Norwegian Cruise Line Northern Europe: 14 nights from Lisbon with Norwegian Star
Apr 26, 2026

Oporto

At the mouth of the Rio Douro, the hilly city of Porto presents a mix of styles, eras and attitudes: narrow medieval alleys, extravagant Baroque churches, small squares and wide avenues, flanked by stately buildings.

The heart of Oporto is the Ribeira district, an area declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site made up of winding alleys, zigzagging stairs and churches on every corner, village-style squares and old merchants' houses where Roman ruins are hidden under the foundations. In the last two decades Porto has undergone a remarkable rebirth – which is expressed in the buzz of its efficient metro system and the shimmering of some ambitious urban renewal projects. The crowning of the city's glories are the two latest masterpieces, Museu de Arte Contemporânea by Álvaro Siza Vieira and the 'Casa da Música, which have transformed the city into a place of pilgrimage for architecture enthusiasts.
The Dom Luís I bridge an audacious iron arch, which crosses the Douro river, is impressive and not to be missed. It was built by the Belgian engineer Théophile Seyrig, for road traffic. Since 2003 the upper level has been used exclusively by the city's metro trams.

La Coruna

La Coruña is a city and municipality in Spain. It belongs to the autonomous region of Galicia and is the capital of the province. Important historic port is located on the north-western coast of the Iberian Peninsula, in the Rias Altas.

Located on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, La Coruña is a city whose history has maintained close ties with its old fishing and commercial port. The peninsula on which the houses of the historic center are located, beyond the Tower of Hercules, one of the symbols of the city and declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, you will find a set of interesting and historic streets, squares and medieval churches.
Although the origin of the town may appear as an old Celtic settlement, the history of the city began to be important in Roman times, when the port became a fundamental structure for the country.
Historically, the port has been the scene of some of the most important historical events in the city, such as the defeat of the English corsair Francis Drake in 1589, thanks to the resistance of the entire population and led by the protagonist María Pita.
The Finisterrae Aquarium, the Domus and the Science Museum are some of the areas that show the most modern and playful side of the provincial capital, also offers one of the most beautiful and extensive beaches of Riazor and Orzán. All this is completed with a traditional cuisine, marked by the excellence of its fish and meats from the interior of the province. Gastronomic city par excellence, it has many good places to enjoy the exquisite Galician cuisine. Furthermore, you will find several establishments that offer excellent wine, normally concentrated in the old part of the city.
In its splendid, always lively streets, there are good examples of Romanesque architecture. One of the most beautiful churches in the city is undoubtedly that of Santiago, the oldest in the area, built in the 12th century. Its large nave of arches houses a polychrome sculpture of Saint James dating back to the 13th century. For its architectural interest, it has been declared a Historical-Artistic Monument.
Sit on a terrace in Plaza de María Pita and discover its fascinating history, stroll through the Cantons admiring its famous modern-style crystal galleries, and if you want to go shopping, this is certainly the best place.

Gijon

On the coasts of the Cantabrian Sea, Gijón offers an interesting combination of maritime tradition, monumental heritage and modern urbanism right by the sea.

It is a modern, welcoming and open city full of green spaces, sports facilities and protected artistic heritages that have been recently restored. Gijón is the venue for numerous fairs, conferences, large concerts and cultural and sporting events. All this has been possible thanks to the improvement of the connections between Gijón and the rest of Asturias and Spain.
Its very original center, with its narrow cobbled streets, attracts many tourists, and the Cerro de Santa Catalina park on the tip of the Cimadevilla peninsula offers a splendid view of the coast.
It has a temperate oceanic climate typical of the Atlantic coast of Spain, with cool summers and humid and mostly mild winters. Autumn and spring offer the best climate and in summer there is almost no rain.
Its life and culture, the people, the landscape and the gastronomy all mixed together offer visitors and citizens a great and diverse experience.

Bilbao

Bilbao, located on the Northern coast of Iberian Peninsula, is the ideal starting point to visit this area of Spain. Tourists come here to enjoy the beaches, discover its culture and absorb its mild climate. With one of Europe's largest ports, the vibrant city has been able to invest in a redevelopment plan, trasforming its brownfield sites into cutting-edge cultural and architectural venues.

But it is its historic center, which continues to fascinate with its stores, alleys and monuments. The city was officially founded in the 1300s, consolidating its economic position. Thanks to the exploitation of mining and steel industry areas, port and ship activity and its financial center, the city became one of the most important cities during the Industrial Revolution. 

