10 October 2023

Explore Hamburg's delights before setting sail.

There’s so much to see and do in Hamburg – the so-called 'Venice of the North' due to its picturesque canals. If you have time, you'll find most of the city's 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 Spitsbergen will be ready and waiting for you in the port.   

Pre-Programme 

Add an extra night in Hamburg before your expedition cruise and explore the maritime spirit of this culture-rich Hanseatic, city.

11 October 2023

Scenic harbours, canals and warehouses – soak up the nautical heritage of this lively port town.

Located on the southern shore of the Wadden Sea – a UNESCO World Heritage Area – Harlingen has a strong nautical heritage. Go Dutch and cycle to some of the city’s highlights on a rented bike – there’s a beautiful centre with canals, pretty harbours, and historic warehouses.  

In the Old Town, visit the 18th century City Hall, Hannemahuis Museum and  Blauwe Hand – the city’s oldest warehouse. The delightful Harlingen Earthenware Museum is a must-see if you’re interested in the area’s famed blue-and-white ceramics. 

12 October 2023

Gaze upon rich medieval architecture as you step back through the ages of Europe.

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, plenty of fascinating sights survive to keep you busy exploring. 

Oostende is an excellent from which base to visit Brugge – aka Bruges – a beautifully preserved medieval town. Here, you can lose yourself in the 14th century, and explore winding streets, picturesque canals and many fine buildings of great artistic extravagance.   

13 October 2023

Discover historic beaches, visit pretty Caen and see moving WWII memorials.

Normandy's history, from the Viking invasion to the D-Day landings in 1944, makes it a fascinating region. In Ouistreham, you'll learn more about the Operation Overlord landings at the Musée de Debarquement No 4 Commando.  

See the German fortifications at the Grand Bunker Mur de l’Atlantique Musée, and visit the war cemetery at Hermanville-sur-Mer. Stroll along the beautiful Riva-Bella beach and stop at the 12th century St Samson church and 1905 lighthouse.  

Afterwards, we'll explore the pretty town of Caen. The 11th century Romanesque church of Saint-Étienne, the Mémorial de Caen museum and the Musée des Beaux-Arts are highlights not to be missed. 

14 October 2023

Majestic Saint-Malo, a beautiful 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. 

You can also follow the historical trail within the old city walls through a maze of cobbled streets. The Gothic-style Saint Vincent Cathedral and the Chateau de la Duchesse Anne are worth a visit. At low tide, you can walk to the fortified island, Le Grand-Bé, where the renowned local writer Chateaubriand is buried. 

15 October 2023

See what inspired painters around the historic harbours of Finistère.

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 huts 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, nearby Brest is a fascinating maritime city with many medieval fortifications. Here, you’ll discover the National Naval Museum – inside the military fortress of Chateau de Brest. Brest is a modern city too, with lively quays and docks that are perfect for a scenic stroll. 

16 October 2023

Relax into a leisurely time at sea with cetacean spotting and onboard activities.

Take the opportunity 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? 

17 October 2023

Get a taste of Galicia as we visit Ferrol and A Coruña.

Our next stop is Ferrol on the rugged coast of Galicia. Originally a small fishing hamlet, it’s been Spain’s main naval base for almost three centuries. No other harbour in Spain has as many forts, citadels or barracks.  

Optional excursions from Ferrol will include the old town of Lugo, famed for its Roman walls. Late in the afternoon we’ll sail to neighbouring A Coruña and dock for the night. Seeing the historical light of Torre de Hercules is an experience not to be missed. This oldest functioning lighthouse in the world is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

18 October 2023

Plenty to see, do and drink.

If you didn’t manage to see the Tower of Hercules yesterday evening, be sure to do so today. Call in at one of the many bars or restaurants and sample the unique gallego cuisine. Ask for a selection of tapas and sample a glass of famous Galician cider – traditionally poured into the mouth from a height.  

Galicia is a region of Spain that’s culturally distinct - and Galicians are proud of their Celtic roots. A branch of the pilgrimage route to Santiago starts here, called the Camino Ingles – or English Way, and a visit to Santiago de Compostela is available as an optional excursion. 

19 October 2023

Explore the beautiful and ancient city of Vigo.

Next we travel to Vigo, once the gateway to the Americas. Protected by the beautiful Cíes Islands, 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 styles. Or perhaps the impressive 16th century Castro Castle and park. 

On your way to the old town and neoclassical cathedral, take time to stop by the Rúa da Pescadería, and sample some of the delicious seafood Galicia is famous for. 

20 October 2023

Discover magical Porto, a UNESCO highlight with ample charm.

Arriving in Portugal, we dock at Leixoes. From here, you can see the Lighthouse of Leça, the Chapel of Boa Nova, and the beautiful Praia Azul beach.  

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. 

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. 

21 October 2023

End your cruise in 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 – almost everything of historic interest is here. 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. If you’ve time, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Torre de Belém and Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, where you'll also find the delicious pastéis de Belém. 

Post-Programme 

We feel sure you’ll have had a great cruise discovering the fascinating history of the Atlantic coastline of Europe, but you don’t need to go home just yet. If you would 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, you’ll also explore the royal resorts outside the city, including the UNESCO town of Sintra, Monserrate Palace and the beaches of Cascais city during a guided excursion. Afterwards, you’ll return to Lisbon for an overnight stay.