War and peace in Europe over the centuries will be the focus of a special, world-affairs-themed voyage that Australian small ship cruise specialist, Cruise Traveller, has packaged for next August that will take guests from the north of Europe to the south, filled with intrigue and luxury.
Cruise Traveller’s exclusive package for August, 2026, offers a total of three free nights in hotels before and after the cruise and savings of up to A$4738 for earlybird bookings made with Cruise Traveller by December 7, 2025.
The unique, new, 22-night land and sea package – ‘Empires of Europe’ – begins on August 25, 2026, with a free night at a luxury hotel in Copenhagen before guests board Ponant’s elegant, 184-guest ship, Le Champlain, for a 19-night, indulgent, all-inclusive voyage from Copenhagen south to Lisbon – a fascinating, destination and history-rich itinerary that combines two, back-to-back cruises via London.
A subtle blend of refinement, intimacy and comfort, Le Champlain will first take guests on a storied journey through Germany, The Netherlands, Belgium and on to England – a region that has seen history-altering phases of war and peace through the centuries. Onboard the voyage will be distinguished experts on international security, including former NATO Supreme Allied Commander, Admiral James Stavridis, who will help illuminate Europe’s political and trade history, including that of the former Hanseatic League, and share insights about the current NATO alliance and hopeful signs that support freedom, peace and democracy in Europe for the future.
From London, the journey continues to Caen in Normandy, France – the city William the Conqueror built in the 11th century and also the location of D-Day operations in WW2. St Malo in France is also on the itinerary, for visits to the famous Mont-Saint-Michel, an enchanting tidal island topped by a gravity-defying abbey. In Spain, visits will be made to the avant-garde city of Bilbao, the old town of Coruna and the fishing port of Vigo near Santiago de Compostela, which welcomes scores of pilgrims from around the world every year. And in Portugal, guests can explore the richly decorated Baroque churches of Porto.
The voyage ends in Lisbon with two free nights in a luxury hotel included in Cruise Traveller’s package.
Snapshot of inclusions and features – ‘Empires of Europe’ package
* Begins August 25, 2026 with a free night in Copenhagen, pre-cruise
* 19-night voyage from Copenhagen to Lisbon aboard Ponant’s Le Champlain
* The cruise includes onboard beverages and excursions at all ports
* Two free nights in Lisbon post-cruise
Cruise Traveller’s exclusive 22-night ‘Empires of Europe’ land and sea package in August, 2026, is available from A$23,379 per person, twin-share, in a Prestige Balcony Stateroom – a saving of A$2369, and from A$24,339 for a solo traveller in a Prestige Balcony Stateroom – a saving of A$2326. For the savings and free hotel nights, book with Cruise Traveller by December 7, 2025.
To book, visit www.cruisetraveller.com.au/
