The sea and coastlines have inspired artists, mighty cities have been built on trading routes and history has left great pieces of architecture in its wake: Western Europe beckons with enthralling moments. The salty sea air and a brisk breeze herald the Wadden Sea, a unique natural environment that is strictly protected as a biosphere reserve. The East Frisian island of Borkum will greet you with a typical “Moin, Moin!”. A walk in the dune landscape and salt flats reveals how the tides shape life here. The hike through the mudflats of the Wadden Sea National Park* with a hiking guide will introduce the diverse habitat between the tides.

The mighty trading city of Ghent was built in the Middle Ages at the spot where the River Schelde and River Leie meet in a baffling array of branches, with the intertwined course of the rivers’ arms forming a charming part of the cityscape. A culinary walking tour of Ghent* appeals to all the senses: Gothic treats for the eyes and pralines and waffles for the taste buds. The HANSEATIC nature will stay here overnight to give you plenty of time to experience the city’s charms for yourself. The cobbled streets will bring the Hanseatic legacy to life on a visit to romantic Brugge*. Trade and the textile industry brought prosperity and blossoming culture to the entire region in the Middle Ages. Take a walk to explore the historic city centre, the Grote Markt and the Church of Our Lady with Michelangelo’s white Madonna.

You experts will explain how important the estuaries on the North Sea coast are in modern times as you cruise in the Ghent–Terneuzen Canal and the Westerschelde.

The jewel of Normandy, Honfleur, starts the show with its half-timbered houses and winding streets. A scenic tour to medieval Rouen* is particularly charming in autumn, when the sun bathes the green hills and meadows in a beautiful light. The same is true for a hike along the Alabaster Coast to Etretat*. The route to the small seaside resort takes you past steep cliffs with inspiring views.

The fortified city of St Malo offers insights into Norman architecture. The first of your exclusive music concerts underscores the city's powerful impression. The monastic island of Mont-Saint-Michel* seems like a water-borne mountain, floating when the tide comes in and grounded when the water is low. The tides also shape life in Cancale - the Breton oyster capital*. Explore the oyster farms, crowned by a fabulous ocean view.

Spain’s beauty lies in the interplay of culture and nature. As if arranged by the hand of an artist, the old town in Santander nestles on the hillside above the Atlantic coast. The inhabitants of Cantabria’s capital seem to love the atmosphere in the streets too: glass balconies offer the best views of Basque street life. Enjoy two essential parts of the city’s character with a city tour and pintxos tasting*. Try some of the typical small pintxos snacks along the way – just like the locals, who like to enjoy their nibbles at a bar counter. Marvel at the fascinating symbiosis of apparently opposing contrasts with an excursion to Bilbao and the Guggenheim Museum*. The work of star architect Frank O. Gehry seems to rise up powerfully on the riverbank like a mountain, the undulating titanium facades reminiscent of breaking waves. The old town of Casco Viejo is sure to linger in your memory with its charming buildings from different periods. By contrast, the magnificent masterpieces in the museum are all from modern periods. The rich collection of images you have gathered from the treasure troves of nature, art and architecture will stay with you when you bid farewell to the ship after your days of exploration.