March 11, 2023

Your cruise begins in one of southern Europe’s most enchanting cities

Your expedition cruise sailing north sets off from lovely Lisbon.

If you have time before embarkation, take a walk through Lisbon’s various historic neighborhoods. Start your exploration at the Praça do Comércio in Baixa and then, head to the the narrow streets of Bairro Alto.

From there, you’ll arrive at Alfama and the old Islamic quarter, the remains of a Roman amphitheater, and a Moorish fortress. If you have time, visit the Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery, which are both UNESCO World Heritage Sites where you’ll also find the delicious Pastéis de Belém.

Pre-Program

We recommend extending your stay by joining our exciting Lisbon Pre-Program. to ensure you enough time to take in the sights of Lisbon and the glorious Portuguese coast before boarding MS Spitsbergen, You’ll visit the impressive Monserrate Palace and its gardens before heading to Cape Roca, the westernmost point of mainland Portugal, continental Europe, and the Eurasian landmass.

March 12, 2023

Discover magical Porto, a UNESCO highlight with ample charm

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

You can 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 Luis I bridge, snack on delicious petiscos, and enjoy wine tasting at the port cellars of Vila Nova de Gaia.

March 13, 2023

Discover an ancient pilgrimage site that stretches back to the Celts

The name of this picturesque fishing village is derived from ‘Finis Terrae’, meaning ‘Land’s End’ in Latin. Fisterra owes its name to the Romans, who thought its rocky cape was the end of the world. People come here to enjoy the magnificent landscapes of the cape and the lighthouse, which you’ll be able to see on an included bus excursion.

Fisterra sits on the Costa da Morte (the ‘Coast of Death’), in a wide and open ría. At times, it can be exposed to swell, making landing difficult. If that’s the case, wdock e’ll at the nearby port of Brens.

March 14, 2023

Plenty to see, do, and drink

Galicia is a region of Spain that’s culturally distinct, and Galicians are very proud of their Celtic roots. We’ll spend the night in A Coruña, with an opportunity to take an after-dinner stroll into town and a chance to see the Torre de Hércules lighthouse, which is over 2,000 years old.

While you’re there, you must sample the unique Galican cuisine. Order a selection of tapas and sample a glass of famous Galician cider, traditionally poured into a glass from a considerable height.

A Coruña is an excellent base for exploring some of Galicia’s other highlights, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Santiago de Compostela.

March 15, 2023

Get your boots on for some walking

Our next stop is Ferrol, located a couple of hours sailing northwest of A Coruña along the rugged Galician coast. Originally a small fishing village, Ferrol has been Spain’s main naval base for almost three centuries. It’s currently under consideration to be named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

One of several pilgrimage routes to Santiago de Compostela, Camino Inglés (the English Way’) starts here. Walk the first stage to Neda or Pontedeume on your own or join an optional excursion to see the highlights of northern Galicia, including the UNESCO-listed Roman walls of Lugo.

March 16, 2023

Relax into a leisurely time at sea, watching for cetaceans and enjoying onboard activities

Take this opportunity to relax on deck with your binoculars and look out for whales, dolphins, and porpoises. This is one of the few places in the world where you can spot beaked whales— if you’re lucky. 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 rejuvenate in the sauna with a view!

March 17, 2023

See what inspired painters around the historic harbors of Finistère

In the picturesque seaside town of Douarnenez, you’ll find the colorful quaysides, sandy beaches, and steep cliffs that inspired famous painters like Renoir and Boudin. As well as fishermen’s huts and seamen’s chapels, Douarnenez hosts a wonderful maritime museum with boats from around the world. On an included excursion, we’ll take you to the dramatic Pointe du Raz, one of Brittany’s westernmost headlands.

If conditions don’t allow us to visit Douarnenez, nearby Brest is a fascinating maritime city with medieval fortifications. It’s home to the national naval museum, Musée National de la Marine, found inside the military fortress of Château de Brest. Brest is a modern city featuring lively quays and docks that are perfect for a scenic stroll. We’ll wrap up the day with an included visit to nearby Pointe Saint-Mathieu, where you can discover the ruins of an abandoned abbey.

