Europe's Atlantic Highlights - From Lisbon To Hamburg

Set out from this enchanting city

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 theatre and Moorish fortress.

A bit outside the city centre, you can visit the beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery before you set sail. Afterward, board your expedition ship and begin your adventure at sea.

With so much to see in and around Lisbon, why not arrive early and join our optional Pre-Programme.

Explore the UNESCO-listed historic centre of Porto  

Our first stop is 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.

See Galicia's heritage in Ferrol

As we enter the ria of Ferrol, admire the imposing forts of La Palma and San Felipe that sit on either side of the headland, protecting the city within.

Ferrol is one of Spain's best preserved 18th century port cities. While you're here, criss-cross Barrio de la Magdalena's grid of streets and explore the city's maritime museums.

El Camino Inglés, one of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage routes, starts in Ferrol. You may also be able to join an excursion to Santiago de Compostela, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one the most important Christian sites in the world.

Savour a different cultural flavour in Asturias

Enjoying a prime position on the Bay of Biscay, Gijón is the cultural heart of Asturias. Over time, it has grown from a small fishing village settled by the Romans into the prominent port city we see today.

You can experience its old town charm on a stroll through Cimadevilla park and Barrio del Carmen district, exploring beautiful Baroque churches and the Plaza del Marqués. Or take a hike up to Mirador de la Providencia, an unusual viewpoint shaped like the hull of a ship, which offers incredible views of the surrounding landscape.

Then you can relax on the golden sands of the beach at Playa de San Lorenzo, enjoy a coastal walk, or savour freshly caught fish or other Asturian delicacies, accompanied by a glass of refreshing local cider.

Discover the jewel of the Basque Country

Our voyage continues to the Basque region. You'll love the energy of San Sebastián, which offers something for everyone, including food lovers, culture buffs and surfers.

Pay a visit to the historical district of Parte Vieja, where you'll find a Gothic church, Baroque façades and beautiful squares. You can relax on the beach of La Concha or take a cable car to Monte Igueldo. The steep ascent up Monte Urgull will reward you with fantastic bay views from its fortifications.

Make sure you find time to sample some traditional Basque cuisine. The delicious pintxos are perfect small bites to snack on as you tour the city.

Raise a glass in Bordeaux

Bordeaux's old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, bursting with culture and art at every turn. From the famous water mirror at Place de la Bourse, to the Gothic St André Cathedral and the Musée des Beaux-Arts Bourdeax, if you love art and architecture, you're spoilt for choice.

But it's wine that's the true soul of Bordeaux. With over 8,500 châteaux and producers in the region, and vineyards just a short tram ride from town, you can taste and compare some of the 60 appellations, from the stellar red Bordeaux Supérieur to sweet Sauternes.

Explore the many charms of Île-d'Yeu

What Île-d'Yeu lacks in size, it more than makes up for in diversity of landscapes. This pretty little island is home to rocky shores, dunes, pine forest and lush meadows.

Inhabited over 5,000 years ago by farmers of the Neolithic period, the island has many historical sites, ranging from superbly preserved dolmens and menhirs to medieval castles and tiny villages. You can rent a bike, or just discover the island's treasures on foot.

Ports in Île-d'Yeu are too small for our ship, so if the conditions are favourable, we'll anchor off the island and use our small boats to take you ashore.

Inspiring coastal scenery and maritime history

We'll use our small 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 is home to 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 city where remnants of medieval fortifications can still be seen. 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 and some food.

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 has the remains of an ancient fort, and this is where the renowned local writer Chateaubriand is buried.

Reflect and relax on a calming day at sea

Enjoy the day relaxing, while we navigate the waters of the channel that separates continental Europe from the British Isles. 

While the British call it the ‘English Channel', it's more commonly known in continental Europe as ‘La Manche', or derivations of that. The Dutch may have the most diplomatic name for it, they simply call it ‘Het Kanaal', or ‘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.

Get to know the Frisian port of Harlingen

You can walk or bike around Harlingen, a town of canals and pretty harbours, 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 harbours of Noorderhaven and Zuiderhaven. Don't miss the Harlingen Aardewerkmuseum, where you can admire displays of distinctive Frisian pottery.

End your cruise in Germany's second city

Your expedition cruise comes to an end as we arrive in Hamburg, the second-largest city in Germany and one of the greenest urban areas in Europe

There's much 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 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.