On our VASCO DA GAMA, which was named Ship of the Year in April 2023, you can travel to your personal places of longing all over the world. Whether you are dreaming of the North Cape, the Mediterranean or even a trip around the world: You will indulge in pure cruise feeling on a comparatively small ship with a manageable number of guests of maximum 1,000 passengers. Enjoy the family atmosphere on board our charming ocean-going vessel VASCO DA GAMA and indulge in culinary delights in our five restaurants. Our attentive, German-speaking service staff will serve you top-class drinks in the seven bars and cafés on board, which have been furnished with great attention to detail. The heated swimming pool on the Lido Deck can be used all year round, regardless of the weather, thanks to the flexible sliding glass roof. Our on-board program is rounded off by first-class entertainment with on-board shows, varied live music and lectures on local history.
Experience Europe's fascination
23 days | Bremerhaven - Amsterdam - Dover - Guernsey - St. Malo - Bilbao - Porto - Lisbon - Cadiz - Gibraltar - Valencia - MallorcaWhy this trip?
- With the VASCO DA GAMA you will sail to several world-famous destinations in one voyage: Bilbao, Bordeaux, Saint-Malo, London, Bruges and Amsterdam.
- Excursions into the surrounding countryside provide a profound insight into the history and stories of Western Europe away from the tourist strongholds
- You also taste the other typical dishes and drinks of Portugal and Spain where they come from. Salud!
- Porto is world famous for its sweet dessert wine. Of course, you will not leave without tasting it on the spot
Itinerary
Bremerhaven
Bremerhaven is located on the Elbe-Weser triangle, which merges into the North Sea, making the city the gateway to the North Sea, so to speak. Especially for the inquisitive, Bremerhaven has a lot to offer: the Klimahaus, the German Maritime Museum and the German Emigration House. All these sites offer knowledge about many different topics, so everyone will find what they are looking for.
Embarkation 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
Amsterdam
The museum city of Amsterdam has something to offer for every taste: The Van Gogh Museum, the Rijksmuseum with European masterpieces, the Stedelijk Museum of Modern Art or the Anne Frank House are among Europe's best museum facilities. Amsterdam is especially famous worldwide for its canals. The so-called "grachtengordels", typical canal houses, are part of the UNESCO World Heritage.
Zeebrugge
Zeebrugge is all about the sea. Relax on the beautiful beaches of the Belgian port city, get active with sailing or fishing or taste real specialties - Zeebrugge is considered the capital of fish!
Dover (London), England
Upon arrival, enjoy the view of the enchanting chalk cliffs around the British port city of Dover. Visit the largest castle complex in England, Dover Castle, or take a trip to the famous cosmopolitan city of London and explore highlights like Tower Bridge, Buckingham Palace or Westminster Abbey!
Honfleur
The seafaring town of Honfleur will delight you! Located at the mouth of the Seine, it presents itself with picturesque houses and is one of the most charming places along the Côte Fleurie, the "Flower Coast". Follow in the footsteps of Renoir, Cézanne and other famous painters who set up their easels in Honfleur.
St. Peter Port, Guernsey
Discover the pretty harbor town of St. Peter Port during a visit to the picturesque Castle Cornet, the charming Candie Gardens and the picturesque harbor of the capital of the British Channel Island Guernsey!
Saint Helier, Jersey
The capital of the Channel Islands is characterized by historic buildings and beautiful parks. Directly at the entrance to the harbor greets the first sight - Elizabeth Castle, a building dating back to the 16th century. A particularly colorful place in St. Helier is the Market Hall, right in the center. The historic hall is filled with stalls, cafes and stores of all kinds. Don't forget to visit the historic steam clock.
Saint Malo
What an impressive apprroach - admire the massive fortress construction that has shaped the history of the town in Brittany. The old town of the picturesque coastal town pushes into the Atlantic Ocean and the historic city center is surrounded by the massive defensive walls of the citadel.
Brest
Welcome to Brittany! Seize the day in France's westernmost city and discover the gem known as the "City of Art and History". Modernism, neoclassicism, new art and art deco combine perfectly here. Stroll across the unique bridge over the Iroise Sea, enjoy a walk along the busy quays to the Castle Museum including the Naval Museum and enjoy the maritime flair of the city.
Day 10
Recreation at sea.
Port Médoc (Bordeaux)
The beautiful marina Port Médoc invites you to explore the picturesque region of Bordeaux. Look forward to dreamlike nature, enchanting cities and culinary delights in the famous wine region in the southwest of France!
Bilbao
As is well known, there is (no) dispute about taste. About art, too (not). But a visit to the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain, is definitely a must. The collection of contemporary artworks is great, but the titanium-clad building is also a real eye-catcher. You will experience the friendly metropolis as lively and colorful, which is also due to its many parks and green spaces.
