Atlantic Capitals & Baltic Treasures

Portugal’s capital Lisbon comes alive with a rich history seen in every nook and cranny of the city. From the resting place of famous explorer Vasco de Gama at Jeronimos Monastery to the impressive turrets of São Jorge Castle dating all the way back to second century B.C.E., Lisbon offers a deep dive into the past to satiate the most curious travelers. While Western Europe’s oldest city boasts an array of Baroque and Neoclassical architecture, that does not mean it has remained stuck in the past. On the contrary, the colorful culture and vibrant life that runs throughout the city’s restaurants, shops, and rooftop bars make it buzz with infectious energy. Taking a tuk tuk through its hard-to-reach passages allows you to experience Lisbon as the locals do.

Perched along the Douro River, the historic center of Porto is a UNESCO World Heritage Site brimming with medieval landmarks and architectural wonders. Make your way down Aliados Avenue to Ribeira, the city’s most iconic district, and board a traditional rabelo riverboat. Here, a cruise leads to a celebrated wine cellar for a sample of the famous port wine. Explore the charming Mercado do Bolhão, a historic market brimming with local produce, artisanal goods, and lively energy. Discover the city from another perspective on an e-bike excursion alongside a local guide who offers fascinating insight. Beyond the city limits, Porto serves as the perfect gateway to discover UNESCO-protected wonders. Venture into the Douro Valley, a picturesque wine-producing region featuring terraced vineyards and historic quintas (wine estates). From Porto, you can also explore Guimarães, the storied cradle of Portugal, where the nation’s first king emerged, and history imbues every corner. Immerse yourself where the past and present harmoniously intertwine..

A province of Galicia, La Coruña (also known as A Coruña) holds a great deal of history that attracts the intellectual traveler. Home of the Spanish Armada and second-biggest port town in the country, it’s a city that invites explorer spirts to rediscover all its lost secrets and hidden gems.

About an hour away lies Santiago de Compostela, a beautiful cathedral to which many make a pilgrimage spanning 500 miles across the top of Spain. If you seek the beauty of nature within the splendor of historic architecture, La Coruña offers the Garden of San Carlos and the Gardens of Mendez Nuñez with verdant patches of bushes and palm trees sprinkled throughout paved paths amid cultural landmarks.

Within the historic region of Cantabria lies its capital, Santander, a port that’s believed to have been in existence since ancient times, dating as far back as the 11th century. For a glittering first impression, stroll along the famous Paseo de Pereda. Monarchs and fishermen alike both resided in this seaside town once upon a time. That history comes alive at the Magdalena Palace, built between 1908 and 1912 for the Spanish Royal Family. Heading into Puertochico, you come across Santander’s Old Town area, the original fishing pier. Although the Great Fire of 1941 destroyed most of it, there’s still much to see and experience.

Spend a leisurely day pampering yourself at the spa or enjoying some time on deck. Mingle with your fellow explorers and swap stories of your exploits, making plans for new ones together once you get to shore.

With a history dating back to the first century BCE, Saint Malo, France has a deep and profound past that has stood the test of time. From the monolithic menhirs and dolmens of the Neolithic era to the Celtic influences and traditions running through its music, festivals and language, this city holds a fascinating story that every explorer can appreciate. Famous for its remarkable ocean tides, the view of the difference between high and low tide in St. Malo cannot compare. Just outside the city limits are the captivating Rochers Sculptes, sculpted rocks carved by deaf and mute French artist Adolphe Julien Fouéré, hugging the cliffs of the Emerald Coast. The city’s Brittany heritage runs strong in its local fare and you can indulge in a helping of moules frites - steamed mussels and chips (fries).

Cowes is an English seaport town on the Isle of Wight. Located on the west bank of the estuary of the River Medina, it faces the smaller town of East Cowes on the east bank. Enjoy a slice of great British history at Osborne, Queen Victoria’s seaside residence. Stroll along her beach and enjoy the walled garden and Swiss Cottage. There are cultural museums, events and galleries to enjoy on both sides of the Medina. Stop by Cowes Castle, originally built by Henry VIII in 1539 to protect England against the threat of invasion from France and the Holy Roman Empire.

