2
At Sea
Sit back, kick off your shoes and put your feet up during our 'at sea' days, where you can chill in the bar, lounge by the pool or enjoy a relaxing beauty treatment in the spa. For simple pleasures, why not try a game of table tennis? Or if you’re feeling energetic, now’s the chance to explore all the amazing activities the ship has to offer, from spectacular, West-End-style entertainment to adrenalin-charged sports.
Day 3
Gijon, Spain
Paraglide above the mountains of Asturias in Gijon, on the Bay of Biscay in northern Spain. Tour the cobbled streets of Gijon with their colourful buildings or pamper yourself in the town’s spa. Sample delicious local ciders and cheeses or taste the excitement of scuba diving, sailing or horse riding. The rugged coastline and green peaks of Asturias are a lure for walkers and there are fascinating medieval sites too.
Day 4
Bilbao, Spain
Art and architecture have revitalised Bilbao, where the striking titanium curves of the Guggenheim Museum, designed by pioneering architect Frank Gehry, attract visitors from all over the world. In Casco Viejo, Bilbao’s atmospheric old town, you can explore quirky shops and boisterous bars while nearby you can discover the stunning landscapes of the Basque country and its delicious Rioja wine.
Day 5
At Sea
Sit back, kick off your shoes and put your feet up during our 'at sea' days, where you can chill in the bar, lounge by the pool or enjoy a relaxing beauty treatment in the spa. For simple pleasures, why not try a game of table tennis? Or if you’re feeling energetic, now’s the chance to explore all the amazing activities the ship has to offer, from spectacular, West-End-style entertainment to adrenalin-charged sports.
Day 6
Cherbourg, France
Enjoy a taste of La Belle France in lively Cherbourg. Savour Normandy cider, Calvados or mouth-watering cheeses in the bustling shops and markets or people watch from a pavement café. Walk in the steps of pilgrims at the stunning Mont Saint Michel and be amazed as the waves encircle the island at high tide. For a fascinating flavour of the ocean, explore life on a nuclear submarine at the impressive Cité de la Mer museum.
Day 7
Paris/Normandy (Le Havre), France
Dabble in modern art at the fabulous Musée d’Orsay, visit glorious Versailles or take in iconic sights such as the Paris Opera, Notre Dame, the Arc de Triomphe and the Eiffel Tower. Explore Paris’ colourful districts on a walking tour of the cafés, boulevards and parks or shop for chic haute couture on Rue du Faubourg St Honoré. The D-Day beaches of Normandy also provide an unforgettable experience.
Day 8
Arrival Port - Southampton, England
Transfer to the Airport for your flight home to Ireland.