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Europe

Old civilizations, magnificent cities, and hidden gems. Prepare for Europe to amaze you on a sailing down the continent’s historic coastline. From the legendary fjords of Norway to the magic of Northern Africa, explore iconic and picturesque destinations in an active way on our intimate cruises, which give you rare insight into European history and culture.

See all expedition cruises

Europe

Old civilizations, magnificent cities, and hidden gems. Prepare for Europe to amaze you on a sailing down the continent’s historic coastline. From the legendary fjords of Norway to the magic of Northern Africa, explore iconic and picturesque destinations in an active way on our intimate cruises, which give you rare insight into European history and culture.

See all expedition cruises

Expedition Cruises to Europe with Hurtigruten Expeditions

Discover an enchanting mix of well-known and off-the-beaten-track destinations that encapsulate the very best of Europe’s coastlines. Discover wild and rugged coastal towns, idyllic seaside retreats, and exciting cities rich in history, culture, nature, and gastronomy.

Our fleet of small boats (RIBs) bring you to gorgeous hard-to-reach spots with incredible nature. Meanwhile, your Expedition Team enliven your travel experience with fascinating lectures, active adventures, and guided walks. As you explore, deepen your knowledge of each destination on exhilarating optional excursions.

Along Europe’s Atlantic coast, join the Expedition Team to discover more about Europe’s UNESCO treasures, and maritime heritage, and explore scenic beaches, coves, and coastal trails. In Southern Scandinavia, the Expedition Team will introduce you to quaint fishing villages, picturesque waterways, and secluded coastal hideaways.

  • Amsterdam canal - Nederland
  • man preparing lunch in a tapas restaurant - Spain
  • Porto, Portugal
  • The Alabaster Coast – Normandy, France

Photo: Shutterstock and Elena Dijour

Magical landscape at vineyards - France Magical landscape at vineyards - France

Reasons to Cruise to Europe

The numerous diverse countries along Europe’s coastlines provide a wealth of history, culture, and nature. Take in the highlights of the Atlantic coast on an expedition cruise from Lisbon to Hamburg or Portsmouth, sailing to Portugal, Spain, France, the Netherlands, and Germany. Tantalize your senses as you explore the lively ports of Lisbon and Porto, medieval towns along the Bay of Biscay and Brittany, and canal ports in the North Sea.

Or discover Southern Scandinavia’s coastal gems on a roundtrip sailing from Dover, England. Stop at a scenic German beach town, transit the Kiel Canal, and sail to the prettiest coast towns of northern Denmark, southern Sweden, and Norway. Experience tranquil bliss at Germany’s prettiest coastal resort, followed by the wild island archipelagos, incredible nature, and beautiful beaches of the Nordic nations.

Reasons to Cruise to Europe

The numerous diverse countries along Europe’s coastlines provide a wealth of history, culture, and nature. Take in the highlights of the Atlantic coast on an expedition cruise from Lisbon to Hamburg or Portsmouth, sailing to Portugal, Spain, France, the Netherlands, and Germany. Tantalize your senses as you explore the lively ports of Lisbon and Porto, medieval towns along the Bay of Biscay and Brittany, and canal ports in the North Sea.

Or discover Southern Scandinavia’s coastal gems on a roundtrip sailing from Dover, England. Stop at a scenic German beach town, transit the Kiel Canal, and sail to the prettiest coast towns of northern Denmark, southern Sweden, and Norway. Experience tranquil bliss at Germany’s prettiest coastal resort, followed by the wild island archipelagos, incredible nature, and beautiful beaches of the Nordic nations.

The lion fountain of Gijón - Spain

Journey through the ages

Europe’s coastal nations are steeped in history, each with their own story to tell. As neighbors, these proud countries have, at various times, been allies and enemies through the centuries. The buildings and landmarks you’ll visit on our Atlantic Highlights Expedition will take you on a fascinating journey through Europe’s complex past, going as far back as the Neolithic period. Discover charming seaports with great strategic importance and historic UNESCO treasures.

