Lisbon to Copenhagen

Discover the world’s last colonial empire, turned bustling cosmopolitan city. Lisbon has dozens of Moorish castles, pastel buildings, and white sand beaches to explore. This Atlantic-coast city perfectly encapsulates Mediterranean charm with its wine, food, and architecture.

This picturesque city is popular for its colorful tile-decorated buildings, its many hills and the iconic bridges by the Douro River. For an authentic Portuguese experience, go to the Ribeira neighborhood and cross the Dom Luis I bridge to watch the magical sunset among the locals.

Enjoy a relaxing day at sea

Take a tip from the Spanish and head to Santander. They flock to this Cantabrian city to lounge on the long golden beaches, admire its Belle Époque mansions and gracious parks, and promenade along the waterfront Paseo de Pereda. This is a festival city, the 10-day Semana Grande in July being one of the best, and home of the arts center Centro Botín, designed by Renzo Piano. Then, of course, there is the food; Santander’s bars serve some of the region’s best pinchos, tiny tapas of tasty morsels served on a crunchy slices of baguette – anchovy fillets preserved in oil are among the local favorites.

With its huge sweep of sandy beach and charming painted houses overlooking the sheltered waters of a natural bay, Saint-Jean-de-Luz appears at first glance to be a sleepy port – but delve deeper and you’ll discover there’s more to it. This French Basque town just a short hop from Spain was once the domain of plucky privateers and weathered whale hunters, earning it the nickname `nest of vipers`, while its elegant 17th-century buildings are testament to the wealth of the ship-owners who made their fortunes here. Today, it’s a lively fishing port with many interesting landmarks, including the church where Louis XIV married Maria Theresa in 1660, thereby uniting France and Spain.

This UNESCO-designated city known as Port of the Moon due the natural shape of its harbor is celebrated for its glorious chateaux, its mouth-watering cuisine and its incomparable wines – Bordeaux is surrounded by the world’s most famous vineyards including Medoc, St-Emilion, Pomerol, Graves and Sauternes. One time the richest community and largest port in France, Bordeaux today is second only to Paris as the country’s most densely populated city.

This UNESCO-designated city known as Port of the Moon due the natural shape of its harbor is celebrated for its glorious chateaux, its mouth-watering cuisine and its incomparable wines – Bordeaux is surrounded by the world’s most famous vineyards including Medoc, St-Emilion, Pomerol, Graves and Sauternes. One time the richest community and largest port in France, Bordeaux today is second only to Paris as the country’s most densely populated city.

This UNESCO-designated city known as Port of the Moon due the natural shape of its harbor is celebrated for its glorious chateaux, its mouth-watering cuisine and its incomparable wines – Bordeaux is surrounded by the world’s most famous vineyards including Medoc, St-Emilion, Pomerol, Graves and Sauternes. One time the richest community and largest port in France, Bordeaux today is second only to Paris as the country’s most densely populated city.

This UNESCO-designated city known as Port of the Moon due the natural shape of its harbor is celebrated for its glorious chateaux, its mouth-watering cuisine and its incomparable wines – Bordeaux is surrounded by the world’s most famous vineyards including Medoc, St-Emilion, Pomerol, Graves and Sauternes. One time the richest community and largest port in France, Bordeaux today is second only to Paris as the country’s most densely populated city.

The south coast of Britain keeps a long sandy leash on this isle in the English Channel. That strip of sand is Chesil Beach, part of the Jurassic Coast, an impressive array of rocks, landforms and fossils listed by UNESCO as the only place in the world to reveal 185 million years of geological history in one place. Just a few square miles in size, this almost-island is a quiet cluster of communities best known for its headland Portland Bill – with no less than three lighthouses – and the creamy white stone quarried here, used in the construction of some of Britain’s greatest buildings, including the Tower of London.

Southampton’s legendary sights, including Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, Parliament Square, Whitehall and the fashionable West End, provide memories to treasure during our visit to England. These alluring attractions lie just 90 minutes from historic Southampton, where we dock.

A crossroad in the English Channel for centuries, Zeebrugge is the gateway to Flanders, whose Golden Age heritage resides in three historic cities: Ghent, Antwerp and Bruges. Here, museums display the glories of the old Flemish masters, from Van Dyck to Rubens. Summertime is a delight, showcasing colorful flower-filled window boxes, the graceful arcs of windmills, a patchwork of farms and picturesque rivers.
Experience Bruges, the ultimate city of chocolate, where history and indulgence unite. Stroll through Market Square and Burg Square

Edgier than Amsterdam, with a raw energy that emanates from its busy port, the Netherlands’ second-largest city has reinvented itself since much of it was flattened in World War II. Today, Rotterdam is full of arresting architecture. Cross the Erasmus Bridge, with its futuristic silhouette, before strolling past the yellow Cube Houses. The arch-shaped Markthal also impresses, with its reflective ceiling in a kaleidoscope of colors curving above stalls selling food from around the world. As for art, you’ll find plenty everywhere from the Boijmans Van Beuningen Depot to the vibrant street murals.

Enjoy an overnight in port.

Much of Rotterdam’s edgy, sophisticated personality is a result of the destruction of much of the city by the WWII blitz, which left it to be rebuilt with a contemporary approach to design. Modern, eye-catching buildings of concrete, glass and steel stand in stark contrast to the few remaining “old city” areas of Delfshaven, or Delft Harbor, and Oude Haven, or Old Harbor, and outstanding museums, hotels and restaurants consistently earn Rotterdam top rankings for best places to visit.

Sitting on the Elbe River, the city of Hamburg is known for being one of the biggest harbors of the European continent. You can explore its eclectic culture and learn its history while strolling and visiting the St. Nikolai Memorial or the Museum for Hamburg History. Dive into more modern delights among its design-forward buildings or by enjoying the many cultural events.

At the head of the Oslofjord, which boasts many densely wooded islands, lies the impressive Norwegian capital of Oslo. This inspiring city is the site of many of Norway’s finest historic and cultural achievements. Towering above our dock near the city center is the imposing Akershus Fortress and Castle. Graceful Viking ships, the Munch Art Museum and Gustav Vigeland’s awesome sculpture collection are among the rich treasury of attractions this city has to offer.

At the head of the Oslofjord, which boasts many densely wooded islands, lies the impressive Norwegian capital of Oslo. This inspiring city is the site of many of Norway’s finest historic and cultural achievements., including the imposing Akershus Fortress and Castle. Graceful Viking ships, the Munch Art Museum and Gustav Vigeland’s awesome sculpture collection are among the city’s rich treasury of attractions.

Capital of the “World’s Happiest Country,” Copenhagen is known for its colorful buildings, busy canals and cozy ambience. In this charming city, you can stroll the Tivoli Gardens, visit museums or join the cycling culture by touring on two wheels..

Enjoy historic landmarks, vibrant waterfronts, and photo opportunities of Copenhagen. Your luxury cruise holiday comes to an end today.