Amsterdam to Lisbon: Coasting the Atlantic

Tolerant. Intelligent. Inclusive. There are many terms to describe Amsterdam, the city built around canals that began as a humble trading center and grew into a global powerhouse. Founded in the late 12th century, Amsterdam quickly established itself as a pivotal hub for commerce, sending explorers and traders to the far corners of the New World. This spirit of adventure and openness to different cultures has shaped the city’s character, making it a melting pot of diversity and innovation. Today, Amsterdam offers travelers a unique mix of picturesque canals, world-class museums, and a progressive, welcoming atmosphere. Whether you are strolling through its historical neighborhoods, exploring its world-class art scene, or simply enjoying a Heineken by a canal, Amsterdam promises to put a smile on your face.

‘Your Choice’ experiences today, offer a chance to view the many faces of Amsterdam, with time this afternoon to explore the city at your own pace. Perhaps visit one of Amsterdam’s renowned galleries such as the Rijk’s Museum or van Gogh Museum, learn more about the city’s favorite son at Rembrandt’s house, or uncover the poignant history of Amsterdam during World War II through the diaries of Anne Frank at the Anne Frank House. This evening, gather to celebrate the journey ahead at a welcome reception.

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). Visit the Canals of Amsterdam and enjoy a scenic canal cruise through the heart of Amsterdam. Discover the city’s history as you glide past merchant houses, admire the vibrant spring blooms and experience the unique charm of this iconic waterway. Or choose Holland’s Best Brew for a self-guided tour of the Heineken Experience museum. Or opt for A slice of rural life – Dutch style for insights into cheesemaking and clog craftsmanship at a local farm, followed by free time in a nearby fishing village with colorful houses and food vendors selling traditional bites.

Enjoy time this morning to sleep in, do some last-minute shopping, or stroll the canals at your own pace, before meeting your guide for a real Dutch treat.

As you approach Zaanse Schans, it’s hard to believe you are still in 21st-century Amsterdam. The iconic windmills, their sails turning slowly, provide a historical backdrop against lush meadows. Inside, the creak of wood and the whir of machinery reveal the mills’ vital role in Dutch industrial innovation. Dating back to the 17th century, these mills were essential for sawing wood and grinding oil, flour, spices and pigments. Today, you can still enter a mill and learn from a host how these age-old processes worked.

Strolling through Zaanse Schans, you will hear the distinctive clatter of wooden clogs on cobblestones and witness the craftsmanship behind Dutch cheeses and Delft Blue pottery. Artisans at the Weavers’ House and Tiemstra’s Coopery continue these traditional crafts. Each building and craft evoke nostalgia, connecting you to centuries of history. Though it is a living community, visiting Zaanse Schans feels like stepping into a bygone era. An introductory tour will showcase Zaanse Schans’ famous windmills before free time to explore this unique site independently.

Then drive to the coast and the port of IJmuiden, to board the ship. This evening, enjoy a welcome aboard dinner, where you’ll meet your guide team and crew.

This morning, arrive in the Belgian seaside city of Oostende for an insight into one of northern Europe’s kingdoms. A land of two peoples, Belgium is famous for its Flemish flair and Walloon warmth. Cyclists glide through cobbled towns like local royalty, and yes, pigeon racing is a national obsession, with prized birds fetching prices that rival sports cars. From medieval cities to chocolate shops, Belgium balances tradition with eccentricity. It’s small in size but big on character, where waffles are serious business and the weather is anyone’s guess. Its compact size affords an afternoon to choose between two contrasting experiences or simply soak up some seaside atmosphere in Oostende itself, before sailing mid-evening to France.

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). Choose Beautiful Bruges to explore the canals of Bruges, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Join a guided walking tour, discover medieval architecture and immerse yourself in the city’s history as a major trading hub. Enjoy free time to indulge in Belgian chocolates, fries, or a local beer. Or choose The Atlantic Wall – A World War II Story for the open-air museum that preserves remnants of Nazi Germany’s vast coastal defense system.

