Home > Hidden Gems of France, Spain & Portugal

Hidden Gems of France, Spain & Portugal

Visit some of France, Portugal and Spain’s most sought-after destinations.

Cruise Code: A22503

1 of 3

Bilbao, Spain

2 of 3

Lorient, France

3 of 3

Lisbon, Portugal

Date:

9 March 2025

Duration:

12 nights

Departure:

London Tilbury

Ship:

Ambition

In Conversation with Dean Andrews

This sailing takes you to Europe’s most sun soaked cities and towns, beginning in Spain to savour La Coruna’s immaculate bays and beaches. An optional tour of Portugal's Oporto and Lisbon will introduce you to delectable cuisines, including the famed pastel de nata and Polvo à Lagareiro. Take an optional trip to visit Spain’s Bilbao, the gateway to Basque country and home to the fascinating Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, before we venture to France’s Le Verdon in Bordeaux and Lorient in Brittany.

Solo Cabins Available

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Itinerary

Sails from (and returns to) London Tilbury
12 nights
7 Ports of call
4 Countries
4 Sea days

Full itinerary:

Day 1 - 9 March 2025

London Tilbury

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Day 2 - 10 March 2025

at sea

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Day 3 - 11 March 2025

Tender Port Plymouth

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Day 4 - 12 March 2025

at sea

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Day 5 - 13 March 2025

La Coruna, for Santiago de Compostela

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Day 6 - 14 March 2025

Leixoes, for Oporto

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Day 7 - 15 March 2025

Lisbon

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Included in all bookings

All port taxes, fees and charges -
Porterage of luggage between the port and cabin. -
Spa access -
Use of gym, swimming pool and hot tubs -
Range of fitness, dance and wellness classes -
Amazing entertainment -
Informative guest speakers* -
Captain’s Gala Dinner and Baked Alaska Parade* -
Comfortable accommodation in chosen cabin category -
Flexible cancellation policies† -
Captain’s cocktail party* -
Exceptional full board cuisine -

More Info

Speakers & Acts

Ian & Cathy Gunn

Guest Speakers

Ian Gunn is a former senior banker and prison governor with a wealth of experience managing all types of prisoners in charge of four different prisons. Ian represented the prison service at Scottish Parliament Committees and appeared in three TV documentaries as Governor. Since 2016, Ian has enjoyed being an enrichment speaker, entertaining audiences with stories of his life ‘behind bars’, and other crime-related topics. Ian lives with his wife Cathy, who is also an Enrichment Speaker, in Dunblane, Scotland, where they both enjoy volunteering at the local Community Centre and walking their friend's dog! Catherine was born to travel. Her father worked for a major airline and Catherine was lucky enough to be able to travel extensively, particularly to North America and Central Europe. This gave Catherine the 'travel bug' at a very young age. During a successful career in Financial Services and Personnel Management, Catherine worked in various parts of the UK and continued to enjoy expanding her horizons to include visits to Australia, Central and South America, the Mediterranean, the Baltic, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Belgium, The Netherlands, Canary Islands, Greek Islands, Indian Ocean and especially the Caribbean. Catherine now prefers cruising as her favourite way to soak-up the delights and experiences that the world can offer. In her role as Enrichment & Destination Speaker she is delighted to share her enthusiasm and knowledge of the many wonderful places there are to explore. Catherine lives with her husband Ian, who is also an Enrichment & Destination Speaker, in Dunblane, Central Scotland. When not cruising, Catherine enjoys working in a local tearoom and dog walking.

Dave Kristian

Comedian

Dave Kristian is a stand-up comedian who has delighted audiences worldwide in top cabaret venues, theatres, and cruise liners. A highly original act that bridges the generations with individual insight and meaning. A fresh approach to the timeless subjects of marriage, children, growing old disgracefully, the British, and the absurdity of human behavior. Frequently heard on BBC and independent radio, his television appearances include Funny Man, Bushell on the Box, GMTV, National Children in Need, and Scandinavian C4s Performance.

