Porto, Bordeaux and Bergen: Wonders of Western Europe
Trace Europe’s western edge from the sun-drenched hills of Lisbon to the fjord-carved harbors of Norway, through a tapestry of cultures, flavors and landscapes. Each stop in Portugal, Spain, France, England and Scotland reveals a new perspective: medieval cities brimming with history, vineyards nurtured by centuries of tradition and idyllic paths where windswept coasts meet the mighty sea in dramatic fashion. Along the way, your expedition team will illuminate the spirit of each destination through stories, tastings and cultural encounters while leaving time for you to wander and discover these historic regions in your own way.
Highlights
Explore the winding streets of Porto, a UNESCO World Heritage city, where ornate azulejo tiles adorn the architecture and the story of port wine began along the banks of the Douro
In Bilbao, witness the dramatic contrast of the city’s modernization against its old-world charm, from its architectural marvels to the vibrant flavors of Basque cuisine
Sail into the Bordeaux region, surrounded by world-famous vineyards, and taste its vintages alongside oysters and market-fresh produce
Step back in time in Saint-Malo and Dinan, walled towns steeped in privateer lore, cobblestone lanes and quaint half-timbered houses
Experience Edinburgh’s castle-topped skyline and vibrant streets before venturing north to the Shetland Islands, where seabirds soar over rugged cliffs and island traditions thrive
From
$13,456
/ per person
Was $15,830Save $2,374
Does not include any flights
SPECIAL SAVINGS
View our brochure for more details
Explorations
From
$13,456
/ per person
Was $15,830Save $2,374
View our brochure for more details
Explorations
From
$13,456
/ per person
Was $15,830Save $2,374
SPECIAL SAVINGS
View our brochure for more details
Explorations
Itinerary
Expedition
Download ItineraryStarts atLisbon, PortugalEnds atBergen, Norway
Day 1
Lisbon, Portugal / Embark Ship
Arrive in Lisbon, the capital of Portugal and one of Europe’s most vibrant cities. Spend the day at your leisure, exploring the city's history, art and cuisine before embarking the ship in the late afternoon.
Meals Included: Dinner
Day 1
Lisbon, Portugal / Embark ShipArrive in Lisbon, the capital of Portugal and one of Europe’s most vibrant cities. Spend the day at your leisure, exploring the city's history, art and cuisine before embarking the ship in the late afternoon.
Meals Included: Dinner
Days 2-3
Porto
Arrive in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Porto. The birthplace of port wine, Porto straddles a gorge on the beautiful Douro River, linked by numerous bridges and filled with medieval architecture. See the region’s famous azulejo tiles and take in the views from the Ponte Dom Luis bridge, an iron masterpiece completed in 1886. Choose from options within the city or in the countryside to gain a better understanding of the layers of Portuguese history and culture before taking in the city at your own pace.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 2-3
PortoArrive in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Porto. The birthplace of port wine, Porto straddles a gorge on the beautiful Douro River, linked by numerous bridges and filled with medieval architecture. See the region’s famous azulejo tiles and take in the views from the Ponte Dom Luis bridge, an iron masterpiece completed in 1886. Choose from options within the city or in the countryside to gain a better understanding of the layers of Portuguese history and culture before taking in the city at your own pace.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4
At Sea
Spend a relaxing day at sea entering the Bay of Biscay. Join your officers on the Bridge and learn about navigating through the region, the history of the waterway and connectivity of the oceans. Attend a presentation led by your naturalists or take advantage of the onboard amenities.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4
At SeaSpend a relaxing day at sea entering the Bay of Biscay. Join your officers on the Bridge and learn about navigating through the region, the history of the waterway and connectivity of the oceans. Attend a presentation led by your naturalists or take advantage of the onboard amenities.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5
Bilbao, Spain
The largest and one of the most notable cities in the Basque country, Bilbao has transformed from an old-world hub of industry to a thriving metropolis filled with arts and culture. Soak in architectural marvels such as the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, or spend time wandering the old town and tasting the local flavors of Basque cuisine. Alternatively, hike along the coast and witness the strength of the Bay of Biscay on one of the converted rail trails in the region.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5
Bilbao, SpainThe largest and one of the most notable cities in the Basque country, Bilbao has transformed from an old-world hub of industry to a thriving metropolis filled with arts and culture. Soak in architectural marvels such as the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, or spend time wandering the old town and tasting the local flavors of Basque cuisine. Alternatively, hike along the coast and witness the strength of the Bay of Biscay on one of the converted rail trails in the region.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 6-7
Bordeaux, France
After a scenic sail up the Garrone River, arrive in the famed vineyard region surrounding Bordeaux, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed city. On the fertile banks of the Garrone, vintners produce some of the world’s best wines, from rich merlots to bold cabernet sauvignons. Explore on your own, strolling through the city’s iconic farmers markets and savoring a colorful array of regional delicacies such as fresh-caught oysters and locally made cheeses.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 6-7
Bordeaux, FranceAfter a scenic sail up the Garrone River, arrive in the famed vineyard region surrounding Bordeaux, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed city. On the fertile banks of the Garrone, vintners produce some of the world’s best wines, from rich merlots to bold cabernet sauvignons. Explore on your own, strolling through the city’s iconic farmers markets and savoring a colorful array of regional delicacies such as fresh-caught oysters and locally made cheeses.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8
