Day 1: Hamburg
Day 2: At Sea
Day 3-4: Rouen
Day 5: Coast of France
Day 6: Nantes
Day 7: Bay of Biscay
Day 8: La Coruña
Day 9: Leixoes (Porto)
Day 10: Lisbon
Day 11: Portimao
Day 12: Casablanca
Day 13: Agadir
Day 14: Arrecife
Day 15: Las Palmas
Day 1 Hamburg, Germany
Located on the shores of the Elbe River, Hamburg’s history goes back 1,200 years during which time it developed from a small fishing port to one of the most powerful cities in the Hanseatic League. Today, Hamburg is a bustling city offering many attractions, from museums and theatres to the historic centre with sophisticated shopping and dining. In the afternoon we start our voyage by sailing down the River Elbe.
Day 2 At Sea
Enjoy the day on board as we sail towards the Bay of Biscay and our next port of call, Rouen. Our on board expedition team will give interesting lectures about the areas we sail in.
Days 3 - 4 Rouen, France
This morning the MS FRAM will navigate up the River Seine to Rouen, the charming capital of Normandy. It mixes Gothic architecture and half-timbered houses with contemporary style. Rouen has an interesting history as regional capital in Roman times, Norman capital in the 9th Century, home of William the Conqueror in the Middle Ages and is the site where Jeanne d’Arc was burned at the stake in 1431. Though the city was bombed during the 2nd World War, most of the historic area stayed intact. Today, Rouen holds more than 100.000 inhabitants, and is a popular tourist destination.
Day 5 Coast of France
We sail along the French coastline towards Nantes, our next destination in our program. You may enjoy the view from our spacious Observation lounge, take a bath in our outdoor Jacuzzi or follow our onboard lecture programme.
Day 6 Nantes
The city of Nantes is located on the banks of the Loire River. The city has beautiful stone buildings lining the streets, whilst parks and numerous chateaus comprise this amazing region of France. Nantes was once considered a part of Brittany before it became the capital of Pays de la Loire region in northwestern France. Many grand tourist attractions bring millions to this region annually.
Day 7 Bay of Biscay
We spend the day in the Bay of Biscay, sailing from Nantes towards our next port of call, Leixoes. These waters were known to be some of the fiercest of the Atlantic Ocean, especially in winter times. Today, improved ships and weather forecasts have made it easy to enjoy the crossing of the bay. Spend the day on day spotting for whales, dolphins and seabirds, or follow our on board lecture programme given by our expedition team.
Day 8 La Coruña, Spain
La Coruña’s harbour takes a multitude of vessels from small fishing boats to large cruise liners. The harbour facing buildings have galleria style facades; with their combination of glass and white frames these have given the city its nickname “The Crystal City”. La Coruña today combines old and new; here you can find the world’s oldest operational lighthouse “La Torre de Hercules” as well as futuristic new buildings.
Day 9 Leixoes (Porto), Portugal
We call at Leixoes, situated at the mouth of the river Douro, close to the city of Porto. Situated across the river Douro, Porto is Portugal’s second largest city. Its name has its origin in the big lodges of port wine. Although its ancient roots have been preserved with pride, a modern and lively commerce makes it a thriving city. Porto’s traditional importance as an industrial centre does not diminish the charm and character of its old quarters or even of the newer and busy avenues, shopping centres and quiet residential blocks.
Day 10 Lisbon, Portugal
Since its conquest from the Moors in 1147, Lisbon is a legendary city with centuries of history, built on seven hills along the shores of the River Tejo. The mentioned hills are making some of the city's streets too steep for motor vehicles; the city is served by three funicular services and one elevator. Lisbon is the capital and largest city of Portugal. Unlike most major cities, the city boundaries are narrowly defined around the historical city perimeter.
Day 11 Portimão, Portugal
Portimão is a popular holiday resort on the Algarve coast. The weather is amongst the best in Europe and offers around 300 days of sunshine each year. Portimao is a commercially oriented town with 35,000 inhabitants, and its location in a natural harbour at the mouth of the River Arade means that it has been associated with many famous smugglers and pirates in the past. Close by you find Lagos, one of the most interesting towns on the Algarve. Inhabited in turn by Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans and Moors, Lagos later became the launching point for Henry the Navigator's caravels of discovery to Africa; it was also the site of the first slave market in Europe in 1444.
Day 12 Casablanca, Morocco
Casablanca is a modern city with a rich heritage where the various arts, cultures and old traditions can live harmoniously together. In the middle of the 18th century, the Sultan decided to rebuild a small Berber 7th century town, from its ruins. This ancient medina, still partially enclosed by ramparts, became the first district of Casablanca. You will find an atmosphere of traditions and a thousand small crafts and trades in the maze of alleys and workshops. The other facet of the town appeared during the first half of the 20th century. Casablanca became the showcase of Art Deco architecture. The Habous area, situated 3km away from the city centre, is unique in Morocco: a new medina entirely designed according to the traditional model.
Day 13 Agadir, Morocco
Agadir is Southern Morocco's most visited city and a popular tourist destination. After a large earthquake in the 60’s, Agadir was practically redesigned and transformed into a beautiful resort. Its sandy shores, modern coastal city feel and dozens of hotels are now a attracting Europeans visitors, especially during the winter months.
Day 14 Arrecife, Lanzarote (Canary Islands)
Arrecife is the capital of Lanzarote. This quiet, beautiful port city is situated on the eastern coast of the island. The streets of the historic centre are filled with shops, and the many museums and historic buildings permit Arrecife to enjoy an active cultural life. In the seafront area you find attractive beaches with striking views of the Atlantic.
Day 15, Las Palmas, Gran Canaria (Canary Islands)
Today our voyage ends in Gran Canaria, third largest of the Canary Islands. It has often been called a “Miniature Continent” due to the different climates and a variety of landscapes found. Gran Canaria is under protection as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. Most of the tourists visit the southern part of the island, which is sunnier and has less rain than the north. We arrive in the morning and we recommend taking time to acquaint you with the capital city of Las Palmas and its surroundings before returning home.