April 19, 2023
Estimated time of departure is 8:00 PM

Built on seven hills along the shores of the scenic River Tagus, Lisbon ranks among southern Europe’s most enchanting metropolises—with a fascinating history, to boot. The Phoenicians were the first to discover the commercial potential of the Tagus Estuary, but not the last. Lisbon’s great strategic location attracted the Celts, Romans, Visigoths, and Moors, each of whom occupied the city and left their mark.

A walk around Baixa, Bairro Alto, and Alfama, the main historic districts of Lisbon, is essential. Almost everything of historical importance are here, and also great neighborhoods for shopping! Start at the Praça do Comercio in the Baixa neighborhood. Head to Praça Rossio and see the statue of King Pedro IV before heading up to Largo do Chiado to explore the narrow streets of Bairro Alto.

In Alfama’s labyrinthine narrow streets, the old Muslim quarter, you’ll find Lisbon Cathedral, the remains of the Roman amphitheater, and Castelo de San Jorge, the impressive 11th-century Moorish fortress which offers the best views of the city.

There are two historical gems you must leave the center to see. Follow the river just over 4 miles downstream and visit Torre de Belém and Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Closely connected to Portugal’s Age of Discovery and explorers such as Vasco de Gama, Belém is also home of the famously delicious Pastel de Belém custard tart.

To give you enough time to take in Lisbon’s many sights before boarding MS Fridjof Nansen, you may want to extend your stay by booking an extra night or by joining our exciting Lisbon Pre-Program.

April 20, 2023

Our ship will dock at Porto de Leixoes, an excellent base for exploring. Head north toward the small fortification of Forte Leça de Palmeira and continue along the beach to Avenida Liberdade. Or visit the Lighthouse of Leça, the Chapel of Boa Nova, and the beautiful Praia Azul beach.

Famous for its port wine and UNESCO-listed historic center, Porto will win you over with charismatic history and surprise you with its modernity. It’s a city made for strolling, a maze of narrow streets and unique monuments, where everything eventually leads to the Douro River.

Don’t skip the Church of San Francisco, the Romanesque cathedral with an opulently gilded Baroque interior, or the panoramic views from the top of the Church of the Clérigos. Lose yourself among the magical Neo-Gothic interior (and maybe even the books) of the beautiful Lello bookstore, discover the Palácio de la Bolsa, and stroll along Avenida de los Aliados.

Then soak up the atmosphere along the bustling riverside promenade at the Ribeira Docks, packed tight with pastel houses and beautiful tiled façade. Cross the Douro via the top deck of the Eiffel Tower–inspired Ponte de Dom Luís I bridge, see the warehouses and port cellars of Vila Nova de Gaia on the south bank, and cross the bridge again, this time along the lower walkway.

Reward yourself afterward with a refreshing white port and tonic at one of the many lively bars and restaurants on the pier. Built up an appetite? Try Porto delicacies like the francesinha (a popular grilled meat and cheese sandwich), bacalhau (locally cured salt cod), or dishes made with tripe.

April 21, 2023

Our next stop is Ferrol, on the rugged coast of Galicia. Originally a small fishing village, it has been Spain’s main naval base for almost three centuries, due to its excellent strategic location. No other harbor in Spain hosts as many forts, citadels, or barracks. Ferrol is one of the best-preserved examples of an 18th-century port city, and is under considered for inclusion as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The architectural highlight is Barrio de la Magdalena, whose symmetrical buildings, made in Neoclassical design, are arranged in a chessboard grid of streets, surrounded by the harbor’s 18th- and 19th- century military buildings. This neighborhood also features Art Nouveau buildings, street art, seamen’s chapels, Maritime Museums, and typical Galician gallery façades. Contrast this with Ferrol Vello (Old Ferrol), where its narrow streets and alleys are more reminiscent of the Middle Ages.

The cliffs, headlands, and bays of Costa Ártabra, to the northwest of Ferrol, comprise one of Galicia’s most spectacular coastal landscapes and an excellent option for a day of exploration. The beaches of Playa de los Doniños and Playa de San Xurxo are just a short drive away. Try Galicia’s delicious seafood, the most famous being pulpo á feira, octopus with potatoes and paprika.

One of several pilgrimage routes to Santiago de Compostela, Camino Inglés (the ‘English Way’), starts at Ferrol. Walk the first stage from Ferrol to Neda or Pontedeume, or cheat just a little and join an optional excursion directly to Santiago de Compostela, about an hour’s drive away. Discover this beautiful city and cultural highlight, the most important Catholic pilgrimage site after Rome and Jerusalem.

April 22, 2023

Gijón sits in a prime position along the Bay of Biscay, with access to the Cantabrian mountains and the sea. It transformed from a small fishing village settled by the Romans over 2,000 years ago to an important port city in the 19th century, serving nearby Oviedo, the capital of the Asturias.

