Cruise Overview
Europe Cruise | Europe´s Atlantic Highlights - From Hamburg to Lisbon
Take in spectacular scenery and UNESCO sites on this expedition cruise along Europe's Atlantic coast from Hamburg to Lisbon.
Sailing from Germany to the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Spain, and Portugal, discover the cultural and historic treasures of their celebrated port cities.
Experience charming fishing villages, gastronomic delights and the coastal landscapes of Europe.
The delights of northern Europe
Your adventure begins in cosmopolitan Hamburg before heading to the Frisian town of Harlingen. In Belgium’s Oostende and Bruges, you’ll discover medieval architecture, and in France, you’ll enjoy visiting historic Saint-Malo and the picturesque seaside town of Douarnenez.
Discover Iberia’s charm
Continuing to Spain, you’ll experience the historical, cultural and culinary delights of Galicia as you visit Ferrol and the ancient port of Vigo. We’ll then sail down the Iberian coast to beautiful Porto with its UNESCO-listed centre, before your expedition cruise ends in Lisbon, a timeless city brimming with mosaic pavements, fado music and old-world charm.
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Practical information you need to know
Departures
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Cabin 1
Adults
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Itinerary
We'll help you plan where to go, when to visit and how long to stay
Germany’s Hanseatic treasure
Day 1
Germany’s Hanseatic treasure
Begin your cruise in Germany’s second city
Your expedition cruise starts 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.
Harlingen's rich heritage
Day 2
Harlingen's rich heritage
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.
Explore Oostende and Bruges
Day 3
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. 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.
Cruising the Channel
Day 4
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, and our Expedition Team will be happy to share their knowledge about these historic waters with you.
The citadel of Saint-Malo
Day 5
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. 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.
Fascinating Finistère
Day 6
Fascinating Finistère
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.
Sailing the Bay of Biscay
Day 7
Sailing the Bay of Biscay
Unwind and enjoy the natural world around you
Today is the perfect day to relax on deck with your binoculars and look out 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 seas along our cruise, with hands-on demonstrations and in-depth lectures about the history, geography and environment of the destinations to come. And don’t forget the leisure facilities on board – why not try out the panoramic sauna?
Galician highlights
Day 8-9
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 centres of Ferrol and A Coruña on guided tours, 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
Day 10
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 is the country’s 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 buildings in 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 (Leixões)
Day 11
Charming Porto (Leixões)
Explore the UNESCO-listed historic centre of Porto
Arriving in Portugal, we dock at Leixoes. 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 strolling, you'll fall in love with the pastel houses, colourful tiled facades, street art, ornate churches and panoramic views across the Douro.
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
Day 12
Legendary Lisbon
End your cruise in this enchanting city
Your cruise along Europe’s Atlantic coast ends in one of southern Europe's most enchanting cities – Lisbon.
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.
With so much to see in and around Lisbon, why not stay longer and join our optional Post-Programme.
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
- 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, 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
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
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
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
Travel insurance
Luggage handling
Optional shore excursions with our local partners
Optional small-group activities with our Expedition Team
Special offers
Expedition exclusive cost savings and rare opportunities.
* Certain offers may not be combinable, up to two savings opportunities except where noted otherwise