Lisbon to Amsterdam: Coasting the Atlantic

Arrive at Humberto Delgado Airport by 12:00pm Noon and be transferred to the Embarkation Suite. Explore Lisbon at your leisure before returning to our Embarkation Suite at the designated time.

In the late afternoon join a mandatory group transfer to board the ship. After boarding, there’s time to settle into your cabin before important safety briefings, followed by the crew throwing the lines to begin the voyage.

This evening, join your fellow travelers for an onboard welcome dinner, where your expedition team will introduce you to the expedition ahead and raise a toast to the adventures to come.

At midday, arrive at Leixões, the port for Portugal’s ‘second city’; Oporto. This eclectic city entices visitors with its storied past, vibrant culture and architectural splendor, for it was in Oporto that the Portuguese ‘Age of Discovery’ began when the indomitable Prince Henry the Navigator set sail to the western coast of Africa in the early 15th century. The city frames the Douro River with its picturesque streets, iconic iron bridges and renowned wine cellars. In the UNESCO World Heritage ‘old town’ of Ribeira, a colorful blend of Romanesque, Gothic and baroque architecture adds to the lively atmosphere, while Oporto’s historical Rabelo boats, once vital for transporting port wine barrels, grace the riverbanks.

Your locally guided walking tour begins in Ribeira, Porto’s oldest quarter, where the city first took shape along the Douro. Settled since Roman times and flourishing in the Middle Ages, this was once a busy port where merchants, fishermen and traders crowded the quays, shipping wine and goods across Europe. Today, its colorful houses and narrow lanes still follow that medieval footprint, rising steeply from the river and preserving the feel of a working waterfront that has barely changed in centuries, now part of a UNESCO‑listed historic center.

From here, cross the Dom Luís I Bridge, the striking two‑level iron span that defines Porto’s skyline. Often mistaken for the work of Gustave Eiffel, it was in fact designed by his former partner Théophile Seyrig, which explains its bold, industrial elegance.

climb into the Sé district, where narrow streets wind uphill to the Porto Cathedral, one of the city’s oldest monuments. Its fortress‑like appearance reflects its medieval origins, with thick defensive walls and narrow openings built for protection as well as worship. From here, descend gently into the city to São Bento station, where the atmosphere shifts once again. Inside, it famed vast panels of blue‑and‑white azulejo tiles depict scenes from Portugal’s history, battles, royal events and rural life, turning a working station into a kind of living gallery. Finally, wander back down toward the river, returning to the bustle of the waterfront where you can easily navigate the city for further exploration.

For those who wish to join, the afternoon includes one of Oporto’s quintessential experiences; a guided tour of a port cellar. Here, the renowned port wine, crafted in the Douro Valley, is aged and stored in traditional caves. Your guide will introduce you to various types of port wine and offer tastings, allowing you to appreciate the distinct characteristics of each. The cool, dimly lit cellars create an atmospheric setting as you delve into the history and craftsmanship behind this iconic Portuguese wine.

Having sampled some of Portugal’s favorite tipple, choose to return to the ship or remain in town and join the shuttle to the port of Leixões, with the ship sailing late evening.

Spain’s secret garden is the verdant region of Galicia. This less-visited section of the country is a true gem, beloved by Spanish travelers. Locals still speak Galician, and the blonde, blue-eyed inhabitants proudly hold on to their Celtic heritage. As one of its nation’s leading fishing ports, Vigo’s bustling harbor is a testament to centuries of seafaring tradition. The city’s history is also intertwined with the Camino de Santiago, with pilgrims traditionally arriving by sea before embarking on their journey to Santiago de Compostela. Visitors can enjoy the scenic waterfront, savoring fresh seafood at local restaurants, or explore the historical shipyards, which echo with tales of old. With its lively festivals, lengthy beaches and welcoming atmosphere, Vigo provides a glimpse into Galicia’s coastal heritage.

Your next two destinations afford the opportunity to walk a section of the famed Camino de Santiago, with your first commencing a 45-minute drive across the bay from Vigo in the historic town of Baiona. Sheltered beneath the walls of the MonteReal fortress, the Bay of Baiona became the first place in Europe to learn of the discovery of the New World. It was here, in 1493, that La Pinta arrived from across the Atlantic, bringing news of Christopher Columbus’s historic voyage.

