Head for the sun and the cradle of European culture when spring awakens nature and your wanderlust as well. Beautiful coastlines paint a new geographical and cultural portrait of the continent. Culture lovers will already feel like they’re in paradise when they arrive in Honfleur. The maritime district around the old port with its colourful houses is a lovely place for a stroll at your own pace. At this time of year, when the hills and fields are freshly green, a scenic tour to medieval Rouen* is particularly appealing. With half-timbered houses, a Gothic cathedral and the Le Gros-Horloge astronomical clock, the city has a story to tell of turbulent times – for example the life of freedom fighter Joan of Arc. Bleak and yet delightful at the same time: the surrounding countryside has already inspired many French artists like Monet and Boudin. Develop your own impressions on a hike along the Alabaster Coast*. The path to the coastal resort of Etretat takes you past steep cliffs with inspiring views, accompanied by the colours of the Atlantic and bright chalk cliffs.

The Channel Island of Guernsey is perfect for nature lovers and once provided inspiration for Renoir. The gardens around Saint Peter Port* are the perfect subject for an impressionist painting. The vintage flair on Guernsey* bus tour shows how the mild climate of the Gulf Stream allows a diverse range of splendid and exotic plants to bloom.

Your arrival in La Coruna is dominated by a landmark pointing the way to Galicia’s treasures. The Tower of Hercules was built during the Roman Empire. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it still stands proud over the Atlantic. The world-famous pilgrimage site of Santiago de Compostela* is enchanting. Away from the Way of St James, it is well worth exploring the old town with its arcade-lined streets. Lesser-known aspects of the region will be revealed on the Impressions of Galicia* trip. The fishing port of Pontedeume, the enchanting gardens of the 18th-century Pazo de Marinan estate and the medieval town of Betanzos will show you a different side to the “land of the thousand rivers”.

Portugal combines spring charm with history to make a bouquet of colourful experiences. Churches and cultural monuments make Porto seem like an open-air museum. As you wander the streets of the old town or taste the local port, you will fall in love time and again with this city as you explore it at you own pace. A relaxing way to get to know the city is by exploring Porto in a tuk-tuk* These electric vehicles will take you to all the best photo spots. Known as the birthplace of Portugal, historic Guimaraes* has close connections with the origins of this nation of explorers. The atmosphere of the Middle Ages still pervades the labyrinth of narrow streets and the castle.

Also closely linked with Portugal’s golden age is the capital city, Lisbon. As you pass the Torre de Belem, the Monument to Discoveries and under the Ponte 25 de Abril on an impressive cruise on the Tagus, the city will lie at your feet. The numerous steps make your individual explorations a sporty undertaking. A more relaxed, but still adventurous way to explore is by taking a ride on the historic tram* up and down the hills. The excursion to Sintra and Cascais* opens up the high society of the 19th century Garden of Eden with its exotic plants and a medieval fortress on the Atlantic.

Whilst the western Algarve with its steep cliffs and long beaches is rocky and sandy, the interior is beautifully green. As you set out from Portimao to explore the hinterland in an all-terrain vehicle*, orange trees and wild rhododendrons line your route to Foia mountain, standing about 900 m (2,950 ft) above sea level. Lagos and Cabo de Sao Vicente*, with their fascinating insights into the life of Henry the Navigator and fantastic views over the ocean, are just as appealing.

The fascination continues with plenty of new impressions as you enjoy an evening cruise on the Guadalquivir from the many open deck spaces and the glass balconies. Only a small ship such as the HANSEATIC nature is able to approach Seville this way. Take advantage of the opportunity to get to know Andalusia’s capital and its cultural treasures. Make arrangements in advance with your travel concierge or join our subsequent short cruise to Mallorca as a guest. What better and more life-affirming way to start the spring?