Begin your cruise in Germany’s second city

Your expedition cruise starts in Hamburg, the second-largest city in Germany and one of the greenest urban areas in Europe.

There’s a lot to see and do in Hamburg. If you have time, you’ll find many attractions in the Altstadt district, including the St. Nikolai Memorial and the historic street of Deichstraße.

Hamburg is home to UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Chilehaus, and the world’s largest historic warehouse district in Speicherstadt. Art lovers should head to Kunsthalle, the nation’s foremost art museum.

Get to know the Frisian port of Harlingen

Walk or bike around Harlingen, a town of canals and pretty harbors, and home to the last traditional pottery factory in the Netherlands. It lies on the shores of the Wadden Sea, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

You’ll find traditional sailing ships and historic warehouses around the old harbors of Noorderhaven and Zuiderhaven. Don’t miss the Harlingen Aardewerk Museum, where you can admire displays of distinctive Frisian pottery.

Rich medieval architecture among winding streets

The strategic port of Oostende was first a fishing village, then a medieval city, and later a royal seaside resort; this place is steeped in European history. Despite the ravages of war and time, many of its medieval features have survived to the present day.

It’s a great base from which to visit Bruges. Lose yourself in this beautifully preserved medieval town as you explore winding streets, picturesque canals, and grand 14th-century buildings.

Reflect and relax on a calming day at sea

Enjoy the day relaxing while we navigate the channel separating continental Europe from the British Isles.

While the British call it the ‘English Channel’, it’s more commonly known on the continent as ‘La Manche’, or derivations of that. The Dutch may have the most diplomatic name for it, as they simply call it ‘Het Kanaal’ (‘the Channel’).

Whatever the name, a quarter of the world’s maritime trade navigates through this passage, and our Expedition Team will be happy to share their knowledge about these historic waters with you. 

A beautiful Breton town steeped in history

Viewed from the sea, Saint-Malo is an impressive sight, fringed by fortified bastions and gently sloping beaches.

A circular walk along the ramparts offers the best views of the town and surrounding islands. Follow the historical trail within the old city walls through a maze of cobbled streets and visit Demeure De Corsaire to learn about the feared corsairs and the town’s pirate heritage. You can walk to Île de Grand Bé at low tide or join an excursion to visit the Abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel. The island holds the remains of an ancient fort, where renowned local writer Chateaubriand is buried.

Inspiring coastal scenery and maritime history

We’ll use our small boats (RIBs) to go ashore at the picturesque seaside town of Douarnenez, where we’ll find colorful quaysides, sandy beaches, and steep cliffs that inspired famous painters like Renoir and Boudin. Douarnenez hosts a wonderful maritime museum with boats from around the world, as well as fishermen’s huts and seamen’s chapels.

If conditions don’t allow a visit to Douarnenez, we’ll head to nearby Brest, a fascinating city containing remnants of medieval fortifications. Here, you can visit the National Maritime Museum inside the military fortress of Château de Brest. It’s also a modern city, with lively quays and docks that are perfect for a scenic stroll and some food.

Unwind and enjoy the natural world around you

Today is a perfect day to relax on deck with your binoculars and watch for whales, dolphins, and porpoises. This is one of the few places in the world where you can spot beaked whales. They’re drawn to the bay’s nutrient-rich waters.

You can learn about the marine biology of the seas we’re sailing, with hands-on demonstrations and in-depth lectures about the history, geography, and environment of the destinations to come. Don’t forget about the leisure amenities on board the ship. This is the perfect time to rejuvenate in the panoramic sauna.

Explore Ferrol and get a taste of Galicia

Our next stop is Ferrol, on the rugged coast of Galicia. Once a small fishing hamlet, for the past three centuries it has been Spain’s main naval base. There are more forts, citadels, and barracks here than any other harbor in the country.

An overnight stay in Ferrol gives us two full days to explore the highlights of northern Galicia. Get to know the historic downtown areas of Ferrol and A Coruña on guided tours, walk a section of the ancient pilgrimage trails that crisscross Galicia, or join optional excursions to the UNESCO-listed towns of Lugo and Santiago de Compostela.

The beautiful city of Vigo in the heart of Galicia 

Our cruise continues to Vigo, once the gateway to the Americas. Protected by the beautiful Cíes Islands, Vigo has one of the best natural harbors in Galicia and is the country’s main trading and fishing port.

Vigo is perfect for exploring on foot. Visit the bustling Rúa do Príncipe, which has an eclectic mix of Neoclassical and Art Nouveau buildings. Or see the impressive 16th-century Castro Castle and park.

On your way to the old town and the Neoclassical cathedral, stop by Rúa da Pescadería, the best street in town to sample the delicious seafood Galicia is famous for.

Explore the UNESCO-listed historic center of Porto 

In Portugal, we’ll dock at Leixões. From here, you can see the Leça Lighthouse, Boa Nova Chapel, and the beautiful beach of Praia Azul.

You can also take a shuttle bus to Porto, famed for its port wine and UNESCO-listed historic center. This city of undulating terrain is perfect for strolling. Fall in love with the pastel houses, colorful tiled façades, street art, ornate churches, and panoramic views across the Douro River.

Stroll along the bustling Ribeira Docks promenade, cross the Dom Luís I bridge, snack on delicious petiscos, and enjoy wine tastings at the port cellars of Vila Nova de Gaia.

End your cruise in this enchanting city

Your cruise along Europe’s Atlantic coast ends in Lisbon, one of southern Europe’s most enchanting cities.

The Portuguese capital is rich in history and culture. Take a stroll through the classical districts of Baixa and Bairro Alto, Chiado, and Alfama, the old Islamic quarter, where there are remains of a Roman theater and a Moorish fortress.

A bit outside the city center, you can visit the beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery.

With so much to see in and around Lisbon, why not stay longer and join our optional Post-Program.