Coastal Europe: 9 Hidden Places and Unexpected Experiences
Our voyages are expertly curated to include unique destinations and excursions that allow you to experience a different side of Europe. Alongside our knowledgeable Expedition Teams and handpicked local experts, discover little-known gems like an Iron Age settlement in Orkney, and enjoy special experiences, from a private tour of Guggenheim Bilbao to a foraging excursion in Helsinki's emerald forests. These are just some of the special moments to look forward to as we navigate Europe's vibrant coastline.
1. Watch Hurling in Cobh, Ireland
Visit a local hurling club in Cobh for a demonstration of this stick-and-ball game with Gaelic origins. Meet the players, then pick up a wooden hurley and try your hand at passing the sliotar down the field.
See It On: Ancient Isles: England, Ireland and Scotland
2. Encounter Wildlife in Brittany, France
At the far western point of France, explore the scenic coastal trails and beaches of Brittany’s Iroise National Nature Reserve, which harbors colonies of gray seals, dolphins, and pelagic birds like the elegant Eurasian spoonbill.
3. Go on a Foraging Excursion in Helsinki, Finland
In a nature reserve outside of Helsinki, venture into a dense, verdant forest on a wild food hunt for mushrooms, herbs and other edible plants. Local experts will guide us along the way before we enjoy some small snacks made from our hand-picked ingredients.
4. Take in a Concert in Copenhagen, Denmark
During a dockside concert in Copenhagen, tap your feet to the unique 21st-century folk tunes of Habadekuk, an award-winning Danish band that plays everything from festive polkas and jigs to lyrical waltzes and rowdy sea shanties.
5. Shop and Cook with a Chef in the Azores
Guided by a local chef in the Azores, select fresh ingredients at a market and prepare and enjoy cozido, an Azorean specialty stew that’s naturally cooked underground by the volcanic activity of São Miguel’s verdant Furnas Valley.
Experience It On: Islands of the Azores: Basalt Peaks to Volcanic Vineyards
6. Delve into the History of Slate Mining in Holyhead, Wales
In Holyhead, Wales, tour the manor house of a slate baron and descend into a former mine to learn firsthand about the technical achievements and grueling work of this critical contribution to the Industrial Revolution.
7. Step Back in Time in Scotland’s Orkney Islands
Venture into a remote, well-preserved Iron Age settlement, Orkney’s Midhowe Broch, where the clifftop remains of a round stone tower—with visible room partitions, water tank, and fireplace—reveal details of life thousands of years ago.
See It On: Scotland’s Wild Isles: Shetlands, Orkneys and Inner Hebrides
8. Discover Ancient Viking Treasures in Visby, Sweden
Be dazzled by the world’s largest treasure trove of Viking silver coins and bracelets recently unearthed on Sweden’s Gotland island, where we explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Visby, with its cobbled streets, 13th-century wall, and outstanding museum.
See It On: Scandinavia and the Baltic Sea: Coasts, Islands and Archipelagos
9. Explore a World-Class Museum in Bilbao, Spain
On a private tour of Frank Gehry’s iconic Guggenheim Bilbao, see celebrated works by Mark Rothko, Jeff Koons, and Andy Warhol, and hear a local’s perspective about how the museum has transformed the city.
Experience It On: Porto, Bordeaux and Bergen: Wonders of Western Europe
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