Sip robust red wines from storied French chateaus. Stare skyward at centuries-old arches in silent, candle-lit cathedrals. This 11-day, autumn Atlantic cruise along the coasts of Britain, France, Spain, and Portugal is an ideal getaway for anyone seeking popular European destinations without summertime crowds. Set sail from London, where you’ll have an unobstructed view of the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace and open seats at riverside pubs. Uncover the secret war waged by Guernsey’s island resistance at the La Valette Underground museum in St Peter Port. Slurp freshly shucked oysters with dry Muscadet wines from the western Loire Valley during a delicious stop at the Castel Clara restaurant in Port Goulphar on Belle Ile. Stroll beneath the storied arches of famous classified wine estates and sample exceptional French food during an overnight stay in Bordeaux. Soar high above the priceless Medoc vineyards and sprawling chateaus in St. Émilion in a helicopter. Cook up pinchos, or Basque-style tapas at a Bilbao cooking class or study contemporary art at the Guggenheim Museum. Sip smoky, 30-year-old port and shop the famed Avenida do Aliados District in Porto, Portugal. This journey concludes in Lisbon, where uncrowded streets present opportunities to explore the palace ruins of Moorish São Jorge Castle above the city and the crenelated splendors of Belém Tower down on the waterfront—all in one wonderful autumn day.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.