British Isles Bounty – London to London with Oceania Cruises
August 4-15, 2025
Oceania is a small-ship Premium Boutique Cruise Line with destination-oriented itineraries, often travelling to smaller ports that megaships cannot reach. Noted throughout the industry for their gourmet cuisine, you will find a variety of onboard dining venues with no surcharges.
With simply MORE™, Oceania’s valuable offer, enjoy 2 for 1 Cruise Fares plus:
FREE US$600 simply MORE Shore Excursion Credit
FREE Champagne, Wine & More
FREE Gourmet Specialty Dining
FREE Unlimited WiFi
Amenities are per stateroom
This cruise sails on Oceania Vista (1200 guests).
Venture forth into the legendary waters of Northern Europe, finding solace in spectacular fjords and snug fishing hamlets. Journey through these sophisticated lands with superbly preserved architecture, and breathtaking natural settings. Enjoy glorious cultural hubs boasting enthralling museums, rich history, and gastronomic delights.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1
Cruise Day 1
London (Southampton), United Kingdom
Boarding time 1pm; Departure 6pm.
Day 2
Cruise Day 2
At sea.
Day 3
Cruise Day 3
Edinburgh (Newhaven), United Kingdom
7am – 6pm
Savor the old town’s marvelous Georgian and Victorian architecture and impressive Edinburgh Castle, high on its volcanic crag with a fabulous view. Stroll along the medieval Royal Mile to the Palace of Holyroodhouse to see the abbey and Queen Mary’s chambers. Visit St. Giles’ Cathedral where John Knox once preached.
Day 4
Cruise Day 4
Invergordon, United Kingdom
(8am – 9pm)
Known as “Inverbreakie” until the early 18th century, Invergordon has long been recognized for its rich naval history and jewel of a harbor in the northern Highlands. Invergordon perches on the northern bank of the Cromarty Firth, a lengthy estuary that provides welcome sanctuary for a multitude of water birds and one of only two species of resident bottlenose dolphin in the British Isles. Venture into the Highlands, where the local clan castles perch on craggy hills and on the shores of lochs and firths. And there’s always the chance to see the mysterious Loch Ness Monster.
Day 5
Cruise Day 5
Lerwick (Shetland Islands), United Kingdom
(9am – 6pm)
Enjoy a taste of the Highlands here in the rugged landscape and heathered moors, the ruined castles, steep cliffs and sea air. Drive through beautiful valleys and flower-filled meadows with romping Shetland ponies to quaint villages like Scalloway with its ruined castle, or explore the fascinating Jarlshof prehistoric site, occupied for more than 4,000 years.
Day 6
Cruise Day 6
Stornoway (Hebrides), United Kingdom
(8am – 4pm)
The unspoiled Outer Hebrides is a world of its own, separated from mainland Scotland by more than water. The language is Gaelic, the attitude heavily self-sufficient and the wildlife uncommon. The capital of the Outer Hebrides, Stornoway is tucked into a beautiful natural harbor on Lewis Island, which the Vikings repeatedly invaded. While renowned as a center for Harris Tweed, Stornoway is also home to the Neo-Gothic Lews Castle, the An Lanntair arts center and a multitude of northern birds such as the Arctic skua, golden eagle and corncrake.
Day 7
Cruise Day 7
Glasgow (Greenock), United Kingdom
(10am – 8pm)
Offering some of the finest Victorian architecture in the UK, Glasgow is a major center of commerce and culture. Glasgow Cathedral is one of the only cathedrals in Scotland to have survived the Reformation in tact and houses a celebrated collection of stained glass windows. The Burrell Collection showcases a range of work by major artists such as Rodin, Degas and Cézanne, as well as examples of late medieval, Chinese and Islamic art. When exploring Scotland’s culinary culture, be sure to taste some of the famed single malt whiskies.