Stroll through old Gijón and take in its atmosphere as you pass through the charming districts of Cimadevilla and Barrio del Carmen. Gijón’s historic center sits on the hilly Cimadevilla Peninsula, an ancient fishing village with narrow alleys, charming squares, and old houses full of character.

In the Old Quarter, explore the Baroque Revillagigedo Palace, the Collegiate of San Bautista, beautiful churches, and the Plaza del Marqués. Enjoy the best views of Gijón by hiking to the summit of Cerro Santa Catalina, crowned with a concrete sculpture by Eduardo Chillida.

Relax on the expansive golden sand of Playa de San Lorenzo, one of Spain’s most beautiful urban beaches. Enjoy a spectacular coastal walk that follows the cliffs up to Mirador de la Providencia, or stroll inland along the Piles River. Want a challenge? Complete a stage of the Camino del Norte!

In the mood for a gastronomic adventure? Indulge in the culinary delights of Asturias in Barrio del Carmen. Try grilled or baked fish—freshly caught, of course—accompanied by a glass of delicious local cider. Or sample Asturian delicacies like arroz marinero (seafood rice) or calderetas (tasty stews made with fish, seafood, or meat).

April 23, 2023

San Sebastián may not be the biggest, oldest, or most important city in northern Spain, but no coastal city rivals its beauty. Let its tranquil bay transfix you, with the golden, crescent-shaped beach of La Concha; the verdant island of Santa Clara and hills of Igueldo and Urgull; and, of course, the lively old town, Parte Vieja.

Start at the foot of Monte Urgull to explore the historic district of Parte Vieja. Stop at the Gothic Church of San Vicente, the Baroque façade of Santa Maria, the beautiful squares of La Constitucion and Sarriegi, the Teatro Principal, the Basque museum of San Telmo, and the Mercado de la Brecha.

The steep climb to the fortifications of Monte Urgull are worth it for the fantastic views of the bay. Afterward, take a well-earned rest on a terrace of one of the many cafés on Boulevard Zumardia. Now that you’re refreshed, enjoy a stroll around the new town, stopping at City Hall, Teatro Victoria Eugenia, the Neo-Gothic cathedral of Buen Pastor, and Plaza de Gipuzkoa.

If you walk east from the grand historic buildings of Avenida de la Libertad, you’ll head toward the spectacular glass structures of Kursaal Congress Hall. Walk west and you’ll find the popular Playa de la Concha, where you can people watch along the promenade. Ride the cable car up to Monte Igueldo farther along at Playa de Ondarreta for more spectacular views.

Before returning to the ship, seize the opportunity to try traditional Basque cuisine. San Sebastián is a celebrated linary destination, famous for its pintxos, bite-sized dishes bursting with flavor. Hop from one bar-restaurant to another, ordering dishes that strike your fancy from one before moving on to the next one.

April 24, 2023

Welcome to the City of Wine! Bordeaux has been exporting wine since antiquity. Founded by Celts, enriched by the Romans, raided by Vikings, ruled by the British, and rebuilt by the French, Bordeaux is the eighth-largest city in France; its Old City is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, with 350 listed monuments and churches.

Wine is part of Bordeaux’s soul, and with over 8,500 chateaux and producers in the region, it’s not hard to get your hands on a glass. Discover stately vineyards and wineries just a short tram (cable car) ride from the city center. Taste and compare some of the 60 types, from the stellar Red Bordeaux Supérieur to sweet Sauternes.

Stand in front of the Place de la Bourse and admire the effect of the famous water mirror (Miroir d’Eau) as it reflects the grandeur of fine 18th-century French architecture back at you. Tour the Grand Theatre, the Esplanade des Quinconces, the Monument of the Girondins, the Quartier des Chartrons, and the Place du Parlement.

The 18th-century Neoclassical movement almost erased Bordeaux’s history, but luckily, several impressive examples of the French Gothic style remain. Visit the beautiful Cathedral de St André, Porte Cailhau, and the lively quartier de Saint-Michel, built around the flamboyantly Gothic Basilique St. Michel.

Don’t miss out on the museums here. Learn about the history of wine at the Cité du Vin. Art lovers will enjoy the Musée des Beaux-Arts and the Musée des Arts Décoratifs. And for a deep dive into the region’s history, head for Musée d’Aquitaine.

April 25, 2023

It’s impossible to get lost on Île-d’Aix which is just over a half mile long, and less than a half mile wide. This small island was of great strategic importance, given its location in the Pertuis d’Antioch Strait, at the approach to the cities of La Rochelle and Rochefort.

Île-d’Aix is filled with fortifications, castles, and batteries from all the wars throughout France’s history, from the Middle Ages to World War II… so there’s plenty to see! And it can all be done on foot or by bike. Explore the island’s paths at your leisure and wander past quaint houses painted with multi-colored shutters.

