Departure from Hamburg

Your Atlantic coast adventure starts here

There’s so much to see and do in Hamburg – sometimes called 'Venice of the North' due to its picturesque canals. If you have time, you'll find many attractions in the Altstadt district, like the St Nikolai Memorial and the historic street of Deichstraße.   

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

Your comfortable expedition ship MS Spitsbergen will be ready and waiting for you at the port.

Harlingen's rich heritage

Experience the Frisian port city of Harlingen

You can walk or bike around Harlingen, a city of canals and pretty harbours, and home to the last traditional pottery factory in the Netherlands. Harmlingen 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 harbours of Noorderhaven and Zuiderhaven. Don’t miss the Harlingen Aardewerkmuseum to admire displays of distinctive Frisian pottery.

Explore Oostende and Bruges

Rich medieval architecture among winding streets  

First a fishing village, then a medieval city, and later a royal seaside resort, the strategic port of Oostende is steeped in European history. Yet despite the ravages of war and time, many of its medieval features have survived to the present day.   

It’s also 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.

Normandy past and present

Discover historic beaches, Caen and WWII memorials

Normandy has a fascinating history, from the Viking invasion to the D-Day landings in 1944. In Ouistreham, you'll learn about Operation Overlord at the Musée No 4 Commando.   

You can check out the German fortifications at Le Grand Bunker and visit the war cemetery at Hermanville-sur-Mer. Or why not stroll along the beautiful Beach of Riva Bella and stop at the 12th century St Samson Church and the 1905 lighthouse.   

Afterwards, you'll explore the pretty town of Caen. The 11th century Romanesque church of Saint-Étienne, the Mémorial de Caen that commemorates WWII, and the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Caen are highlights not to be missed.

The citadel of Saint-Malo

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.  

Visit the Abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel or walk to Île de Grand Bé at low tide. The island has remains of an ancient fort and where the renowned local writer Chateaubriand is buried.

Fascinating Finistère

Inspiring coastal scenery and maritime history

In the picturesque town of Douarnenez, we’ll use our small expedition boats to go ashore at the picturesque seaside town of Douarnenez, where you'll find the colourful 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.  

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

Sailing the Bay of Biscay

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 beaked whales can be seen – if you’re lucky – as they’re drawn to the nutrient rich waters of the bay.  

You can also learn about the marine biology of the waters along our cruise and join hands-on demonstrations and in-depth lectures about the history, geography, and environments of the destinations to come. And don’t forget the leisure facilities on board – why not try out the panoramic sauna?

Galician highlights 

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’s been Spain’s main naval base. There are more forts, citadels and barracks here than any other harbour 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 centre of Ferrol and A Coruña on a guided tour, 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 ancient port of Vigo

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 Islas Cíes, Vigo has one of the best natural harbours in Galicia and has become its main trading and fishing port.   

Perfectly located for exploring the city on foot, you can visit the bustling Rúa do Príncipe with its eclectic mix of Neoclassical and Art Nouveau architectural styles. Or seek out the impressive 16th century Castro Castle and park.  

On your way to the old town and Neoclassical cathedral, don’t miss the Rúa da Pescadería, and sample some of the delicious seafood Galicia is famous for.

Charming Porto

Explore the UNESCO-listed historic centre of Porto

Arriving in Portugal, we dock at Leixões. From here, you can see the lighthouse of Leça, 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 centre. An undulating city made for walking, you'll fall in love with the pastel houses, colourful tiled façades, street art, ornate churches and panoramic views across the Douro River.  

Here, you can stroll along the bustling promenade by the Ribeira docks, cross the Dom Luís I Bridge, snack on delicious petiscos, and enjoy wine tastings at the port cellars of Vila Nova de Gaia.

Legendary Lisbon

One of Southern Europe's most enchanting cities

Your expedition draws to a close as we arrive at the Portuguese capital of Lisbon.   

A tour of Lisbon's classical districts is essential – and where almost everything of historic interest can be found. We recommend that you start your exploration at the Praça do Comercio in Baixa and walk towards the narrow streets of Bairro Alto. From there, you'll arrive at Alfama and the old Islamic quarter, where there are remains of a Roman theatre and Moorish fortress.  

You can also visit the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of the Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery, and sample delicious pastéis de Belém.   

Post-Programme   

If you’d like to explore Lisbon and its surroundings before you return home, we recommend joining our optional Post-Programme.   

Not only will you see Lisbon’s fascinating historic districts, but you’ll also explore the royal resorts outside the city, including the UNESCO town of Sintra, Monserrate Palace and the beaches of Cascais during a guided excursion. Afterwards, you’ll return to Lisbon for an overnight stay.