Day 8
Cruise Day 8
Dublin (Dún Laoghaire), Ireland
(8am – 8pm)
Considering it’s the birthplace of some of the world’s greatest literary figures – Beckett, Joyce, Shaw, Wilde, Yeats – you can’t help but wonder what it is about Dublin that so inspires. Exploring the city, you find answers. It’s the strong sense of community embodied in its pub culture, in the stunning churches seemingly on every corner, and in the sprawling parks where residents gather to commune with nature. It’s also the history preserved in the ancient books of Trinity College’s Old Library and in the story of Guinness and his iconic beer. Meanwhile, the charming seaside town of Dún Laoghaire possesses its own sense of timeless appeal, from the James Joyce Tower and Museum to the National Maritime Museum of Ireland.
Day 9
Cruise Day 9
Belfast, Ireland
(7am – 6pm)
Delight in this vibrant city of ornate Victorian and Edwardian architecture, gracious gardens and friendly pubs. Thrill to the natural phenomenon of the Giants’ Causeway, a stunning geological anomaly of tightly packed, uneven basalt columns disappearing into the sea, and the enigmatic ruins of Grey Abbey.
Day 10
Cruise Day 10
Waterford, Ireland
(8am – 6pm)
Stroll through this 1,100-year-old Viking town and admire Rodney’s Tower, still in use, and see the exquisite treasures in the museum. Visit the Waterford Crystal Visitors’ Centre, where you can see how the artisans cut their famous designs. Or enjoy the beautiful Irish countryside as you pass majestic abbey ruins, stroll through quaint villages and see remnants of Viking heritage.
Day 11
Cruise Day 11
Fowey, United Kingdom
(8am – 5pm)
With a rich seafaring history dating back to the 14th Century, Fowey (pronounced Foy) in Cornwall is still one of England’s busiest ports. The circular Hall Walk is quite popular and follows the banks of the estuary. In town stroll the Esplanade, visit St. Fimbarrus Church, and admire the view from St. Catherine’s Castle, which was built during the reign of Henry VIII to protect the harbor. Blockhouses from the late 1300s stand on either side of the harbor, from which a chain was once hung to prevent undesirable ships from entering.
Day 12
Cruise Day 12
London (Southampton), United Kingdom
(Disembark 8am)
The Magic of the European Christmas Markets
Heidelberg along the Neckar River
The Christmas season in both France and Germany is a very special time. Cities are alite in a warm glow that cannot be replicated at any other time of the year. The Christmas markets in France and Germany are all unique and offer an array of products that are distinct and, in many cases, homemade. Everywhere you go you will be able to enjoy sumptuous seasonal treats both savoury and sweet all with the tradition warm mulled wine.
Join us as we experience the very best of the Christmas season in France and Germany. We’ll travel to Lyon to experience the magic of its festivities before boarding CroisiEurope’s MS Victor Hugo. We’ll make stops Heidelberg and in several small hamlets and towns that each offer their distinct flavour of the season. We will complete our holiday in Strasbourg, where holiday enchantment abounds and thousands of lights sparkle to create a bewitching atmosphere.
Travac’s Magic of the European Christmas Markets is priced starting at only $5199 + taxes based on double occupancy and includes return airfare from Ottawa; all transfers; 3 nights accommodation in Lyon; 4 nights aboard CroisiEurope’s MS Victor Hugo; 3 nights accommodation in Strasbourg; meals, drinks, and shore excursions while on board the ship; city tours of Lyon and Strasbourg; and the services of a Travac Tours Director. Join us for this unforgettable once-in-a-lifetime adventure this holiday season!
Tour Itinerary
Day 1
Ottawa to Lyon
Today we will depart Ottawa for Lyon, France via Paris with Air France.
Day 2
Lyon
After arriving into Lyon in the early morning, we will be transferred by private motor coach to our downtown hotel. Lyon is known as the gastronomic capital of France and the food is sure to be amazing. Plus, it has an incredible depth of history dating back to Roman times, plenty of interesting museums, and fantastic public art from dazzling trompe-l’oeil murals to classical statues. While less touristy than Paris, it offers a full array of attractions that make it a special part of the French culture. It is also a very walkable city with many attractions close to the centre of the town.
Day 3
Lyon
We will begin our day with a half-day guided city tour of Lyon. The rest of your day is free to explore. Don’t forget to take an evening stroll into the markets as a large part of the downtown core has been lit up for the Festival of Lights to make your experience even more unforgettable.
