Norway to Portugal: The history and traditions of Europe

Surrounded by mountains and sparkling fjords, the waterside city of Bergen has a spectacular setting. There has been a settlement here since medieval times and the colourful waterfront buildings of the Hanseatic wharf, known as Bryggen, are testament to its fascinating history of trade. As Norway’s best known medieval settlement, the Bryggen is listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Our comprehensive selection of excursions allows you to discover the many sides of Bergen, such as the fish market and narrow cobbled streets, as well as stunning views of the city from the summit of Mt Fløyen. Alternatively, those who have visited the city previously may like to experience one of the tours that travel further afield. Just 300 yards from the main piers, you will find the Fortress Museum (Fesningsmuseum), which has an interesting collection of objects related to World War II.

Your journey begins in the World Heritage-listed city of Bergen, Norway’s second-largest city that dates back to the 12th century. Surrounded by seven hills and with colourful buildings lining the harbour, it’s considered one of the prettiest cities in Norway. 

Board Scenic Eclipse II this afternoon and be warmly welcomed by the Captain and your crew. Meet your butler and enjoy a glass of champagne as you settle in your spacious suite, then join your fellow guests on the Sky Deck as you set sail to the largest fjord in Norway, Sognefjord.

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

Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, Stavanger flourished in the 19th century as a fishing port. While other towns in Norway have suffered with the decline of this industry, Stavanger has kept its economy booming by diversifying, first into shipbuilding and now into oil. These two contrasting industries have created a city of two halves – a modern area of high-rise buildings and a historic centre with cobbled streets and old wooden houses. The city centre was the birthplace of Alexander Kielland, one of the great 19th-century Norwegian novelists. Stavanger Cathedral, dating from 1125, is an impressive building and the only medieval cathedral in Norway that has not been substantially altered since it was first built. From Stavanger you can explore the attractive blue waters of Lysefjord, surrounded by cliffs and striking rock formations, and also visit Hafrsfjord where the Viking King Harald won an important battle that started the Unification of Norway. Those preferring to explore on their own may wish to visit the interesting Petroleum Museum.

Nestled on Norway's southwestern coast, the ancient city of Stavanger boasts a rich Viking heritage. Dating back to the 9th century, it’s often referred to as the ‘Cradle of the Vikings’. Stavanger is a compact city that’s easy to explore on foot – stroll past the well-preserved white wooden houses of the old town and along Øvre Holmegate, known as the ‘street of colours’. Learn more about the city's fascinating past and seafaring legacy at the Stavanger Maritime Museum, housed in a historic wharf side warehouse. Stavanger is also renowned for its culinary scene, with a bustling fish market offering fresh seafood delights.

North Holland’s ‘Gate to the North Sea’, IJmuiden has four harbours: the Vissershaven, Haringhaven, IJmondhaven and the Seaport Marina - the latter used by pleasure craft. It is the largest Dutch fishing port, but is a relatively young town: it grew up in the 1870s when the North Sea Canal was opened. During World War II, the German Navy demolished much of the town and built huge fortified concrete bunkers for their torpedo boats and submarines. After 1945, the town was rebuilt by the architect Willem Marinus Dudok. He designed IJmuiden’s most impressive building, the Stadhuis van Velsen, which houses local government offices. For cruise passengers IJmuiden is the gateway to Amsterdam, the Dutch capital and one of Europe’s truly great cities, where elegant canals are lined by old brick gabled houses, and superb art galleries and museums are home to some of the world’s best-known paintings. Please note that complimentary shuttle buses operate from the port to the centre of IJmuiden, not to Amsterdam.

Sitting at the mouth of the North Sea Canal, IJmuiden is the gateway to the Dutch Low Lands and the city of Amsterdam. Disembark early this morning and it’s just a short transfer to the vibrant culture and iconic attractions of the Dutch capital. Explore the Golden Age canals lined with gabled houses, visit the many cafes and vintage stores, or join the locals and explore by bicycle. In the surrounding countryside, you can see historic windmills and bustling markets, or immerse yourself in the tranquillity of nearby nature reserves and scenic waterways.

