Lisbon
Lisbon 05/01/2026
Set out from this enchanting cityThe Portuguese capital is rich in history and culture. Take a stroll through the classical districts of Baixa and Bairro Alto, Chiado, and Alfama, the old Islamic quarter, where there are remains of a Roman theatre and Moorish fortress. A bit outside the city centre, you can visit the beautiful UNESCO World Heritage sites of Belém Tower and?Jerónimos Monastery before you set sail. MS Fram awaits you in the harbour. After being welcomed aboard, settle into your cabin and begin your adventure at sea. With so much to see in and around Lisbon, why not arrive early and join one of our optional Pre-Programmes.
Optional Private Excursions
Avoid the crowds and hustle and bustle associated with a group activity. For a memorable trip ashore, we invite you to consider a private shore excursion. Enjoy the undivided attention of your own driver/guide and the flexibility of experiencing the aspects of the local culture that most interest you. Below are just some samples of the private shore excursions we can arrange for you. Let us personalize your experience!
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An Exploration of Lisbon (8 hours)
Highlights:
Lying north of the River Tagus estuary and stretching over seven hills, Portugal's capital city has much to offer. Receive a warm welcome at the port by your private guide and driver and from here commence your engaging tour of Lisbon.
Explore the Belem district with its magnificent Jerónimos Monastery, an extraordinary example of Portugal's 'Manueline' style of architecture. Once populated by monks, the UNESCO-listed monastery was commissioned by King Manuel I to celebrate Vasco da Gama's discovery of a sea route to India in 1498. Time permitting, visit Torre de Belém (Belém Tower), one of Lisbon's most iconic buildings and symbolic of Portugal's great Age of Expansion.
Next, it's time for a refreshment stop, where you may wish to sample the famous and scrumptious Pastéis de Belém (Portuguese custard tarts). From here you return to your cruise ship.
- Discover the beautiful Belem district with its magnificent Jeronimos Monastery
- Behold the priceless treasures on display at the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum and try the exquisite pasteis de nata local pastries
Tour Duration: 8 hours
Tour can operate: Morning/Afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
- Private transport by luxury car or minivan
- An expert local guide for 8 hours
- Entrance fees to all sights and museums
- All taxes
Not Included:
- All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
- Gratuities
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Queluz, Sintra and Estoril (8 hours)
Highlights:
Venture outside of Lisbon to explore Queluz, Sintra and Estoril during your private shore excursion. Take the short driver to the sumptuous 18th-century Queluz Palace, where you can admire the magnificent formal gardens and azulejo-lined canals.
Afterwards visit Sintra, the summer retreat of Portuguese monarchs and Moorish emirs before them. Today, this town, nestling on the north side of the Sintra Mountain, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Stroll through the town where charming streets are filled with fine handicraft shops. You then descend to Guincho beach for a fabulous view of Cape Rock, the westernmost point of the European continent and continuing to the resort town of Estoril on the scenic coastal road with fantastic views, en route back to your cruise ship.
- Explore Queluz Palace, the summer residence of the Portugese Royal Family
- Take a short drive to Sintra, the summer retreat of Portuguese monarchs and a UNESCO Word Heritage Site
Tour Duration: 8 hours
Tour can operate: Morning/Afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
- Private transport by luxury car or minivan
- An expert local guide for 8 hours
- Entrance fees to all sights and museums
- All taxes
Not Included:
- All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
- Gratuities
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Highlights of Lisbon (4 hours)
Highlights:
See Belem Tower, one of Lisbon's iconic buildings and symbolic of the nation's Age of Expansion. Admire the impressive collection of painted and gilded Baroque coaches at the National Coach Museum.
Tour Duration: 4 hours
Tour can operate: Morning/Afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
- Private transport by luxury car or minivan
- An expert local guide for 8 hours
- Entrance fees to all sights and museums
- All taxes
Not Included:
- All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
- Gratuities
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05/01/2026 |
05/01/2026 |
Porto (Oporto)
Porto (Oporto) 05/02/2026
Explore the UNESCO-listed historic centre of Porto? Our first stop is Leixões, Portugal. From here, you can see the lighthouse of Leça, the Boa Nova Chapel, and the beautiful beach of Praia Azul.? You can take a shuttle bus to Porto – famed for its port wine and UNESCO-listed historic centre. An undulating city made for walking, you'll fall in love with the pastel houses, colourful tiled façades, street art, ornate churches and panoramic views across the Douro River.Here, you can stroll along the bustling promenade by the Ribeira docks, cross the Dom Luís I Bridge, snack on delicious petiscos, and enjoy wine tastings at the port cellars of Vila Nova de Gaia.