Day 4
Lyon
Today is a free day to enjoy the festive season in Lyon. Your Travac Tours Director will advise you of any optional excursion ($)
Day 5
Strasbourg
Today we will depart Lyon for Strasbourg. Upon arrival, we will drop off luggage at our ship then embark on a panoramic tour of the city. You will then have free time to enjoy the festive season in Strasbourg and its famous Christmas markets. At 6 pm, we will board our ship, the MS Victor Hugo. After you’ve comfortably settled into your cabins, the crew will be introduced at a welcome cocktail. Tonight, we’ll enjoy dinner and an evening of entertainment on board. Our ship will begin to cruise to Mannheim.
Day 6
Heidelberg to Eberbach
This morning we’ll arrive in Mannheim, our starting point for the tour of Heidelberg and its castle (exterior only).
Heidelberg is Germany’s oldest and most famous university town. The late 18th- and 19th-century Romanticists were especially inspired by this riverside setting. After a guided tour of the old town, you’ll enjoy some free time wandering through the local Christmas markets. Soak up the atmosphere, jump on the old-time carousel like a kid, enjoy the scrumptious food, and throw back a beer or sip on mulled wine. There’s no better way to welcome the season than being at the heart of the festivities. After our tour, we’ll return on board our ship in Heidelberg.
We’ll spend the afternoon cruising the Neckar River towards Eberbach. We’ll pass by what the Germans call the “Romantic Four”—Neckargemünd and its wonderfully decorated half-timbered homes dominated by Dilsberg Castle above the city; Neckasteinach and its four castles that form a ribbon around the river bends; Hirschhorn, its castle, and former Carmelite cloister; and lastly, our arrival point at the quaint city of Eberbach. Enjoy some free time to stroll through the vibrant, inspiring town located on what was once an old trade route linking Mannheim to Prague.
Day 7
Eberbach – Heilbronn – Heidelberg
Today you’ll travel from Eberbach to Heilbronn, the wine capital of historic Wurtemberg—an ancient Imperial Free City sitting within beautiful forests and vineyards. During your stroll through downtown, you’ll see the astronomical clock on the old City Hall in the market square; St. Kilian’s Church and its Renaissance-style belfry; and the Deutschhof, an old monastery that now houses the city museums. At Christmas time, the city overflows with music and traditional spices such as aniseed and cinnamon. Enjoy browsing the decorated stands brimming with crafts and souvenirs around St. Kilian’s Church, the City Hall, and the market square. We’ll have lunch in a local restaurant (included). After the excursion, we’ll return on board in Heidelberg. The rest of the evening is yours to do as you please. (L)
Day 8
Heidelberg – Speyer
We’ll spend the morning cruising. On arrival, join us for a tour of Speyer. The city is littered with impressive landmarks, including the UNESCO-listed cathedral and medieval ruins from the time when it was inhabited by one of the most important Jewish communities in Germany. Speyer also hosts a delightful and ethereal Christmas and New Year Market on the famous Maximilianstrasse in front of the Alten Münze (Old Mint). Tonight is our festive gala evening. Our ship will begin to cruise to Strasbourg.
Day 9
Strasbourg
Enjoy breakfast on board this morning before disembarking at 9:00am. We will be transferred to our hotel. You will have free time to explore Strasbourg before checking into your hotel in the afternoon.
Day 10
Strasbourg
Today is a day to explore on your own. Your Travac Tours Director will have ideas of things you can do today. Strasbourg is one of the most beautiful cities in France, if not in all of Europe. It is a vibrant city with a unique blend of French and German influences. Its historic centre, Grande Île, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and attracts visitors with its medieval architecture, picturesque canals, and cultural attractions. Its Christmas markets are heavily influenced by French and German cultures.
Day 11
Strasbourg
Today is another free day. Your Travac Tours Director will have an optional tour ($) to enhance your experience in the area.
Day 12
Return to Canada
We will depart the hotel after breakfast and head to Strasbourg airport. Flights are with Air France via Paris and arrive into Ottawa in the late afternoon.
