Celtic Coasts and Iberian Shores: Voyage from Edinburgh to Lisbon

Arrive in Edinburgh and transfer to the city center. Known throughout time for its hill fort, the iconic Edinburgh Castle, this vibrant city offers a variety of experiences throughout its streets. Explore the city at your own pace before embarking the <i>National Geographic Endurance </i>in the afternoon.

Spend the day<b> </b>exploring the estuaries and beaches of Northumberland, the northernmost county in England, home to more than 400 different bird species. Once a medieval Anglo-Saxon kingdom encompassing present day northern England, this region is rich in striking coastlines and estuaries of the Tyne and Tweed rivers, as well as the ancient cities protecting this region for millennia.

Spend a relaxing day at sea sailing along the British coast. Join your officers on the Bridge and learn about navigating through the English Channel or attend a presentation led by your naturalists. Take advantage of the amenities on board such as a rejuvenating spa treatment with the wellness specialist.

Arrive this morning into the famous harbor of Portsmouth. The dockyards date back to the 1200s and are now a living museum combining present day naval operations of the Royal Naval fleet, along with historic ships on display such as King Henry VIII’s flagship, the <i>Mary Rose </i>and a World War II submarine. For nature lovers and ancient history buffs, the surrounding areas of Portsmouth offer a wide range of conservation reserves and peaceful outlooks to soak in the rolling hills and estuaries.

Known for its deep natural harbor, Falmouth offers a glimpse into life on the Cornwall peninsula. The Southwest Coastal path provides an escape into the nature and landscapes of the region while the quaint streets of this seaside town will present an opportunity to try Cornish delicacies such as fresh-caught oysters or clotted cream. Alternatively, visit Pendennis Castle, built in the 1540s by Henry VIII to protect against invasions from France and the Roman Empire and later used as a secret World War II base.

Natural promontories, pine forests and turquoise waters can be found throughout the Brittany region of France. These striking settings also form the backdrop to a unique cultural and culinary scene, inspired by Celtic traditions. Spend time hiking the coastal paths and relishing the relaxed pace of life in this idyllic setting.

Spend another relaxing day at sea sailing along the French coast. Enjoy the day editing your photos, attending an expert-led presentation or lounging on the observation deck with views of the dynamic Bay of Biscay. 

Known for its Roman-era lighthouse, the Tower of Hercules, A Coruña sits on a peninsula that creates a gateway to the stunning region of Galicia in northern Spain. At this last outpost of the Celtic nations linked through Cornwall and Brittany, keep a watchful eye and ear open for connections across these storied peninsulas. Choose from two options for the day. You could travel to Santiago de Compostela, where you’ll walk a part of the famed path that leads to the city’s legendary cathedral, visited by millions of pilgrims since its completion in the 12th century. Alternatively, explore the peninsulas and hidden coves that make this coastline so unique. 

Arrive in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Porto this afternoon. 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. Learn the secrets of port making during a tasting at a riverside port house.

Disembark in Lisbon and transfer to the airport for flights home.