Cruise Overview
From Hamburg to Lisbon - Europe´s Atlantic Highlights
From Hamburg to Lisbon - Europe´s Atlantic Highlights
Exploring the past
You’ll visit some of Europe’s most historic sites on this Atlantic coastline cruise. Learn about Normandy’s history, from Viking invasions to the D-Day landings. Watch for wildlife as you cross the Bay of Biscay, and prepare for a thousand years old pilgrimage ways to Santiago de Compostela.
Cultures and cuisine
As we travel through Galicia, we’ll experience Spain’s unique blend of cultures. Try local tapas accompanied by Galician cider for an authentic taste of the towns we visit. Your adventure ends in Lisbon, the jewel in Portugal’s crown.
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Practical information you need to know
Departures
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Available Dates
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Itinerary
We'll help you plan where to go, when to visit and how long to stay
Departure from Hamburg
Day 1
Departure from Hamburg
Your Atlantic coast adventure starts here
There’s so much to see and do in Hamburg – sometimes called 'Venice of the North' due to its picturesque canals. If you have time, you'll find many attractions in the Altstadt district, like 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.
Your comfortable expedition ship MS Spitsbergen will be ready and waiting for you at the port.
Harlingen's rich heritage
Day 2
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. Harmlingen 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
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. 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 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
Day 4
Normandy past and present
Discover historic beaches, Caen and WWII memorials
Normandy has a fascinating history, from the Viking invasion to the D-Day landings in 1944. In Ouistreham, you'll learn about Operation Overlord at the Musée No 4 Commando.
You can check out the German fortifications at Le Grand Bunker and visit the war cemetery at Hermanville-sur-Mer. Or why not stroll along the beautiful Beach of Riva Bella and stop at the 12th century St Samson Church and the 1905 lighthouse.
Afterwards, you'll explore the pretty town of Caen. The 11th century Romanesque church of Saint-Étienne, the Mémorial de Caen that commemorates WWII, and the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Caen are highlights not to be missed.
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.
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 where the renowned local writer Chateaubriand is buried.
Fascinating Finistère
Day 6
Fascinating Finistère
Inspiring coastal scenery and maritime history
In the picturesque town of Douarnenez, 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.
If conditions don’t allow a visit to Douarnenez, we’ll head to nearby Brest, a fascinating and historic city with many 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
Day 7
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 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 waters along our cruise and join hands-on demonstrations and in-depth lectures about the history, geography, and environments 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 centre of Ferrol and A Coruña 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
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 has become 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 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
Day 11
Charming Porto
Explore the UNESCO-listed historic centre of Porto
Arriving in Portugal, we dock at Leixões. 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.
Legendary Lisbon
Day 12
Legendary Lisbon
One of Southern Europe's most enchanting cities
Your expedition draws to a close as we arrive at the Portuguese capital of Lisbon.
A tour of Lisbon's classical districts is essential – and where almost everything of historic interest can be found. We recommend that you 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, where there are remains of a Roman theatre and Moorish fortress.
You can also visit the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of the Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery, and sample delicious pastéis de Belém.
Post-Programme
If you’d like to explore Lisbon and its surroundings before you return home, we recommend joining our optional Post-Programme.
Not only will you see Lisbon’s fascinating historic districts, but you’ll also explore the royal resorts outside the city, including the UNESCO town of Sintra, Monserrate Palace and the beaches of Cascais during a guided excursion. Afterwards, you’ll return to Lisbon for an overnight stay.
What's included
Expedition Cruise
- A stay in a cabin of your choice
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner including beverages* in restaurant Aune
- Complimentary tea and coffee
- Complimentary Wi-Fi on board†
- Complimentary reusable water bottle
- English-speaking Expedition Team who organise and accompany activities on board and ashore
- Range of included activities
Onboard Activities
- In-depth lectures and discussions hosted by experts on the Expedition Team
- Full use of our Science Center, extensive library and advanced biological and geological equipment
- Citizen Science Programme where you can assist with ongoing scientific research
- Photography tips and techniques for capturing landscape and wildlife from our onboard professional photographer
- Use of ship's hot tubs, panoramic sauna and gym
- 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
- Complimentary wind- and water-resistant expedition jacket
- Expedition photographers on hand to assist you
Notes
- All planned activities are subject to weather and ice conditions
- Excursions and activities are subject to change
- Please make sure you meet all entry and boarding requirements
- No gratuities expected
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
Excursions & Activities
Learn more about what you can experience when going with us