Westminster Abbey, Tower of London, Trafalgar Square, Covent Garden – the anticipation of familiar sights in a new light and undiscovered facets accompanies you on your visit in London. Sail through the Neo-Gothic monument when Tower Bridge opens to allow the HANSEATIC spirit to reach its mooring point in the heart of the city. A moment that is only possible with a small ship. “Welcome to London” – a city of contrasts, with Gothic churches alongside skyscrapers, punks in Camden and the elegant upper class. Unique, lively and enjoyable. The panoramic trip with the London Eye*, for instance, offers you an overview of the different faces of the metropolis. Kings and castles are as much a part of England as the Royal Family in Buckingham Palace. Explore the world’s largest castle with a visit to Windsor Castle*, the Queen’s former favourite residence. Gain completely different insights on the Thames cruise to Greenwich and the Royal Observatory*. In the observatory, you can stand astride the prime meridian with one foot in the British time zone and the other in the Central European time zone. A timeless beauty is the white Queen’s House, originally a royal residence and later a royal naval college. Breathtaking views open up before you as you cruise along the Thames in the evening. As the London skyline slowly disappears behind a bend in the river, your anticipation for the destinations to come is already building.

Defying the daily tides and the privateers of the past, two locations on the coast are particularly impressive: the fortified city of St Malo and the monastery island of Mont-Saint-Michel*. Both are shaped by the tides just like Cancale – the Breton oyster capital*.

Wild, vast and wonderful: Belle-Ile shows off its beauty in spring. With its breathtaking cliffs, hidden bays and endless sandy beaches, the island attracts visitors from all over the world. Alongside unspoilt nature, experience the dreamily romantic harbour of Le Palais as you stroll along the promenade.

Bordeaux is famous for cultural treasures and culinary delights. The HANSEATIC spirit is moored here overnight, so you can also enjoy the evening atmosphere and wander through the illuminated old town. An excursion to the Medoc wine region with a visit to a vineyard* is bound to quench not only your thirst for knowledge. Oysters, the Atlantic and idyllic sandy beaches characterise the coastal resort of Arcachon and Europe’s largest sand dune*, almost 3 km (1.9 mi.) long and over 100 m (328 ft) high.

You will marvel at the gentle rolling hills as a work of art of nature on your cruise on the Gironde, during which the team of experts will provide knowledgeable commentary – like on all river cruises on this trip. The landscape is fresh and green and the mild temperatures already usher in the first signs of spring.

Lisbon is built on great seafaring history. Portuguese ships set out from the city to explore the world during the Golden Age of the country. Take the historic tram* uphill and downhill through the narrow streets and past the most famous landmarks. The numerous steps make your individual explorations on foot a sporty undertaking. Alternatively, the excursion to Sintra and Cascais* reveals the Garden of Eden reserved for the high society of the 19th century, with its exotic plants and a medieval fortress. Take advantage of the long layover time for a traditional Fado concert in the evening – the melancholic sounds will leave you mesmerised.

The spring sun also bathes Portugal’s treasures in a warm light. Once again, you have the best vantage point for this on the many open deck areas or on the deck tour at the bow of the HANSEATIC spirit. The striking red 25 de Abril Bridge, which is reminiscent of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, is a particularly impressive sight to take in on your cruise on the Tagus.

Passionate flamenco dancing, the majestic Alcazar and fragrant orange trees – the Andalusian capital of Seville has plenty of exciting things to offer. The central mooring point of the small HANSEATIC spirit is perfect for individual explorations. Wander through the historic centre, enjoy traditional tapas in the vibrant streets or visit the Plaza de Espana, an architectural masterpiece. A walk to the locations in Carmen* combines art and culture, as does the Alcazar and its gardens*. In the evening, enjoy the hustle and bustle in the lanes in typical Andalusian style with a glass of sherry in a rustic tapas bar.

Only a small ship like the HANSEATIC spirit makes a cruise on the Guadalquivir possible. Your experts provide knowledgeable commentary during the passage, and you can enjoy a relaxing time on deck and on the glass balconies with views of the Andalusian landscape.

A paradise for hikers and nature lovers, Porto Santo welcomes you to the Madeira archipelago. An island tour* will reveal many facets of the unique landscape. The sandy beach spanning 9 km (5.5 mi.) is just one example of its idyllic beauty. Alternatively, you can hike on Pico do Castelo*, the only green mountain on the island with many endemic plant species. Reaching Funchal closes the curtain on your eventful cruise, which has provided deep insights into nature and diversity along Europe’s west coast.