European Spring Explorer: Lisbon to Dover
About the Trip
April 19 – May 1, 2027 | 13 Days
Follow Europe’s western coast in spring on this 13-day journey that blends time on land with an expedition-style cruise. Begin in Lisbon, where historic neighbourhoods, coastal views and a hands-on pastel de nata experience bring the city to life. Travel to Cascais, Cabo da Roca and Sintra before boarding your ship. Sail north to Porto and Ferrol, then spend time at sea before reaching the Isles of Scilly, where subtropical gardens bloom. Continue to the Channel Islands, exploring quiet harbours and coastal landscapes shaped by the seasons Your journey ends in Dover, where sea air, open horizons and a final look at the coast leave a lasting impression of this remarkable route.
Activity Level: Moderate
If you’re somewhat active and have a zest for adventure, then this is the trip level for you. These trips may involve more activities or longer touring days with a full schedule. Excursions will include walking and standing for extended periods, walking tours on uneven surfaces or trails, more actively inclined itineraries and may include coach, boat and rail travel.
Member Exclusive Benefits
We reward all our CAA Members on our Extraordinary Explorations® tours/cruises.
- Plaza Premium Lounge pass†
- 50 CAA Dollars®^
- 25% savings on CAA Travel Insurance◊
Extraordinary Experience
CAA has curated an exceptional experience unique to your tour. Details of this experience are listed below:
Pastel de Nata Cooking Class
Step into a Lisbon kitchen and learn to make one of Portugal’s most loved treats. Guided by a local chef, you’ll prepare pastel de nata from scratch, from the delicate pastry to the rich custard filling. Along the way, hear the story behind this iconic dessert and how it became a staple of Portuguese culture. Once everything is ready, sit down to enjoy your freshly baked tarts together. It’s a relaxed, hands-on experience that adds a local flavour to your time in Lisbon.
Package Includes:
- Airfare from Toronto or Winnipeg to Lisbon and return from London to Toronto or Winnipeg
- Pre-cruise tour:
- 3-night stay in first-class accommodation in Lisbon
- 3 breakfasts, 1 dinner and 1 tasting
- Sightseeing and entrance fees as per itinerary
- Local English-speaking guide
- 7-night European Spring Explorer cruise on board MS Fram
- Shore excursions as listed in itinerary
- Gratuities onboard
- Onboard meals and entertainment as per cruise itinerary
- Post-cruise tour:
- 1-night stay in first-class accommodation in Heathrow
- 1 breakfast
- Sightseeing and entrance fees as per itinerary
- Local English-speaking guide
- Destination transfers
European Spring Explorer: Lisbon to Dover
Cruise along Lisbon and Portugal’s coast on a 13-day journey north through Porto and Ferrol to the Isles of Scilly, the Channel Islands and Dover.
Day 1
Depart from Toronto or Winnipeg on your overnight flight to Lisbon.
Day 2
Lisbon – Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for a 3-night stay. Balance of your day at leisure. Enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. (D)
Day 3
Lisbon – Explore the heart of the city with a guided half-day tour, including Rossio Square and Alfama’s old quarter. See the towering Lisbon Cathedral and views of St. George’s Castle. In Belém, visit Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower, both UNESCO World Heritage sites. Later, take part in your Extraordinary Experience: a private pastel de nata cooking class. (B/T)
Day 4
Lisbon – Take a scenic coastal drive today, passing Estoril, Casino Estoril and Hotel Palacio. Visit Cascais then Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of continental Europe. Visit Sintra and tour Pena Palace before returning to Lisbon. Evening at leisure. (B)
Day 5
Lisbon – Transfer to the cruise terminal and board MS Fram for your 7-night European Spring Explorer cruise. (B)
Day 6
Porto (Leixões) – Travel to Porto’s historic centre for a guided walking tour. See Livraria Lello, São Bento Railway Station and the UNESCO-listed Ribeira district. Enjoy free time before returning to the ship.
Day 7
Ferrol – Discover the old town of Ferrol on a guided walk. Explore the beginning of the Camino de Santiago route and visit the Barrio da Magdalena district, finishing near the Naval Museum.
