Amsterdam to Lisbon: Coasting the Atlantic

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.

Welcome to Amsterdam. On arrival at Schiphol airport make your way to the Arrivals Hall to meet our representative, followed by a transfer to our group hotel. At the hotel, visit our hospitality desk in the lobby to meet our team, who will provide you with useful information regarding pre-embarkation procedures and your time in Amsterdam. You will also receive cabin tags for your luggage. Please clearly label the tags with your name and your cabin number on the ship. This evening offers time to relax in preparation for our day exploring tomorrow.

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.

Tolerant. Intelligent. Inclusive. There are many terms to describe Amsterdam, the city built around canals that began as a humble trading centre and grew into a global powerhouse. Founded in the late 12th century, Amsterdam quickly established itself as a pivotal hub for commerce, sending explorers and traders to the far corners of the New World. This spirit of adventure and openness to different cultures has shaped the city’s character, making it a melting pot of diversity and innovation. Today, Amsterdam offers travellers a unique mix of picturesque canals, world-class museums, and a progressive, welcoming atmosphere. Whether you are strolling through its historical neighbourhoods, exploring its world-class art scene, or simply enjoying a Heineken by a canal, Amsterdam promises to put a smile on your face. Our ‘Your Choice’ experiences today, offer a chance to view the many faces of Amsterdam and its rural surrounds, with time this afternoon to explore the city at your own pace. Perhaps visit one of Amsterdam’s renowned galleries such as the Rijk’s Museum or van Gogh Museum, learn more about the city’s favourite son at Rembrandt’s house or uncover the poignant history of Amsterdam during World War II through the diaries of Anne Frank at the Anne Frank House. This evening, we gather to celebrate our journey ahead at a Welcome Reception.

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.

Enjoy time this morning to sleep in, do some last-minute shopping, or stroll the canals at your own pace, before meeting your guide for a real Dutch treat. As you approach Zaanse Schans, it’s hard to believe you are still in 21st-century Amsterdam. The iconic windmills, their sails turning slowly, provide a historical backdrop against lush meadows. Inside, the creak of wood and the whir of machinery reveal the mills’ vital role in Dutch industrial innovation. Dating back to the 17th century, these mills were essential for sawing wood and grinding oil, flour, spices and pigments. Today, you can still enter a mill and learn from a host how these age-old processes worked. Strolling through Zaanse Schans, you will hear the distinctive clatter of wooden clogs on cobblestones and witness the craftsmanship behind Dutch cheeses and Delft Blue pottery. Artisans at the Weavers’ House and Tiemstra’s Coopery continue these traditional crafts. Each building and craft evoke nostalgia, connecting you to centuries of history. Though it is a living community, visiting Zaanse Schans feels like stepping into a bygone era. An introductory tour will showcase Zaanse Schans famous windmills before time to explore this unique site independently. We drive to the coast and the port of IJmuiden, to board the Douglas Mawson. This evening, we enjoy a ‘Welcome aboard’ dinner, where we meet our Aurora Expeditions team and crew.

Honfleur, the most picturesque of the Côte Fleurie's seaside towns, is a time-burnished place with a surplus of half-timber houses and cobbled streets that are lined with a stunning selection of stylish boutiques. Much of its Renaissance architecture remains intact—especially around the 17th-century Vieux Bassin harbor, where the water is fronted on one side by two-story stone houses with low, sloping roofs and on the other by tall slate-topped houses with wooden facades. Maritime expeditions (including some of the first voyages to Canada) departed from here; later, Impressionists were inspired to capture it on canvas. But the town as a whole has become increasingly crowded since the Pont de Normandie opened in 1995. Providing a direct link with Upper Normandy, the world's sixth-largest cable-stayed bridge is supported by two concrete pylons taller than the Eiffel Tower and designed to resist winds of 257 kph (160 mph).

