A&K x Crystal Cruises: Brittany, Bordeaux, Bilbao and Porto

A former maritime powerhouse of northwest England, Liverpool was once among the nation’s most influential cities, second only to London. But Liverpool fell on hard times, its ever-proud citizens coping through it with help from their hardscrabble “scouse” wit and a fierce devotion to their local football club. Today, Liverpool has mounted an impressive comeback while spawning some of the 20th century’s most celebrated music groups, most notably The Beatles, whose legions of devoted fans flock to the city to pay homage to the “Fab Four.”

Begin with an exploration of Liverpool’s landmarks, including the Neoclassical façade of St George’s Hall and the city’s stunning Anglican cathedral, considered the biggest in Britain. Or, delve into Liverpool’s Beatles legacy at Penny Lane, the band members’ childhood homes and The Beatles Story museum. A tour of Anfield, Liverpool’s beloved football stadium, is also on offer.

Head south to Chester to stroll its town center brimming with authentic Tudor and Victorian architecture and tour Chester Cathedral, home to the most complete set of monastic buildings in Britain. Afterward, head to the port, where your vessel awaits.

Relax as you transit the English Channel, taking advantage of the ship’s amenities along the way. En route, the team sets the stage for tomorrow’s shore excursion with a series of enriching presentations.

The daunting battlements of Brest Castle loom large over this historic port city, much as they have in some form for over 1,700 years. Brest was all but destroyed during World War II, with the castle alone withstanding the fierce bombardment. Relive the medieval or wartime history of Brittany amid the halftimbered houses of Morlaix or the former Nazi submarine pens that remain along the coast. Or, embark on a horticultural excursion to the medicinal gardens of Daoulas Abbey and the The National Botanical Conservatory of Brest, home to exotic and endangered plantings from all over the word.

Set on the banks of the Loire estuary, the salty-aired town of Nantes affords an authentic glimpse of a quintessential Breton town without the crowds that mob the region’s more touristy cities. Get a bird’s-eye view of Nantes with a walk around the ramparts of the Château des Ducs de Bretagne, a sprawling 15th-century castle that served as the official residence of the Dukes of Brittany. Then, head to the Jardin des Plantes, a 17-acre garden showcasing some 10,000 plant species and the Bouffay district, home to a web of labyrinthine streets comprising medieval Nantes. Or, stroll La Baule’s large beach, visit the medieval enclave of Guérande, and explore the nearby salt marshes. An excursion to the walled town of Vannes is also on offer.

Not all of Bordeaux’s pleasures come by the glass: a deal with a Chartrons antique dealer, the taste of a rum-sweet canelé, the 18th-century grandeur of the Place de la Bourse. But Bordeaux’s rich, full-bodied heritage is hard to resist, be it on a bar’s cobbled terrace or in any number of the region’s world-beating vineyards. Delve into Bordeaux’s rich wine heritage with a tour and tasting at an exclusive estate. Or, sample the flavors of market day at the renowned Les Halles de Bacalan and visit the Cité du Vin, a unique venue that explores the universal living heritage of wine.

Visit the seaside resort town of Arcachon, where you experience its golden beaches, soak in its romantic Belle Époque atmosphere and savor a sampling of fresh local oysters, renowned as some of Europe’s finest. Or, opt for a visit the charming medieval village of Saint-Émilion.

Savor your final day in Bordeaux with a walking tour revealing the Old Town’s 13th-century Cathedral of St. André, the Palais Rohan (now the City Hall) and the Grosse Cloche, the belfry of the former town hall.

Arrive in Bilbao, a medieval city and proud Basque enclave that has transformed itself into a modern cultural crucible. Bilbao’s skyscraper-filled downtown mixes in dashes of Gothic, Art Deco, Art Nouveau, Neo-Gothic and contemporary architecture. Most notable, though, is the curvaceous, titanium-clad Guggenheim Museum designed by Frank Gehry. Explore the museum’s contemporary collections and outdoor installations to experience Bilbao’s creative renaissance firsthand. Alternatively, embark on a culinary adventure through Bilbao’s Casco Viejo or an exploration of Guernica, a historic city inextricably linked to the Spanish Civil War and Picasso’s namesake masterpiece.

Relish a day of relaxation aboard, perhaps enjoying some time in the spa or conversing with newfound friends. Later, the team shares insights into your next destination.

At once moody and magnificent, Porto is a city of brutish good looks, set on the steeply terraced banks of the Douro River. Here, explore vibrant Cais da Ribeira, discovering its Stock Exchange Palace and St. Francis Church. Or, see why this region is renowned among foodies the world over as you set out on a culinary tour of Porto’s vibrant central market and beloved backstreet petiscos (tapas) taverns. A tour, port tasting and lunch at one of the Douro Valley’s finest wine estates are also on offer.

Disembark in Lisbon and transfer to the airport for your homebound flight, or continue on your post-tour extension.