Day 8
At sea
Day 9
Isles of Scilly – Visit Tresco Abbey Gardens and explore at your own pace among subtropical plants and historic ruins.
Day 10
Channel Islands – View this captivating archipelago’s unspoiled beaches, coastal castles and lush countryside. Weather permitting, anchor offshore and visit Guernsey and Alderney with your Expedition Team to explore historic sites and natural habitat.
Day 11
Channel Islands
Day 12
Dover/Heathrow – Arrive in Dover and enjoy a panoramic tour, including views of the White Cliffs of Dover and Dover Castle. Visit the Kent Battle of Britain Museum before continuing to Heathrow for an overnight stay.
Day 13
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your return flight home. (B)
B - Breakfast | D - Dinner | T - Tasting
Terms & Conditions
*$10,399 is a Polar Outside cabin based on Cat. N2, $10,749 is an Arctic Superior Outside cabin based on Cat. U2. **$10,589 is a Polar Outside cabin based on Cat. N2, $10,929 is an Arctic Superior Outside cabin based on Cat. U2. Ship’s Registry: Norway. All CAA Member prices are per person, based on double occupancy, in Canadian dollars unless otherwise indicated and are subject to change without prior notice until final payment is paid. All prices are correct at press time and apply to new bookings only, based on availability at time of booking. To receive CAA Member-exclusive benefits, there must be one valid CAA Member travelling per booking. Non-members booking Extraordinary Explorations will not receive Member-exclusive benefits.
†Plaza Premium Lounge is based on one voucher per person and applies to departures from Canadian airports where applicable. Subject to availability.
^CAA Dollars awarded per adult Member. To earn and redeem CAA Dollars, you must be a current CAA Member in good standing (CAA Membership dues paid in full by membership expiry date). CAA Dollars will be credited at time of departure. For more information on CAA Dollars, please visit www.caasco.com/caadollars.
◊ CAA Travel Insurance, an Orion Travel Insurance product, is underwritten by Echelon Insurance. Twenty-five percent (25%) Member savings is made up of a ten percent (10%) Member savings as well as a promotional fifteen percent (15%) savings when you purchase an Extraordinary Explorations tour through CAA Travel, applies to CAA South Central Ontario and CAA Manitoba Members in good standing (CAA Membership dues paid in full by membership expiry date). This promotional offer is valid until December 31, 2027. Ten percent (10%) Member savings applies to Members in good standing of all other CAA clubs. Savings apply to the total premium excluding applicable taxes. Minimum premium applies. Visitors to Canada Insurance is limited to promotional savings. Certain exclusions, limitations and restrictions apply. Subject to change without notice. A Medical Questionnaire may be required to purchase travel insurance.
Extraordinary Explorations vacations are organized and booked by CAA Travel (South Central Ontario) Inc. and CAA Manitoba (“CAA Travel”) on behalf of CAA Club Group (o/a CAA South Central Ontario and CAA Manitoba). In the event of an increase in any of the cost factors, CAA Travel reserves the right to increase the price whereby the provisions of the Travel Industry Act shall prevail. Deposit is non-refundable at the time of booking. Final payment is due 120 days before departure. CAA Extraordinary Explorations packages are 100% non-refundable at final payment. CAA Travel service fee for cancellation prior to final payment varies by program. For full payment terms and conditions, please ask your CAA Travel Consultant. CAA Travel reserves the right to cancel or re-schedule any tour departure in accordance with operating requirements (minimum number of participants) or circumstances beyond its control. Additional fees for checked luggage or other incidentals may be incurred and vary according to itinerary and airline. Air schedules with some tours are not available at press time and may include several connections or forced overnight at passenger’s expense. CAA Travel strongly recommends the purchase of trip cancellation and emergency travel and emergency medical insurance at the time of booking.
Please note: Participants must be able to embark and disembark cruise ships and coaches without assistance as well as have a good level of mobility for walking tours in destinations where stairs and traditional cobblestone streets can be challenging. International transportation vehicles and facilities may not meet accessibility standards.
Flight
IncludedTour Itinerary
Day 1
Depart from Toronto or Winnipeg on your overnight flight to Lisbon.