From the harbor, walk into Baiona’s old town, a compact network of narrow streets shaped by centuries of maritime life. Climbing gently, you reach the fortress walls, where views stretch across the bay and out to the Atlantic, once scanned for returning ships carrying trade, travelers and news from distant shores.

From here, start the first of your camino walks. Beyond the town lies the Camino de Santiago, a route that has drawn pilgrims for more than a thousand years. For centuries, it has offered travelers the chance to undertake a journey both physical and spiritual, whether in fulfilment of a vow, in search of purpose, or simply for the experience of the path itself. Today, pilgrims continue for many reasons: faith, self‑discovery, or the quiet challenge of the road.

Your walk follows a portion of a section of the Camino de Santiago known as the Portuguese Coastal Way, sharing the same path still used by pilgrims today. Covering around 3 miles (5km), the route unfolds gently along the coast, marked by the familiar shells and arrows that guide the way. Gradually, the path turns inland, leading to the stone bridge at A Ramallosa. This classic structure, medieval in form and likely built upon earlier foundations, has carried travelers across the river for centuries. It marks a quiet but meaningful stage along the journey north.

Having completed today’s pilgrimage, return to Vigo for an afternoon of independent exploration, before continuing along the Galician coastline in the late afternoon towards A Coruña.

A Coruña seamlessly blends its rich maritime heritage with its role as a dynamic modern city. The picturesque waterfront beckons both locals and visitors to stroll its streets, savor local wines at welcoming bars, indulge in fresh Atlantic seafood, and immerse themselves in the many cultural festivals on its annual calendar.

Today, walk a further section of the Camino de Santiago, with your destination being Santiago de Compostela, Europe’s most significant pilgrimage city. Once a major site during the Spanish Reconquista, Santiago was heavily damaged in the 10th century by Moorish invaders, igniting Christian Iberia’s passion and spurring a resurgence centered on the city’s fervor for St James. Today, its Old Town, with its blend of Romanesque, Gothic and baroque architecture, is renowned as the endpoint of the 491-mile (790km) Camino Francés pilgrimage route.

A one‑hour drive brings you towards La Calzada, where you’ll step onto the Camino and, for a time, become a pilgrim yourself. From here, follow a 3-mile (4-5km) stretch of the historic route toward Santiago. The landscape unfolds gently, shifting from pine groves to open meadows and farmland, with a varied underfoot path of soil, gravel, and worn stone—echoing the footsteps of those who have passed here for centuries.

Having stretched your legs and taken time to reflect along the way, continue onward to Santiago de Compostela for lunch. Here, you will dine at a traditional pilgrimage-style parador, where hearty Galician cuisine is served. Regional specialties take center stage, including the ever‑popular octopus (pulpo), alongside other simple yet flavorful dishes rooted in the local landscape and traditions.

Re‑energized, set out on a guided walking tour through the historic heart of the city. Along the way, pass landmarks such as the Town Hall, the stately Pazo de Raxoi and the Palace of San Jerónimo, before arriving at the magnificent Praza do Obradoiro—Santiago’s grand central square.

The highlight of your visit is the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, begun in the 12th century. Its impressive façade reflects a blend of architectural styles, the result of centuries of transformation. Inside, the cathedral holds deep spiritual significance: it is believed to house the remains of Saint James the Apostle, making it one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in the Christian world. Passing through its doors, you enter not only a remarkable building, but a space shaped by faith, tradition, and the shared experience of countless pilgrims who have completed their journey here.

Returning to the ship, sail to France late afternoon.

After 2 days walking portions of the historic Camino de Santiago, today is an opportunity to relax and recharge. Rest your legs, unwind in the sauna, soak in the Jacuzzi, or simply find a comfortable spot on deck and enjoy the ever-changing views at sea.

As you sail north towards the shores of Brittany and Normandy, join the onboard experts for a series of engaging presentations exploring the regions’ distinctive cultures, rich maritime traditions, Celtic roots, historic ports and pivotal role in shaping the history of France. These insightful talks provide the perfect introduction to the landscapes, people and stories that await you in the days ahead.

