Europe´s Atlantic Highlights

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 theater and a Moorish fortress.

A bit outside the city center, 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-Program?

Explore the UNESCO-listed historic center of Porto 

Our first stop is Leixões. From here, you can see the Leça Lighthouse, 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 walking. 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 Luís I bridge, snack on delicious petiscos, and enjoy wine tastings at the port cellars of Vila Nova de Gaia.

See Galician heritage in Ferrol

As we enter the Ria of Ferrol, admire the imposing forts of La Palma and San Felipe on both sides of the headland, which protected the city within.

Ferrol is one of Spain’s best-preserved 18th-century port cities. Make the most of your time by crisscrossing Barrio de la Magdalena’s grid of streets and exploring 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 of the most important Christian sites in the world.

Savor a different cultural flavor 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.

Experience its old-town charm on a stroll through Cimadevilla Park and the Barrio del Carmen district, exploring beautiful Baroque churches and the Plaza del Marqués. You can also hike up to Mirador de la Providencia, an unusual viewpoint shaped like the hull of a ship. It 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 walk along the coast, or savor fresh fish and other Asturian delicacies, accompanied by a glass of refreshing local cider.

Discover the jewel of the Basque Country

Our cruise continues to the Basque region. Enjoy the energy of San Sebastián, which offers something for everyone, including food lovers, culture buffs, and surfers.

Visit the historic district of Parte Vieja, featuring 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. If you love art and architecture, you’re spoiled for choice, from the famous water mirror at Place de la Bourse to the Gothic St. André Cathedral and the Musée des Beaux-Arts Bordeaux.

Bordeaux’s soul, though, is its wine. With over 8,500 châteaux and producers in the region, including 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 its range of landscapes. This pretty little island is home to rocky shores, dunes, pine forest, and lush meadows.

Inhabited for more than 5,000 years, first by farmers from the Neolithic period, this island has many historical sites, ranging from superbly preserved dolmens and menhirs to medieval castles and tiny villages. Rent a bike or discover the island’s treasures on foot.

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

Inspiring coastal scenery and maritime history

We’ll use our small boats (RIBs) to go ashore at the picturesque seaside town of Douarnenez, where we’ll find colorful quaysides, sandy beaches, and steep cliffs that inspired famous painters like Renoir and Boudin. Douarnenez hosts a wonderful maritime museum with boats from around the world, as well as fishermen’s huts and seamen’s chapels.

If conditions don’t allow a visit to Douarnenez, we’ll head to nearby Brest, a fascinating city containing remnants of medieval fortifications. Here, you can visit the National Maritime Museum inside the military fortress of Château de Brest. It’s also a modern city, 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 holds the remains of an ancient fort, where renowned local writer Chateaubriand is buried.

Reflect and relax on a calming day at sea

Enjoy the day relaxing while we navigate the channel separating continental Europe from the British Isles.

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

Discover the peaceful charm of this historic island

German mainland, tiny Heligoland was once a base for pirates and the strategic prize for a string of warring nations. Now this peaceful, traffic-free island is better known for its stunning nature, and at certain times of the year, its birdlife.  

If conditions allow, local boats will take us ashore to explore both of Heligoland’s distinctive islands. On one island, you can walk the scenic trails along the red cliffs to look out for nesting birdlife such as Northern Gannets and Common Guillemots. On the other, you can stroll along the fine white sands lined by dunes in search for seals lounging around the shores. 

End your cruise in Germany’s second city

Your expedition cruise comes to an end in Hamburg, the second-largest city in Germany, which has one of the greenest urban areas in Europe.

There’s a lot 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 home to UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Chilehaus, and the world’s largest historic warehouse district in Speicherstadt. Art lovers should head to Kunsthalle, the nation’s foremost art museum.