We arrive at the mouth of the River Seine with tidal restrictions permitting us access to the picturesque town of Honfleur. Originally a bustling trading port Honfleur boasts charming streets and an iconic harbour. During the Hundred Years’ War, it briefly fell under English occupation and thrived as a crucial trade hub, particularly with North America and later French Canada, when local explorer Samuel de Champlain founded Quebec. Honfleur’s ship owners amassed fortunes, which remain evident today in the multi-storeyed terraced homes tightly packed around the harbour, as symbols of status and wealth. In the 19th century, Honfleur’s appeal transcended commerce, when artist Claude Monet followed his mentor, Eugène Boudin, to his hometown. He and his fellow Impressionists were captivated by the town’s ethereal light immortalising it on canvas. Today, the Vieux Bassin hosts yachts against a backdrop of centuries-old buildings, where quaint shops, vibrant galleries, and seafood restaurants beckon visitors to savour regional flavours in this picturesque coastal setting. Choose to explore Honfleur’s picturesque streets, discover the story of World War II’s Battle for Normandy, or explore the historic city of Rouen, before we sail the English Channel to the British enclave of Guernsey, late afternoon.

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.

This morning, we arrive in one of France’s most distinctive regions; Brittany. Its residents often consider themselves Bretons first and French second, a reflection of the region’s deep Celtic roots. That heritage is still visible today, from the language and traditions to the music and cuisine. Douglas Mawson’s boutique size allows us to dock at the charming city of Saint-Malo. Saint-Malo offers a range of captivating experiences for us to enjoy. This walled city, with its medieval architecture, cobblestoned streets, and shops stacked with delicious Breton treats, is a true ‘pirate town’. This era of privateering earned Saint-Malo the nickname ‘City of Corsairs’ and contributed significantly to its prosperity and dubious reputation. Today, Saint-Malo celebrates this heritage through its museums, festivals, and preserved historic sites, offering visitors a glimpse into its adventurous past as a renowned ‘pirate city’.

La Coruña, the largest city in Spain's Galicia region, is among the country's busiest ports. The remote Galicia area is tucked into the northwest corner of the Iberian Peninsula, surprising visitors with its green and misty countryside that is so much unlike other parts of Spain. The name "Galicia" is Celtic in origin, for it was the Celts who occupied the region around the 6th-century BC and erected fortifications. La Coruña was already considered an important port under the Romans. They were followed by an invasion of Suevians, Visigoths and, much later in 730, the Moors. It was after Galicia was incorporated into the Kingdom of Asturias that the epic saga of the Pilgrimage to Santiago (St. James) began. From the 15th century, overseas trade developed rapidly; in 1720, La Coruña was granted the privilege of trading with America - a right previously only held by Cadiz and Seville. This was the great era when adventurous men voyaged to the colonies and returned with vast riches. Today, the city's significant expansion is evident in three distinct quarters: the town centre located along the isthmus; the business and commercial centre with wide avenues and shopping streets; and the "Ensanche" to the south, occupied by warehouses and factories. Many of the buildings in the old section feature the characteristic glazed façades that have earned La Coruña the name "City of Crystal." Plaza Maria Pita, the beautiful main square, is named after the local heroine who saved the town in 1589 when she seized the English standard from the beacon and gave the alarm, warning her fellow townsmen of the English attack.

Spain’s ‘secret garden’ is the verdant region of Galicia. This less-visited section of the country is a true gem, beloved by Spanish travellers. Locals still speak Galician, and the blonde, blue-eyed inhabitants proudly hold on to their Celtic heritage. Bring your umbrella, as it may rain, but it’s well worth it. This region is a lush, green enclave amid Spain’s typical dry and arid landscape. The coastal city of A Coruña is steeped in maritime heritage, celebrated through its iconic Tower of Hercules, the only working Roman lighthouse and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As one of Spain’s major port cities, A Coruña has been a hub of maritime trade and exploration since ancient times, with various naval battles played out off its shores. Its strategic location on the Atlantic coast has made it a pivotal point for voyages across the seas, including journeys to the Americas during the Age of Exploration, when A Coruña served as a departure point for explorers such as Pedro Menéndez de Avilés, who founded St Augustine, thought to be the oldest continuously inhabited European-established settlement in the continental United States. Today, A Coruña seamlessly blends its rich maritime heritage with its role as a dynamic modern city. The picturesque waterfront beckons both locals and visitors to stroll its streets, savour local wines at welcoming bars, indulge in fresh Atlantic seafood, and immerse themselves in the many cultural festivals on its annual calendar.