Known as the gateway of England, Dover welcomes millions of visitors from all over the globe each year in its role as the ferry capital of the world and the second busiest cruise port in the UK. The White Cliffs Country has a rich heritage. Within the walls of the town’s iconic castle, over 2,000 years of history waits to be explored, whilst the town’s museum is home to the Dover Bronze Age Boat, the world’s oldest known seagoing vessel. The town’s cliffs that are a welcome sight for today's cross-channel travellers also served as the control centre for the Dunkirk evacuation in 1940.

Stand on your private verandah this morning so you can see the full grandeur of the White Cliffs of Dover as you arrive in port. Discover more than 2,000 years of history in the city, from the imposing 11th century Dover Castle to extensive wartime fortifications. 

Nearby, there’s a wealth of historic sites and natural beauty to explore. Delve into the medieval charm of Canterbury, home to the magnificent Canterbury Cathedral, a World Heritage-listed site. Visit the enchanting Leeds Castle, often referred to as the ‘loveliest castle in the world’ for its stunning gardens and picturesque setting.

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).

Nestled on the Normandy Coast, where the Seine River meets the English Channel, Honfleur’s harbour is considered one of the prettiest in France. Admire the charming waterfront lined with colourful buildings dating back to the 17th century and now housing quaint boutiques, cafes and restaurants. The town was the birthplace of Impressionism and you can wander the streets once graced by artists like Claude Monet and Eugene Boudin, who captured its beauty on canvas. Explore the Museum Eugene Boudin to immerse yourself in their masterpieces and those of their contemporaries

Scenic Eclipse II will be docked here overnight, so you may like to visit one of the charming wine bars that line the waterfront after dinner in one of the up to 10 world-class dining experiences on board Scenic Eclipse II.

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).

On your second day in Honfleur, take in some of the attractions outside of the city, which will immerse you in the region’s rich heritage. Honfleur is the gateway to iconic destinations like Paris, Rouen and Giverny, as well as the D-Day Landing beaches of Normandy. These hallowed sites are a poignant reminder of the impact of WWII, even more than 50 years after the conflict.

Tonight, settle in at the spacious Scenic Lounge Bar to enjoy your beverage of choice, whether it be aged whiskey—there are over 130 varieties—or a glass of wine, while reflecting on the day's discoveries.

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.

Sitting just off the coast of France, Guernsey is one of the Channel Islands and has its own unique blend of British and French cultures. Explore the cobblestone streets of the capital, St Peter Port, lined with Georgian and Regency architecture and adorned with vibrant floral displays. Dive into the island's maritime legacy at the Guernsey Museum and Aquarium, showcasing shipwrecks and marine life. Ascend to the medieval Castle Cornet, perched on a rocky outcrop, offering panoramic views of the harbour and beyond. Don't miss the charming Hauteville House, once home to French writer Victor Hugo, or the tranquil Candie Gardens, a botanical haven.

Villagarcia de Arousa, on the stunning Galician coast of northwestern Spain, is a charming town that offers a delightful blend of traditional Galician culture and picturesque coastal scenery. It also serves as a gateway to the historic city of Santiago de Compostela. Follow in the footsteps of countless pilgrims over the centuries and embark on a journey to this World Heritage-listed site, exploring its majestic cathedral and medieval streets.

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.

One of Portugal’s largest seaports, Leixões is just 8km from the heart of Porto. Located on the Douro River estuary, it’s the commercial centre of northern Portugal and a World Heritage-listed city of baroque splendour. It dates back to pre-Roman times and is the source of both the name Portugal and the famed port wine. Stroll through the winding alleys, admire the grand gothic and baroque architecture, see the public street art, greet the friendly locals, hear the rickety tram, and feel the breeze of the Atlantic.

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.

Welcome to Lisbon, the colourful capital of Portugal and a city with a proud history of seafaring dating back more than 600 years. Your journey into wonder ends here after one last sumptuous breakfast on board the ultra-luxury Scenic Eclipse II. Farewell the crew and your new friends as you depart, taking with you memories of an unforgettable journey.

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

+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. #Spa treatments at additional cost. 

Please note the itinerary is a guide and may be subject to changes for operational reasons. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.