A modern and transportation network connects Bilbao to other cities in Spain. Thanks to its beautiful beaches, the city is the ideal destination for beach lovers. Beaches are not the only attractions in Bilbao, there are very fascinating places besides the beautiful beaches: the Cathedral of Santiago, located in the heart of the Old Town (Casco Viejo) is dedicated to the apostle Santiago, the official patron saint of the city of Bilbao since 1643.

Built at the end of the 14th century in the Gothic style, the neo-Gothic tower and façade were made by Severino Achúcarro in late 1887. The Old Bridge of San Antonio is located next to the church of the same name. Pablo de Alzola and Ernesto Hoffmeyer built a second bridge in 1877 but it was destroyed during the Civil War in 1937. San Antonio Bridge dates from the early 20th century, also known as the Atxuri Bridge, connecting the old neighborhood to the rest of the city. For nature lovers, the city is surrounded by a fertile landscape of forests, mountains, beaches, and cliffs that make Bilbao a tourist destination. A holiday aboard a cruise offers the opportunity to visit this beautiful city and partecipate in one of these unique activities.

Bordeaux

Bordeaux is city on the Atlantic Ocean and its port hosts big ships. The city had initially the name Burdigala and was established in III Century B.C. by the Gallic people.

It was a neuralgic centre for the International commerce of tin and lead. After the arrival of the Romans, Bordeaux becomes one of the richest cities of Gallia and is robbed many times by populations such as Visigoths and Vandals. With the passing of time, the City starts economic relationships with England trading in salt and wine and, in XVI Century, also the colonial sugar and slaves start having a leading role in the sustenance of the city.
Bordeaux has a liveable city centre that can be visited by foot and that offers beautiful attractions and energy. At night, the city get crowded with young people filling up the main squares and the bars where you can taste excellent wines and plunge in the romantic atmosphere that the city assumes after the sunset. You can’t miss out Château de la Brède, a gothic style castle dated back to XIV Century, surrounded by a moat and an English garden. The philosopher Montesquieu lived here and tourists can visit his library and his bedroom that are just like they were in XIX Century.
We suggest to visit also the beautiful Saint Eloi Church. Established in XII Century, the construction and renovation works lasted until 1400’s. The current structure is dated back to this period. The church is one of the stop-overs of Santiago de Compostela walking tour and is part of UNESCO World Heritage. Bordeaux offers a wide variety of gastronomic and wine choices. There are many restaurants and bars where you can taste the best wines on the market and an amazing cuisine.

La Rochelle

Le Havre

Le Havre is worth a visit, not only as a stopover on the way to Paris or other inland destinations, but also as one of the great examples of post-war planning. It is a strange and strangely fascinating city, listed by
Unesco as a World Heritage Site.
Wandering through the streets of the seaside town of Le Havre, one might think one had stumbled upon a forgotten outpost of the Eastern Bloc. Obliterated by World War II bombings, the city was completely rebuilt by the Belgian architect Auguste Perret and, what emerged from the ashes of old Le Havre, is a kind of love letter to concrete: endless rows of blocks of buildings, straight avenues stretching out from the central square, dominated by the 100 m high 'Stalinist Baroque' style cathedral, looks like something straight out of the pages of '1984'.

Walking through the streets of the seaside city of Le Havre, you might think you've stumbled into a forgotten outpost of the Eastern Bloc. Erased by the bombings of the Second World War, the city was completely rebuilt by the Belgian architect Auguste Perret and, what emerged from the ashes of old Le Havre, is a kind of love letter to concrete: endless rows of blocks of buildings, straight avenues that extend out of the central square, dominated by the 100 m high cathedral in 'Stalinist Baroque' style, looks like something directly from the pages of '1984'.

Zeebrugge

Connected to Bruges by 7.5-kilometer canal, Zeebrugge is a seaside resort that looks to the future.

On the sea front, hotels and cafes offer a warm welcome. Zeebrugge is the most important Belgian fishing port. The Zeebrugge wholesale fish market, located in a modern complex in the inner port, is one of the largest and sophisticated of its kind in Europe. Zeebrugge also has an attractive tourist port that can contain a maximun number of 100 ships. Furthermore, its geographical position is very convenient, near the beautiful city of Bruges, the trendy seaside resort of Knokke and the picturesque village of Lissewege.