Optional Private Excursions
Avoid the crowds and hustle and bustle associated with a group activity. For a memorable trip ashore, we invite you to consider a private shore excursion. Enjoy the undivided attention of your own driver/guide and the flexibility of experiencing the aspects of the local culture that most interest you. Below are just some samples of the private shore excursions we can arrange for you. Let us personalize your experience!
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Portugal: Porto Wine Excursion - 4 hours
Highlights
In this tour you’ll discover all about the wines from the city of Porto!
You will start the tour by doing a sightseeing tour from the port (located in Matosinhos) to the city center. After that, you'll visit the first winery with high quality of Douro wines for a Douro red and white wines tasting as an exclusive experience.
Then you'll visit a second Port Wine company (Real Companhia Velha) for another special Port Wine tasting. Real Companhia Velha is simply the oldest Port Wine company in Porto, established by a king in 1756. When this tour is finished you will return to Porto Pier.
What's included?
- Private guided tour (4h)
- Visit and wine tastings
- Transportation
What's not included?
- Meals and drinks not mentioned
- Souvenirs
- Gratuities
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Highlights of Porto (4 hours)
Highlights:
Take in the attractive surrounding with visit to the opulent Stock Exchange Palace and St Francis Church. Enjoy a port wine tasting at one of the famous riverside lodges in the pretty Riberia district.
Tour Duration: 4 hours
Tour can operate: Morning/Afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
- Private transport by luxury car or minivan
- An expert local guide for 8 hours
- Entrance fees to all sights and museums
- All taxes
Not Included:
- All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
- Gratuities
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05/02/2026 |
05/02/2026 |
El Ferrol
El Ferrol 05/03/2026
See Galicia's heritage in FerrolAs we enter the ria of Ferrol, admire the imposing forts of La Palma and San Felipe that sit on either side of the headland, protecting the city within. Ferrol is one of Spain’s best preserved 18th century port cities. While you’re here, criss-cross Barrio de la Magdalena's grid of streets and explore the city’s maritime museums. El Camino Inglés, one of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage routes, starts in Ferrol. You may also be able to join an excursion to Santiago de Compostela, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important Christian sites in the world.
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05/03/2026 |
05/03/2026 |
At Sea
At Sea 05/04/2026
Relax at sea and prepare for the adventures aheadAs we say goodbye to the Iberian Peninsula, MS Fram follows in the wake of Roman and Medieval traders as she heads for the springtime splendour of northern Europe. This is the perfect opportunity to make the most of your ship’s onboard comforts. Relax in the hot tubs or panoramic sauna and unwind in our Explorer Lounge & Bar. Look out for dolphins out on deck or join your Expedition Team for a talk or workshop, and discover more in the Science Centre.
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05/04/2026 |
05/04/2026 |
Isle of Scilly
Isle of Scilly 05/05/2026
Enjoy crystal waters, sandy beaches and natural beauty Just 30 miles off the tip of Cornwall are the Isles of Scilly. This enchanting archipelago is home to some exquisite small islands with crystal clear waters, pristine beaches and stunning natural beauty. We’ll anchor the ship here and head ashore aboard local boats. If conditions allow, we’ll split our time here. You can explore Tresco’s white sandy beaches and the spectacular 19th-century Abbey Gardens, which will be awash with the vibrant colours of spring. We also hope to visit St Mary’s, the largest of the isles. Wander through the charming streets of Hugh Town or follow the coastal paths to discover dramatic seascapes and rocky coves. Perhaps you may also like to join a boat trip around the archipelago, scouting for seals and breeding seabirds.
