FROM HAMBURG TO PORTO

Sail past beautiful coastlines on your way to France and one of the most attractive places in Normandy: Honfleur at the mouth of the Seine. The birthplace of Impressionism, painters like Renoir, Monet, Pisarro and Cézanne used to meet here. Stroll through the picturesque old town of Honfleur with its timbered houses, historic Vieux Bassin port and the famous church of Sainte Catherine. The Pont de Normandie, built in 1995 to connect Honfleur to Le Havre, is the longest cable-stayed bridge in Europe. Bridging the gap from the past to the present, the experts joining you on your walks will delve deep into the history of the town.

Port, coastal resort, pirate stronghold: the fortified city of St Malo in north-west France is an example of Breton architecture that can be seen from afar. Behind the fortified walls, which you can walk around, the historic town centre will reveal its interesting past. Its narrow streets are filled with the legends of pirates and the seafarer Jacques Carter, who set out to sea from here to discover Canada, which he also named. Off the beaten track, miles of sandy beaches, the picturesque promenade and street art in the harbour are special places to explore. Of course the town also offers some tempting culinary highlights, including Cancale oysters. St Malo is also the perfect starting point for visiting the famous monastery island of Mont-Saint-Michel*, which has been attracting pilgrims from all over the world for centuries.

The coastal city of La Rochelle can be compared with the complex aroma of a cognac – a combination of maturity, tradition and exclusivity symbolising indulgence and savoir-vivre. As you walk around, uncover the secrets of brandy production, which the city is famous for. A walk from the quays in the Vieux Port through narrow, cobbled streets and across lively squares to the old town, with its picturesque half-timbered houses, is like something out of a dream. There are monuments steeped in history to discover throughout the city: on your way, learn about the religious wars and the siege by Cardinal Richelieu in the 17th century. Look forward to some interesting lectures and talks with your experts on art and history, against the authentic backdrop of the coastlines of western Europe.

The economic and cultural centre of the Basque country is a melting pot of innovation and proud traditions. Over the past few decades, leading international architects have given Bilbao a visible sense of self-confidence. One example of this is an avant-garde building in a class of its own: the Guggenheim Museum designed by Frank O. Gehry, which, with its wafer-thin metal outer shell, lies like a shimmering oversized fish on the banks of the Nervion. Thanks to its daring architecture and exquisite art, this former industrial city has been able to transform itself into a world-class cultural centre. As you make your own explorations of the city or go on guided excursions*, take in the sights, from the Guggenheim Museum to the Zubizuri bridge and the elegant 19th century buildings.

Gijon lies on the beautiful Asturian coast, with its picturesque beaches and charming fishing villages. The city on the Bay of Biscay reveals stunning contrasts: the Plaza Mayor is where the old part of the city meets the new, a picture of traditional and modern Europe. Immerse yourself in the charm of the historic centre with its narrow streets and impressive buildings, including the San Lorenzo church and the Revillagigedo Palace – and in the city’s lively cultural life with its museums, festivals and vibrant food scene. In Gijon itself or on excursions* into the surrounding area with your experts, shed light on the Reconquista, the reconquest of the Iberian peninsula: the crusade against the Muslim conquerors, or Moors, to regain Christian supremacy laid the foundations for modern Spain.

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.

A journey into the past will take you to the medieval lanes of Viana do Castelo, one of the most beautiful towns in Portugal. Between the ocean and the mountains, the history of exploration and architecture flow together at the estuary of the River Lima. Churches and monasteries, palaces and fountains illustrate the craftsmanship of the past. Stroll through the historic centre or walk up to the Santa Luzia Basilica on the hill for an impressive panoramic view. The town has successfully made the leap into the present day with the help of contemporary Portuguese architects. Souto Moura, Fernando Tavora and Alvaro Siza Vieira are just a few names – take a detailed look at their works together with your experts on board. In Viana do Castelo, it will once again become clear how Hapag-Lloyd Cruises shows you the way from your own front door to a new understanding of Europe.