Wonders of Europe: Copenhagen to Lisbon

Welcome to Copenhagen, a city that epitomises Scandinavian cool. Denmark’s vibrant capital is full of exceptional architecture, art, history and food.

Board your 6-star Discovery Yacht this afternoon. The Captain and crew of Scenic Eclipse II will welcome you on board with a glass of Champagne as you familiarise yourself with your new home. With only up to 228 guests on board, you’ll experience an immersive, engaging cruise through this fascinating part of the world. Join your fellow guests on the Sky Deck to toast the start of an unforgettable Signature Yacht Cruise.

Please book your flight to arrive into Copenhagen prior to 02:00 PM.

By the 11th century, Copenhagen was already an important trading and fishing centre and today you will find an attractive city which, although the largest in Scandinavia, has managed to retain its low-level skyline. Discover some of the famous attractions including Gefion Fountain and Amalienborg Palace, perhaps cruise the city’s waterways, visit Rosenborg Castle or explore the medieval fishing village of Dragoer. Once the home of Hans Christian Andersen, Copenhagen features many reminders of its fairytale heritage and lives up to the reputation immortalised in the famous song ‘Wonderful Copenhagen’.

A charming seaside retreat on Germany’s Baltic coast, Travemünde blends maritime history with relaxed coastal elegance. Founded as a fishing village in the 12th century, this picturesque port has long been a favorite getaway for those seeking fresh sea air, sandy beaches, and a laid-back atmosphere.

As the gateway to Lübeck, a World Heritage-listed city, Travemünde offers a seamless blend of history, culture, and scenic beauty. Stroll along its lively promenade, admire historic sailing ships, or simply soak in the serene coastal ambiance of this timeless Baltic gem.

Travemünde is a beach resort with history: The town was founded in 1187 by Count Adolf III zu Schauenburg, who recognized the strategic value of its site at junction of the River Trave and the Baltic Sea. In 1329, Lübeck bought the village and its castle, thereby securing access to the Baltic for international trade. Fishing was the village's main source of income until the late 18th Century, when tourism entered the picture. Throughout the 50s and 60s, Travermunde was to Germany, what St. Tropez was to France. Even though that is perhaps not the case anymore (you’ll see no megayachts or Russian billions here), Travermunde has retained a very charming and inviting olde-worlde appeal of beach huts, boats and barbeques. A long river of sand greets the happy traveller who disembarks here and if the gentle Baltic sea and distinctive – and very comfortable – wicker strandkörbe (hooded beach seats), are not enough to keep you busy, then exploring the attractive riverfront is a worthwhile pastime. The stroll into town provides the perfect excuse to sample some of the excellent many draft beers on tap and for these feeling a bit peckish, the fish restaurants are reputed to be some of the best in the country. Do not miss a chance to taste the local speciality of young herring served with salad and salted, boiled potatoes that have been rolled in cumin. To work off your feast, then the short hike or cycle ride (bike hire shops are found almost everywhere) to the conservation area around Brodtener Steilufer is well worthwhile, and commands spectacular views.

Sail through the world’s busiest man-made canal as your Discovery Yacht travels from the Baltic Sea to the North Sea. Meet the Captain and his crew on the bridge for some of the best views of the canal. Alternatively, take a seat in the Observation Lounge and sip specialty teas and aromatic Illy coffee or lie back in one of the cabanas near the Sky Bar and watch dozens of ships go by.

Enjoy a relaxing day at sea before arriving in Amsterdam this afternoon. After breakfast on your private verandah or the Yacht Club, perhaps book a massage# at the Senses Spa.

The 550m2 wellness area features  infrared saunas and Salt Therapy Lounge ice fountains  and sun beds on the spa terrace.

When your Discovery Yacht arrives in Amsterdam, you'll be perfectly positioned to explore the city's iconic canals, historic landmarks, and vibrant culture right from the heart of this enchanting destination, with the added luxury of an overnight stay to fully immerse yourself in its charm.

