Europe´s Atlantic Highlights - From Lisbon to Hamburg
Cruise Overview
Europe Cruise | From Lisbon to Hamburg: Europe´s Atlantic Highlights 2026/2027
Join this expedition cruise from Lisbon to Hamburg, taking in spectacular scenery, UNESCO sites and breathtaking nature along Europe's Atlantic coast.
Sailing from Portugal to Spain, France, the Netherlands and Germany, discover the cultural and historic treasures of their celebrated port cities.
Experience charming fishing villages, gastronomic delights and wild coastal landscapes.
Iberian delights
Your adventure begins in the Portuguese capital of Lisbon, a city full of old-world charm. We sail along the Iberian Peninsula to beautiful Porto with its UNESCO-listed centre. From here you'll explore the historical, cultural and culinary delights of Galicia, Asturias and the Basque Country.
Bay of Biscay and beyond
In France, you’ll experience the ‘City of Wine’ Bordeaux, beautiful Belle Île and rugged Brittany. Expect wild coastal landscapes, pretty fishing villages, medieval towns and rich maritime history as we head ashore aboard our small expedition boats. Finally, you’ll discover the canal town of Harlingen, before ending your adventure in cosmopolitan Hamburg.
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Practical information you need to know
Departures
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Adults
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Itinerary
We'll help you plan where to go, when to visit and how long to stay
Legendary Lisbon
Day 1
Legendary Lisbon
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.
MS Fridtjof Nansen awaits you in the harbour. After being welcomed aboard, settle into your cabin and begin your adventure at sea.
With so much to see in and around Lisbon, why not arrive early and join one of our optional Pre-Programmes.
Charming Porto (Leixões)
Day 2
Charming Porto (Leixões)
Explore the UNESCO-listed historic centre of Porto
Our first stop is Leixões, Portugal. 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.
Galician highlights
Day 3
Galician highlights
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 of the most important Christian sites in the world.
Gijón’s golden sands
Day 4
Gijón’s golden sands
Savour a different cultural flavour in Asturias
Enjoying a prime position on the Bay of Biscay, Gijón, the cultural heart of Asturias, has grown from a small fishing village settled by the Romans into a prominent port city.
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 and other Asturian delicacies, accompanied by a glass of refreshing local cider.
Explore San Sebastián
Day 5
Explore San Sebastián
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.
Bordeaux, ‘City of Wine’
Day 6
Bordeaux, ‘City of Wine’
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.
Laid-back in Île-d’Yeu
Day 7
Laid-back in Île-d’Yeu
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.
Wild Beauty in Brittany
Day 8
Wild Beauty in Brittany
Experience enchanting Belle Île, the largest of the Breton islands
Today we’ll drop anchor to explore Belle Île. As we approach, admire the formidable 17th century fortress, Citadelle Vauban, which guards over the picturesque port of Le Palais.
Belle Île is one of France’s most beautiful islands, home to some of Brittany’s finest scenery. With a rugged coastline, lush countryside and charming seaside hamlets, the island’s splendour has inspired creative minds such as Alexandre Dumas and Claude Monet.
You can explore the island with your Expedition Team or stroll around the markets and sights at your own pace. Why not stretch your legs on a coastal walk or relax on one of the breathtaking beaches.
Fascinating Finistère
Day 9
Fascinating Finistère
Inspiring coastal scenery and maritime history
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.
While here, you can choose to discover the wild beauty of Pointe Du Raz, a promontory facing the elements of the Atlantic Ocean, where Finistère really does feel like the ‘End of the Earth’. Or explore the charming Breton town of Quimper, whose skyline is dominated by the twin spires of Saint Corentin Cathedral.
The citadel of Saint-Malo
Day 10
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. We’ll anchor off the town and use our small boats to go ashore.
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.
Cruising the Channel
Day 11
Cruising the Channel
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. Our expert Expedition Team will be happy to share their knowledge about these historic waters with you.
Harlingen's rich heritage
Day 12
Harlingen's rich heritage
Get to know the Frisian port city of Harlingen
Harlingen lies on the shores of the Wadden Sea, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it’s home to the last traditional pottery factory in the Netherlands.
A city of canals and pretty harbours, you can explore on foot or by bike, and if conditions allow, we can take to the water and cruise the canals aboard our small expedition boats. 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.
Germany’s Hanseatic treasure
Day 13
Germany’s Hanseatic treasure
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 old town district of Altstadt, 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.
What's included
Expedition Cruise
- A stay in a cabin of your choice
- Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Wine, beer and spirits available at meals and throughout the day and evening (subject to licensing laws, excludes premium drinks)
- All day coffee, tea and soft drinks
- Meals and take-away available throughout the day during Fredheim restaurant opening hours
- Fine dining in restaurant Lindstrøm included for suite guests
- A complimentary water bottle to refill on board and take home
- A polar expedition jacket, a backpack, or another piece of HX kit
- Professional photos from your trip taken by our onboard photographer
- Complimentary Wi-Fi. Please note, streaming is not supported
- Use of sauna, hot tubs, pool, fitness room, lounges and more
- Gratuities included. Fantastic service is standard at HX – though if you’d like to leave something extra, it’s always appreciated
- Range of included activities
Landing Activities
- Escorted landings with small expedition boats
- Loan of boots, trekking poles and all equipment for activities
- Expedition photographers on hand to assist you
Onboard Activities
- In-depth lectures and discussions hosted by experts on the Expedition Team
- Full access to the ship’s Science Centre
- Citizen Science Programme allows guests to assist with ongoing scientific research
- Professional onboard photographer gives tips and tricks for the best landscape and wildlife photos
- Informal gatherings with the crew for daily briefings
Notes
- All planned activities are subject to weather conditions
- Excursions and activities are subject to change
- Please make sure you meet all entry and boarding requirements
- Depending on your flight times, an additional overnight might be needed (not included)
What's not included
International flights
Depending on your flight arrival, an additional overnight might be needed (not included)
Travel insurance
Luggage handling
Optional shore excursions with our local partners
Optional small-group activities with our Expedition Team
Optional treatments in the onboard wellness and spa area
Special offers
Expedition exclusive cost savings and rare opportunities.
* Certain offers may not be combinable, up to two savings opportunities except where noted otherwise
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