Arrive at the mouth of the River Seine with tidal restrictions permitting you access to Honfleur mid-morning. Originally a bustling trade port, Honfleur boasts charming streets and an iconic harbor. During the Hundred Years’ War, it briefly fell under English occupation and thrived as a crucial trade hub, particularly with North America and later French Canada, when local explorer Samuel de Champlain founded Quebec. Honfleur’s ship owners amassed fortunes, which remain evident today in the multi-storied, terraced homes tightly packed around the harbor as symbols of status and wealth.

In the 19th century, Honfleur’s appeal transcended commerce, when artist Claude Monet followed his mentor, Eugène Boudin, to his hometown. He and his fellow Impressionists were captivated by the town’s ethereal light immortalizing it on canvas. Today, the Vieux Bassin hosts yachts against a backdrop of centuries-old buildings, where quaint shops, vibrant galleries and seafood restaurants beckon visitors to savor regional flavors in this picturesque coastal setting. Choose to explore Honfleur’s picturesque streets, visit the spring blossoms of a renowned Calvados producer, or explore the historic city of Rouen.

You can choose from a selection of morning or half-day shore excursion options that best suits your interests and level of fitness (ask your Adventure Specialist for details). In the morning, select Strolling Honfleur for a walking tour past flower boxes in bloom, to the weekly organic market and time with a local guide to learn why Honfleur became a center of impressionism. Also in the morning, The Battle for Normandy – a D-Day Experience visits the Caen Memorial Museum for an immersive exploration of the June 6 landings at one of the best D-Day museums in France. For a half-day option, choose St Joan of Arc’s Rouen to explore the historic city of Rouen, famed for its Gothic cathedral and its connection to Joan of Arc. Wander through the charming old town and admire the architecture for a relaxed exploration.

A mere 30 miles off the Normandy coast, the self-governing British Crown Dependency the Bailiwick of Guernsey is one of the eight permanently inhabited strongholds of the Channel Islands. Despite being closer to France, Guernsey holds to its distinctive British character. When William the Conqueror, Duke of Normandy, became King of England in 1066, the Channel Islands, including Guernsey, became possessions of the English Crown. They have remained British Crown Dependencies ever since.

Arriving at midday, your afternoon ‘Your Choice’ experiences offer an opportunity to see more of scenic Guernsey or learn its World War II story. Alternatively, why not wander the streets of St. Peters Port, with the ship berthed at the town’s centrally located port. Perhaps,browse the shops, cake shops and quaint pubs, or tour Castle Cornet or visit Victor Hugo’s 19th century home at your own pace before sailing early evening.

You can choose from a selection of afternoon shore excursion options that best suits your interests and level of fitness (ask your Adventure Specialist for details). On the Scenic Guernsey and the Sculptures of Sausmarez Manor driving tour, experience dramatic coastal scenery followed by time exploring the home the Seigneurs de Sausmarez, complete with sculpture gardens with over 150 contemporary works on display. Or choose Guernsey at War to take in Guernsey’s WWII sites plus visits to the German Occupation Museum and the La Valette Underground Military Museum.

This morning, arrive in one of France’s most distinctive regions; Brittany. Its residents often consider themselves Bretons first and French second, a reflection of the region’s deep Celtic roots. That heritage is still visible today, from the language and traditions to the music and cuisine. Your ship’s boutique size allows for docking at this charming city.

Saint-Malo offers a range of captivating experiences for you to enjoy. This walled city, with its medieval architecture, cobblestoned streets, and shops stacked with delicious Bretonnique treats, is a true ‘pirate town’. This era of privateering earned St Malo the nickname ‘City of Corsairs’ and contributed significantly to its prosperity and dubious reputation. Today, St Malo celebrates this heritage through its museums, festivals and preserved historic sites, offering visitors a glimpse into its adventurous past as a renowned ‘pirate city’.

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 Pirate 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, culminating at the Asfeld Hotel, once owned by a famous privateer. Also in the morning, the Discovering Dinan: Riverside Calm or Medieval Charm excursion offers a peaceful riverside stroll on your own, or a guided walk through the bustling medieval center of Dinan. 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.