Your 45-minute drive brings you to the coast at the small harbor of Le Conquet, once a strategic outpost guarding the western approaches to Brest. From here, set out along the famed GR34 coastal path, following the rugged edge of Brittany’s Atlantic coast, in search of both ancient and more recent historical sights, with time to experience Brittany at its best with a free afternoon to relax in the coastal enclave of Le Conquet.

The coastal walk from Le Conquet to Pointe Saint‑Mathieu covers approximately 3.5 miles (6km) and centuries of history. Throughout, the everchanging light, expansive views and powerful sense of place make this one of the most memorable coastal walks in Brittany, a journey where natural beauty and the regions past are inseparably entwined.

Leaving the harbor behind, the path quickly becomes fully coastal, winding across open headlands and along clifftops with uninterrupted views over the Atlantic. Wind and sea define this landscape, and the growing sense of exposure reveals why this coastline has long been of strategic importance.

Here, the remains of the Brittany section of the 1,670‑mile (2,700km) Atlantikwall begin to emerge. Constructed by Nazi Germany along the coasts of seven nations during World War II, this vast defensive system was designed to repel an Allied invasion from the sea. In Brittany, these fortifications were concentrated around the strategically vital naval base at Brest, one of the principal ports used by the German navy and its U‑boat fleet.

As the war turned in 1944, Brest became a key objective for the advancing Allied forces. Fiercely defended by German troops, the city endured a prolonged siege and heavy bombardment. When Brest was liberated in September 1944, much of the city lay in ruins, and the port had been so extensively damaged that it was of little immediate use to the Allies. Today, scattered bunkers and gun positions still line the cliffs, some reduced to fragments, others standing stark against the elements as reminders of this heavily fortified coastline.

Your walk continues to the dramatic headland of Pointe Saint-Mathieu, where the ruins of a medieval abbey stand beside a working lighthouse. Nearby, former German command posts and artillery positions overlook the sea, while the Musée Mémoires 39-45, housed in a remarkably well-preserved bunker, offers compelling insight into life along the front line of occupied Europe and the Battle for Brest.

On returning to Brest, the city is yours to explore with your afternoon free, prior to an early evening departure.

Sail the most western point of Brittany overnight to reach the coastal town of Roscoff. The city’s old town is deeply connected to its maritime heritage, the all-important French onion trade and the uniquely local business of seaweed collection. The bustling old port is a focal point year-round, accommodating commercial fishing boats, recreational vessels and traditional ‘goémoniers’.

Head half an hour inland this morning to spend time in one of the region’s historic towns. Nestled in a deep valley where the River Dossen meets the sea, the Breton town of Morlaix is renowned for its striking natural setting. Accompanied by a local guide, begin your walk beneath its most iconic landmark: the great 19th‑century viaduct, built to carry the railway between Paris and Brest. During the Second World War, this vital link drew the attention of Allied forces, and the town suffered bombing raids aimed at destroying it—yet remarkably, the viaduct survived and continues to dominate the skyline today, affording the unusual opportunity to walk across its lower level and enjoy sweeping views over the rooftops and river below.

From here, enter the historic center, where Morlaix’s medieval prosperity comes vividly to life. In the 15th and 16th centuries, the town flourished as a busy port, and its wealthy merchants left behind a legacy of multi-storied, timber‑framed maisons à pondalez, known as ‘lantern houses.’ Step inside one of these remarkable homes, with its carved wooden galleries and central open hall, offering a fascinating insight into the craftsmanship and ambition of the period.

Your walk continues through narrow cobbled streets and the hidden alleyways that thread the town, leading past the Gothic Church of Saint‑Melaine, later closed during the French Revolution and used as a food storage center before being restored to worship. Along the way, explore Morlaix’s layered streetscape of courtyards, façades and quiet corners, revealing a town that remains a living record of Breton history.

At the end of the tour, you may choose to return directly to the ship for lunch, with an afternoon free in Roscoff, or remain in Morlaix to enjoy additional time at leisure, with a later transfer provided back to port.

