This cruise has been designed to take you on a cultural journey to uncover historic battles and power struggles, from the Norman invasion in France to the Age of Discovery in Portugal. The destinations have also been chosen for their traditional food and drink, with highlights including a tour to meet the owners of Château Boutinet, where you can discover Bordeaux’s wine history, and learning how to make pastéis de nata with a local pastry chef in Lisbon. Scenic Discoveries include sailing past the Tower of Hercules – the world’s oldest working lighthouse – and along the River Seine – lined by quaint villages and rich, hilly countryside – en route to Rouen, a journey only possible on smaller ships. You'll be joined on Balmoral by a team of informative astronomers from Go Stargazing who will assist you with identifying planets and spotting galaxies far away.