Sailing the Atlantic coast, your onboard host brings the journey to life with engaging presentations on the remarkable characters who once navigated these waters. You’re invited to delve deeper in the onboard library, unwind and take in the ever-changing seascape, or walk the waves in the gym. As you head south toward Lorient, the choice is yours—study, relax, or move with the rhythm of the ocean.

Lorient is a modern port city with a rich maritime history and a lively cultural scene. Founded in the 17th century as the base of the French East India Company, Lorient quickly became a global trading hub, dealing in textiles, porcelain and exotic spices. Its strategic location later made it a key naval base, though it was heavily damaged during World War II. Today, Lorient has reinvented itself as a center for sailing, festivals and Breton pride.

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). Discover Gauguin’s Pont-Aven for a quaint town with rich artistic and gastronomic legacy, including Gauguin’s art school and traditional delicacies such as Galettes de Pont-Aven. Or choose King Louis 14th-The Money Behind the Man to step inside the stone walls of a 17th-century citadel, where the French East India Company was once headquartered. Enjoy stories of spices from India, silk from China, and porcelain from Southeast Asia, and how they helped enrich France’s coffers, plus a visit to the citadel’s Marine Museum, complete with shipwreck treasures and gripping sailor tales.

La Rochelle may be small compared to its neighbors, but it’s big on charm. This Atlantic gem has been a seafarer’s stronghold, a Huguenot haven and a pirate’s playground. Its iconic medieval towers still guard the old port, where salty breezes mingle with the scent of fresh oysters and pine from nearby Île de Ré. Wander through arcaded streets once trodden by merchants and rebels alike or just sit back with a glass of chilled white wine and watch the boats bob in the marina. With its blend of maritime grit and French elegance, La Rochelle offers a range of morning ‘Your Choice’ experiences to enjoy before sailing mid-afternoon to Spain.

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). On the La Rochelle guided tour, take a scenic drive along the waterfront for Le Mail Gardens and the Old Port’s historic towers, then stroll the Old Quarter for medieval fortifications and Renaissance heritage with free time to wander. Or choose Cognac and Chocolate to tour a local winery, learn about the spirit’s history and traditional production methods, and enjoy a tasting session.

Few cultures are more fascinating than that of the Basque people, whose identity flows from the rugged heights of the western Pyrenees to the sparkling coast at San Sebastián, where you’ll spend today. With their own language, Euskara, distinct traditions, flavorsome foods and a strong focus on family and community, the Basques have long nurtured a sense of independence. Today, explore what fuels their desire to go it alone, and how their unique heritage continues to shape daily life.

San Sebastián blends Belle Époque elegance with Basque pride on today’s ‘Your Choice’ experiences, with a shuttle from your ship’s berth at the port of Pasajes, 10 miles from town to the center of San Sebastián, available this afternoon.

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). Choose the morning’s San Sebastián – a glimpse of the Basque country for a scenic drive past seaside, Belle Époque mansions and sweeping hillside, followed by a visit to the San Telmo Museum for exhibits on Basque history, art and traditions. Or opt for the half-day San Sebastián – Tapas Time excursion, with free time in town before meeting your guide for a unique lunch of tapas at various restaurants.

Enjoy a leisurely day at sea, when you can do as much or as little as you please. Perhaps enjoy time in the sauna or relax on the Sun Deck. Otherwise, find a cozy spot in one of the ship’s observation lounges to enjoy a book or catch up on editing your photos.

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. Bring your umbrella, as it may rain, but it’s well worth it. This region is a lush, green enclave amid Spain’s typical dry and arid landscape.

The coastal city of A Coruña is steeped in maritime heritage, celebrated through its iconic Tower of Hercules, the only working Roman lighthouse and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As one of Spain’s major port cities, A Coruña has been a hub of maritime trade and exploration since ancient times, with various naval battles played out off its shores. Its strategic location on the Atlantic coast has made it a pivotal point for voyages across the seas, including journeys to the Americas during the Age of Exploration, when A Coruña served as a departure point for explorers such as Pedro Menéndez de Avilés, who founded St Augustine, thought to be the oldest continuously inhabited European-established settlement in the continental United States.

