Trade Routes of the Middle Ages

Step on board your ship to begin your journey. Your overnight stay allows time to discover Barcelona on your own. Enjoy an evening stroll down the city's celebrated Las Ramblas boulevard. Admire the architecture of native son Antoni Gaudí.

Soak up the charm of sunny Barcelona, the Catalonian capital of culture. Stroll along Las Ramblas, take in the architectural masterpieces of Antoni Gaudí or explore the myriad side streets of the ancient Gothic Quarter. Take an included tour today, or opt for one of the many optional shore excursions we offer.

Uncover the rich history of Cartagena today, brimming with remarkable architecture spanning the ages—from the days of Rome to art nouveau. Outside the city, marvel at the beauty of the sanctuary of the Virgin of Fuensanta, Murcia's patron saint, and the baroque- and Gothic-style cathedral. Alternately, explore Cartagena's impressive Roman Theater and Roman Forum.

Today you can experience firsthand the stuff of Andalusian dreams. Birthplace of Pablo Picasso, Málaga is the gateway to Andalusia, the seductive province of rolling hills and endless olive groves. An included tour features the 11th-century Alcazaba Palace, residence of Arabian caliphs, the ancient Moorish Gibralfaro Castle, the Renaissance Cathedral and Picasso's birthplace. Or, choose to explore the mighty Alhambra palace in Granada, one of Spain's most treasured sites.

Sail through the famed Strait of Gibraltar today into the Alboran Sea, the westernmost portion of the Mediterranean. On a clear day, you will spot the giant Rock of Gibraltar on the port side. In legend, this enormous geological wonder is one of the Pillars of Hercules, the other being Monte Hacho, a low mountain in Ceuta, a Spanish province in North Africa. As you cruise, perhaps you'll soothe your body with a hot sauna and a few minutes amid the gently falling snow of the Snow Grotto. This evening, enjoy cocktails in the Explorers' Lounge and an authentic Italian meal at Manfredi's Italian Restaurant.

Leixões, the coastal city where we dock for the day, boasts a history that spans 1,600 years. It's a port of call that is sure to inspire you to raise a glass to port wine and to the town for which it was named, Porto. On an included tour, you can soak in the charm and atmosphere of the celebrated wine town. You'll see its Clérigos Tower, the historic quarter surrounding Santa Catarina Street, the neoclassical wonders along Avenida dos Aliados and the São Bento Railway Station, adorned with magnificent tile work. Naturally, you will pause along the way for a taste of the port wine for which this city is famous. As an option, you can delve more deeply with a Porto walking tour.

Perhaps you will get a morning workout at the Fitness Center and soothe your body with a hot sauna and a few minutes amid the refreshingly chilled air of the Snow Grotto. In the evening, enjoy cocktails in the Explorers' Lounge and an authentic Italian meal at Manfredi's Italian Restaurant.

Call on Falmouth today, gateway to the dramatic county of Cornwall in the most southwestern corner of England. Admire the gray granite architecture and hilltop college of this picturesque port city overlooking the deep, scenic harbor, famous as a backdrop of countless film and television series. Henry VIII built his Pendennis Castle here to defend his country from France and the Holy Roman Empire.

You'll enjoy a picturesque arrival into Portsmouth, sailing between Napoleonic forts in the Solent Strait and passing stunning citadels at the harbor's entrance. Then discover the city's prestigious maritime past. This historic naval port houses such historic vessels as Henry VIII's Tudor battleship Mary Rose and Lord Nelson's HMS Victory. Stroll the docklands of the rejuvenated waterfront and visit the D-Day Museum, commemorating the preparations for the Allied landings of the massive fleet that departed here on June 6, 1944.

Arrive in historic Le Havre today, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on a Seine River estuary. This historic port city is the gateway to Parisian pleasure, so you'll take a scenic drive through Normandy's countryside to the heart of Paris. You'll have time on your own to ascend the Eiffel Tower for sweeping city views, or marvel at the Gothic glory of Notre Dame Cathedral. Alternately, you might choose to pay homage at D-Day beaches or stroll the pretty quay of the artists' town of Honfleur.

Call on Zeebrugge, Belgium's most important fishing port and your doorway to canal-laced Bruges, one of Europe's most remarkably preserved medieval cities. Bruges's early textile trade made it one of the wealthiest trading towns in the world, and the world's most important port. You can explore its cobblestone streets, ascend its towering belfry in the Market Square for sweeping views of restored guild houses and tree-shaded squares, and shop for lace and chocolate.

Explore Amsterdam, the celebrated city of canals. This elegant city was born from the Dutch Golden Age, when merchants fed their coffers from the Indonesian spice trade and commissioned great works of art. You can see many of them, including Rembrandt's The Night Watch, in the excellent Rijksmuseum. Embark on a canal cruise to get acquainted with the city's charms and experience its laid-back rhythm. Don't forget to stop for a sweet or savory classic Dutch pancake, a favorite local treat.

Enjoy another day on board as you cruise the North Sea. Attend an illuminating enrichment lecture on board. Take in the sea views from the Explorers' Lounge. Tonight, dine at your choice of venues, perhaps pairing sommelier-selected wines with a carefully prepared tasting menu at The Chef's Table.

Awake in Bergen and further explore this Norwegian treasure. See the beautiful 18th-century wooden houses, and visit the Hanseatic Museum on your included tour. Perhaps take an excursion to Troldhaugen, the home of Edvard Grieg, Norway's famous composer. Or take a trip to the top of Mt. Ulriken, where you can savor an Ulriken bun, a cinnamon pastry, with a view that is equally as indulgent.

Awake in Bergen, where you will be departing your ship. If you wish, you may explore more with Viking: Stay on in this fascinating old mercantile city, visit Norway's cosmopolitan capital of Oslo or journey to Iceland.