As you explore, you’ll discover a Vauban-style fort village; the charming center of Le Bourg; vestiges of a a small monastery; lighthouses; the fortresses of Liédot and La Rade; and the Napoleonic Museum, housing objects connected to the Emperor’s stay on the island before being exiled to Saint Helena. As you look to the sea, you will see Fort Boyard (now famous as a game show location), which resembles a stone ship.

Military history aside, tranquility awaits on the island’s five white-sand beaches. Enjoy the views from Saint Catherine Point, Saint Eulard Point, the Pointe du Parc, and the headland of Coudepont. Bird lover? You can spot over 200 species of birds on the island.

April 26, 2023

Brittany sits on a peninsula jutting out into the Atlantic, with a jagged coastline marked by cliffs, bays, coves, islands, and islets. The Bretons have a culture of their own, with their own language, food, and traditions. Today we’ll explore the region of Morbihan, encompassing Belle-Île, Quiberon Bay, and the Gulf of Morbihan. The area offers some of Brittany’s finest natural scenery and most famous sights.

We may anchor at Port Haliguen on the tip of Quiberon Bay, your jumping-off point for exploring the local area, or you can join optional excursions to historical sights. If we anchor at Belle-Île, your first impression will be the formidable 17th-century fortress, Citadelle Vauban, in the charming port of Le Palais. Enjoy the bustling activity around the docks and lock, and stroll through its historic center.

Ancient forts and lighthouses perched on jagged cliffs lay beyond the port. Relax on beautiful Donnant beach or visit colorful Sauzon, the Pointe des Poulains (the former home of Sarah Bernhardt), and Les Aiguilles de Port Coton, famously painted by Claude Monet.

Morbihan’s history and culture are fascinating. Its successive occupation by the Romans, Celts, French, and the Bretons each left their marks. Morbihan’s many highlights include the medieval city of Vannes and the Carnac Stones, which rival Stonehenge.

The walled city of Vannes has a well-preserved historical center packed with half-timbered houses and medieval churches—notably the Cathedral of St Pierre, La Cohue, and Château Gaillard. The megalithic areas around Carnac and Locmariaquer are some of the most impressive in Europe. Marvel at ancient stone circles, carved dolmens, burial mounds, and hundreds of menhirs, lined in rows.

The area also attracts hikers looking to follow the cliffs and take in the spectacular landscapes of the Côte Sauvage, pierced by wonderful caves, arches, and tunnels. Others prefer less-exposed trails along the GR340 on Belle-Île, where you can enjoy incredible coastal scenery.

April 27, 2023

Painters like Renoir and Boudin took inspiration from the coastal landscape of Douarnenez. This picturesque seaside town, known for sardine fishing, features sandy beaches, steep cliffs, colorful quaysides, and four harbors. Finistère, land’s end in France, is proudly Breton. Be sure to try Breton specialties like galettes, filled buckwheat pancakes, and the famous Kouign-Amann, a buttery, savory pastry.

In Dourarnenez, the fishermen’s huts and seaman chapels of St. Helene and St. Michel sit as lonely remnants of the town’s fishing boom in the 19th century. The Port-Rhu maritime museum houses boats from around the world, including tall ships, an Irish currach, and a Cornish steam tug. Outside of town, relax on fine-sand beaches or take in the dramatic scenery of Douarnenez Bay, along the GR-34 coastal path.

It can be difficult to land in Douarnenez, as it sits in an open bay and can at times be exposed to swells. Its harbor is also occasionally used by the French Navy for drills. In either of these cases, we will divert and land at Brest, a little farther north. From Brest, you’ll still have access to the same highlights and excursion program.

The strong naval history at Brest makes it a fascinating maritime city, which is home to the National Naval Museum. It sits inside the military fortress, Chateau de Brest, still used by the navy today. Brest is filled with medieval fortifications, Tour Tanguy being the most notable.

Brest is also a modern city, with lively quays and docks. Take a stroll along the scenic harbor and Penfeld River or walk along Cours Dajot, where you’ll have a view of the entire ‘Rade de Brest’ bay. A cable car ride across the river offers a great vantage point of Brest and the modern vertical-lift Recouvrance Bridge.

April 28, 2023

Saint-Malo from the sea is a quite a sight. This gateway to Brittany is fringed by impenetrable bastions and shallow beaches. Saint-Malo considered itself an independent city state for much of its modern history, and its residents refer to themselves as malouins, separate from the French and even the Bretons.

Whatever you do today, make room in your schedule for a circular walk of the ramparts. From the top of the city walls, you’ll have the best views of the walled city and the surrounding islands. You will find tributes to Saint-Malo’s most celebrated locals: a statue of famous pirate Robert Surcouf and a monument to Jacques Cartier, the maritime explorer credited with mapping the Gulf of St. Lawrence and naming Canada.