On the seafront, hotels and cafes offer their warmest welcome. Zeebrugge is the most important Belgian fishing port. The Zeebrugge wholesale fish market, installed in a modern complex in the inner harbor, is one of the largest and most sophisticated of its kind in Europe. Zeebrugge also has an attractive marina that can accommodate around 100 ships. Furthermore, it enjoys a very convenient geographical position, a few km from the beautiful Bruges, the trendy seaside resort of Knokke and the picturesque village of Lissewege.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a charming city with a particularly relaxing and serene atmosphere, despite its large size. The city has been a World Heritage Site since 2010 and has buildings dating back to the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. It is no coincidence that it is one of the most visited cities in the world.

The structure of the city is determined by a network of charming waterways. The historic center, which dates back to the 13th century, is surrounded by five concentric canals - the Grachtengordel - built in the 17th century as part of a perfectly successful expansion project designed to create a unique and refined urban environment.

It is here that the city's mercantile class built its characteristic gabled houses, with bright, gracefully decorated colors, whose romantic features are reflected in the olive-green waters of the picturesque canals.

Hamburg

Hamburg is without a doubt the best city in Europe for seeing unique bridges. Its tourist sites are characterised by the typical bohemian style of the sailors and its port.

Just behind Berlin in terms of size and population, the city of Hamburg is home to one of the largest ports in Europe. You will understand why it is know as the 'Venice of the North', when you explore its many canals and waterways. Do not forget to take a trip to the fish market and to the merchants' district, where you will find unique architecture and impressive red brick buildings. Having a delicious dinner by the river or spending a night in the university district is a must.
Hamburg is a destination with many tourist attractions, especially its ancient port and the exclusive lake located in the city centre.
You should also be sure to visit the renowned Kunsthalle (north of the Hauptbahnhof). The Kunsthalle houses an art collection of international importance, covering everything from medieval portraits to 20th century minimalism.
The Rathaus, a neo-Renaissance style building, is home to Hamburg's city hall. When Parliament is not in session, several guided tours are available.
There are also big exhibitions and historical events that are great for tourists.

Hamburg

Hamburg is without a doubt the best city in Europe for seeing unique bridges. Its tourist sites are characterised by the typical bohemian style of the sailors and its port.

Just behind Berlin in terms of size and population, the city of Hamburg is home to one of the largest ports in Europe. You will understand why it is know as the 'Venice of the North', when you explore its many canals and waterways. Do not forget to take a trip to the fish market and to the merchants' district, where you will find unique architecture and impressive red brick buildings. Having a delicious dinner by the river or spending a night in the university district is a must.
Hamburg is a destination with many tourist attractions, especially its ancient port and the exclusive lake located in the city centre.
You should also be sure to visit the renowned Kunsthalle (north of the Hauptbahnhof). The Kunsthalle houses an art collection of international importance, covering everything from medieval portraits to 20th century minimalism.
The Rathaus, a neo-Renaissance style building, is home to Hamburg's city hall. When Parliament is not in session, several guided tours are available.
There are also big exhibitions and historical events that are great for tourists.

Southampton

Southampton is a city positioned in the South of Great Britain and its port is one of the main ports in Europe. From the port of Southamptos it is possible to set sail for a Cunard transatlantic cruise and reach New York, or visit Amsterdam and Belgium with an MSC cruise. The city offers, further to the New Forest National Park, a wide natural park with its suggestive woods, also many museums and art galleries and remarkable architectural works. Noteworthy is King John’s Palace, of Norman origins as well as the old walls with 7 entrances to the city. An evidence of the Victorian Age is Tudor House, collecting objects dated back to that period. For the art lovers, Southampton City Art Gallery offers exhibitions of any kind of art, from drawing to photography with shows that attract many visitors.

Set sail from Southampton, the historic and vibrant port city on England's south coast, renowned as the UK's premier cruise departure point. With its rich maritime heritage, including its association with the Titanic, and excellent transport links, Southampton offers a grand beginning to voyages across the Atlantic, to the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, and beyond. Before embarking, explore its ancient city walls, maritime museums, and lively shopping districts. Southampton provides a seamless and exciting start to your global cruise adventure.

Cruises departing from Southampton open up a world of possibilities, from transatlantic crossings to the Americas, sun-drenched Mediterranean escapes, and captivating Northern European explorations. Whether you dream of iconic cityscapes, breathtaking natural wonders, or culturally immersive experiences, Southampton serves as an ideal launchpad. Enjoy the convenience of a world-class port and the anticipation of new discoveries as you leave the shores of England for unforgettable experiences on the open water, promising relaxation, entertainment, and endless exploration. Each voyage from Southampton promises a journey of a lifetime.