Europe’s Atlantic Cultural Gems—From Hamburg to Lisbon

Kickstart your journey in the beautiful city of Hamburg, often referred to as the 'Venice of the North'. Explore the city's Altstadt district, where you'll find attractions like the St. Nikolai Memorial and the historic Deichstraße street. Don't miss out on visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Chilehaus and the world's largest historic warehouse complex in Speicherstadt. Art enthusiasts should make a beeline for Kunsthalle, the nation's foremost art museum. Your comfortable expedition ship, MS Maud (or similar), will be ready and waiting for you at the port.

On the second day, you'll explore Harlingen, a city of canals and pretty harbors, home to the last traditional pottery factory in the Netherlands. You can walk or bike around the city, which lies on the shores of the Wadden Sea, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover traditional sailing ships and historic warehouses around the old harbors of Noorderhaven and Zuiderhaven. Make sure to visit the Harlingen Aardewerkmuseum to admire displays of distinctive Frisian pottery.

Day four takes you to Normandy, a region with 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, check out the German fortifications at Le Grand Bunker, and visit the war cemetery at Hermanville-sur-Mer. Don't miss the chance to 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, where 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.

On day five, you'll visit Saint-Malo, 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. Don't miss the chance to visit the Abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel or walk to Île de Grand Bé at low tide, where the renowned local writer Chateaubriand is buried.

Day six takes you to Roscoff, a small and charming port town that's rich in history and architecture. Its colorful past is intimately associated with pirates, smugglers, and corsairs, as well as the numerous wars between France and England. Wander around old Roscoff and admire the beautiful buildings that remain from the 16th century. A visit to the church of Eglise Notre-Dame de Croas-Batz is not to be missed. From here, make your way to the Pointe de Bloscon with its tiny Chapelle Sainte-Barbe and the views of Morlaix Bay. Don't forget to try the delicious Breton crêpes, a specialty here!

On day seven, you'll visit the picturesque town of Douarnenez, where you'll find colorful quaysides, sandy beaches, and steep cliffs that inspired famous painters like Renoir and Boudin. The town hosts a wonderful maritime museum with boats from around the world. If conditions don't allow a visit to Douarnenez, you'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.

Day eleven takes you to Vigo, once the gateway to the Americas. Protected by the beautiful Islas Cíes, Vigo has one of the best natural harbors in Galicia and has become its main trading and fishing port. You can visit the bustling Rúa do Príncipe with its eclectic mix of Neoclassical and Art Nouveau architectural styles; it's perfectly located for exploring the city on foot. 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.

On day twelve, you'll arrive in Portugal and 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, which is famed for its port wine and UNESCO-listed historic center. It's an undulating city made for walking where you'll fall in love with the pastel houses, colorful 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.

Your expedition draws to a close as you arrive at the Portuguese capital of Lisbon. A tour of Lisbon's classical districts is essential - this is where almost everything of historic interest can be found. Start your exploration at the Praça do Comercio in Baixa and walk toward 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 theater 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. If you'd like to explore Lisbon and its surroundings before you return home, we recommend joining our optional Post-Program.