FROM HAMBURG TO MADEIRA

Narrow streets, historic guild houses, Flemish specialities and trendy galleries make Antwerp an exciting cultural adventure. The city has been a global centre of the diamond trade and industry since the 15th century. Dazzling artistic highlights on your city tour are provided by the Grote Markt and the Gothic Church of Our Lady, and especially by Peter Paul Rubens: Antwerp is inextricably associated with the Baroque artist, who lived and worked here in the 16th and 17th centuries. At the time, his studio was one of the biggest and most successful in the world. His former home and studio, Rubens House, is now a museum celebrating the life and works of the artist. Together with your experts on board, discover Antwerp as a centre of artistic achievement. Your experts will explain how important the estuaries on the North Sea coast are in modern times as you cruise in the Westerschelde.

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.

There’s a clue to the beauty of Brittany’s largest island in its name: Belle-Ile. Wild, vast and wonderful – see for yourself from the deck as the ship approaches the island. The decidedly pretty capital Le Palais welcomes you at its picturesque harbour. The promenade and the streets lined with little shops, galleries and cafes are a great place for a stroll. Treat yourself to some time simply to enjoy “le savoir-vivre” or follow your curiosity on a historic walking tour with insights into the island’s rich history. Your experts will be happy to explain the military history and fortified architecture of the imposing Vauban Citadel, a well-preserved 17th century fortress. Or explore the historic fortifications, whose doubly reinforced walls are unique in France.

A journey into the past will take you to the medieval lanes of Viana do Castelo, one of the most beautiful towns in Portugal. Between the ocean and the mountains, the history of exploration and architecture flow together at the estuary of the River Lima. Churches and monasteries, palaces and fountains illustrate the craftsmanship of the past. Stroll through the historic centre or walk up to the Santa Luzia Basilica on the hill for an impressive panoramic view. The town has successfully made the leap into the present day with the help of contemporary Portuguese architects. Souto Moura, Fernando Tavora and Alvaro Siza Vieira are just a few names – take a detailed look at their works together with your experts on board. In Viana do Castelo, it will once again become clear how Hapag-Lloyd Cruises shows you the way from your own front door to a new understanding of Europe.

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.