Hotel Information
Pullman Lyon or similar
Hotel Address
44 Boulevard Vivier MerleLyon, France
69003
+33 4 12 05 03 70
MS Victor Hugo (ship)
Novotel Strasbourg Centre Halles or similiar
Hotel Address
Quai KléberStrasbourg, France
67000
+33 3 88 21 50 50
Cruising The Marne-Rhine Canal – From Lagarde to Strasbourg
Coming soon!
Join Travac this spring on an incredible journey through France’s gorgeous Alsace region!
Our tour begins with three unforgettable days in Paris, where you will have the opportunity to indulge in all the best the City of Light has to offer, from its iconic landmarks to world-renowned art and cuisine. After soaking in the magic of the city, we will make our way to the town of Lagarde where we will board CroisiEurope’s MS Jeanine barge to embark on our adventure along the Marne-Rhine canal. France’s beauty unfolds as we cruise along the water at a gentle pace. Along the way, you’ll experience the charming storybook villages that define the Alsace and Moselle regions, including Xouaxange, Lutzelbourg, Saverne, and Waltenheim.
Our final stop on the cruise is the vibrant city of Strasbourg- one of the most beautiful cities in all of Europe, with a unique blend of French and Germanic influences. We will spend three nights in the city, where you can explore its fairy-tale Old Town, Gothic monuments, and renowned Alcatian wines and cuisine, before returning to Paris. We will then tour the historic village of Reims in France’s Champagne region before returning to Canada.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1
This evening, you will depart from the Ottawa Airport on your overnight flight to Paris. Let the excitement of your European journey take flight!
Day 2
Arrive in the City of Lights and transfer to your hotel. Once your bags are unloaded, your Travac Tours Director will take you on an introduction walk around Paris. Check in time at the hotel is 3:00pm. Once checked in to the hotel, the remainder of your evening will be free. (B)
Your Hotel for the next 3 nights: Hotel Maison Mere, Paris.
Day 3
Enjoy a private, half-day guided motorcoach tour, uncovering Paris’s iconic sights and hidden gems. The afternoon is yours to explore—whether visiting world-class museums, browsing boutique shops, or simply soaking up Parisian ambiance. (B)
Day 4
A full free day invites you to discover Paris at your own pace. Your Travac Tours Director will be happy to offer recommendations, whether you wish to explore art, history, or indulge in French culinary delights. (B)
Day 5
After breakfast, transfer to the quaint town of Lagarde in Alsace-Lorraine. Embark on the elegant MS Jeanine around 6:00pm. Meet the crew during the welcome cocktail and settle into your cozy cabin for an unforgettable river cruise experience. (B, D)
Day 6
We’ll spend the day cruising towards Xouaxange. (B, L, D)
Day 7
In the morning, follow Chagall’s Way in Saarburg. We’ll cruise to Lutzelbourg. Candlelight lunch while passing through the tunnels. This afternoon, travel the Saint-Louis-Arzviller inclined plane. Stopover at the Lehrer Crystal Glassworks. We’ll continue to Lutzelbourg and arrive in the evening. (B, L, D)
Day 8
We’ll walk to the Château de Lutzelbourg. The ship will cruise to Saverne and arrive at the beginning of the afternoon. We’ll visit the Château de Hohbarr, also known as the “Eye of Alsace.” Afterward, we’ll return to Saverne for a guided tour of the city. At the end of our afternoon, we’ll return on board the ship. Dinner will be tarte flambée, a local specialty, at a restaurant (included with cruise). (B, L, D)
Day 9
We’ll spend the morning cruising to Hochefelden. In the afternoon, join us for an excursion to the lush region of Kochersberg and a visit to the Maison du Kochersberg Museum and the Villa Meteor. At the end of our day, we’ll return on board the ship in Waltenheim-sur-Zorn. (B, L, D)
Day 10
We’ll spend the morning cruising to Strasbourg. Enjoy a tour-boat ride through the oldest section of the city in the afternoon. After our excursion, we’ll return on board the ship. Tonight is our festive gala evening. (B, L, D)
Day 11
Enjoy one last buffet breakfast on board before disembarking at 9:00 a.m. After Disembarkation, you will be transferred to your hotel in Strasbourg. Check in time is 3:00pm. The remainder of your day is free to explore or relax in this beautiful city. (B)
Your hotel for the next 3 nights: Le Grand Hotel (or similar)
Day 12
Delve into Strasbourg’s rich history on a private half-day guided motorcoach tour, discovering the fascinating blend of French and German culture. The afternoon is yours to continue exploring this captivating city. (B)
Day 13
A free day in Strasbourg invites you to wander the Palais Rohan’s museums, sample exquisite Alsatian cuisine, or simply enjoy the charming streets. Your Travac Tours Director will be on hand with plenty of suggestions. (B)
Day 14
Today we will be taking a private motorcoach back to Paris to stay overnight in preparation for our return to Canada. En route, enjoy a guided tour and lunch in the historic city of Reims ($) before continuing to Paris. (B)
Overnight – Hampton by Hilton Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport
Day 15
After breakfast, transfer to Charles de Gaulle Airport for your afternoon flight home to Ottawa, concluding your memorable European journey. (B)
Itinerary and hotels subject to change.