March 18, 2023

Quaint villages, beautiful beaches, and fascinating Cornish history and legends

Located on the southwestern peninsula of Britain, the idyllic county of Cornwall is the next stop on our journey. Enjoy a stroll from the fishing port of Newlyn to the lively town of Penzance or the picturesque village of Mousehole.

Weather permitting, our small boats (RIBs) will take you to St. Michael’s Mount, a tidal island featuring subtropical gardens that surround a castle on top. We’ll also include a visit to the southwestern tip of mainland Britain, Land’s End. This iconic landmark is a hotspot for coastal birdlife and the inspiration for age-old myths and legends.

March 19, 2023

Crystal-clear waters, powdery white sand, and natural beauty—welcome to the Isles of Scilly!

This enchanting archipelago sits 30 miles off the tip of Cornwall and is home to small exquisite islands. Weather permitting, we’ll spend time here. Explore Tresco’s white-sand beaches and the renowned 19th-century Abbey Gardens, or see St. Mary’s, the largest of the Isles of Scilly.

Or, join a trip around the archipelago. We’ll visit shipwreck sites, see seals lying on the rocks, and cruise around the Annet bird sanctuary to observe puffins and numerous other breeding seabirds.

March 20, 2023

Roam Fishguard and see its Iron Age settlements, as well as St. David’s Peninsula

Nestled between the Preseli Hills and the Pembrokeshire coast is the charming Welsh coastal town of Fishguard. You’ll find the original town and harbor in Lower Fishguard and enjoy spectacular sea views from the ‘Main Town’ above.

A short drive away from Fishguard is the U.K.’s smallest city, St. David’s—more a village than a city. You can explore this small settlement as part of an included activity. The nearby dramatic headland marks the divide between the Irish and the Celtic Sea and is the westernmost point in Wales. Explore this spectacular coastal spot and the beautiful Pembrokeshire coastal path.

March 21, 2023

Dive into the history of Peel, the 14th-century capital of the Isle of Man

When approaching this seaside town, you’ll immediately notice the imposing ruins of Peel Castle looming over the port. This mighty fortress is just a taste of what awaits you on this enigmatic island.

Feel history beneath your feet as you wander the winding streets between merchants’ houses and explore the remains of Peel Castle. Learn about the island’s racing history in museums showcasing vintage bikes and cars. In the House of Manannan, you’ll see a replica Odin’s Raven, a Viking longboat that was sailed here from Norway.

March 22, 2023

Rugged cliffs, peaceful lakes, and wildlife on Rathlin Island

At just six miles long and one mile wide, Rathlin Island is ideal to explore by bike or on foot. Choose from scenic walks along the cliff-top or winding trails where you can admire the natural beauty and take in the sights and sounds, including large colonies of breeding seabirds.

Visit the RSPB Rathlin West Light Seabird Centre and the functioning ‘upside-down’ lighthouse perched on the cliffs. You’ll also have time to pop into the Boathouse Visitor Centre to learn about island life, local history, and the many historical shipwrecks that lie in the nearby waters.

March 23, 2023

End your cruise in Scotland’s most stylish city

Our expedition cruise exploring some of Europe’s rugged islands and coastlines ends in Glasgow. Set against a backdrop of splendid Victorian and Art Nouveau architecture, Glasgow has reinvented itself as a stylish and exciting city full of museums, galleries, and lively spots to eat, drink, and shop. Head west from the city center to admire the eclectic art and natural history collections of the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. Architecture and design enthusiasts should seek out the works by Charles Rennie Mackintosh scattered across the city. It’s the perfect place to round off your cruise!

Post-Program:

If you want to spend more time in Scotland’s two main cities, we recommend extending your stay and booking our Post-Program. You’ll see the main sights of Glasgow, as well as magnificent Edinburgh Castle—and an overnight stay in Edinburgh is included.