Departing from Hamburg

 Your Atlantic coast adventure starts here 

Your adventure along Europe’s Atlantic coastline begins in Hamburg – the so-called 'Venice of the North' due to its picturesque canals. If you have time, you'll find many attractions in the Altstadt, like St Nikolai Memorial and Deichstraße Historic Street.  

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.  

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

Harlingen’s rich heritage

Experience the Frisian port city of Harlingen 

You can walk or bike around Harlingen, a city of canals and pretty harbours, 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 harbours of Noorderhaven and Zuiderhaven. Don’t miss the Harlingen Aardewerkmuseum to admire displays of distinctive Frisian pottery.

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. Yet 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 past and present

Discover historic beaches and see moving WWII memorials  

Normandy has a fascinating history, from the Viking invasion to the D-Day landings in 1944. In Cherbourg, you'll learn more about the Battle of Normandy and the role played by the city at Musée de la Liberation.  

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, as well as an incredible collection of 300 paintings and sculptures from the 15th to the 19th century. 

Join one of our optional excursions and explore some of the famous beaches of the D-Day landings, pay homage to moving WWII 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. Or head out on your own and 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. The island has remains of an ancient fort and is where the renowned local writer Chateaubriand is buried.

Fascinating Finistère

Inspiring coastal scenery and maritime history 

In the picturesque seaside town of Dourarnenez, you'll find the colourful quaysides, sandy beaches, and steep cliffs that inspired famous painters like Renoir and Boudin. As well as fishermen’s houses and seamen’s chapels, Dourarnenez hosts a wonderful maritime museum with boats from around the world. 

If conditions don’t allow a visit to Dourarnenez, we’ll head to nearby Brest, a fascinating maritime city with medieval fortifications. 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.

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

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 Neoclassical historic centre of Ferrol on a guided tour, 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

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 became its 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

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

One of southern Europe's most enchanting cities 

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

If you have time before your onward journey, we recommend a tour of Lisbon's classical districts. Start your exploration at the Praça do Comercio in Baixa and walk towards the narrow streets of Bairro Alto. From there, you'll arrive at Alfama and the old Islamic quarter, the remains of the Roman amphitheatre and the Moorish fortress. You can also visit the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Torre de Belém and Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, where you'll also find the delicious pastéis de Belém. 

If you’d like to explore more of Lisbon and its surroundings before you return home, why not join our optional Post-Programme.