As you head towards Normandy, the ship’s small size allows it to dock at the charming city of Saint-Malo. Though this tidal port can be challenging to access, it’s well worth the effort. Saint-Malo offers a range of captivating experiences for you to enjoy. Perched on the border of the former kingdoms of Normandy and Brittany, the walled city of Saint- Malo with its medieval architecture, cobblestoned streets, and shops stacked with delicious Breton treats, is a true pirate town. This era of ‘privateering’ as it was known, earned Saint-Malo the nickname City of Corsairs and contributed significantly to the prosperity of the Sun King Louis XIV who legalized local sailors to attack foreign ships in return for a portion of their booty. As the final coastal stronghold of the Nazi’s in World War II, much of Saint-Malo was destroyed by Allied bombing but in the true Breton spirit the town was painstakingly rebuilt to its reflect its former self. Today, Saint-Malo celebrates this heritage through its museums, festivals and preserved historic sites, offering visitors a glimpse into its adventurous past.

You can choose from a selection of morning and half-day shore excursion options that best suits your interests and level of fitness (ask your Adventure Specialist for details). In the morning, choose The Privateer Town of Saint-Malo for a walking tour exploring Saint-Malo’s history of privateering, visiting key sites and learning about legendary figures like Jacques Cartier and Duguay-Trouin. Also in the morning, the Saint-Malo Under Siege excursion offers a locally guided walking tour exploring Saint-Malo’s dramatic role in World War II. Or choose the half-day Mont Saint-Michel excursion to explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed site, a dramatic island crowned by a medieval abbey. Discover the abbey’s architecture, wander the charming village and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding bay.

Your excursion today follows the western landings of Operations Overlord. Arrive at the port of Cherbourg which occupied a position of immense strategic importance. Located at the tip of the Cotentin Peninsula, its deep-water harbor was one of the finest in Europe and a vital objective for the Allied forces following the D-Day landings in Normandy.

On 06 June 1944, Allied forces launched a campaign to liberate Europe named Operation Overlord that would alter the course of World War II forever. Following the footsteps of those who fought and fell, you’ll gain a profound understanding of the immense courage exhibited by the participating forces and their enduring legacy. Many came ashore at a roughly 4-mile (7km) stretch nestled between Vierville-sur-Mer and Colleville-sur-Mer, now known as Omaha Beach. Flanked by steep cliffs, this strategic location was heavily fortified with field guns, mortars and machine guns, creating a formidable defense. Despite knowing the risks, the Allies had no alternative but to proceed with the assault. Trapped on the beach amid a scene of chaos, it took them nearly six hours to overcome the obstacles, scale the embankment and reach the plateau. By evening, their advance had barely extended one mile inland.

Visiting the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial is a deeply moving experience. Established on 8 June 1944, it became the first American cemetery on European soil during World War II. Spanning 172 acres, the cemetery is the final resting place for 9,389 military personnel, many of whom lost their lives during the D-Day landings and subsequent operations. The site includes the Walls of the Missing, where 1,557 names are inscribed, with rosettes marking those who have been identified since.

Your day includes time spent at the Omaha memorial and the visitor center. One-third of the 30,000-square-foot building is dedicated to exhibits featuring personal stories, narrative text, photos, films, interactive displays and artifacts that highlight the courage and sacrifice of the US forces in the Battle of Normandy. The visitor center pays tribute to the values and sacrifices of the World War II generation, making a visit to this museum a profoundly moving experience. Note: Omaha beach is subject to tides which may limit your visit to the beach and the Les Braves memorial.

On your return to Cherbourg, there may be time to visit La Cité de la Mer independently before you sail in the early evening towards Caen. Located within Cherbourg’s historic transatlantic terminal and just a short walk from the ship, this acclaimed maritime museum is home to the nuclear submarine Le Redoutable, exhibitions on ocean exploration and displays celebrating the city’s rich seafaring heritage.

The museum also explores Cherbourg’s connection to the great age of transatlantic travel, including the story of the Titanic, which called at Cherbourg on her maiden voyage in 1912 to embark passengers before continuing westward across the Atlantic. Whether you choose to explore the museum’s fascinating exhibits or simply admire the impressive Art Deco terminal building, it offers an engaging insight into one of France’s most important maritime gateways before you continue your voyage.

