FROM PORTO TO HAMBURG

The treasures of Galicia await when your ship arrives in La Coruna, Spain. The Torre de Hercules, the city’s impressive landmark, tells of great history from afar – it is the only still active lighthouse from Roman times. Discover the city’s architectural history as you stroll through the lively old town and trace the transition from Roman to baroque times San Carlos Garden is an oasis of calm right in the city centre, or you can enjoy the dramatic Atlantic coastline on an invigorating walk along the promenade. La Coruna is also a popular starting point for excursions* to the pilgrimage site Santiago de Compostela, whose magnificent cathedral combines Romanesque, Renaissance and baroque styles.

The Irish themselves, at least those outside of Dublin, speak of Cork as the actual capital of Ireland. You will surely agree with them when you discover the charming lanes with their Victorian houses, cosy cafes and pubs. A popular meeting place for locals is the covered English Market, dating from 1788, where local specialities are sold – indulgence and history are served up in equal measure here. Your experts will be happy to help you with the history: the “Rebel City” was the heart of the Irish struggle for independence. The spirit of freedom that Cork reflects is exemplary for your cruise – off the beaten track, you will find new impressions. In addition to your city tours, we also recommend a detour into the breathtaking landscape with rugged cliffs and picturesque bays, ideal for wonderful hikes. Get ready to discover the true Irish soul.

Splendid impressions and exciting activities lie ahead of you as your expedition ship makes its way along the coast of Ireland towards Dingle. The peninsula, with its wild cliffs, juts out into the Atlantic, leaving you amazed at the eroding power of the sea. A rugged coastline and fine sandy coves shape Dingle, the pearl of County Kerry. “Failte!” – you’ll often hear the welcoming greeting from the hospitable locals. Irish, also known as Gaelic, has been spoken on the peninsula since the fourth century. And the landscape on Dingle will leave you speechless – an ideal terrain for enjoying magnificent views while hiking with your experts on the Irish pilgrim route. The rugged nature, bathed in green, is truly inspirational.

You will experience the works of art that erosion is capable of as you cruise off the Cliffs of Moher. The power of the crashing waves has eroded hollows into the rock, with parts of the cliff crashing down to form a unique and spectacular coastline. In some places, the rocks drop more than 200 m (656 ft) almost vertically into the sea. As you pass by this natural wonder, you will be able to enjoy some amazing views from the deck.

You will feel a true sense of discovery on the Aran Islands. The limestone islands off the west coast of Ireland rise up with grey and blue cliffs up to 100 m (328 ft) from the raging sea. If you are on a discovery tour, you will enjoy the view over the rocky coast and puzzle over the islands’ past. Answers will be provided by your experts, but also by your own impressions when visiting Kilronan: in what is perhaps one of Ireland’s most picturesque locations, lined by a white sandy beach, you can immerse yourself in island life. During your individual shore visit, explore the impressive Fort Dun Aonghasa, which sits high up on a cliff above the Atlantic. The well-preserved stone fortress from the Bronze Age offers breathtaking views of the sea and the surrounding nature. At first glance, the islands may look like a rocky desert, but they turn out to be a nutrient-rich limestone landscape with rare flora and fauna.

Killybegs is an insider tip off the classic Irish routes. The largest fishing port in Ireland is located in the tranquil town on the Atlantic coast, where numerous ships land their fresh catch daily. A very special “commodity” has its origin ashore: the Donegal rugs, which are produced in traditional carpet weaving mills, are characterised by their handicraft and elaborate patterns – the world’s largest loom is also said to be here. Killybegs is also the gateway to nature’s works of art: green meadows, idyllic dunes and azure-blue waters. Fintra Beach on the outskirts of the town is one of the most beautiful beaches in County Donegal.

A wonderful place for bird watching lies ahead of you when your expedition ship calls Rathlin Island in Northern Ireland with cliffs up to 70 m (229 ft) high that alternate with beautiful bays. Compared with the island’s nearly 150 human inhabitants, the many kittiwakes and puffins that you can watch are clearly in the majority. Look forward to special encounters with nature and to the ornithological expertise of your on-board experts. Amidst the rugged landscape, the excursions to the burial mounds, cashels and menhirs that have been built here are surrounded by a magical aura. Follow in the footsteps of the island’s history and explore the remains of the old castles and churches that dot Rathlin Island. A highlight is a visit to the West Light, one of the three lighthouses that now houses a maritime museum. From here you have spectacular views of the rugged cliffs and the sea.

You’ll come upon the mystical expanses of the Scottish mainland on the wild west coast. Oban, idyllically built around a picturesque natural harbour, is considered the gateway to the Inner and Outer Hebrides. Your exploration of the coastal town is crowned by McCaig’s Tower, a decorative replica of Rome’s Colosseum. The tranquil gardens within offer a refuge from the hustle and bustle of urban life. The surrounding area, with its peaceful and beautiful Highlands, is ideal for hiking in the dramatic landscape of mountains and sea. Oban embodies the raw, unspoilt beauty of Scotland, combining it with the finesse of the single malt whisky distilled here – complex and multifaceted, just like the town itself.

Lush, green highlands, rugged coasts and the heritage of kings and clans: head deep into the rugged island world of the Hebrides and feel the soul of Scotland – for example, on the wildly romantic Isle of Skye. Here you will be greeted by the famous rock formation, the Old Man of Storr, watching over the island. Portree is more tranquil: in this picturesque fishing village, you will encounter colourful facades which stand out in contrast against the black cliffs and green highlands. From here you can explore the surrounding area with its lochs, mountains and castles, which are wonderful examples of Scottish architecture. 

Discover charming Stromness, the “grey town by the sea”, which owes its name to its characteristic scenic houses. In the listed centre, inviting piers, imposing warehouses and trading houses combine history and maritime flair perfectly. An absolute highlight is the impressive former Viking settlement, which allows you to immerse yourself in the fascinating history of this region. But the Orkneys also mean wind, water and walking: enjoy spectacular views on nature trails. The experts at your side will take you on a journey of discovery to important testimonies of the past – from a Neolithic stone circle to a Stone Age village and a 17th-century manor house.

Cruising through Scapa Flow, a large harbour bay in the south of the Scottish Orkney Islands, combines the North Sea world with history. Around you is nothing but a wide expanse of water lined with gentle coastal strips. And below you are the remains of the dramatic scuttling of the German High Seas Fleet in 1919: during the negotiations for the Treaty of Versailles, the German Rear Admiral Ludwig von Reuter feared that the ships could fall into the hands of the Allies. To prevent this, he ordered the sinking of his own entire fleet in order to preserve the honour of the German Navy. Today, Scapa Flow is a popular diving destination known for its wrecks.

Welcome to Aberdeen, the “city of flowers and granite” in north-east of Scotland. Where the pretty rivers Dee and Don meet, old traditions meet modern influences. The sparkling granite architecture gives the harbour city an elegant atmosphere and makes it a real highlight. Discover the impressive tropical winter gardens in Duthie Park and stroll through the charming medieval city centre. With renowned universities and a rich cultural scene, the streets are full of life. Just a stone’s throw from the city centre, one of the best beaches in Scotland – Aberdeen Beach – invites you for a leisurely stroll. You might spot dolphins here or in Aberdeen harbour, for which the city is also famous.