Gijon
Historic buildings like the Revillagigedo Palace, charming local festivals and a diverse botanical garden await you in the Spanish port city of Gijon!
A Coruña
Welcome to Galicia, to A Coruña. The city's long history is witnessed by its Roman street network and its medieval squares and churches. At the port, the Tower of Hercules (Torre de Hércules), the oldest lighthouse in the world still in operation and on UNESCO's World Heritage List, flashes. The gallery houses on the harbor are striking, with their glazed wooden balconies, typical of Galicia.
Porto
Walk in Porto in the footsteps of the great Portuguese explorers! The narrow streets and centuries-old buildings bear witness to times long past. Culinary delights await you at a port wine tasting - the noble wine got its name from the Portuguese port city in the 18th century.
Lisbon
In Lisbon, the famous monument Padrão des Descobrimentos commemorates adventurous seafarers like the namesake of our VASCO DA GAMA or Ferdinand Magellan. Explore the fascinating metropolis and enjoy the Portuguese way of life!
Porto
Walk in Porto in the footsteps of the great Portuguese explorers! The narrow streets and centuries-old buildings bear witness to times long past. Culinary delights await you at a port wine tasting - the noble wine got its name from the Portuguese port city in the 18th century.
Day 18
Recreation at sea.
Cadiz
Cadiz in Andalusia is a Spanish port city built on a promontory and enclosed by the sea on almost all sides. From the more than 100 watchtowers were traditionally watched for merchant and expedition ships. Cadiz is one of the oldest cities in Western Europe and is characterized by a winding old town with many small squares.
Gibraltar
On the Gibraltar Peninsula, you almost feel like you're in a small English town: there are inviting pubs, red telephone booths and the typical British mailboxes. Only the weather is better - almost 2,800 hours of sunshine a year invite you to explore. Visit the Rock of Gibraltar with its cheeky animal inhabitants or the Gorham Cave.
Alicante
Located in the heart of the Costa Blanca, the idyllic port city fascinates with a rich history: Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans and later Arabs came to the coast in search of new trade routes and shaped the image of the place with their different cultures. Among the most famous sights is the Castillo de Santa Bárbara. Located on a hill, the visitor is rewarded with breathtaking views of the sea and the landscape.
Valencia
The impressive cathedral, home of the "Holy Grail," rises between the narrow streets of Valencia's picturesque old town. A stark contrast to this is the Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències - the futuristic buildings in the former riverbed of the Turia in the Spanish port city look like landed spaceships.
Palma de Mallorca (Balearic Islands)
Overlooking the harbour and the remains of the city walls of Palma de Mallorca towers the massive Gothic cathedral La Seu. Behind it stretches the picturesque old town with charming stores, narrow streets and tempting tapas bars.
Disembarkation until 09:00 am.
Services
- Cruise in the booked cabin category
- nicko cruises full board
- nicko cruises cruise management
- German-speaking local tour guide during the excursions (this cannot be guaranteed in all destinations, in these cases English-speaking guide)
- English-speaking service on board
- Entertainment programme and lectures on the countries visited on board
- Childcare and a large children‘s area extended over two decks with indoor and outdoor areas
- Comfortable Whisper audio system on all excursions operated by nicko cruises
- Use of the fitness area, swimming pools, outdoor sports area and spa area with sauna
- Travel documents
- Luggage service between landing stage and cabin for embarkation and disembarkation
- All port and passenger fees
The services provided during your trip
- Arrival and departure
- Classic beverage package on sea voyages with VASCO DA GAMA: €726 p. P.
- Premium beverage package on sea voyages with VASCO DA GAMA: €1,166 p. P.
- Non-alcoholic beverage package for kids & teens on sea voyages with VASCO DA GAMA: €308 p. P.
- Insurance
- Complete insurance
- Travel cancellation insurance
- Travel health insurance
Additional services
Your ship: VASCO DA GAMA
On our VASCO DA GAMA, which was named Ship of the Year in April 2023, you can travel to your personal places of longing all over the world. Whether you are dreaming of the North Cape, the Mediterranean or even a trip around the world: You will indulge in pure cruise feeling on a comparatively small ship with a manageable number of guests of maximum 1,000 passengers. Enjoy the family atmosphere on board our charming ocean-going vessel VASCO DA GAMA and indulge in culinary delights in our five restaurants. Our attentive, German-speaking service staff will serve you top-class drinks in the seven bars and cafés on board, which have been furnished with great attention to detail. The heated swimming pool on the Lido Deck can be used all year round, regardless of the weather, thanks to the flexible sliding glass roof. Our on-board program is rounded off by first-class entertainment with on-board shows, varied live music and lectures on local history.