On our VASCO DA GAMA, which was named Ship of the Year in April 2023, you can travel to your personal places of longing all over the world. Whether you are dreaming of the North Cape, the Mediterranean or even a trip around the world: You will indulge in pure cruise feeling on a comparatively small ship with a manageable number of guests of maximum 1,000 passengers. Enjoy the family atmosphere on board our charming ocean-going vessel VASCO DA GAMA and indulge in culinary delights in our five restaurants. Our attentive, German-speaking service staff will serve you top-class drinks in the seven bars and cafés on board, which have been furnished with great attention to detail. The heated swimming pool on the Lido Deck can be used all year round, regardless of the weather, thanks to the flexible sliding glass roof. Our on-board program is rounded off by first-class entertainment with on-board shows, varied live music and lectures on local history.
Europe's diversity in the Mediterranean and Atlantic
28 days | Athens • Corfu • Sicily • Rome • Genoa • Barcelona • Málaga • Gibraltar • Bilbao • Port Médoc • Saint-Malo • Amsterdam • HamburgWhy this trip?
- Anyone can watch the Olympic Games on television. But you can visit ancient Olympia and experience the mystical atmosphere of this special place up close!
- Experience the fascinating city of Rome! The "Eternal City" inspires with its rich history, impressive architecture and, last but not least, its culinary delights.
- In Barcelona you will get an impression of what is architecturally possible, as you will visit several highlights of European architecture.
- Travel back in time to the 8th century BC in Málaga and get to know the world of the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans and Moors!
- Do you think of wine when you think of Bordeaux? Great, then Port Médoc is the right place for you!
Itinerary
Piraeus (Athen)
Follow the footsteps of history in Athens during a visit to the imposing Acropolis and learn a lot of interesting facts about the impressive buildings in the Greek capital in the fascinating Acropolis Museum.
Embarkation 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
Day 2
Recreation at sea.
Katakolon (Olympia)
Katakolon is the gateway to Olympia: walk in the footsteps of the Olympians who competed in Olympia more than 2000 years ago. Discover historical buildings, beautiful nature and lively markets in fascinating Greece!
Corfu (Ionian Islands)
Corfu: that's rugged mountains, medieval alleys and Venetian fortresses. The popular island off the northwest coast of Greece lies in the Ionian Sea. The climate is balanced and the vegetation is Mediterranean, which is why Corfu is also called the "green island". Even Sisi, Empress Elisabeth of Austria, called Corfu her "favorite island".
Syracuse (Sicily)
Tauchen Sie bei einem Besuch der sizilianischen Stadt Syrakus ein in die Geschichte, die durch die zahlreichen Ruinen lebendig wird! Im Archäologischen Park von Neapolis bestaunen Sie das römische Amphitheater, das imposante Teatro Greco und die einzigartige Kalksteinhöhle Orecchio di Dionisio.
Sorrento (Italy)
A town as if carved into a rock, with numerous colorful houses in the middle of the lush green landscape. Take a stroll through Sorrento or visit numerous beautiful villages along the famous Amalfi Coast from here.
Civitavecchia (Rome)
From Civitavecchia you will arrive in beautiful Rome. And here you will be "spoilt for choice": Admire the imposing St. Peter's Basilica in charming Rome or take a trip to Vatican City, the center of the Roman Catholic Church, and marvel at true masterpieces, such as Michelangelo's frescoes in the Sistine Chapel. Or enjoy the vibrant metropolis with its highlights: the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain and the Colloseum....
Livorno (Florence/Pisa)
Immerse yourself in the Tuscan lifestyle in Livorno and admire the picturesque Italian houses during a short city walk. Architectural masterpieces also await you during a visit to historic Florence or the charming city of Pisa.
Genoa
Follow in the footsteps of the great explorer in the birthplace of Christopher Columbus! Genoa convinces with typical Italian flair: Beautiful narrow streets, extraordinary cultural offerings and charming museums are waiting to be discovered by you.
Marseille (Provence)
Experience France with all its facets. Marseille enchants visitors with the charming old fishing port, the imposing basilica Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde, breathtaking nature and historic fortresses.
Barcelona
The Catalan city is one of the most beautiful in the entire Mediterranean. Nine buildings in Barcelona are on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The cityscape is characterized by buildings of the architect Antoni Gaudí. The facade of the five-nave basilica is admirable; but he also created a stately townhouse, the Palau Güell, and the Park Güell on a ridge in the north of Barcelona. Hundreds of tapas bars with typical Spanish specialties await visitors on the amusement mile Las Ramblas.
