Western Europe: Lisbon to Amsterdam 10 Day Expedition Cruise

One of the oldest cities in the world, Lisbon’s technicoloured past is evident just about everywhere. The medina-like streets of Alfama still bear Moorish influences. Baroque architecture surrounds you in Baixa and scars of the Great Lisbon Earthquake of 1755 can still be found throughout the city. It’s estimated that over 100,000 people died in what became one of history’s deadliest earthquakes. Today Lisbon is a delightful mix of colourful neighbourhoods, all brimming with history, culture and tradition. Baixa is where you’ll find the hustle and bustle, set below São Jorge Castle. Nearby Chiado is one of Lisbon’s trendiest neighbourhoods with its historic cafes and designer shops.

The oldest resort on Portugal’s Atlantic coast, Figueira da Foz, or Figueira, has a sandy, two-mile-long beach, the longest in Portugal. Once a centre for shipbuilding and deep sea fishing, the town became a popular tourist hotspot in the 1920s. Visitors come for walks along the promenade, stop at the beachfront cafes or wander north for seafood restaurants in Buarcos, a fortified town that’s known for its fisherman’s huts and for surfing.

This charming Spanish port town has the surprising claim of being the closest European port to New York. It is also home to the oldest lighthouse in the world, which has been in continuous operation since the 2nd century. Stroll through the colonnaded Maria Pita Square at the heart of the old town or visit one of the many fascinating museums. La Coruna is also the gateway to Galicia, a region known for its rugged, scenic coastline and famous pilgrimage destination, Santiago de Compostela – the final destination on the Way of Saint James pilgrim route.

The Asturian port city of Gijon with colourful old houses is surrounded by rolling green hills, and is home to the Atlantic Botanical Gardens, packed with over 2,000 plants. Wander around the fisherman’s old quarter of Cimedevilla to see the monumental Eulogy to the Horizon sculpture, crafted from cement blocks by Basque sculptor Eduardo Chillida in 1990, and the Campo Valdés Roman Baths dating from around 100 AD. Local ciders are a speciality, best enjoyed in a traditional sideria.

The industrial city of Bilbao is the de facto capital of the Basque region, famed for its culture, skyscrapers and the striking ship-shaped Frank Gehry–designed Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, which sparked significant revitalisation when it opened in 1997. Tour the city’s many pintxo bars and browse the stalls at the lively La Ribera Market whose origins date back to the 14th century. Spain’s famous La Rioja wine region is a full-day trip from the port, with plenty of time for wine tasting.

You can spend your day at sea enjoying the many facilities available. Head to the sauna, get in a workout in the state-of-the-art gym or relax in the jacuzzi whilst taking in incredible views along the way. If you prefer to learn a little more about your surroundings, listen to an informative talk or have a chat with one of our knowledgeable on-board experts.

The picturesque French port city of Concarneau is in the Finistère department in Brittany. Its medieval walled city is on a tiny islet with narrow alleys and ramparts that are perfect for a leisurely stroll. Nearby, the charming artist village of Pont Aven, discovered in the 1860s by American painters, became a popular stop for French artist Paul Gauguin who set up the École de Pont-Aven art movement known as synthetism. Try galettes, the local melt-in-the-mouth Breton butter biscuits.

The enchanting coastal city of Saint-Malo is a labyrinth of medieval streets filled with history and culture. Dating back to the 12th century, Saint-Malo was once a haven for pirates and a stopping point for merchant ships. Today you’ll find colourful shops and outdoor alongside aromatic markets, cafes and restaurants. Oysters and crêpes are the local delicacies - definitely sample some whilst here. The ancient walled town of Intra-Muros forms the heart of Saint-Malo. Here the striking Gothic and Romanesque Cathédrale de St Malo dominates the skyline.

Sea days are rarely dull. Take the time to sit back and let the world go by. The ship’s observation decks provide stunning views of the passing ocean. A day at sea gives you the opportunity to mingle with other passengers and share your experiences of this incredible trip or head to our library which is stocked full of reference books. Get an expert’s view in one of our on-board lectures or perhaps perfect your photography skills with invaluable advice from our onboard professional photographers.

Our port is the gorgeous Dutch city where a boat cruise along the canals gets to the very heart of things, but where walking the narrow streets and over the hundreds of bridges is magical too. Discover a treasure trove of fabulous museums such as the Rijksmuseum, filled with Dutch Masters – and just around the corner from the Van Gogh Museum. While, south of the city, explore windmill-filled stretches of countryside canal.