Duration
11 Nights
Journey Type
Cruise only (Please call for flight options)
Ports
10 Ports
23 April
Setting sail from Lisbon
The roots of historic Lisbon's fame lie in its strategic position on the edge of the Atlantic and the fact it offers one of the world's greatest natural harbours. No surprise therefore that it became the home of the world's most famous explorers such as Vasco da Gama, Magellan and Prince Henry the Navigator. Built on seven hills, we always find Lisbon to be soulful, captivating and picturesque, with architecture which reflects its status as a great port.
Don't miss
Belem Tower, dating from the 1500s, was both a fortress and the explorers’ departure point. On the façade you will find a stone rhinoceros sculpted into the tower – Europe’s first sight of this extraordinary beast!
24 April
Portugal: Porto
Blessed with a dramatic setting on the steep banks of the river Douro, Portugal’s second city is currently enjoying something of a renaissance, and is best known as the home of the country’s most famous export, port wine.
25 April
Spain: Ferrol
The Galician city of Ferrol, birthplace of General Franco, doesn’t feature on too many tourist itineraries, though maritime enthusiasts may enjoy a visit to the 18th-century shipyards. Most cruise visitors will use Ferrol as a base to explore Galicia’s wild coast, the nearby city of La Coruña or the famous pilgrimage site of Santiago de Compostela.
26 April
Spain: Gijón
Gijón is the largest city in the Asturias region of northern Spain, an important industrial port but also a lively and youthful place, ideally positioned for exploring the Costa Verde. The most interesting area is the historic fishing village of Cimadevilla, which sits on a peninsula that divides the bay in two.
27 April
At sea
28 April
France: Bordeaux
Bordeaux sits at the centre of the world's most famous wine region, and is home to a beguiling blend of beautiful buildings, sophisticated gastronomy and high culture. It's a marvellous place to spend some time, whether it's a day sampling wines, an evening at the opera or a night on the tiles.
29 April
France: Île d'Yeu
30 April
France: Douarnenez
Douarnenez is synonymous with all things maritime, a bustling Breton port with four different harbours. In its 19th-century heyday Douarnenez grew prosperous from sardine fishing, and its modern attractions include an excellent maritime museum, with boats and tall ships from around the world.
1 May
France: Saint-Malo
Saint-Malo grew rich off the back of maritime trade and its plundering corsairs, a seafaring heritage that is still proudly on display today. It’s great fun getting lost in the streets of the walled old town, and the famous medieval abbey of Mont Saint-Michel is an easy day-trip.
2 May
At sea
3 May
Netherlands: Harlingen
The old Frisian port of Harlingen, on the shores of the Wadden Sea, is centred around an attractive cluster of canals and historic buildings. Ferries depart from here for the islands of Terschelling and Vlieland, while nearby Franeker is home to the world’s oldest working planetarium, dating back to the 18th century.
4 May
Arriving in Hamburg
Known locally as 'the gateway to the world', the port of Hamburg has a rich maritime history. Of course the city has its seedy side, as characterised by the old red light district around the Reeperbahn, but it's also a vibrant, progressive city with some excellent museums, galleries and theatres.
Your home from home
Hurtigruten's pioneering hybrid vessels, MS Roald Amundsen and MS Fridtjof Nansen, offer a more sustainable way to explore the polar regions.
What we love
Hurtigruten's groundbreaking hybrid technology reduces fuel consumption and carbon emissions by 20%, a bold step towards a more sustainable future for the expedition cruising industry. These ships are designed specifically for exploring the polar regions, and the inviting suites and public areas represent a significant evolution of the Hurtigruten onboard experience.
Capacity | 528 Guests (500 in Antarctica) |
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Style | These pioneering hybrid ships offer a contemporary and relaxed ambience, acting as a comfortable 'base camp' at sea. |
Inclusions |
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Tailor-make your trip
Our recommended hotel
The Pousada de Lisboa, newly opened in May 2015, has a great location in the heart of the city and an interior to wow you.
Take a day trip from Lisbon
Visit Sintra – Roman and Moorish influences make this magical city with its fairytale palaces and extravagant villas a must.