Amsterdam combines the unrivaled beauty of the 17th-century Golden Age city center with plenty of museums and art of the highest order, not to mention a remarkably laid-back atmosphere. It all comes together to make this one of the world's most appealing and offbeat metropolises in the world. Built on a latticework of concentric canals like an aquatic rainbow, Amsterdam is known as the City of Canals—but it's no Venice, content to live on moonlight serenades and former glory. Quite the contrary: on nearly every street here you'll find old and new side by side—quiet corners where time seems to be holding its breath next to streets like neon-lit Kalverstraat, and Red Light ladies strutting by the city's oldest church. Indeed, Amsterdam has as many lovely facets as a 40-carat diamond polished by one of the city's gem cutters. It's certainly a metropolis, but a rather small and very accessible one. Locals tend to refer to it as a big village, albeit one that happens to pack the cultural wallop of a major world destination. There are scores of concerts every day, numerous museums, summertime festivals, and, of course, a legendary year-round party scene. It's pretty much impossible to resist Amsterdam's charms. With 7,000 registered monuments, most of which began as the residences and warehouses of humble merchants, set on 160 man-made canals, and traversed by 1,500 or so bridges, Amsterdam has the largest historical inner city in Europe. Its famous circle of waterways, the grachtengordel, was a 17th-century urban expansion plan for the rich and is a lasting testament to the city’s Golden Age. This town is endearing because of its kinder, gentler nature—but a reputation for championing sex, drugs, and rock ’n’ roll does not alone account for Amsterdam's being one of the most popular destinations in Europe: consider that within a single square mile the city harbors some of the greatest achievements in Western art, from Rembrandt to Van Gogh. Not to mention that this is one of Europe's great walking cities, with so many of its treasures in the untouted details: tiny alleyways barely visible on the map, hidden garden courtyards, shop windows, floating houseboats, hidden hofjes(courtyards with almshouses), sudden vistas of church spires, and gabled roofs that look like so many unframed paintings. And don’t forget that the joy lies in details: elaborate gables and witty gable stones denoting the trade of a previous owner. Keep in mind that those XXX symbols you see all over town are not a mark of the city's triple-X reputation. They're part of Amsterdam's official coat of arms—three St. Andrew's crosses, believed to represent the three dangers that have traditionally plagued the city: flood, fire, and pestilence. The coat's motto ("Valiant, determined, compassionate") was introduced in 1947 by Queen Wilhelmina in remembrance of the 1941 February Strike in Amsterdam—the first time in Europe that non-Jewish people protested against the persecution of Jews by the Nazi regime.

Experience 6-star ultra-luxury as you cruise the English Channel today, en route to Honfleur, one of France’s most beloved seaside towns. As you cruise these historic waters, take in the stunning coastal views and prepare to explore the charm of Honfleur. Your Discovery Yacht   will dock for an overnight stay, giving you time to immerse yourself in this picturesque destination.

Those artistically inclined may discover the carefully curated artwork on board, including Teatime by Francois Bertrand and three custom installations by British graffiti artist Carl Hush in Koko’s.

Honfleur is set along the Seine estuary and is considered one of the coastal jewels of Normandy. Dating back to the 11th century, this bustling port changed hands many times during the Hundred Years War, before finally coming under French control. A thriving commercial port until the 19th century, it has since become a popular destination for artists; they can be frequently seen perched at their easels along the old harbor. Honfleur is renowned for its historic houses, quaint galleries and charming cafes that line the water, as well as the timbered Church of St. Catherine.

Spend the morning exploring enchanting St Peter Port. The steep cobbled streets are best explored with a local expert, or go at your own pace browsing specialty shops and boutiques.

The 800-year old Castle Cornet is where historic gardens and four museums share panoramic views. Nearby at Hauteville House step, Victor Hugo wrote Les Misérables and more in during his time in exile.

Enjoy a drink as we sail out in the afternoon, and for dinner enjoy steak and seafood at Elements, channel the spirit of Asia at Koko’s or journey to France at Lumière (available by on board reservation).