Day 2
Lisbon
Upon arrival transfer to your hotel and check in for 3-night stay. Balance of your day at leisure. Enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. (D)
Day 3
Lisbon
Begin the day with a guided half-day tour of Lisbon, the city of seven hills. You will visit the heart of the city, Rossio Square and spend some time in Alfama’s old quarter. Here you will see the towering Lisbon Cathedral, dating back to the 12th century, and admire views of St. George’s Castle. In Belem stroll through the city’s monumental district and see Jeronimos Monastery and Belem Tower, both UNESCO World Heritage sites. Later in the afternoon, enjoy your Extraordinary Experience: a private Pastel de Nata cooking class. Meet with a local chef to learn how to make Portugal’s beloved custard tart. Get hands-on experience making the sweet treat from scratch as you learn the history behind the custard tart and savour your creations. (B/T)
Day 4
Lisbon
Take a scenic coastal drive today, passing Estoril, Casino Estoril and Hotel Palacio. You’ll visit Cascais, a small fishing village along the coast, then Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of continental Europe. Finish the day with a stop in Sintra to tour of Pena Palace. Return to Lisbon with your evening at leisure. (B)
Day 5
Lisbon
After checking out from your hotel, transfer to the cruise terminal and board MS Fram for a 7-night European Spring Explorer cruise. (B)
Day 6
Porto (Leixões)
Your tour begins with a drive to Porto’s historic centre where you’ll join a fascinating walk around this stunning city. Enjoy a photo stop at Livraria Lello - considered one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world. Walk to São Bento Railway Station, one of the city's grandest buildings with magnificent tiles by Jorge Colaço. You’ll then continue along charming Flores Street which connects to the riverside Ribeira quarter – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll have some free time to explore and admire the splendid views of Douro riverfront, before the drive back to the pier.
Day 7
Ferrol
Stroll around the old town of Ferrol. Walk the beginning of the Camino de Santiago, the old path used mostly by English pilgrims heading towards Santiago de Compostela. Visit the Barrio da Magdalena district, full of sites from the Age of Enlightenment, with later additions in Art Nouveau style. We’ll finish the tour close to the interesting Naval Museum.
Day 8
At sea
Day 9
Isles of Scilly
After landing on Tresco, take a 15-minute walk to the sub-tropical Tresco Abbey Gardens. Stroll around these beautiful gardens at your leisure—they are a hidden gem established around the ruins of a Benedictine abbey. Follow the meandering paths and admire the exotic succulents, towering palm trees and giant flame trees. Keep watch for agile red squirrels and majestic golden pheasants and pause to appreciate the magnificent sculptures and haunting figureheads at the Valhalla Museum.
Day 10
The Channel Islands
Lying between France and mainland Britain, the Channel Islands are a captivating archipelago with intriguing history and a landscape of unspoiled beaches, coastal castles and lush countryside. If conditions allow, we’ll anchor off Guernsey, the “Island of Flowers,” and take our small expedition boats toward St. Peter Port Harbor, passing the 13th-century Castle Cornet, which stands guard on the headland. We also plan to visit Alderney, a small island with an exceptionally varied ecology with 36 distinct habitats. Join your Expedition Team for a guided walk, keeping an eye out for nesting gannets, blooming wildflowers and the vibrant sounds of spring birdsong.
Day 11
The Channel Islands
Day 12
Dover/Heathrow
As the White Cliffs of Dover come into view, your spring expedition cruise reaches its finale. After docking and saying goodbye to MS Fram, meet your local guide for a panoramic tour of Dover. See Dover Harbour, enjoy an exterior view of Dover Castle, stroll the historic town centre, and take in coastal viewpoints overlooking the English Channel. Your journey continues to the Kent Battle of Britain Museum, set on the former RAF Hawkinge airfield. Here you’ll discover powerful stories from WWII through recovered aircraft parts, uniforms, personal items and full‑size replicas that honour “The Few.” After the visit, travel to Heathrow and check in to your hotel for a one‑night stay.
Day 13
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your return flight home. (B)
B - Breakfast | D - Dinner | T - Tasting