Norway to Portugal: The history & traditions of Europe

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.

Nestled on Norways 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 citys 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.

After a restorative night of rest in your luxury suite, today is yours to spend exactly as you wish. Explore the indulgent spaces on board Scenic Eclipse II, like the temperature-controlled Vitality Pool or the Observation Lounge, with its commanding view from the bow. At lunchtime, head to Azure Bar & Café for delicious light meals and all-inclusive beverages.   At night, enjoy a performance in the state-of-the-art theatre before you retreat to your ultra-luxury suite. Alternatively, choose to dine in the comfort of your suite and have your evening nightcap brought by the butler.

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.

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.

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.

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 days discoveries.

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 islands 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. Dont miss the charming Hauteville House, once home to French writer Victor Hugo, or the tranquil Candie Gardens, a botanical haven.

After a busy few days of shore excursions, some relaxation may be just what you crave. Visit the fitness centre for a Pilates class, some guided stretching or aerial yoga, then treat yourself to a massage# at the expansive Senses Spa. In the afternoon, relax in one of the oceanfront cabanas on the Sky Deck with your favourite cocktail in hand. Tonight could be the night you meet your new friends at Sushi @ Koko’s for dinner. Enjoy entertainment in the state-of-the-art theatre and unwind with a nightcap at the Scenic Lounge Bar.

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.

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.

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.