Navigate the River Orne in the early hours of the morning, arriving in the historic city of Caen. If you wish to continue your exploration of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy, visit the renowned Caen Memorial Museum, widely regarded as one of France’s most comprehensive museums dedicated to the Second World War and Operation Overlord. Alternatively, step back nearly a thousand years and uncover Caen’s great medieval love story. Follow in the footsteps of William the Conqueror and Matilda of Flanders as you visit the two abbeys they founded to secure papal approval for their controversial marriage.

You can choose from a selection of morning shore excursion options that best suits your interests and level of fitness (ask your Adventure Specialist for details). The William the Conqueror & His Wife Matilda tour explores the controversial story of one of medieval Europe’s most influential partnerships that helped shape the future of both Normandy and England. Visit the two Benedictine abbeys they founded. Or choose The Battle of Caen for the Caen Memorial Museum (one of the best D-Day museums in France) for an immersive exploration of the 06 June landings and their broader impact.

Return to the mouth of the River Seine and the last town liberated during the Normandy Campaign: Honfleur. Originally a thriving trading port, Honfleur’s strategic position made it one of the gateways between France and the wider world. During the Hundred Years’ War it briefly fell under English occupation, while in later centuries its fortunes grew through maritime trade and exploration. Most famously, local navigator Samuel de Champlain departed from here before founding Quebec, helping forge lasting ties between Normandy and New France. The wealth generated by seaborne commerce is still visible today in the tall, narrow merchants’ houses that crowd around the harbor, their elegant facades a testament to centuries of prosperity.

A harbor town like no other in Normandy, Honfleur is a picture-perfect corner of France. In the nineteenth century, its appeal extended beyond commerce when Claude Monet followed his mentor, Eugène Boudin, to his hometown. Captivated by the town’s extraordinary light, Monet and his fellow Impressionists found inspiration in its harbor, estuary, and ever-changing skies, immortalizing them on canvas. Today, the Vieux Bassin remains the heart of the town, where yachts bob beneath centuries-old buildings and a maze of galleries, boutiques, cafés and seafood restaurants invite visitors to linger.

As fortune would have it, your visit falls on a Saturday, market day, and perhaps the best time to experience the true spirit of Normandy. Here, you’ll discover that food is far more than sustenance; it is at the heart of local identity. From celebrated cheeses and buttery pastries to orchard-fresh cider and Calvados, the apple brandy many Normans regard as the very essence of their region, every stall reflects a deep pride in the land, its traditions and its bounty. There is no better place to experience the rhythms of Norman life, where conversations, celebrations, and daily routines have long revolved around the table.

Enjoy an introductory walk with a local guide, with the morning in Honfleur, before departing mid-afternoon, your schedule dictated, as it has been for centuries, by the tides of the Seine estuary.

Around midday, arrive in Ostende, a well‑established Belgian port city that was extensively rebuilt following the destruction of the Second World War.

Belgium itself, renowned for its fine chocolates, world‑class beers and traditional sport of pigeon racing, sits at the crossroads of Europe. During the height of its merchant and trading power, cities such as Antwerp, Bruges and Ghent flourished, their wealth built on commerce, textiles and international exchange. This legacy of trade and prosperity continues to shape Belgium’s identity today, blending historic enterprise with modern creativity.

After a 30-minute drive from Oostende, find the best preserved of these cities; Bruges. Since their creation, Bruges’ purpose‑built canals have connected the city to the sea, forming the lifeblood of its prosperity. These waterways enabled international merchants to trade, transforming Bruges into one of the leading commercial hubs of medieval Europe and a prominent Hanseatic city. By the 15th century, it was equal to 5th Avenue and Harrods combined, with buyers travelling from throughout Europe to buy its high-quality wares. It entered a golden age of wealth and influence, a legacy still visible today in its remarkably well‑preserved, opulent architecture.

Walking through its streets, it is easy to see why the entire historic center has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your locally guided walking tour brings this Golden Age to life, as you explore Bruges’ medieval buildings, cobbled lanes and picturesque squares.

With time at leisure, you may choose to indulge in some of Bruges’ renowned Belgian handcrafted chocolates, enjoy a cone of freshly fried fries with mayonnaise, or savor a handcrafted beer in one of the city’s traditional bierkellers. In every corner of Bruges, you encounter a city shaped not by entitlement, but by centuries of enterprise, trade and the enduring craftsmanship of its people.

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport on a group transfer to join your onward flight.