Hotel Information
Hotel Maison Mere
Hotel Address
7 Rue MayranParis, France
75009
+33 1 42 80 00 00
Le Grand Hotel Strasbourg
Hotel Address
12 Pl. de la GareStrasbourg, France
67000
+33 3 88 52 84 84
Hampton by Hilton Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport
Hotel Address
2 Av. Heinz GloorRoissy-en-France, France
95700
+1 800-445-8667
MS Jeanine (boat)
Cruising the Douro, River of Gold with CroisiEurope
June 16-28, 2026
The Douro river offers some of the best scenery of any river cruise in Europe.
Travac Tours is pleased to be offering a special cruise on the Douro and into the heart of Portugal and Spain’s wine country at an incredible price.
Travac’s river cruise includes round trip airfare from Canada, an eight day seven night river cruise on the Douro River with refined French cuisine (three meals a day), all your drinks with meals and at the bar (specialty drinks excluded), a gala dinner and evening, a host of onboard activities, two nights’ accommodation in the vibrant city of Lisbon with breakfast daily, one night’s accommodation in Fatima, one night’s accommodation in Porto, and the services a Travac Tours Director.
Space is limited- early booking is essential to take part in this fabulous adventure!
Tour Itinerary
Day 1
Ottawa to Lisbon
This late afternoon, we will depart Ottawa by chartered coach for Montreal, where we will board our overnight Air Transat flight to Lisbon.
Day 2
Arrival in Lisbon
Upon our arrival in Lisbon, we will be transferred to our hotel. Check-in is not available until mid-afternoon. Your Travac Tour Director will have a few options to help you discover this fabulous city. (B)
Your hotel for the next 2 nights – Hotel HF Fenix Urban or similar.
Day 3
Lisbon
After breakfast, we will depart for an included full-day tour of Lisbon led by a knowledgeable local guide. A stop will be made for lunch ($). Expect to return to the hotel in the early evening. (B)
Day 4
Lisbon to Fatima
We will travel North from Lisbon to Fatima after breakfast. Before checking in, we’ll visit an important religious pilgrimage site the Catholic shrine of Our Lady, one of the most famous in the world with lunch included. (B, L)
Your overnight hotel – Hotel Santa Maria or similar.
Day 5
Fatima to Porto
Enjoy breakfast before we continue north to Porto. Along the way, we’ll stop in Coimbra for a walking tour, with free time for lunch ($) before arriving in Porto. Upon arrival, you will board your ship, MS Gil Eanes, at 5:00 p.m. After settling comfortably into your cabins, join us for a welcome cocktail and crew introduction before dinner. In the evening, you may choose to take an optional CLASSIC / DISCOVERY excursion by coach to experience Porto by night. (B, D)
Your ship for the next 7 nights – MS Gil Eanes.
