Departing from Hamburg

Your Atlantic coast adventure starts here.

Your adventure along Europe’s Atlantic coastline begins in Hamburg, called the ‘Venice of the North’ because of its picturesque canals. If you have time, visit the attractions in the Altstadt district, like the St. Nikolai Memorial and historic Deichstraße street.

Hamburg is also 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.

Your comfortable expedition ship, MS Maud, will be ready and waiting for you at the port.

Harlingen’s rich heritage

Experience the Frisian port city of Harlingen.

Walk or bike around Harlingen, a city of canals and pretty harbors, and home to the last traditional pottery factory in the Netherlands. Harlingen 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 harbors of Noorderhaven and Zuiderhaven. Don’t miss the Harlingen Aardewerkmuseum, where you can admire displays of distinctive Frisian pottery.

Explore Oostende and Bruges.

Rich medieval architecture among winding streets

The strategic port of Oostende was first a fishing village, then a medieval city, and later a royal seaside resort. This place 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 UNESCO-listed Bruges. Lose yourself in this beautifully preserved medieval town, as you explore winding streets, picturesque canals, and grand 14th-century buildings.

Normandy’s past and present

Discover historic beaches and see moving World War II memorials

Normandy’s history is fascinating, from the Viking invasion to the D-Day landings in 1944. At the Liberation Museum (Musée de la Liberation), learn about the Battle of Normandy and the role of the city of Cherbourg.

The city also boasts the Thomas Henry Museum, Normandy’s third museum of fine arts, displaying a unique collection of works by Jean-François Millet, along with an incredible collection of 300 paintings and sculptures from the 15th to the 19th century.

Join one of our optional excursions to explore some of the famous beaches of the D-Day landings, pay homage to moving World War II memorials, and visit the famous Bayeux tapestry.

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. If you head out on your own, take a tour of the Privateers House to learn about the feared Corsairs and the town’s pirate heritage.

Visit the Abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel or walk to Île de Grand Bé at low tide. Holding the remains of an ancient fort, the island is where renowned local writer Chateaubriand is buried.

Fascinating Finistère

Inspiring coastal scenery and maritime history

In the picturesque seaside town of Douarnenez, you’ll find the colorful 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.

If conditions don’t allow a visit to Douarnenez, we’ll head to nearby Brest, a fascinating and historic city with 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.

Sailing the Bay of Biscay

Unwind and enjoy the natural world around you

Today is a perfect day to relax on deck with your binoculars and watch for whales, dolphins, and porpoises. This is one of the few places in the world where you can spot beaked whales. They’re drawn to the bay’s nutrient-rich waters.

You can learn about the marine biology of the seas we’re sailing, with hands-on demonstrations and in-depth lectures about the history, geography, and environment of the destinations to come. Don’t forget about the leisure amenities on board the ship. This is the perfect time to rejuvenate in the panoramic sauna.

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 has been Spain’s main naval base. There are more forts, citadels, and barracks here than any other harbor in the country.

An overnight stay in Ferrol gives us two full days to explore the highlights of northern Galicia. See Ferrol’s Neoclassical center on a guided tour, then walk a section of the ancient pilgrimage trail that crosses Galicia. You can also join optional excursions to the UNESCO-listed towns of Lugo and Santiago de Compostela.

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 Cíes Islands, Vigo has one of the best natural harbors in Galicia, leading it to become the main trading and fishing port.

Vigo is perfect for exploring on foot. Visit the bustling Rúa do Príncipe, which has an eclectic mix of Neoclassical and Art Nouveau buildings. Or see the impressive 16th-century Castro Castle and park.

On your way to the old town and the Neoclassical cathedral, stop by Rúa da Pescadería to sample the delicious seafood Galicia is famous for.

Charming Porto

In Portugal, we’ll dock at Leixões. From here, you can see the Leça Lighthouse, Boa Nova Chapel, and the beautiful beach of Praia Azul.

You can also take a shuttle bus to Porto, famed for its port wine and UNESCO-listed historic center. This city of undulating terrain is perfect for strolling. 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.

Legendary Lisbon

One of southern Europe’s most enchanting cities

Your cruise along Europe’s Atlantic coast ends in Lisbon, one of southern Europe’s most enchanting cities.

If you have time before your onward journey, we recommend a tour of Lisbon’s classic districts. Start your exploration at the Praça do Comércio in Baixa and then, head to the narrow streets of Bairro Alto. From there, you’ll arrive at Alfama and the old Islamic quarter, the remains of a Roman amphitheater, and a Moorish fortress. Visit the Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery (where you’ll also find the delicious Pastéis de Belém), which are both UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

If you’d like to explore more of Lisbon and its surroundings before you return home, we recommend joining our optional Post-Program.