Europe's Atlantic Highlights | Norwegian Fjords to Iberian charm
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on a 15-day journey through Europe's captivating Atlantic coastline, starting from the picturesque city of Bergen in Norway and ending in the enchanting city of Lisbon in Portugal. This multi-day tour offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Explore UNESCO-listed sites, historic districts, and vibrant markets. Sail through striking fjords, hike up mountain peaks, and relax on beautiful beaches. Discover architectural relics, visit world-class museums, and savor local delicacies. Each day brings a new adventure, a new destination, and a new experience. Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or a foodie, this tour has something for everyone.
Included
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner, including beverages* in the Aune restaurant
MS Spitsbergen
14 nights stay in a cabin of your choice
MS Spitsbergen: Expedition Suite ,Arctic Superior ,Arctic Superior Cabin ,Polar Cabin ,Polar Superior Cabin ,Polar
English-speaking Expedition Team who organize and guide activities, both on board and ashore
Join informal gatherings with the crew for daily briefings.
Stay in a cabin of your choice
Complimentary tea and coffee
Complimentary Wi-Fi on board†
Complimentary reusable water bottle
Range of included 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
The Citizen Science Program allows guests to contribute to ongoing scientific research projects.
Our onboard professional photographer will give photography tips and teach techniques for capturing landscape and wildlife photos.
The ship has hot tubs, a sauna with a view, and a gym.
Escorted landings with small boats (RIBs)
Loan of boots, trekking poles, and all equipment needed for the activities
Complimentary wind- and water-resistant expedition jacket
Expedition photographers will be on hand to assist you.
All planned activities are subject to weather and ice conditions
Excursions and activities are subject to change
Please ensure you meet all entry and boarding requirements.
No gratuities are expected
Destinations
Hamburg
Saint-Malo
Ostend
Porto
Bruges
Ericeira
Lugo
Vigo
Stavanger
LisbonMap
Attractions
Mémorial de Caen
Castro fortress
Bryggen
Fløyen
Musée de Normandie
Speicherstadt
Hamburger Kunsthalle
Castelo de São Filipe
Castle of the Moors
Breton County Museum
Mönckebergbrunnen
LysefjordDaily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Discover the Charm of Bergen
Day 1: Discover the Charm of Bergen
- Bryggen
- Fløyen
- More
Kick off your journey in the charming city of Bergen, once the capital of Norway. Wander through the cobblestone streets and visit the UNESCO-listed Bryggen district, known for its colorful wooden wharfs and bustling fish market. Take a ride on the Fløibanen funicular to the summit of Mount Fløyen and enjoy panoramic views of the city. If you have extra time, consider booking our Pre-Program for a refreshing hike up Mount Fløyen.
Day 2 – Day 2: Sail into the Striking Lysefjord
- Stavanger
- More
- Lysefjord
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Experience the lively cultural scene of Stavanger, with its architectural relics and vibrant waterfront. Sail into the striking Lysefjord, home to some of the most vertical cliffs in all of Norway. A guided hike will reward you with breathtaking views of Lysefjord from the 1,980-ft high Preikestolen viewpoint, also known as 'Pulpit Rock'.
Day 3 – Day 3: Relaxing Day at Sea
Day 3: Relaxing Day at Sea
Enjoy a relaxing day at sea as we sail towards Germany. You can work out in the gym, unwind in the sauna or hot tub, or attend a series of lectures by our Expedition Team. On deck, our biologists will help you spot wildlife, or you can pick up photography tips from our onboard photographer. Enjoy the scenic views from the comfort of the Explorer Lounge & Bar.
Day 4 – Day 4: Explore the Cultural Delights of Hamburg
- Hamburg
- More
- Speicherstadt
- Hamburger Kunsthalle
- Mönckebergbrunnen
- More
Discover the architectural and cultural delights of Hamburg. Visit the old Landungsbrücken floating dock, explore the Altstadt district, and admire the art at Kunsthalle, Germany's foremost art museum. Don't miss the architectural wonders of Kontorhausviertel and Speicherstadt, UNESCO World Heritage Sites known for their warehouse complexes.