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.

This morning, we arrive at Portugal’s ‘second city’; Porto. This fascinating city entices visitors with its storied past, vibrant culture, and architectural splendour. It was in Porto that the Portuguese ‘Age of Discovery’ began when the indomitable Prince Henry the Navigator set sail to the western coast of Africa in the early 15th century. Porto has never looked back. The city lends its name to the fortified wine produced in nearby valleys, framing the Douro River with its picturesque streets, iconic iron bridges, and renowned wine cellars. We enjoy a panoramic tour of Porto’s most emblematic landmarks before visiting one of the city’s iconic port caves for a tour, and of course, a tasting. From here, enjoy some free time to explore the historic district of Ribeira. It is here, where Porto’s historical Rabelo boats, once vital for transporting port wine barrels, still grace the riverbanks, adding to the city’s authentic charm. Perhaps enjoy some traditional Portuguese fare, try some retail therapy, or sip a glass of Portuguese wine while soaking up the waterfront district’s vibrant atmosphere. This afternoon we drive south to the nation’s capital city, with a night to prepare ourselves for a day’s sightseeing tomorrow.

Set on seven hills on the banks of the River Tagus, Lisbon has been the capital of Portugal since the 13th century. It is a city famous for its majestic architecture, old wooden trams, Moorish features and more than twenty centuries of history. Following disastrous earthquakes in the 18th century, Lisbon was rebuilt by the Marques de Pombal who created an elegant city with wide boulevards and a great riverfront and square, Praça do Comércio. Today there are distinct modern and ancient sections, combining great shopping with culture and sightseeing in the Old Town, built on the city's terraced hillsides. The distance between the ship and your tour vehicle may vary. This distance is not included in the excursion grades.

Lisbon sits on the river Tagus, gifting it access to the coast that made Portugal one of world’s most successful trading nations. Explorers including Vasco da Gama, Magellan and Bartholomeu Dias sailed on behalf of their monarch, discovering new lands and establishing new trade routes. The city prospered, with much of the proceeds from their colonies spent on opulent architecture. On the morning of All Saints Day 1755, Lisbon’s faithful were huddled in church when a 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck, followed by a series of tsunamis that devastated the city. Candles lit for the religious ceremonies began a firestorm. By the end of the day, more than 75 per cent of the population had perished. Current day Lisbon reflects this tragedy, with few buildings pre-dating the 18th century, but money spent to rebuild the city was spent doggedly, creating a city of wide boulevards, sensible facades and parklands, all backed by opulent baroque interiors and paved by unique black and white-tiled pavements. With a relatively small population, Lisbon is an easy city to navigate. Its hillside suburbs are accessed by trams and funiculars while its waterfront remains a busy harbour, ready to continue the trading prowess that made the city famous.

Set on seven hills on the banks of the River Tagus, Lisbon has been the capital of Portugal since the 13th century. It is a city famous for its majestic architecture, old wooden trams, Moorish features and more than twenty centuries of history. Following disastrous earthquakes in the 18th century, Lisbon was rebuilt by the Marques de Pombal who created an elegant city with wide boulevards and a great riverfront and square, Praça do Comércio. Today there are distinct modern and ancient sections, combining great shopping with culture and sightseeing in the Old Town, built on the city's terraced hillsides. The distance between the ship and your tour vehicle may vary. This distance is not included in the excursion grades.

After breakfast, check-out of your hotel and transfer to the airport for your onward flight.