MS Europa Departures by Date

MS Europa Departures

Cultures - Among Friends: The MS Europa on her birthday cruise
Hamburg to Barcelona - MS Europa - September 9 - 23, 2012

The ocean, the Seine, the Douro and the Tejo carry the EUROPA to some of the most beautiful places far and wide on her birthday cruise - Paris, the city of love, Porto, the home of the merchants and Lisbon, the historic seafaring metropolis. In Spain, the journey takes you to the end of the Way of St. James and right to the heart of the exquisite life on the Costa del Sol. On board, the birthday special for The World's Most Beautiful Yacht awaits you. Multifaceted days in Europe.

Highlights of this Cruise
• UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sites: Mont Saint-Michel*, the
  old district of Santiago de Compostela*, the historic centre of Porto*,
  Tower of Belem and Monastery of the Hieronymites* as well as Sintra*
• The romantic and cosmopolitan city of Paris*
• Birthday party on board
• Golf & Cruise voyage with comprehensive golf package*

* These arrangements are not included in the cruise price.
   Subject to changes.

Hamburg
A harbour tour, a stroll through the historic warehouse district or the view from St. Michaelis Church - discover Hamburg individually* prior to the beginning of your cruise.

Rouen/France
Via the River Seine, the EUROPA reaches the former capital of Normandy, and you have plenty of time to stroll through the historic district and explore the surroundings. Picturesque Honfleur* is regarded as the cradle of Impressionism. In enchanting alleys and all around the old port, you can immerse yourself in life in the charming little town, visit the wooden church Sainte-Catherine and wander through the art galleries. The following day, Paris* is on the agenda. Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Arc de Triomphe - discover the main attractions of the French capital and enjoy their sight during a boat trip on the River Seine, too. Late in the afternoon, the EUROPA will subsequently set course for the next port of call.

St. Malo/France
In the Middle Ages, the mighty walls around St. Malo served to ward off uninvited visitors. Today, the fortified Breton port city welcomes people from all over the world in its pretty historic centre. Setting out from here, you may wish to accompany us to the mediaeval monastery mountain Mont St. Michel* and to idyllic Cancale*, which is famous for its oysters.

Brest/France
The coast of Brittany* is an atmospheric interplay of altering landscapes, bays that cut deep into the land, the ruins of ancient monasteries and the highest lighthouse in Europe. One of France's most beautiful villages is to be found in this region, too - little Locronan* with its mediaeval granite houses and the church St. Ronan. You will also be thrilled by the historic district of Quimper* with its cobblestone alleys, small half-timbered houses and the distinctive cathedral St. Corentin.

La Coruna/Spain
The landmark of the Galician port city alone is sufficient to give an indication of its long history - the Roman Tower of Hercules dates back to the 2nd century A.D. In the 14th century, pilgrims from England arrived here who were on their way to Santiago de Compostela*. The impressive Roman cathedral marks the end of the famous Way of St. James to the present day and has been declared a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site together with the magnificent historic district. A stroll through La Coruna's* alleys will be crowned by a typical Spanish treat for the palate - enjoy some delicious tapas.

Leixoes (Porto)/Portugal
The houses of the historic district are huddled on the hillside, the towers of Baroque churches reach for the sky and imposing wrought iron bridges span the Douro, the river running through the old mercantile city - experience Porto* and its port wine cellars. Historic Guimaraes* with its excellently preserved Roman fortress and the magnificent palace of the aristocracy, the Paco Ducal, is regarded as the cradle of the nation.

Lisbon/Portugal
The EUROPA approaches the "beauty on the banks of the Tejo" and stays until early the following morning. Discover the charming city built on seven hills on a panoramic tour* all the way to the Tower of Belem which once welcomed the Portuguese seafarers back home, and stroll through the narrow alleys of the Alfama with its little shops and tile-adorned houses. In the past, Lisbon's upper classes used to like to spend their time in Sintra*. Today, the town with its palaces and enchanted parks as well as the fanciful palace Quinta da Regaleira is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site.

Marbella/Spain
The Costa del Sol is very popular among an illustrious, rich and beautiful clientele. The heart of Marbella's pretty historic district beats at the Plaza de los Naranjos with the town hall dating back to the 16th century. However, the jet set also likes to get together at the sophisticated marina Puerto Banus* with its restaurants and boutiques. One of Spain's oldest towns is to be found up in the mountains - historic Ronda* is one of the "white villages" and already thrilled the poet Rilke with its spectacular location alongside a 160 m deep canyon.

Valencia/Spain
The home of paella also proves to have good taste in terms of architecture - in Valencia, the heritage of the Gothic, Baroque and Art Nouveau eras harmoniously coexists with the futuristic buildings of the City of Arts & Sciences, the destination of your bicycle tour along the River Turia*. In the hinterland lies Lake Albufera*, a nature reserve in which many aquatic birds feel at home. Enjoy a boat tour and look forward to a typical paella dish.

Barcelona/Spain
Leave the EUROPA in the buoyant port city to embark on your return journey or explore Barcelona - the Catalan Metropolis with our post-cruise programme*.

5% early booking discount if booked before February 12, 2012! ²