The corsairs of Brittany were ruthless privateers, operating under the protection of the king of France. Back home in Saint-Malo, they built fine country homes and were treated as respectable gentlemen. Tour the Château Saint-Malo museum and visit the Privateers House, where you can learn about the city’s pirate heritage.

At low tide, walk across the sand to the Le Grand-Bé island, where local writer Chateaubriand is buried. Then gaze across to the Vauban-designed bastion of Fort National on a nearby island.

Within the city walls, a historical trail leads through a maze of charming, cobbled streets, where you can discover what remains of the original Saint-Malo before the Allied bombings of 1944. Visit the Gothic-style St. Vincent Cathedral and the Chateau de la Duchesse Anne, with its distinctive turret.

Then take a scenic stroll to the nearby village of Aleth, where you can discover more about Saint-Malo’s history during World War II at the Cap-Horniers Museum.

April 29, 2023

Enjoy the day relaxing on deck, in the Explorer Lounge, or in the Science Center 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… they simply call it Het Kanaal (the Channel).

Whatever the name, a quarter of the world’s maritime trade navigates through this passage. If you want to learn more, our expert Expedition Team will clue you in on everything you might want to know about the Channel.

April 30, 2023

Harlingen is one of the 11 cities of Friesland. Its harbor was the only seagoing port in Friesland and the area has a strong nautical heritage including fishing, trade, and whaling. Nowadays, Harlingen is the busiest port in the northern Netherlands.

Harlingen is a city of canals, warehouses, and pretty harbors, located on the southern shore of the Wadden Sea, a UNESCO World Heritage Area. Sure, you could walk, but this is the Netherlands … Rent a bike! Or even rent a boat and explore the canals, harbors, and local villages for yourself.

Visit the 18th-century city hall in the Old Town, along with the Hannemahuis Museum, Blauwe Hand (the city’s oldest warehouse), and St. Michael’s Church. Keep your eyes peeled for landmarks like the old Lighthouse (now a hotel), the statue of Anton Wachter (a character in the fictional book series by local writer Simon Vestdijk), and 46 Stumbling Stones, a memorial to the 46 local Jewish residents murdered by the Nazis.

Check out historic warehouses and a fleet of traditional sailing ships at the old Noorderhaven and Zuiderhaven harbors. By Zuider Pier, look out for the life-sized sculpture of a sperm whale, which spouts a powerful stream of water into the air at regular intervals.

Sixteenth-century Arctic explorer William Barents was born on the nearby island of Terchelling. The reproduction of his expedition ship is a must-see for anybody interested in Arctic exploration.

Frisian pottery buffs, you are in for a treat at the Harlingen Aardewerk Museum. Harlingen is home to the last traditional pottery factory in the Netherlands that still uses the original majolica technique, entirely handmade and painted with tin glaze. This style has been used since 1598, and the local tiles and ceramics make for wonderfully souvenirs.

May 1, 2023
Estimated time of arrival is 9:00 AM

Our expedition cruise comes to an end as we arrive in Hamburg. The second-largest city in Germany is one of the greenest urban areas in Europe – boasting parks, botanical gardens and nature reserves. It also offers up fascinating history, plenty of culture, magnificent museums, as well as great shopping and a vibrant nightlife.

If you wish to fully explore Hamburg, we recommend extending your stay by booking our Post-Programme with an overnight at a top hotel located close to the city centre and harbour front. You’ll be able to cover the main highlights of the city on a 3.5-4 hour tour, where you’ll visit one of the city’s newest landmarks, the Elbphilharmonie. You can also explore the harbour from the outsider observation platform.

Often called the Venice of the North, you can enjoy a boat tour to explore the city’s canals and harbour front. You can also easily explore on foot, by bike or by hop-on, hop-off bus.

Visit the old floating dock of Landungsbrücken, see the old ships and yards, waterfront buildings, and the Old Elbe Tunnel. Climb the 132m-high bell tower of the famous St Michael’s Church for stunning views of the city.

Many places of interest are concentrated in the Altstadt or Old Town. Visit St Catherine’s Church and the St Nikolai Memorial. Discover the timber-framed houses of Deichstraße Historic Street and see the impressive City Hall on Rathausmarkt Square.

Visit the world’s largest warehouse complex at Kontorhausviertel and Speicherstadt, which together with Chilehaus, are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. If you must choose just one museum to visit, Hamburg Kunsthalle ranks as the nation’s best art museum. You can break up the sightseeing with some shopping on Mönckebergstraße, or stop for some traditional Hamburger fare like aalsuppe, a ham soup with dried fruits, or labskaus, corned beef with potato and pickles.