At Sea
Spend another relaxing day at sea as you round the Brittany Peninsula. Edit photos with the help of your certified photo instructor, or cozy up with a book in the library or lounge, enjoying views of this scenic peninsula.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8
At SeaSpend another relaxing day at sea as you round the Brittany Peninsula. Edit photos with the help of your certified photo instructor, or cozy up with a book in the library or lounge, enjoying views of this scenic peninsula.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 9-10
Saint-Malo
Wake up in charming Saint-Malo and take a walking tour of this fortified city, known for its 15th-century privateer history and surrounded by ramparts dating from the 12th century. This afternoon, choose to visit a local oyster farm, or practice your photography in Dinan, with its half-timbered houses and cobblestone streets—all enclosed by nearly two miles of medieval ramparts.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 9-10
Saint-MaloWake up in charming Saint-Malo and take a walking tour of this fortified city, known for its 15th-century privateer history and surrounded by ramparts dating from the 12th century. This afternoon, choose to visit a local oyster farm, or practice your photography in Dinan, with its half-timbered houses and cobblestone streets—all enclosed by nearly two miles of medieval ramparts.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11
Dover, England
Sail past the famed whitewashed Cliffs of Dover, a beacon to many World War II pilots returning home from battle on the continent. Walk the wartime tunnels deep beneath Dover Castle and immerse yourself in the drama of the 1940 Dunkirk evacuation—“Operation Dynamo.” Then, explore this historic seaside town, known as the “Gateway to England,” and its tranquil nature reserves in the surrounding area, enjoying hikes on cliffside paths with panoramic views of the English Channel.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11
Dover, EnglandSail past the famed whitewashed Cliffs of Dover, a beacon to many World War II pilots returning home from battle on the continent. Walk the wartime tunnels deep beneath Dover Castle and immerse yourself in the drama of the 1940 Dunkirk evacuation—“Operation Dynamo.” Then, explore this historic seaside town, known as the “Gateway to England,” and its tranquil nature reserves in the surrounding area, enjoying hikes on cliffside paths with panoramic views of the English Channel.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12
At Sea
Experience a day at sea as you sail to Scotland. Attend onboard talks to learn more about the migratory wildlife routes along this rugged coastline. Relax in a sauna or infinity hot tub with views of the remote islands that dot your route.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12
At SeaExperience a day at sea as you sail to Scotland. Attend onboard talks to learn more about the migratory wildlife routes along this rugged coastline. Relax in a sauna or infinity hot tub with views of the remote islands that dot your route.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 13
Edinburgh, Scotland
Known for its hill fort, the iconic Edinburgh Castle, this vibrant city offers a variety of experiences amid its charming medieval streets. Walk the Royal Mile and capture the iconic photo of a bagpiper dressed in traditional regalia, or join a guided neighborhood walk to discover the hidden gems of this storied city. Alternatively, explore the various homes of the royal family through the ages.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 13
Edinburgh, ScotlandKnown for its hill fort, the iconic Edinburgh Castle, this vibrant city offers a variety of experiences amid its charming medieval streets. Walk the Royal Mile and capture the iconic photo of a bagpiper dressed in traditional regalia, or join a guided neighborhood walk to discover the hidden gems of this storied city. Alternatively, explore the various homes of the royal family through the ages.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 14
Shetland Islands
This afternoon, arrive in the Shetland Islands, a North Sea archipelago known for its wild beauty, untamed landscapes and ancient history. Choose from a variety of options to gain a deeper understanding of these dynamic islands, whether that's hiking along a cliff with beautiful vistas, kayaking in a fjord or connecting with locals.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 14
Shetland IslandsThis afternoon, arrive in the Shetland Islands, a North Sea archipelago known for its wild beauty, untamed landscapes and ancient history. Choose from a variety of options to gain a deeper understanding of these dynamic islands, whether that's hiking along a cliff with beautiful vistas, kayaking in a fjord or connecting with locals.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 15
At Sea
Enjoy a final day at sea as you sail toward Norway.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 15
At SeaEnjoy a final day at sea as you sail toward Norway.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 16
Bergen, Norway / Disembark Ship
Disembark in Bergen after breakfast and transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 16
Bergen, Norway / Disembark ShipDisembark in Bergen after breakfast and transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Ships
National Geographic Endurance
GUESTS 138
CABINS 76
DECKS 6
The most advanced ice-class expedition ship afloat, offering unprecedented access to polar regions.
Expedition Team
Our captains, crew, staff and guides make up the most experienced team in the industry—committed to making every voyage unforgettable. Veteran captains, with decades at sea, are experts at navigating in all conditions, while seasoned naturalists bring advanced knowledge in fields such as geology, wildlife biology and climate science. Many of these professionals have been with us for decades, and their insights bring each destination to life in ways that profoundly enrich your journey. Their expertise is the foundation for the meaningful and transformative experiences we offer in the world’s most extraordinary places.
Special Offers
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Take advantage of our additional offers
10% OFF BACK-TO-BACK VOYAGES
PAY BY DEBIT: EARN A $100 ONBOARD CREDIT
COMBINING OFFERS
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Explorations