Discover Atlantic Europe’s Rich Heritage | Edinburgh to Lisbon

Begin your adventure in the much-loved city of Edinburgh, the second most visited city in the United Kingdom. Explore its mysterious winding alleys, elegant terraced rows, and numerous shops, bars, and restaurants. Don't miss the majestic Edinburgh Castle, home to Scotland's Crown Jewels and the famed Stone of Destiny. Your comfortable expedition ship, MS Maud (or similar), will be ready and waiting for you at the port.

Your first day at sea is an excellent opportunity to familiarize yourself with your comfortable expedition ship. Enjoy the panoramic views as you relax in the sauna or hot tub, work out in the gym, or participate in a series of lectures by the Expedition Team. On deck, our biologists will help you spot wildlife, or you can pick up some photography tips from our onboard photographer.

Arrive in Hamburg, Germany's second-largest city, often referred to as the 'Venice of the North' due to its picturesque canals. Explore the Altstadt district, home to attractions like the St. Nikolai Memorial and historic Deichstraße Street. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Chilehaus, and the world's largest historic warehouse district in Speicherstadt. Art enthusiasts should not miss a visit to Kunsthalle, the nation's foremost art museum.

Experience the Frisian port city of Harlingen, a city of canals and beautiful harbors, 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. Explore the old harbors of Noorderhaven and Zuiderhaven, filled with traditional sailing ships and historic warehouses. Don't miss the Harlingen Aardewerkmuseum, where you can admire displays of distinctive Frisian pottery.

Arrive in the strategic port of Oostende, a place steeped in European history. Despite the ravages of war and time, many of its medieval features have survived to the present day. From Oostende, visit the UNESCO-listed Bruges, a beautifully preserved medieval town. Explore its winding streets, picturesque canals, and grand 14th-century buildings.

Discover the historic city of Cherbourg in Normandy. Learn about the Battle of Normandy and the city's role in it at the Liberation Museum. The city also boasts the Thomas Henry Museum, displaying a unique collection of works by Jean-François Millet. Join optional excursions to explore some of the famous beaches of the D-Day landings, pay homage to moving World War II memorials, and visit the famous Bayeux tapestry.

Arrive in the beautiful Breton town of Saint-Malo, an impressive sight from the sea. A circular walk along the ramparts offers the best views of the town and surrounding islands. Take a tour of the Privateers House to learn about the town's pirate heritage. Visit the Abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel or walk to Île de Grand Bé at low tide, home to the remains of an ancient fort.

Arrive in the picturesque seaside town of Douarnenez, known for its colorful quaysides, sandy beaches, and steep cliffs. Visit the 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 medieval fortifications. Here, you can visit the National Maritime Museum inside the military fortress of Château de Brest.

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 you can spot beaked whales, drawn to the nutrient-rich waters of the bay. You can attend in-depth lectures to learn about the history, geography, and environment of upcoming destinations. You will also learn about the marine biology of the region with hands-on demonstrations.

Our next stop is Ferrol on the rugged coast of Galicia. Once a small fishing hamlet, the city 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. See Ferrol's Neoclassical center on a guided tour, then walk a section of the ancient pilgrimage trail that crosses Galicia. You can also join optional excursions to the UNESCO-listed towns of Lugo and Santiago de Compostela.

Spend another day in Ferrol, exploring the city's Neoclassical center and walking a section of the ancient pilgrimage trail that crosses Galicia. You can also join optional excursions to the UNESCO-listed towns of Lugo and Santiago de Compostela.

Our cruise continues to Vigo, once the gateway to the Americas. Vigo has one of the best natural harbors in Galicia, leading it to become a main trading and fishing port. Visit the bustling Rúa do Príncipe, which has an eclectic mix of Neoclassical and Art Nouveau buildings. See the impressive 16th-century Castro Castle and park. On your way to the old town and the Neoclassical cathedral, stop by Rúa da Pescadería, the best street in town to sample the delicious seafood Galicia is famous for.

In Portugal, we'll dock at Leixões. From here, you can see the Leça Lighthouse, the Boa Nova Chapel, and the beautiful beach of Praia Azul. You can also take a shuttle bus to Porto, famed for its port wine and UNESCO-listed historic center. This city of undulating terrain is perfect for strolling. Fall in love with the pastel houses, colorful tiled façades, street art, ornate churches, and panoramic views across the Douro River. 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.

Your cruise along Europe's Atlantic coast ends in Lisbon, one of southern Europe's most enchanting cities. If you have time before your onward journey, we recommend a tour of Lisbon's classic districts. Start your exploration at the Praça do Comércio in Baixa, then head to the narrow streets of Bairro Alto. From there, you'll arrive at Alfama and the old Islamic quarter, the remains of a Roman amphitheater, and a Moorish fortress. Visit the Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery, which are both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. If you'd like to explore more of Lisbon and its surroundings before you return home, we recommend joining our optional Post-Program.