Barcelona to Copenhagen

Cruise overview

Leaving behind the infectious high spirits of Barcelona, a day at sea takes us to Cartagena, with its astonishing Roman ruins. Then we dip down to North Africa to explore the fort and secret tunnels of the Spanish enclave of Melilla, and the orange-scented Kasbah in Tangier. Next, we return to Spain, feasting on seafood in Cádiz, before arriving in Portugal to relax on the glorious sandy beaches of Portimão, feast on pastries and picturesque views in Lisbon, and enjoy the port wines of Leixões. We cross the border to the Spanish city of La Coruña to walk the pretty streets of its historic heart before a day at sea take us to France. We spend two memorable days in Bordeaux sipping world-class wines cultivated in big-name vineyards around the city. Next, wander the 17th-century arcaded streets of La Rochelle and explore the maritime history of Brest, before we reach St. Helier on the Channel Island of Jersey, a gentle landscape that hides a Neolithic tomb that is older than the Pyramids. We return briefly to the French mainland at Honfleur and then cross the English Channel to Cowes, on the Isle of Wight, where Queen Victoria used to holiday. Seafaring tales and one of Henry VIII’s ships, Mary Rose, await our arrival at Portsmouth, where we spend two nights. Next, we visit some of Northern Europe’s most interesting cities. Zeebrugge in Belgium is a picturesque port that offers easy access to fairytale Bruges, while Ijmuiden is perfectly placed for exploring Amsterdam’s canals and cultural treasures. We now return to British shores, visiting Newcastle-upon-Tyne to discover its rich industrial heritage and vibrant Geordie culture, and Newhaven for Edinburgh, the majestic Scottish capital. Continuing north, we stop at the Orkney Islands to unearth Neolithic sites and Viking heritage, and after a day at sea we arrive in Oslo, Norway’s capital, known for its striking architecture. Next, we head to Sweden’s west-coast town of Lysekil, framed by red-hued cliffs, before arriving in Copenhagen to enjoy two days in the enchanting Danish capital.