Visiting exquisite regions and destinations carefully selected for their links to world-renowned wines, this full-flavoured voyage is the perfect excuse to indulge in an authentic taste of Portugal and France, while revelling in the beauty, culture and history of a gorgeous island and attraction-packed cities. With Balmoral spending a night docked in Madeira, you’ve an unmissable opportunity to experience two days of the garden island’s annual Wine Festival. You’ll find Funchal is alive with immersive displays and re-enactments showcasing techniques used in the creation of Madeira’s sweet wines; and people serving the famous tipples and tempting local cuisine. Alternatively, you might opt to explore the enchanting Monte Palace Tropical Garden – reached via cable car – or the lush-green landscapes of the levada walking trails. On the mainland, some of Portugal’s finest flavours are yours to sample in Oporto; this UNESCO-listed city is home to wine cellars, bars and restaurants famed for producing, storing and serving the world’s finest port wines. Your time in France begins with over 50 nautical miles of relaxing scenic cruising along the Gironde and Garonne rivers, as your smaller ship takes you straight into beautiful Bordeaux. A wine-lovers paradise, the ‘Pearl of Aquitaine’ is renowned for its Medoc, Merlot and Saint Emilion wines; and you’ve ample time to enjoy a glass or two at your pick of the city’s stylish bars, or even visit one of the family-run countryside vineyards nearby to sample them at source. As Balmoral docks alongside the promenade in Bordeaux, close to the city’s UNESCO-listed heart, it’s easy to take in historical, architectural and cultural highlights such as the gothic Cathédrale Saint-André, imposing Place de la Bourse and Calihau Gate too. Finally, a visit to Honfleur not only allows for rewarding exploration of the charming Vieux Bassin, to immerse yourself in rich maritime history, but also time to enjoy Normandy’s delicious Calvados and Pommeau.