Lisbon – Portugal

Europe’s cultural medley

On the Atlantic Highlights Adventure, compare local fishing traditions in Spain and Holland or the wine cultures of Porto and Bordeaux. Discover how the port towns of Ferrol and Gijón have been influenced by conquering forces. Discover the legendary pirates of Saint-Malo and the influence of the Moors on Lisbon. And be sure to sample the famously delicious cuisine of the Basque Country!

List – Sylt, Germany

Nordic summer style

Experience the relaxed vibe of summer in Scandinavia where the main attraction is active adventure in nature. Explore remote fishing villages where traditions have stayed largely the same since their heyday in the 19th century. Or discover the picturesque coastal towns that inspired some of Scandinavia’s greatest artists. Taste the region’s best seafood, such as German oysters, Swedish crayfish, and Norwegian shrimp.

Azores – Portugal

Stunning Coastal Landscapes

Europe is home to some of the world’s most beautiful coastal environments, with plenty of paths and nature trails to explore. With their dramatic cliffs, headlands, and bays, Galicia and Brittany offer some of the region’s most spectacular coastal scenery. Experience lush, verdant, and serene landscapes of French islands and villages. Along Southern Scandinavia, encounter fine-sand beaches juxtaposed against among stretches of wild, rugged, and glorious coastline.

Weather Islands – Sweden

Scandinavia’s waterways

The waterways of Southern Scandinavia themselves are a highlight. Marvel at the freshwater canals, pristine fjords, deep oceans, and expansive archipelagos. Admire the impressive engineering of the locks and bridges along the Kiel Canal before experiencing the natural wonders of Norway’s glacier-carved fjords and the towering rock formations overhead. Spot seabirds, watch for seals, or swim in crystal-clear waters as you island hop in southern Sweden, where the elements and the wildlife call the shots.

Cruises

Port Noalo – France Port Noalo – France

Activities in Europe

Our expedition cruises take in the highlights on the Atlantic Coast, the Wadden Sea, or beautiful and remote spots in Denmark, Sweden, and Norway. Through shore excursions, kayaking, cultural tours, and guided walks, you’ll explore canal cities, fishing villages, medieval fort towns, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, wild and rugged idylls, and picturesque seaside villages right up close.

Activities in Europe

Our expedition cruises take in the highlights on the Atlantic Coast, the Wadden Sea, or beautiful and remote spots in Denmark, Sweden, and Norway. Through shore excursions, kayaking, cultural tours, and guided walks, you’ll explore canal cities, fishing villages, medieval fort towns, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, wild and rugged idylls, and picturesque seaside villages right up close.

Lisbon - Portugal

Town and city walks

Many of Europe’s most beautiful and captivating towns and cities are ideal for exploring by foot. You can soak up the culture and atmosphere of UNESCO-listed historical centers such as Porto and Hamburg, the charming capitals of Lisbon and Oslo, and scenic coastal towns such as Gijón, Skagen, and Kragerø, on your own or on guided walks.

* Please note that some of these are optional activities at additional cost.

Narrow streets with white wooden houses - Sweden

Shore Excursions*

Join optional excursions that add a special dimension to your journey. Visit the pilgrimage town of Santiago de Compostela, enjoy wine tasting at a Bordeaux vineyard, or take a guided hike to the famous Preikestolen viewpoint (‘Pulpit Rock’) in the Norwegian fjords.

* Please note that these are optional activities at additional cost.

Kayaking - Norway

Kayaking*

Southern Scandinavia has incredible kayaking opportunities if conditions allow. Glide through the crystal-clear sea around the skerries and islets of the Bohuslän Archipelago in Sweden. Or kayak in the pristine glacial waters of the Norwegian fjords.

* Please note that kayaking is an optional activity at additional cost.

discover by bike

Biking

We visit some of Europe’s fascinating and rarely visited islands, such as Île-d’Aix in France and the Koster Islands in Sweden. Small in size with flat terrain, you can easily explore these islands by bike at your own pace for a more intimate, personal experience.

