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1655 S 3rd St. W, Ste 1
Missoula MT, 59801 USA

Ship:  National Geographic Explorer

Itinerary:  European Odyssey

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Visit coastal European cities during your expedition cruise

 cabins & deck plans  |  additional itineraries |  cancellation policy

“Far from the madding crowds, our noble expedition ship National Geographic Endeavour noses into quaint ports and calls at island communities that regular cruise ships simply cannot visit. We anchor in remote places like St.-Jean-de-Luz, Ile d’Aix and Islas Cies, which are the envy of large ships.” This fragment from Expedition Historian David Barnes’ report shows why you’ll see and share a very different Europe from the one you already know.

We’ll come and go during our journey the way people have for centuries—through Europe’s many ports, places of great vibrancy, and in many cases, remarkable beauty. Best accessed by sea rather than land, these ports will be “portals” through which we’ll pass into history, art, architecture and cuisines.

Accompanied by our Expedition Team, we’ll begin in Copenhagen, end in Lisbon, and enjoy a kaleidoscopic adventure. We’ll go ashore and off the beaten path to meet the locals and savor regional cuisine: Spanish tapas, Brton crepes, Belgian waffles, and vintage port in Oporto. Join pilgrims to Santiago de Compostela. Stand silent and reverent on Normandy beaches. Share the exhilaration of the future at the Guggenheim Bilbao. And observe the new Europe and the Old World.

Day 1 : Copenhagen, Denmark / Embark

Arrive this afternoon in the royal city of Copenhagen and embark National Geographic Explorer. (D)

Day 2 : Lubeck, Germany

Lubeck was the medieval capital of the Hanseatic League. Its intact ensemble of step-gabled merchant’s houses, red-bricked warehouses and narrow alleys are protected as a World Heritage Site. Our Zodiac options and our walking tour takes us to Buddenbrockhaus, home of Lubeck’s famous sons, authors Heinrich and Thomas Mann. (B,L,D)

Day 3 : Transit the Kiel Canal

(B,L,D)

Day 4 : Amsterdam, The Netherlands

With its canals, museums, cafes and gabled architecture, Amsterdam is a colorful city. Cruise along the canals, seeing Amsterdam’s landmarks and enjoying the free-spirited lifestyle. Choose from a variety of options to suit your interests in this diverse and fascinating city. (B,L,D)

Day 5 : Oostende / Brugge, Belgium

From Oostende, drive to Brugge, one of the purest medieval towns in Western Europe. Board riverboats to view the incomparable architecture from canal-level and stop at a café for the equivalent of afternoon tea: Belgian waffles and coffee. (B,L,D)

Day 6 : Bayeux, France

Step back in time to the Norman invasion from France to England in 1066. At the medieval town of Bayeux, view the famed 11th-century masterpiece, The Bayeux Tapestry, which tells the story of the Invasion of England by William the Conqueror. (B,L,D)

Day 7 : Normandy D-Day Beaches / Cherbourg

Gain an understanding of the D-Day invasion at the historic Normandy Beaches. The feeling generated here, where thousands of troops landed and fought, cannot be summed up in words. Visit Utah and Omaha beaches, Arromanches, and pay homage at the American Cemetery with its 9,000 perfectly aligned white crosses and Stars of David. Continue to St. Mere Eglise, best remembered for its church where a U.S. paratrooper became ensnared by the steeple. Reboard in Cherbourg. (B,L,D)

Day 8 : St. Malo and Mont St. Michel

Moor beneath grand ramparts, the gateway to medieval St. Malo. Drive to the beautiful 12th-century Benedictine monastery of Mont St. Michel, which rises from the fast-running tidal flats of the Atlantic. Return to St. Malo for a walk around the ramparts and stunning views. (B,L,D)

Day 9 : At Sea

(B,L,D)

Day 10 : Ile d’Aix and La Rochelle

Tiny and tranquil Ile d’Aix is famous as Napoleon’s last place of residence on French soil before his exile. Today this natural gem is home to shellfish gatherers and artists that live by the tides. Wander along the Vieux Port at La Rochelle, where lively cafes line the waterfront. (B,L,D)

Day 11 : La Cote Basque, France

Zodiacs take us ashore at lovely St.-Jean-de-Luz. Visit the exquisite Eglise St.-Jean Baptiste, where Louis XIV married Maria Theresa of Spain. This photogenic fishing village is the perfect place to relax, stroll the harbor, or swim from the white-sand Grand Plage. (B,L,D)

Day 12 : Bilbao, Spain

Explore Frank Gehry’s futuristic Guggenheim Museum with its distinctive titanium wave. (B,L,D)

Day 13 : La Coruña / Santiago de Compostela

Visit the most magnificent pilgrimage site of the Middle Ages: the cathedral at Santiago de Compostela. Witness the swinging of the extraordinary incense burner or botafumerio. A dance reception is followed by a Galician lunch served in the impressive Hostal de los Reyes Catolicos, built for 16th-century pilgrims.(B,L,D)

Day 14 : Islas Cies and Bayona

Stroll the paths of Islas Cies National Park or swim and kayak from the white-sand beach. Explore picturesque Bayona, where Columbus’ ship, Pinta, brought news of the discovery of the New World. (B,L,D)

Day 15 : Oporto, Portugal

Famous for its port wine, Oporto is a World Heritage Site resounding in stately architecture: the 12th-century cathedral that glitters with gold, and the Stock Exchange, the embodiment of Moorish splendor. Picturesque wine boats ply the Douro River and we have a tasting at one of the famed riverside porthouses. (B,L,D)

Day 16 : Lisbon / Disembark / Home

Disembark in Lisbon. Following a panoramic view of the city, we head to the airport for flights home, or on to other adventures. (B)

Ship Description: National Geographic Explorer

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  The newly-launched National Geographic Explorer is fully equipped for exploring the world\s most remote shores

The National Geographic Explorer is a state-of-the-art expedition ship accommodating 148 guests in 81 outside cabins. It is fully stabilized, enabling it to navigate polar passages while providing comfort. The National Geographic Explorer houses technology for sea exploration, such as Zodiacs, kayaks, hydro-phones, underwater HD cameras and a Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV). Additional accommodations include multiple dining venues, a lounge area designed specifically for educational presentations and a luxury wellness spa.

Public areas include two restaurants, a lounge and bar, library, observation lounge, spa, fitness center, and sauna. A mud room with lockers provides storage for guests’ expedition gear. Meals: Served in single seatings with unassigned tables for an informal atmosphere and easy mingling. Menu is international with local flair.

Cabins: All cabins face outside with windows or portholes. Each has private facilities and climate controls.

Expedition Equipment: Hydrophone, kayaks, remotely operated vehicle (R.O.V.), snorkeling gear, Splash-Cam, underwater video camera, video microscope, and Zodiac landing craft.

Services include a full-time doctor, Undersea Specialist, Wellness Specialist, LEXspa Therapist, and Video Chronicler. There is internet access for guests, a business center, and laundry. Our "Open Bridge" policy allows guests to learn about the art of navigation and state-of-the-art navigational equipment from our Captain and Officers.