Europe

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

On the Atlantic highlights adventure, you can contrast the local fishing traditions of Spain and Holland or the viticulture of Porto and Bordeaux. Discover how the port towns of Ferrol and Gijón have been influenced by conquering forces. Find out about 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.

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 much the same since their 19th century heyday. Or you can discover the picturesque coastal towns that inspired some of Scandinavia’s greatest artists? Taste the best of the region’s seafood, such as German oysters, Swedish crayfish, and Norwegian shrimp.

Europe is also home to some of the world’s most beautiful coastal environments, with many coastal paths and nature trails to explore. With their dramatic cliffs, headlands and bays, Galicia and Brittany offer some of the most spectacular coastal scenery in the region. You can also experience the lush, verdant and serene landscapes of French islands and villages. Along Southern Scandinavia, you’ll encounter fine sand beaches juxtaposed against stretches of exposed coastline that are wild, rugged and glorious.

The waterways of Southern Scandinavia are themselves 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 against the natural wonder of Norway’s glacier-carved fjords, studded with towering rock formations. And spot for seabirds, scan for seals, or swim in crystal-clear waters as you island hop in southern Sweden, where the elements and wildlife rule.

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. Bottlenose, common and striped dolphins can be found in both regions, while white-beaked, Atlantic white-sided dolphins and harbour porpoises prefer the cool temperate waters of the North Sea. Sociable, acrobatic and fast, dolphins often travel in groups in the wake of ships.

Harbour seals and grey seals inhabit the waters around the Wadden Sea and the North Sea area along the French coast, the Skagerrak Strait and the southern coast of Norway and Sweden. In the Wadden Sea region, harbour seals number around 40,000 compared to 6,500 grey seals (2018). Grey seals are twice the size of harbour seals, and both can be spotted lolling around harbours or diving in shallow waters.

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 and this is the main period for birdwatchers, keen to spot some of the hundreds of species that may travel overhead. Among the many seabirds are gulls, terns, guillemots, gannets, skuas, shags, puffins, petrels and fulmars. Ile d’Aix, Skagen, the Weather Islands and Farsund are popular among birders.

Southern Scandinavia presents some incredible kayaking opportunities if conditions allow. You can glide through crystal clear, blue 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 some of these are optional activities at an additional cost.

Many of Europe’s most beautiful and captivating towns and cities are ideal for exploring on foot. You can soak up the culture and atmosphere of UNESCO-listed historical centres like Porto and Hamburg, the charming capitals of Lisbon and Oslo, and scenic coastal towns like Gijon, Skagen and Kragerø on independent or guided walks.

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

Join optional excursions that add a special dimension to your trip. You might 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 in the Norwegian fjords.

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

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

The European coastlines from the Atlantic to the Wadden Sea and the shores of Southern Scandinavia are home to an abundance of wildlife. Spot for over 200 species of birds on the Ile d’Aix, and scan for seal colonies and seabirds in the Bohuslän archipelago.

In Denmark and Sweden, we’ll sail to remote islands and along pristine waterways that are off-the-beaten track, where our small expedition boats take over. Discover hard-to-reach beauty spots and undisturbed natural wonders.

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

The coastal regions of Europe offer a diverse array of nature and wildlife, from rugged windswept expanses of beach to sheltered coves and picturesque, unspoilt havens. Gambol among sand dunes and heathland along coastal paths or enjoy guided hikes with our Expedition Team.

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

Our professional onboard photographer will be on hand to help you get the most out of the incredible photo opportunities on your European adventure. For those with a keener interest, you can join our optional photography programme.

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

The Expedition Team bring your European destinations to life through a series of daily, in-depth lectures specific to your itinerary. Learn about the maritime history of Ferrol, Breton culture and the pirates of St Malo, or the marine biosphere of the Koster Sea National Park.

Join 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 equipment. You can also collect data for Citizen Science projects, where your contributions help the science community with important research.