Chip Chapman

Speaker

Chip Chapman is a former senior military officer (1980-2013) and Falklands veteran who later specialised in worldwide counter-terrorism.His post military career included authoring the book 'Notes From a Small Military', and an independent review for the Home Office on Police Discipline (for Theresa May) that was laid before Parliament in 2014. Since 2015 he has been a regular contributor on defence/geo-politics/terrorism issues on national TV/radio including BBC, Good Morning Britain, Sky News, C5 News, GB News, Talk Radio, ~Times Radio, Radio 5 LIve and LBC. He was awarded the CB for his work of national signifiance on international terrorism. Analysis on Ukraine has kept him busy in 2022. Chip Chapman lives in Warminster, Wiltshire and runs around the hills.

Tricia Dalton

Craftwork Tutor

Tricia Dalton is a successful craftwork tutor and not surprisingly for one who started sewing as a child, her academic qualifications include Advanced City & Guilds certificates in this field plus a University Teaching Certificate. Her professional life has included lecturing at two city colleges and private tuition. Her enthusiasm for craftwork is also reflected in the many years of her voluntary work in the community. She engages easily and happily with anyone, irrespective of their competence level or gender. Tricia has travelled extensively and cruised many times as a Craft Instructor. She loves life at sea and particularly the ‘hands on’ craft sessions with the guests. Tricia is multi-skilled and provides a wide variety of crafts and always researches the destination to provide topical craft creations for itineraries and holidays. (e.g. Valentines, Easter and Christmas).

Dean Andrews

Guest Speaker

Dean Andrews is a versatile performer with over 20 years of experience across diverse venues, from world-class cruise liners to national cabaret and golf clubs. His career took a significant turn in 2001 when he landed a lead role in Ken Loach’s acclaimed film The Navigators. This breakthrough led to roles in dramas such as Buried, which won a BAFTA, and Clocking Off and Wire in the Blood. Dean's most notable role came as DS Ray Carling in the hit BBC series Life on Mars, which led to a spin-off, Ashes to Ashes. His success continued with appearances in Last Tango in Halifax, Vera, Midsomer Murders, and Emmerdale, where he plays the much-talked-about character Will Taylor. Alongside his acting, Dean is a sought-after voiceover artist for TV and radio ads, making him a multi-talented entertainer and a memorable presence in any setting.

FAQs

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The Ship - Ambition

Here she is, Ambition. Our second lady of the sea. Aptly named to further emphasise our commitment t ... Read More

1,200

Guests

680

Cabins

10

Guest Decks

What’s on board

Journeying to new lands to explore their landscape, culture and cuisine, on board a stylish, environmentally friendly ship.

Green Sea Spa

facilities

Our team is dedicated to providing the highest level of service and strives continually to exceed guest expectations. With our guests in mind, we have created an all-encompassing spa experience that relaxes, refreshes and renews in a serene, comfortable and welcoming environment. From facial treatments to massages and hair care to healing treatments; there is something for everyone. Our Sauna and Steam Room are also available for all guests to use.

View in 360°

Brontë’s library

facilities

Brontë’s Library is the home of peace and tranquillity on board, and the perfect place for those looking to take some time to relax after a busy day at sea. Select a good book within Brontë's calm atmosphere before heading off to your favourite queit reading area. Why not join other like-minded literature lovers through our cruise book club, where you can discuss your views on some of the current bestsellers. All books are chosen in advance, giving you the opportunity to purchase your copy before boarding.

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The Palladium

entertainment

It's showtime! Our multi-tiered onboard theatre The Palladium hosts a variety of hand-picked shows, plays, talks and so much more just as diverse as the destinations we visit. Waiting in the wings are our onboard entertainment team, the Ambassador Theatre Company. They can't wait to entertain you as you enjoy an afternoon or evening of world-class storytelling.

View in 360°

Pool Bar

lounges-bars

The Pool Bar is one of the loveliest bars on board Ambition. Enjoy a specially made cocktail as you sit back and relax around the pool.

View in 360°

The Cavern

lounges-bars

Named after the infamous Cavern Club, home to Liverpool’s booming rock ‘n’ roll scene in the early sixties and regular visitors the Beatles, The Cavern will be your onboard home of live music and acts throughout the day and night. With a wide range of drinks available, all you need to do is sit back and enjoy the atmosphere as our expert bar team are always on hand to help mix a drink just to your taste.