Guests talk - Denmark

Lectures and Talks

The Expedition Team brings European destinations to life through a serious of daily, in-depth lectures relating to your itinerary. Learn about the maritime history of Ferrol, Breton culture, and the pirates of Saint-Malo, or the marine biosphere of the Kosterhavet National Park.

Science Center

Science Center

Participate in hands-on demonstrations and workshops in our onboard Science Center, where you’ll have access to the ship’s extensive library, advanced microscopes, and other high-tech learning tools and equipment. Or collect data for Citizen Science projects, where your contributions help the science community with important research.

Birdlife above the ocean outside Huelva, Spain

Wildlife watching

The European coastlines from the Atlantic Ocean to the Wadden Sea and the shores of Southern Scandinavia are home to an abundance of wildlife. Spot over 200 species of birds on the Île-d’Aix and watch for seal colonies and seabirds in the Bohuslän Archipelago.

beautiful wildflowers on the Koster Islands, Sweden.

Nature walks*

Europe’s coastal regions offer a diverse array of nature and wildlife, from rugged windswept expanses of beach to sheltered coves and charming, well-preserved villages. Ramble sand dunes and heathland along coastal paths or enjoy guided hikes with our Expedition Team.

* Please note that nature walks are optional activities at additional cost.

RIB-boat adventure - Norway

Small boat (RIB) cruising

In Denmark and Sweden, we sail to remote islands and along pristine waterways that are off the beaten path, where our small boats (RIBs) take over. Discover beautiful, hard-to-reach spots and undisturbed natural wonders.

* Please note that some of these are optional activities at additional cost.

Photo session with the Expedition Team

Photography program

Our professional onboard photographer will be on hand to help you get the most out of the incredible photo opportunities on your European adventure. Those looking for a more comprehensive photography experience can join our optional photography program.

* Please note that some photographic instruction is an optional activity at additional cost.

Wildlife in colour Wildlife in colour

Wildlife in Europe

The European shoreline’s cold waters, sandbanks, mud flats, and coastal habitats—along with its more sheltered islands, reefs and coves—are home to a multitude of birds, mammals, and marine life. Whether on land or underwater, you have the chance to see whales, seabirds, seals, fish, and crustaceans.

Wildlife in Europe

The European shoreline’s cold waters, sandbanks, mud flats, and coastal habitats—along with its more sheltered islands, reefs and coves—are home to a multitude of birds, mammals, and marine life. Whether on land or underwater, you have the chance to see whales, seabirds, seals, fish, and crustaceans.

The Bay of Biscay – Spain

Dolphins

In spring and summer, dolphin sightings are common along the Atlantic coastline around Portugal, the Bay of Biscay, Brittany, and the Channel, as well as in Southern Scandinavian waters. Many species of dolphins can be found in these waters: bottlenose, common, striped, white-beaked, Atlantic white-sided, and harbor porpoises. Dolphins are sociable, acrobatic, and fast, and often travel in groups in the wake of ships.

Seal, Gjesvær - Norway

Seals

Harbor seals and gray seals inhabit the waters around the Wadden Sea and the North Sea area, along the French coast, as well as in the Skagerrak Strait and the southern coasts of Norway and Sweden. In the Wadden Sea region, harbor seals number around 40,000, compared to 6,500 gray seals (2018). Gray seals are twice the size of harbor seals, and both can be spotted loafing around harbors or diving in shallow waters.

The female eider duck with eider ducklings

Seabirds

Europe’s coastlines are home to an abundance of seabirds and coastal birds. Millions of birds migrate from their winter homes during spring and autumn. This period is birdwatchers’ heaven, where they can spot some of the hundreds of species traveling overhead. These seabirds include gulls, terns, guillemots, gannets, skuas, shags, puffins, petrels, and fulmars. Île-d’Aix, Skagen, the Weather Islands, and Farsund are popular sites for birdwatchers.

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