Today, 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, savior local wines at welcoming bars, indulge in fresh Atlantic seafood and immerse themselves in the many cultural festivals on its annual calendar.

You can choose from a selection of morning and midday shore excursion options that best suits your interests and level of fitness (ask your Adventure Specialist for details). In the morning, A panoramic tour of A Coruña offers a driving tour of sites that feature the city’s maritime heritage and elegant architecture, followed by free time in the historic old town. Choose the morning Medieval Betanzos for a scenic drive of Peninsula das Marinas to Betanzos, a town steeped in medieval heritage, ending with free time to explore. For a midday option, A Coruña – Tapas Time is a locally guided walking tour of the city complete with a few tastings of local specialties.

Your final Spanish port of call is Vigo. 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.

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). Choose Santiago de Compostela to visit Santiago de Compostela, a famous city for pilgrims. Explore the historic center and see the amazing cathedral. Or choose Soutomaior Castle and Winery Visit, home to a 15th-century fortress built by Pedro Madruga. Explore the castle, its surrounding gardens and a local winery. Or choose The Wines of the Rías Baixas and discover Galicia’s rich winemaking tradition in Rías Baixas, renowned for Albariño wines. Tour a local winery, learn about the role of women vintners, and enjoy a tasting of these elegant, citrusy wines.

This morning, arrive at Portugal’s ‘second city’; Porto. This fascinating city entices visitors with its storied past, vibrant culture, and architectural splendor. It was in Porto 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. Porto has never looked back. The city lends its name to the fortified wine produced in nearby valleys, framing the Douro River with its picturesque streets, iconic iron bridges and renowned wine cellars.

Enjoy a panoramic tour of Porto’s most emblematic landmarks before visiting one of the city’s iconic port caves for a tour, and of course, a tasting. From here, enjoy some free time to explore the historic district of Ribeira. It is here, where Porto’s historical Rabelo boats, once vital for transporting port wine barrels, still grace the riverbanks, adding to the city’s authentic charm. Perhaps enjoy some traditional Portuguese fare, try some retail therapy, or sip a glass of Portuguese wine while soaking up the waterfront district’s vibrant atmosphere.

This afternoon, drive south to the nation’s capital city, with a night to prepare for a day’s sightseeing tomorrow.

Lisbon sits on the river Tagus, gifting it access to the coast that made Portugal one of world’s most successful trading nations. Explorers including Vasco da Gama, Magellan and Bartholomeu Dias sailed on behalf of their monarch, discovering new lands and establishing new trade routes. The city prospered, with much of the proceeds from their colonies spent on opulent architecture. On the morning of All Saints Day 1755, Lisbon’s faithful were huddled in church when a 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck, followed by a series of tsunamis that devastated the city. Candles lit for the religious ceremonies began a firestorm. By the end of the day, more than 75 per cent of the population had perished. Current day Lisbon reflects this tragedy, with few buildings pre-dating the 18th century, but money spent to rebuild the city was spent doggedly, creating a city of wide boulevards, sensible facades and parklands, all backed by opulent baroque interiors and paved by unique black and white-tiled pavements. With a relatively small population, Lisbon is an easy city to navigate. Its hillside suburbs are accessed by trams and funiculars while its waterfront remains a busy harbor, ready to continue the trading prowess that made the city famous. Join one of today’s ‘Your Choice’ morning excursions, with your afternoon free to explore the city further at your own pace, and an early evening farewell reception planned to celebrate your journey.

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). On the guided Introducing Lisbon tour, visit landmarks that tell tales of exploration, colonization and devastation. Or visit the beautiful building of Mercado da Ribeira to take in this famous market with a guide, including opportunities to taste local delicacies.

After breakfast, check-out of your hotel and transfer to the airport for your onward flight.