Day 6
Porto – Regua
Join us for the excursions proposed: CLASSIC: Guided tour of Porto. We’ll leave for Porto’s city center by coach. Our first stop will be a tour of St. Francis Church. A stone’s throw from the Douro riverbank, it is among the most symbolic buildings in Porto. We’ll then head over to see the inside of Bolsa Palace—also known as the Stock Exchange Palace—a magnificent, neoclassical mansion in the heart of the historic downtown. The next stop will be an azulejo tile workshop. This tour is a unique occasion to discover this age-long art form. We’ll return to the ship.
DISCOVERY: Touring Porto via tram and visiting the tram museum followed by a tasting of some of the local specialties in the old city.
In the afternoon, we’ll cruise through the Douro Valley with its fabulous landscapes. Enjoy an evening of dancing or time at leisure in Regua tonight. (B, L, D)
Day 7
Regua – Vega De Terron
Join us on an optional CLASSIC / DISCOVERY excursion: the Casa de Mateus and the Douro museum. We’ll leave on foot for the Douro Museum to learn about the passionate history and wine-making heritage in the region, an experience combining traditional and modern approaches. We’ll continue on by coach for Mateus Palace, a beautiful 18th-century manor in Vila Real. This baroque-style manor belonged to the same family until a foundation was set up to preserve it in 1970. The dramatic splendor and details of the complex offer a unique visual relationship between geometry and space. Enjoy a stroll through the magnificent tree- and hedge-lined gardens, which include a romantic Mexican-cedar topiary tunnel. After, we’ll return to the ship in Pinhão by coach. In the afternoon, the cruise continues to the heart of the most famous vineyards in Porto to Vega de Terron. We’ll arrive in the evening. Enjoy an evening of Flamenco entertainment. (B, L, D)
Day 8
Vega De Terron – Salamanca – Barca d’Alva
Join us for the excursions proposed:
CLASSIC: Salamanca. This town of dazzling beauty houses some extraordinary Roman, Arabic, and Christian architectural treasures.
DISCOVERY: Salamanca tapas tour.
We’ll return on board in Barca d’Alva. Enjoy an evening of entertainment. (B, L, D)
Day 9
Barca d’Alva – Ferradosa – Pinhao
This morning will be spent cruising. Join us on an optional CLASSIC / DISCOVERY excursion: Port Wine Route and Pinhão. Tonight’s our gala dinner and evening. (B, L, D)
Day 10
Pinhao – Porto
Join us on an optional CLASSIC / DISCOVERY excursion: Guided tour of Lamego. This afternoon will be spent cruising. Enjoy an evening of Fado-themed entertainment. (B, L, D)
Day 11
Porto
This morning, enjoy time at leisure in Porto. In the afternoon, join us for the optional excursions proposed:
CLASSIC: Discover Guimaraes.
DISCOVERY: Quaint Afurada.
Enjoy an evening of traditional folk entertainment. (B, L, D)
Day 12
Porto
Enjoy one final buffet breakfast on board before disembarking the ship at 9:00am. After leaving the ship, we’ll visit the WOW Museum, a unique collective of six different museums, for a self-guided experience. Lunch will be on your own at your leisure. Following the museum visit, we’ll head to the hotel in time for check-in at 3:00pm. The remainder of your day will be free. (B)
Your overnight hotel – Hotel HF Ipanema Park or similar.
Day 13
Porto to Ottawa
Early this morning you will be transferred from the hotel to the airport for your flight to Montreal. On arrival in Montreal, there will be a chartered coach for your return to Ottawa. (B)
Itinerary and hotels are subject to change. Cruise itinerary is subject to change by cruise line.
Please note this is not an appropriate tour for individuals with walking disabilities or limitations. No walkers or wheelchairs are permitted. Accessible rooms are not available.
Hotel Information
Hotel HF Fenix Urban or similar
Hotel Address
Av. António Augusto de Aguiar 14LIsbon, Portugal
1050-016
+351 21 351 5000
Hotel Santa Maria or similar
Hotel Address
R. de Santo António 79, Cova da IriaFatima, Portugal
2495-430
+351 249 530 110
MS Gil Eanes (ship)
Hotel HF Ipanema Park or similar
Hotel Address
R. de Serralves 124Porto, Portugal
4150-702
+351 22 532 2121