Tower of Hercules (Torre de Hercules) lighthouse located in the city of A Coruña, Galicia, Spain.
Tower of Hercules (Torre de Hercules) lighthouse located in the city of A Coruña, Galicia, Spain.
ExpeditionsCeltic Coasts and Iberian Shores: Voyage from Edinburgh to Lisbon

Celtic Coasts and Iberian Shores: Voyage from Edinburgh to Lisbon

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Embark on a coastal expedition from Edinburgh to Lisbon, tracing the storied shores of the British Isles, France and the Iberian Peninsula. From the medieval strongholds of Northumberland to the maritime legacy of Portsmouth, the rugged beauty of Brittany and the Celtic echoes of Galicia, each stop reveals a new facet of Europe’s rich heritage. Savor the flavors of Cornwall and Porto, walk ancient coastal paths and witness the dramatic landscapes that have shaped centuries of explorations. Experience it all as fall settles in, with harvests in full swing, fewer crowds and a slower, more immersive pace of life. 

Highlights

Aerial Photograph of Falmouth, Cornwall, England
  • Compare coastal cultures shaped by Celtic, Roman and seafaring legacies as you journey from the United Kingdom to France, Spain and Portugal

  • Wander around Falmouth’s vast natural harbor and medieval Pendennis Castle before trying some Cornish delicacies

  • Explore Portsmouth’s rich military and seafaring heritage, highlighted by a visit to its historic dockyards

  • Discover the UNESCO World Heritage-designated Porto and taste its famed wine along the banks of the Douro River

  • Visit the landmark cathedral in Santiago de Compostela, said to be the burial site of St. James, an apostle of Jesus

  • Experience one-of-a-kind musical performances curated exclusively by ethnomusicologist Jacob Edgar

From

$6,950

/ per person

Does not include any flights

dates
Sep
duration
10-12 Days
See all offers

View our brochure for more details

Europe

Talk to an Expedition Specialist1.800.397.3348

From

$6,950

/ per person

dates
Sep
duration
10-12 Days

View our brochure for more details

Europe

From

$6,950

/ per person

dates
Sep
duration
10-12 Days
See all offers

View our brochure for more details

Europe

Itinerary

Multiple routes available

Some departures follow a modified itinerary. Please refer to departure dates for exact routing of your departure.

Download Itinerary

Starts atEdinburgh, Scotland
Ends atLisbon, Portugal

Day 1

Edinburgh, Scotland / Embark Ship

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 National Geographic Endurance in the afternoon.

Meals Included: Dinner

Day 1

Edinburgh, Scotland / Embark Ship

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 National Geographic Endurance in the afternoon.

Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2

Northumberland Coastline, England

Spend the day 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.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 2

Northumberland Coastline, England

Spend the day 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.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3

At Sea

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.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3

At Sea

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.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4

Portsmouth

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 Mary Rose 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.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4

Portsmouth

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 Mary Rose 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.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5

Falmouth

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.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5

Falmouth

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.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6

Brittany, France

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.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6

Brittany, France

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.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7

At Sea

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. 

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7

At Sea

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. 

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8

A Coruña, Spain

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. 

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8

A Coruña, Spain

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. 

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9

Porto, Portugal

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.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9

Porto, Portugal

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.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10

Lisbon / Disembark Ship

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

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 10

Lisbon / Disembark Ship

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

Meals Included: Breakfast

Ships

Guests exploring by Zodiac returning to the ship National Geographic Explorer, Alpejord Fjord, Northeast Greenland National Park, Greenland

National Geographic Endurance

GUESTS 138

CABINS 76

DECKS 6

The most advanced ice-class expedition ship afloat, offering unprecedented access to polar regions.

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Guests returning back to the ship National Geographic Explorer by zodiac, Spitsbergen, Arctic Ocean, Svalbard, Norway.

National Geographic Explorer

GUESTS 148

CABINS 81

DECKS 6

An authentic expedition ship, purpose-engineered for blue water and polar exploration

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Expedition Team

Our captains, crew, staff and guides make up the most experienced team in the industry—committed to making every voyage unforgettable. Veteran captains, with decades at sea, are experts at navigating in all conditions, while seasoned naturalists bring advanced knowledge in fields such as geology, wildlife biology and climate science. Many of these professionals have been with us for decades, and their insights bring each destination to life in ways that profoundly enrich your journey. Their expertise is the foundation for the meaningful and transformative experiences we offer in the world’s most extraordinary places.

Captain Andrew Cook with guests and Staff on the Bridge of National Geographic Venture, Baja California, Mexico

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