Day 5 – Day 5: Experience the Frisian City of Harlingen
Day 5: Experience the Frisian City of Harlingen
Explore Harlingen, a city of canals and pretty harbors, and home to the last traditional pottery factory in the Netherlands. Wander around the old harbors of Noorderhaven and Zuiderhaven, and visit the Harlingen Aardewerkmuseum to admire displays of distinctive Frisian pottery.
Day 6 – Day 6: Explore the Medieval Architecture of Oostende and Bruges
- Bruges
- Ostend
- More
Discover the rich history of Oostende, a strategic port that has evolved from a fishing village to a medieval city and a royal seaside resort. From here, visit Bruges, a beautifully preserved medieval town with winding streets, picturesque canals, and grand 14th-century buildings.
Day 7 – Day 7: Discover Historic Beaches and World War II Memorials
Day 7: Discover Historic Beaches and World War II Memorials
- Mémorial de Caen
- Musée de Normandie
- More
Explore the fascinating history of Normandy, from the Viking invasion to the D-Day landings in 1944. Visit the Musée No 4 Commando in Ouistreham to learn about the Operation Overlord landings and the Mémorial de Caen museum that commemorates World War II. Also, explore the pretty town of Caen, known for its 11th-century Romanesque church and the Musée des Beaux-Arts.
Day 8 – Day 8: Explore the Historic Town of Saint-Malo
- Saint-Malo
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Discover the historic town of Saint-Malo, fringed by fortified bastions and gently sloping beaches. Walk along the ramparts for the best views of the town and surrounding islands. Follow the historical trail within the old city walls and visit Demeure De Corsaire to learn about the town's pirate heritage. You can also visit the Abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel or walk to Île de Grand Bé at low tide.
Day 9 – Day 9: Inspiring Coastal Scenery and Maritime History
- Douarnenez
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- Breton County Museum
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Visit the picturesque seaside town of Douarnenez, known for its colorful quaysides, sandy beaches, and steep cliffs. Explore the town's maritime history at the wonderful maritime museum. If conditions permit, we'll head to nearby Brest, a historic city with medieval fortifications. Here, you can visit the National Maritime Museum inside the military fortress of Château de Brest.
Day 10 – Day 10: Unwind and Enjoy the Natural World
Day 10: Unwind and Enjoy the Natural World
Spend a perfect day at sea, relaxing on deck and watching for whales, dolphins, and porpoises. Attend in-depth lectures to learn about the history, geography, and environment of upcoming destinations. You can also learn about the marine biology of the seas along this expedition in hands-on demonstrations. Don't forget to try out the sauna with a view!
Day 11 – Day 11: Explore the Historic Centre of Ferrol
- Ferrol
- Lugo
- More
Our next stop is Ferrol on the rugged coast of Galicia. Once a small fishing hamlet, it has been Spain's main naval base for the past three centuries. 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 on a guided tour, walk a section of the ancient pilgrimage trails, or join optional excursions to the UNESCO-listed towns of Lugo and Santiago de Compostela.
Day 12 – Day 12: Continue Exploring the Highlights of Northern Galicia
- Ferrol
- Lugo
- More
Spend another day exploring the historic centre of Ferrol and the highlights of northern Galicia. 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.
Day 13 – Day 13: Discover the Beautiful City of Vigo
- Vigo
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- Castro fortress
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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. Visit the bustling Rúa do Príncipe, see the impressive 16th-century Castro Castle, and sample delicious Galician seafood on Rúa da Pescadería.
Day 14 – Day 14: Explore the Historic Center of Porto
- Porto
- More
In Portugal, we'll dock at Leixões. From here, you can take a shuttle bus to Porto, famed for its port wine and UNESCO-listed historic center. Wander through the city's undulating terrain, admire the pastel houses and colorful tiled façades, and enjoy wine tastings at the port cellars of Vila Nova de Gaia.
Day 15 – Day 15: End Your Cruise in the Enchanting City of Lisbon
- Lisbon
- Ericeira
- Capuchos - Departure day
- More
- Castelo de São Filipe
- Castle of the Moors
- More
Your expedition draws to a close in the Portuguese capital of Lisbon. Explore Lisbon's historic neighborhoods, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Torre de Belém and Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, and savor the 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.
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