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Buckingham Restaurant

restaurant

Inspired by authentic cruising and quality dining, the Buckingham Restaurant is designed to provide guests with a wonderful a la carte dining experience. Serving an exceptionally handcrafted breakfast, lunch and dinner menu, our restaurant team will be delighted for you to join them throughout your day on board.

View in 360°

Your on board Experience

Discover the amazing entertainment we have on offer on board Ambition.

More about the ship

Average Customer Rating:

4.7/5

Independent Service Rating based on 2704 verified reviews. View All

“Check your invoice straight away”

2 hours after booking i got an amended invoice wanting another £64, no explanation. Rang up straight away but the lady couldn't explain it and put a note on for original operator to ring me back. 2 days later got a further invoice for the increased amount. 3 days later I rang again and she wasn't available, the operator I spoke to said a supervisor would listen to the call and ring me back. The next day got another invoice, this one for the original amount. Still waiting for my phone call to explain what happened.

Samantha Thornton

“Review”

easy to complete the booking :)

George Pegram

“Ease of booking”

Efficient and excellent

Trusted Customer

“Easy process”

Straightforward web booking. Gave confidence.

Trusted Customer

“CRUISING 2026”

Booking via the App is so easy Ifound the process really straight forward. Ihave 2 cruises book for next year on Ambience a lovely ship. Can't wait until I am on board again.

Linda Lumpkin

“Great cruise line.”

Very friendly, efficient, helpful.

Trusted Customer

“Review”

It was quite good

Trusted Customer

“I've only made booking so far but my queries have been dealt with quickly.”

Having missed a cruise a few days before there had been interaction between several staff and myself. In fact 4 in total. All were competent and knowledgeable. However, only 3 out of the 4 showed warmth and encouragement to phone back and pursue a booking. They were all good at their job. As I live in Malta my logistics are not so easy but all staff were helpful in answering and giving me additional information re taxis and hotels..

Trusted Customer

“Change of cruise”

Excellent

Trusted Customer

“Xmas cruise booked”

Excellent service so easy to book the cruise and seems very good value

Linda Lloyd

“Good start to our holiday”

Very friendly and helpful member of staff made the booking process very easy.

David Jones

“Reasonable prices for single travellers”

I was impressed with the ease of booking but particularly pleased that there were no enormous monetary penalties for booking for single occupancy meaning that the cruise was not out of my price range!

Trusted Customer

“Review”

cruise advisor very helpful and professional in all my questions with excellent answers and very reassuring in my ongoing cruises and what i need to keep an eye on my mind is at rest many thanks

Trusted Customer

“Booking over the phone .”

Used telephone booking . Very helpful staff able to answer all my questions.

Trusted Customer

“Easy to book”

Easy to book, looking forward to the cruise - will have to wait for your holiday to review any further. Destinations look great.

Carol Forde

“50th Anniversary”

Very easy on line booking

Trusted Customer

“Ambassador Cruises excellent tours and good prices and very convenient port”

Excellent very helpful with lots of information

Pamela Masters

“Review”

Friendly & informal

John Hess

“Professional service.”

Professional, friendly and informative. The usual high quality service I have come to expect from ambassador. This is why we book again and again.

Gary

“Review”

Some online booking.

Trusted Customer

Ambassador Cruise Holidays Limited is a company registered in England and Wales. Registered number: 13299365

0808 196 6692

0808 303 2573

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Hidden Gems of France, Spain & Portugal

Visit some of France, Portugal and Spain’s most sought-after destinations.

Itinerary

London Tilbury

at sea

Tender Port Plymouth

at sea

La Coruna, for Santiago de Compostela

Leixoes, for Oporto

Lisbon

Cabins & Fares

Included in all bookings

Speakers & Acts

Ian & Cathy Gunn

Dave Kristian

Chip Chapman

Tricia Dalton

Dean Andrews

FAQs

The Ship - Ambition

What’s on board

Green Sea Spa

Brontë’s library

The Palladium

Pool Bar

The Cavern

Buckingham Restaurant

Your on board Experience