Porto, Bordeaux and Bergen: Wonders of Western Europe

Arrive in Lisbon, the capital of Portugal and one of Europe’s most vibrant cities. Spend the day at your leisure, exploring the city's history, art and cuisine before embarking the ship in the late afternoon.

Lively, commercial Oporto is the second largest city in Portugal after Lisbon. Also called Porto for short, the word easily brings to mind the city's most famous product - port wine. Oporto's strategic location on the north bank of the Douro River has accounted for the town's importance since ancient times. The Romans built a fort here where their trading route crossed the Douro, and the Moors brought their own culture to the area. Oporto profited from provisioning crusaders en route to the Holy Land and enjoyed the riches from Portuguese maritime discoveries during the 15th and 16th centuries. Later, port wine trade with Britain compensated for the loss of the spice trade and the end of gold and gem shipments from Brazil. In the 19th century, the city went through a period of new prosperity with the rise of industries. In its wake followed the building of workers' quarters and opulent residences. Since the declaration of Oporto as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the city aims to build up a cultural reference that will provide it with a new image, based on deep historical roots. Among the attractions that make Oporto such an interesting place are its graceful bridges spanning the Douro River, a picturesque riverfront quarter and, most notable, its world-famous port wine lodges. Although Oporto is a bustling centre and home to many different businesses, the source of its greatest fame is the rich, sweet fortified red wine we know as port.

Spend a relaxing day at sea entering the Bay of Biscay. Join your officers on the Bridge and learn about navigating through the region, the history of the waterway and connectivity of the oceans. Attend a presentation led by your naturalists or take advantage of the onboard amenities.

The largest and one of the most notable cities in the Basque country, Bilbao has transformed from an old-world hub of industry to a thriving metropolis filled with arts and culture. Soak in architectural marvels such as the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, or spend time wandering the old town and tasting the local flavors of Basque cuisine. Alternatively, hike along the coast and witness the strength of the Bay of Biscay on one of the converted rail trails in the region.

Bordeaux as a whole, rather than any particular points within it, is what you'll want to visit in order to understand why Victor Hugo described it as Versailles plus Antwerp, and why the painter Francisco de Goya, when exiled from his native Spain, chose it as his last home (he died here in 1828). The capital of southwest France and the region's largest city, Bordeaux remains synonymous with the wine trade: wine shippers have long maintained their headquarters along the banks of the Garonne, while buyers from around the world arrive for the huge biennial Vinexpo show (held in odd-number years).Bordeaux is, admittedly, a less exuberant city than many others in France, but lively and stylish elements are making a dent in its conservative veneer. The cleaned-up riverfront is said by some, after a bottle or two, to exude an elegance reminiscent of St. Petersburg, and that aura of 18th-century élan also permeates the historic downtown sector—“le vieux Bordeaux"—where fine shops invite exploration. To the south of the city center are old docklands undergoing renewal—one train station has now been transformed into a big multiplex movie theater—but the area is still a bit shady. To get a feel for the historic port of Bordeaux, take the 90-minute boat trip that leaves Quai Louis-XVIII every weekday afternoon, or the regular passenger ferry that plies the Garonne between Quai Richelieu and the Pont d'Aquitaine in summer. A nice time to stroll around the city center is the first Sunday of the month, when it's pedestrian-only and vehicles are banned.

Spend another relaxing day at sea as you round the Brittany Peninsula. Edit photos with the help of your certified photo instructor, or cozy up with a book in the library or lounge, enjoying views of this scenic peninsula.

Thrust out into the sea and bound to the mainland only by tenuous man-made causeways, romantic St-Malo has built a reputation as a breeding ground for phenomenal sailors. Many were fishermen, but others—most notably Jacques Cartier, who claimed Canada for Francis I in 1534—were New World explorers. Still others were corsairs, "sea dogs" paid by the French crown to harass the Limeys across the Channel: legendary ones like Robert Surcouf and Duguay-Trouin helped make St-Malo rich through their pillaging, in the process earning it the nickname "the pirates' city." The St-Malo you see today isn’t quite the one they called home because a weeklong fire in 1944, kindled by retreating Nazis, wiped out nearly all of the old buildings. Restoration work was more painstaking than brilliant, but the narrow streets and granite houses of the Vieille Ville were satisfactorily recreated, enabling St-Malo to regain its role as a busy fishing port, seaside resort, and tourist destination. The ramparts that help define this city figuratively and literally are authentic, and the flames also spared houses along Rue de Pelicot in the Vieille Ville. Battalions of tourists invade this quaint part of town in summer, so arrive off-season if you want to avoid crowds.

Sail past the famed whitewashed Cliffs of Dover, a beacon to many World War II pilots returning home from battle on the continent. Walk the wartime tunnels deep beneath Dover Castle and immerse yourself in the drama of the 1940 Dunkirk evacuation—“Operation Dynamo.” Then, explore this historic seaside town, known as the “Gateway to England,” and its tranquil nature reserves in the surrounding area, enjoying hikes on cliffside paths with panoramic views of the English Channel.

Experience a day at sea as you sail to Scotland. Attend onboard talks to learn more about the migratory wildlife routes along this rugged coastline. Relax in a sauna or infinity hot tub with views of the remote islands that dot your route.

Known for its hill fort, the iconic Edinburgh Castle, this vibrant city offers a variety of experiences amid its charming medieval streets. Walk the Royal Mile and capture the iconic photo of a bagpiper dressed in traditional regalia, or join a guided neighborhood walk to discover the hidden gems of this storied city. Alternatively, explore the various homes of the royal family through the ages.

This afternoon, arrive in the Shetland Islands, a North Sea archipelago known for its wild beauty, untamed landscapes and ancient history. Choose from a variety of options to gain a deeper understanding of these dynamic islands, whether that's hiking along a cliff with beautiful vistas, kayaking in a fjord or connecting with locals.

Enjoy a final day at sea as you sail toward Norway.

Disembark in Bergen after breakfast and transfer to the airport for your flight home.