London is a fascinating city with storied landmarks, iconic attractions and countless hidden gems. As we navigate the famous River Thames, we pass renowned sights like Greenwich, the Maritime Museum, the Royal Observatory and historic locales that have made cinematic history. Our small yacht allows us to dock near the Tower Bridge, sailing under its impressive span, and come closer to the HMS Belfast, a historic ship known worldwide with a story that sparks your curiosity. Photographers often want to head toward central London near the Westminster Bridge. With Big Ben and Westminster Palace on one side and the London Eye on the other side of the river, it’s the best spot for the ultimate picture of the English capital. Among the lesser-known highlights of London is the British Library, where you may see a scribbled page of Beatles songwriting or a Leonardo da Vinci notebook. There are some stunning illuminated scripts and landmark-scientific items too. If you’re looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, head to Hyde Park or Kensington Gardens.

London is a fascinating city with storied landmarks, iconic attractions and countless hidden gems. As we navigate the famous River Thames, we pass renowned sights like Greenwich, the Maritime Museum, the Royal Observatory and historic locales that have made cinematic history. Our small yacht allows us to dock near the Tower Bridge, sailing under its impressive span, and come closer to the HMS Belfast, a historic ship known worldwide with a story that sparks your curiosity. Photographers often want to head toward central London near the Westminster Bridge. With Big Ben and Westminster Palace on one side and the London Eye on the other side of the river, it’s the best spot for the ultimate picture of the English capital. Among the lesser-known highlights of London is the British Library, where you may see a scribbled page of Beatles songwriting or a Leonardo da Vinci notebook. There are some stunning illuminated scripts and landmark-scientific items too. If you’re looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, head to Hyde Park or Kensington Gardens.

London is a fascinating city with storied landmarks, iconic attractions and countless hidden gems. As we navigate the famous River Thames, we pass renowned sights like Greenwich, the Maritime Museum, the Royal Observatory and historic locales that have made cinematic history. Our small yacht allows us to dock near the Tower Bridge, sailing under its impressive span, and come closer to the HMS Belfast, a historic ship known worldwide with a story that sparks your curiosity. Photographers often want to head toward central London near the Westminster Bridge. With Big Ben and Westminster Palace on one side and the London Eye on the other side of the river, it’s the best spot for the ultimate picture of the English capital. Among the lesser-known highlights of London is the British Library, where you may see a scribbled page of Beatles songwriting or a Leonardo da Vinci notebook. There are some stunning illuminated scripts and landmark-scientific items too. If you’re looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, head to Hyde Park or Kensington Gardens.

Guarding the windswept shores of the Opal Coast, Boulogne-sur-Mer serves as France’s premier fishing port and a historic gateway to maritime discovery. Ascend from the waterfront to the fortified upper town, where formidable medieval walls encircle cobblestone streets, the striking Basilica of Notre-Dame, and its expansive, labyrinthine crypt. Down by the bustling harbor, savor the daily catch at a local seafood bistro before exploring the Nausicaá National Sea Centre, a vast marine sanctuary celebrating the ocean’s intricate ecosystems. Beyond the city limits, the dramatic chalk cliffs of Cap Gris-Nez and Cap Blanc-Nez invite leisurely walks along pristine beaches, rewarding you with far-reaching vistas across the English Channel. This coastal gem of northern France offers the perfect blend of medieval heritage and rugged seaside beauty.

Resting along the shores of the North Sea, Oostende combines maritime heritage with relaxed coastal charm. Stroll the expansive seafront promenade beside wide sandy beaches, and explore the carefully preserved Mercator, a historic three-masted sailing ship anchored in the marina. Along the lively harbor, local eateries invite you to savor fresh seafood caught daily. Just a short journey inland, the remarkable medieval city of Bruges awaits your discovery. Glide along tranquil canals that weave past towering spires, or wander cobblestone streets to the bustling Markt, crowned by the soaring Belfry. In Burg Square, centuries of architectural brilliance surround you, while the nearby Church of Our Lady houses sacred artistic treasures. As you explore, pause to peruse elegant lace boutiques and indulge in the craftsmanship of traditional Belgian chocolate shops.