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05/05/2026 |
05/05/2026 |
St. Peter Port (Guernsey)
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05/06/2026 |
05/06/2026 |
Alderney, Channel Islands
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05/07/2026 |
05/07/2026 |
London (Dover)
London (Dover) 05/08/2026
See Britain’s dramatic coastline and the renowned white cliffs As we approach mainland Britain, keep watch as the iconic White Cliffs of Dover appear on the horizon. When we arrive, why not take a walk along the famous white cliffs at St Margaret's Bay for incredible views of the coastline and the sparkling English Channel below. Or you can join your Expedition Team on a hike and see the imposing 11th-century Dover Castle. Dover is also a gateway to the UNESCO-listed Canterbury Cathedral, a medieval masterpiece echoing with the footsteps of pilgrims past and present.
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05/08/2026 |
05/08/2026 |
Harlingen
Harlingen 05/09/2026
Get to know the Frisian port city of HarlingenHarlingen lies on the shores of the Wadden Sea, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it’s home to the last traditional pottery factory in the Netherlands. A city of canals and pretty harbours, you can explore on foot or by bike, and if conditions allow, we can take to the water to cruise the canals aboard our small expedition boats. You'll find traditional sailing ships and historic warehouses around the old harbours of Noorderhaven and Zuiderhaven. Don’t miss the Harlingen Aardewerkmuseum, where you can admire displays of distinctive Frisian pottery.
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05/09/2026 |
05/09/2026 |
Helgoland
Helgoland 05/10/2026
Discover the peaceful charm of this historic islandJust off the German mainland, tiny Heligoland was once a base for pirates and the strategic prize for a string of warring nations. Now this peaceful, traffic-free island is better known for its stunning nature, and at certain times of the year, its birdlife.?If conditions allow, local boats will take us ashore to explore both of Heligoland’s distinctive islands. On one island, you can walk the scenic trails along the red cliffs to look out for nesting birdlife such as Northern Gannets and Common Guillemots. On the other, you can stroll along the fine white sands lined by dunes in search for seals lounging around the shores.
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05/10/2026 |
05/10/2026 |
Hamburg
Hamburg 05/11/2026
End your cruise in Germany’s second city Your expedition cruise comes to an end as we arrive in Hamburg, the second-largest city in Germany and one of the greenest urban areas in Europe. There’s much to see and do in Hamburg. If you have time, you'll find many attractions in the old town district of Altstadt, including the St Nikolai Memorial and the historic street of Deichstraße. Hamburg is also home to UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Chilehaus, and the world's largest historic warehouse complex in Speicherstadt.?Art lovers should head to Kunsthalle, the nation’s foremost art museum.
Optional Private Excursions
Avoid the crowds and hustle and bustle associated with a group activity. For a memorable trip ashore, we invite you to consider a private shore excursion. Enjoy the undivided attention of your own driver/guide and the flexibility of experiencing the aspects of the local culture that most interest you. Below are just some samples of the private shore excursions we can arrange for you. Let us personalize your experience!
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Hamburg – Gem of the Elbe river (6 hours walking tour)
Highlights:
Meet your hand selected driver-guide to discuss your interests for the day before getting started into the famous 800 year old Hanseatic port city, the second largest port in Europe after Rotterdam
Pass the container and cargo terminals of the world’s largest ware house complex ‘Speicherstadt’ built in the late 19th century with gabled roofs and small towers
Drive along Inner Alster Lake and the main shopping and financial area before reaching the Outer Alster Lake, one of Hamburg's finest residential areas surrounded by lovely promenades and elegant villa gardens
See the impressive Elbphilharmonic hall, designed by the star architect team Herzog & de Meuron and inaugurated as Hamburg´s main concert hall in the year 2017
Continue touring the city center with its mixture of modern and historic architecture, the ruins of St. Nicolai, St. Peter's Church and the incredible old City Hall, built in Neo-Renaissance style, as well as the Reeperbahn of St. Pauli, one of the world's largest red-light district
Stop at the lively Fish Market and watch traders while enjoying a snack of fresh catch
Time permitting attend a short organ recital at 12:00 noon at the baroque St. Michael´s Church, the emblem and landmark of Hamburg
End of tour at the ship or at place of interest
You might want to visit Miniature Wunderland the model railway attraction, the largest of its kind in the world (we will gladly arrange timeslots for you)
Tour Duration: 4 hours
Tour can operate: All day
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
- Touring with one of our excellent driver-guides
- Transportation in luxury car
- All taxes
Not Included:
- Meals
- Optional admissions
- Tipping at your discretion
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05/11/2026 |
05/11/2026 |