Porto, Bordeaux and Bergen: Wonders of Western Europe

Description

Trace Europe’s western edge from the sun-drenched hills of Lisbon to the fjord-carved harbors of Norway, through a tapestry of cultures, flavors and landscapes. Each stop in Portugal, Spain, France, England and Scotland reveals a new perspective: medieval cities brimming with history, vineyards nurtured by centuries of tradition and idyllic paths where windswept coasts meet the mighty sea in dramatic fashion. Along the way, your expedition team will illuminate the spirit of each destination through stories, tastings and cultural encounters while leaving time for you to wander and discover these historic regions in your own way.

Trip Name

Porto, Bordeaux and Bergen: Wonders of Western Europe

Days

Overview

Vessel Type: Expedition Ship Passenger Capacity: 126 Length: 124 m Built: 2020 National Geographic Endurance is a state-of-the-art expedition vessel purpose-built for year-round polar navigation. Named in honour of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s legendary Endurance expedition, she is the first polar ship in Lindblad’s history designed from the keel up for exploration. With an ice-class rating of PC5 (Category A) and a fully stabilised hull, she grants access to remote and often uncharted corners of the Arctic and Antarctica in exceptional comfort and safety. Her revolutionary X-Bow®—a striking forward-leaning design—enables superior wave-cutting performance, ensuring a smoother, quieter ride and minimising spray on deck for better wildlife observation. On board, guests enjoy thoughtfully designed public spaces including a wraparound observation lounge, library, and an expedition base for gear and briefings. Dining is offered across three flexible venues, all serving sustainable, locally inspired cuisine. With a full suite of tools for exploration and a design deeply rooted in expedition heritage, Endurance is the ultimate platform for discovering Earth’s most remote regions.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Day 1 Lisbon, Portugal / Embark Ship

Arrive in Lisbon, the capital of Portugal and one of Europe’s most vibrant cities. Spend the day at your leisure, exploring the city's history, art and cuisine before embarking the ship in the late afternoon.Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2 - Days 2-3 Porto

Arrive in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Porto. The birthplace of port wine, Porto straddles a gorge on the beautiful Douro River, linked by numerous bridges and filled with medieval architecture. See the region’s famous azulejo tiles and take in the views from the Ponte Dom Luis bridge, an iron masterpiece completed in 1886. Choose from options within the city or in the countryside to gain a better understanding of the layers of Portuguese history and culture before taking in the city at your own pace. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 - Day 4 At Sea

Spend a relaxing day at sea entering the Bay of Biscay. Join your officers on the Bridge and learn about navigating through the region, the history of the waterway and connectivity of the oceans. Attend a presentation led by your naturalists or take advantage of the onboard amenities. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 - Day 5 Bilbao, Spain

The largest and one of the most notable cities in the Basque country, Bilbao has transformed from an old-world hub of industry to a thriving metropolis filled with arts and culture. Soak in architectural marvels such as the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, or spend time wandering the old town and tasting the local flavors of Basque cuisine. Alternatively, hike along the coast and witness the strength of the Bay of Biscay on one of the converted rail trails in the region. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 - Days 6-7 Bordeaux, France

After a scenic sail up the Garrone River, arrive in the famed vineyard region surrounding Bordeaux, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed city. On the fertile banks of the Garrone, vintners produce some of the world’s best wines, from rich merlots to bold cabernet sauvignons. Explore on your own, strolling through the city’s iconic farmers markets and savoring a colorful array of regional delicacies such as fresh-caught oysters and locally made cheeses. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 - Day 8 At Sea

Spend another relaxing day at sea as you round the Brittany Peninsula. Edit photos with the help of your certified photo instructor, or cozy up with a book in the library or lounge, enjoying views of this scenic peninsula.Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 - Days 9-10 Saint-Malo

Wake up in charming Saint-Malo and take a walking tour of this fortified city, known for its 15th-century privateer history and surrounded by ramparts dating from the 12th century. This afternoon, choose to visit a local oyster farm, or practice your photography in Dinan, with its half-timbered houses and cobblestone streets—all enclosed by nearly two miles of medieval ramparts. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 - Day 11 Dover, England

Sail past the famed whitewashed Cliffs of Dover, a beacon to many World War II pilots returning home from battle on the continent. Walk the wartime tunnels deep beneath Dover Castle and immerse yourself in the drama of the 1940 Dunkirk evacuation—“Operation Dynamo.” Then, explore this historic seaside town, known as the “Gateway to England,” and its tranquil nature reserves in the surrounding area, enjoying hikes on cliffside paths with panoramic views of the English Channel. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9 - Day 12 At Sea

Experience a day at sea as you sail to Scotland. Attend onboard talks to learn more about the migratory wildlife routes along this rugged coastline. Relax in a sauna or infinity hot tub with views of the remote islands that dot your route. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10 - Day 13 Edinburgh, Scotland

Known for its hill fort, the iconic Edinburgh Castle, this vibrant city offers a variety of experiences amid its charming medieval streets. Walk the Royal Mile and capture the iconic photo of a bagpiper dressed in traditional regalia, or join a guided neighborhood walk to discover the hidden gems of this storied city. Alternatively, explore the various homes of the royal family through the ages. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11 - Day 14 Shetland Islands

This afternoon, arrive in the Shetland Islands, a North Sea archipelago known for its wild beauty, untamed landscapes and ancient history. Choose from a variety of options to gain a deeper understanding of these dynamic islands, whether that's hiking along a cliff with beautiful vistas, kayaking in a fjord or connecting with locals. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12 - Day 15 At Sea

Enjoy a final day at sea as you sail toward Norway. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13 - Day 16 Bergen, Norway / Disembark Ship

Disembark in Bergen after breakfast and transfer to the airport for your flight home. Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 14 - Please note:

Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

Start	End	Price From	Room Type

Inclusions

Explore the winding streets of Porto, a UNESCO World Heritage city, where ornate azulejo tiles adorn the architecture and the story of port wine began along the banks of the Douro
In Bilbao, witness the dramatic contrast of the city’s modernization against its old-world charm, from its architectural marvels to the vibrant flavors of Basque cuisine
Sail into the Bordeaux region, surrounded by world-famous vineyards, and taste its vintages alongside oysters and market-fresh produce
Step back in time in Saint-Malo and Dinan, walled towns steeped in privateer lore, cobblestone lanes and quaint half-timbered houses
Experience Edinburgh’s castle-topped skyline and vibrant streets before venturing north to the Shetland Islands, where seabirds soar over rugged cliffs and island traditions thrive