Hamburg - Madeira Channel Islands and Portugal with Madeira: Europe between baroque gems and Atlantic cliffs

Tranquil and vibrant, old and new, picturesque and daring – the canal city of Amsterdam is a unique celebration of contrasts. Discover the jewel of the Netherlands on a city walk with your experts or completely at your own pace. Only by wandering through the narrow streets will you notice the elegance of the gabled houses, the heron on a house boat or a hidden inner courtyard known as a “hofje”. Take a journey back in time through the historic ages, past the Westernkirk (western church), the Anne Frank Museum and the Royal Palace. Cultural insights await when you follow in the footsteps of the legendary painter in the Van Gogh Museum*. The Netherlands and cycling simply belong together: so how about exploring Amsterdam by bicycle? Take in the avant-garde former workers’ district in the north of the city – now a “creative hub” with houseboat galleries and trendy restaurants.

The rich flora and fauna on Alderney paint an unforgettable picture in the middle of the English Channel. The island is a genuine treasure chest of natural beauties, varied wild landscapes and historic sites just waiting to be discovered. Explore the footpaths along the coast with your experts or independently and enjoy the impressive views of cliffs, bays and birds’ nesting sites. The experts on board will tell you all about the island’s history, but old fortresses also have their own stories to tell about their strategic role, while the colourful streets and pubs of Alderney reveal its cosy side. The lighthouse built in 1912 is also a picturesque spot.

And what more stylish way to experience this idyll than on a carriage ride to the wonderful lords’ gardens? The walk to the La Seigneurie Gardens, which surround the majestic 18th-century manor house, is also impressive. Marvel at how the mild climate of the Gulf Stream has allowed a diverse range of splendid and exotic plants to bloom.

The smallest of the Channel Islands is Herm, a gem of natural beauty. This car-free, peaceful island has beaches and palm trees reminiscent of the Caribbean. Hike along the cliff path discover wild flowers and enjoy the warm welcome in the island’s only village. If the conditions allow, you will go an exciting Zodiac ride – where you might spot some seals.

Guernsey, the pearl of the Channel Islands, is an inviting place with its breathtaking cliffs, hidden bays, picturesque hilly interior and interesting history. Its natural landscapes inspired the famous painter, Renoir, and the author Victor Hugo also lived here for a while. The gardens around Saint Peter Port, the island capital and the prettiest little town in the British Channel Islands, would be the perfect subject for an impressionist painting. Experience this Mediterranean-like place for yourself – a fascinating labyrinth of terraces and hidden gardens is just waiting to be discovered. Castle Cornet has been a landmark of Saint Peter Port since the Middle Ages: explore this mystical fortress or simply enjoy the peace and quiet on a spectacular cliff path. 

The Channel Island of Jersey welcomes you with a magnificent natural spectacle: rugged cliffs and smooth sandy beaches alternate along the coast. Gorey is another place of contrasts: the small fishing village is enchanting with its colourful houses dominated by the impressive Mont Orgueil Castle. Relics and mysteries of the medieval castle and a Mediterranean atmosphere in its picturesque bays – Jersey is a wonderful place for hikes and panoramic views.

Lorient – the gateway to Bretagne – captivates visitors with its maritime history and Breton lifestyle. Where ships from the East India Company once unloaded exotic goods, today you will find a small harbour with a lively culture and warm hospitality. Explore the imposing submarine bunkers, enjoy the flavours of Bretagne with freshly caught fish and fine crêpes, or stroll through the charming streets. From here, the wild Atlantic coast with its bays and coastal towns opens up. Lorient is the ideal starting point for enjoying French culture and joie de vivre in a special way.

A pearl of Galicia: Vigo lies waiting to be discovered on a deep inlet on the wild Atlantic coast of north-west Spain. The scent of salt and adventure hangs in the air here. As you approach along the Ria de Vigo, you will be cruising through waters laden with history: galleons still carrying gold from America are said to lie on the sea bed here. In the past, the city was repeatedly subjected to pirate attacks, as you can see from the ruins of the defensive walls. On arrival, you will feel the vibrancy of Europe’s biggest fishing port, which is at the heart of this lively coastal city. Wander through the narrow streets of the historic Casco Vello district. The Parque de Castrelos with its manor houses and gardens is the green soul of the city. Whether you follow the trail of seafarers and pirates or enjoy the Galician cuisine, Vigo combines the best of land, sea and culture to deliver an unforgettable experience.

Welcome to Leixoes, gateway to lively Porto – a place full of discoveries that will get any culture lover’s heart beating faster. The city on the banks of the Douro is a labyrinth of narrow streets, steep steps and magnificent baroque facades. Here, the glorious past meets the vibrant present day. How about some sightseeing with a trip on the historic trams? As home to the world-famous port, Porto’s wine cellars are inviting. The iconic Ribeira in the heart of the old town is a kaleidoscope of colours and the sounds of fado, just waiting to be discovered. If you are interested in architecture, you can look forward to a wealth of discoveries, including the Gothic Se do Porto cathedral and the famous Ponte Maria Pia iron railway bridge over the Douro built by Gustav Eiffel.

Discover Porto Santo, Madeira’s sister island. This little gem has some of the best beaches in Europe with miles of fine, golden sand to relax on. But Porto Santo is more than just a beach paradise: in the island’s interior, a hike* in the rolling hills, including Pico do Facho and Pico do Castelo, will reward you with breathtaking views over the sea and the surrounding volcanic landscape. History lovers can follow in the footsteps of Christopher Columbus, who lived on the island for a while – the house he stayed in is now a museum you can visit. The peace of Porto Santo, coupled with a hint of adventure, means every experience becomes a discovery of its own: on a hike through the rugged but fascinating natural scenery or along the coast, where with luck you may be able to observe whales and dolphins.

The island group of Madeira also includes the rarely visited Ilha Deserta Grande, an uninhabited nature reserve with rare Mediterranean monk seals. If the local authorities give the green light, the Zodiacs will take you ashore for a tour with a local ranger. The windswept landscape has its own story to tell: “Deserta” is the Portuguese word for “deserted”. Here you can see a rugged natural landscape of craggy volcanic slopes in a colourful display of ochre, brown and deep-sea blue. Seabirds nest in the cliffs, while the waters are rich in marine life – with barracuda, rays and sometimes dolphins. On this island, you are just a guest in a world belonging to nature.

It’s hard to believe that there are so many surprising sides to Madeira. During your spectacular arrival in the port of Funchal, you will have a view over the high mountains that surround the capital of the archipelago. The historic streets exude the southern way of life and the gastronomy is impressive with fresh fish and the famous Madeira wine. End the day in style and enjoy the night in Funchal.