Cobblestone streets, blooming floral displays, and tiny churches welcome you to this wonderfully pretty harbour. The town of St Peter Port is as pretty as they come, with glowing flower displays painting practically every street corner and window-ledge with colour. As the capital, and main port of Guernsey, St Peter Port puts all of the island’s gorgeous beaches, wonderful history and inspiring stories at your fingertips. Feel the gut punch of the midday gun firing at Castle Cornet, which stands guard over one of the world's prettiest ports. This 800-year-old, Medieval castle offers staggering views of the harbour from its imposing, craggy island location, and you can look out across to the looming shorelines of the other Channel Islands from its weathered battlements. With four well-tended gardens, and five museums offering a rich overview of Guernsey's history, you’ll want to leave a few hours aside to explore the many treasures that lie within the castle’s walls.

At sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind, and enjoy the peaceful rhythm of life onboard. Guests can visit the gym for a workout, indulge in a rejuvenating spa treatment, or simply find a comfortable spot on deck to watch for whales and admire the endless ocean views. They can also enjoy onboard entertainment, read a favorite book, or savor delicious meals at their own pace. With no rush to disembark, these tranquil blue sea days provide a refreshing break from the excitement of sightseeing. The balance between leisurely days at sea and adventurous days ashore creates a truly rewarding and memorable cruise experience.

A welcoming blend of seaside town and old town, Vilagarcía de Arousa has soft sandy beaches and an old quarter where some buildings date back to the 12th century.

In Vilagarcía de Arousa, stroll through the town’s parks and gardens including the Pazo of Rubiáns where more than 4,500 camellias grow in a historic garden. Try one of the seafood restaurants along the seafront before your late-night departure or have dinner at your favourite restaurant on board.

One of Portugal’s largest seaports, Leixões is just 8 kilometres from the heart of Porto, where the city shares its name with one of Portugal’s best-known exports, port wine.

Located at the mouth of the Douro River, Porto is a World Heritage-listed city of baroque splendour, Gothic cathedrals, and incredible food. Wander through winding alleys lined with houses decorated with Portuguese tiles, see the city’s street art, and take in the views from the cable car and funicular.

Ever since the Romans constructed a fort here and began using it as a trading post, Oporto has been a prosperous commercial centre. In the 15th and 16th centuries the city benefited from the wealth generated by Portugal’s maritime discoveries, and later, the establishment of a lucrative wine trade with Britain compensated for the loss of the spice trade. Today, Portugal’s second-largest city is a thriving, cosmopolitan place and is famous for its production of the fortified, sweet 'port' wine. Its historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the city was also awarded the status of European Capital of Culture in 2001. A large sandbar prevents ships from sailing into Oporto itself, so for over a century they have used nearby Leixões instead, a man-made seaport constructed nine miles from the city. Leixões is one of Portugal's major sea ports and is also home to one of the country's oldest football clubs, winners of the Taça de Portugal cup in 1961.

Welcome to Lisbon, Portugal’s coastal capital where you can walk along mosaic streets, visit ancient ruins and white-domed cathedrals and feast on Portuguese tarts. Savour one last breakfast on your Discovery Yacht before saying farewell to the crew and your fellow guests as you take memories from your Scandinavia to the Iberian Peninsula voyage.

Please book your flight to depart out of Lisbon after 12:00 PM.

#Spa treatments at additional cost. +All drinks on board, including those stocked in your mini bar, are included, except for a very small number of rare, fine and vintage wines, Champagnes and spirits. Specialty restaurants require a reservation, enquire on board. ^Flights on board our two helicopters and submersible experiences are at additional cost, subject to regulatory approval, availability, weight restrictions, medical approval and weather conditions.

Helicopter not operational in Netherlands or France. Submersible not available in Europe.

The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the voyage will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.

Lisbon has inspired explorers for centuries with its stunning setting at the Tagus River’s mouth. Its labyrinthine streets carry echoes of 16th-century navigators who sailed on the winds of the Age of Discovery. The city prospered greatly from its trade. And today’s streets are lined with the legacies of wealthy builders, including the Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower, stunning works that introduced Manueline architecture. Savoring local cuisine and port wine are favorite pastimes here. On any evening, the strains of fadospill from clubs in the historic Alfama District.