Valencia
The impressive cathedral, home of the "Holy Grail," rises between the narrow streets of Valencia's picturesque old town. A stark contrast to this is the Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències - the futuristic buildings in the former riverbed of the Turia in the Spanish port city look like landed spaceships.
Day 13
Recreation at sea.
Málaga
Pure culture in Málaga! In the birthplace of Picasso on Spain's Costa del Sol, numerous diverse museums are waiting to be discovered. Let yourself be enchanted by the lively ambience of the port city with its historic monuments, modern trendy neighborhoods and charming bars with local specialties.
Málaga
Pure culture in Málaga! In the birthplace of Picasso on Spain's Costa del Sol, numerous diverse museums are waiting to be discovered. Let yourself be enchanted by the lively ambience of the port city with its historic monuments, modern trendy neighborhoods and charming bars with local specialties.
Gibraltar
On the Gibraltar Peninsula, you almost feel like you're in a small English town: there are inviting pubs, red telephone booths and the typical British mailboxes. Only the weather is better - almost 2,800 hours of sunshine a year invite you to explore. Visit the Rock of Gibraltar with its cheeky animal inhabitants or the Gorham Cave.
Cadiz
Cadiz in Andalusia is a Spanish port city built on a promontory and enclosed by the sea on almost all sides. From the more than 100 watchtowers were traditionally watched for merchant and expedition ships. Cadiz is one of the oldest cities in Western Europe and is characterized by a winding old town with many small squares.
Day 18
Recreation at sea.
Vigo
The city of Vigo combines culture, nature and Spanish history. Its historic old town offers a wealth of tapas bars alongside winding alleyways and Galician houses. Be sure to try the fresh seafood at the Mercado da Pedra. If you love nature, climb the Monte del Castro. You will be rewarded with wonderful views. On the nearby Cíes Islands, you will find pristine beaches and crystal-clear water.
A Coruña
Welcome to Galicia, to A Coruña. The city's long history is witnessed by its Roman street network and its medieval squares and churches. At the port, the Tower of Hercules (Torre de Hércules), the oldest lighthouse in the world still in operation and on UNESCO's World Heritage List, flashes. The gallery houses on the harbor are striking, with their glazed wooden balconies, typical of Galicia.
Bilbao
As is well known, there is (no) dispute about taste. About art, too (not). But a visit to the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain, is definitely a must. The collection of contemporary artworks is great, but the titanium-clad building is also a real eye-catcher. You will experience the friendly metropolis as lively and colorful, which is also due to its many parks and green spaces.
Le Verdon (Bordeaux)
The beautiful marina Port Médoc invites you to explore the picturesque Bordeaux region. Look forward to beautiful nature, enchanting cities and culinary delights in the famous wine region in the south-west of France!
Day 23
Recreation at sea.
Saint Malo
What an impressive apprroach - admire the massive fortress construction that has shaped the history of the town in Brittany. The old town of the picturesque coastal town pushes into the Atlantic Ocean and the historic city center is surrounded by the massive defensive walls of the citadel.
Day 25
Recreation at sea.
Ijmuiden (Amsterdam)
Relax on the wide beaches of IJmuiden or visit one of the region's museums, such as the Maritime and Harbour Museum or the Bunker Museum. The location also makes a trip to Amsterdam a good idea. The city is characterized by many canals and is known for its museums, such as the Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh Museum.
Day 27
Recreation at sea.
Hamburg
Welcome to Hamburg! The pearl of the north inspires with its many facets. Stroll through the modern Hafencity, enjoy the beautiful parks along the Alster or pay a visit to the trendy district of St. Pauli.
Disembarkation until 09:00.
Services
- Cruise in the booked cabin category
- nicko cruises full board
- nicko cruises cruise management German-speaking
- German-speaking local tour guide during the excursions (this cannot be guaranteed in all destinations, in these cases English-speaking guide)
- English-speaking service on board
- Entertainment programme and lectures on the countries visited on board
- Loving, age-appropriate childcare and large children's area
- Convenient Whisper audio system for a variety of excursions
- Use of the fitness area, swimming pools, outdoor sports area and spa area with sauna
- Travel documents
- Luggage service between landing stage and cabin for embarkation and disembarkation
- All port and passenger fees
The services provided during your trip
- Arrival and departure
- Classic beverage package on sea voyages with VASCO DA GAMA: €945 p. P.
- Premium beverage package on sea voyages with VASCO DA GAMA: €1,485 p. P.
- Non-alcoholic beverage package for kids & teens on sea voyages with VASCO DA GAMA: €378 p. P.
- Insurance
- Complete insurance
- Travel cancellation insurance
- Travel health insurance
Additional services
Your ship: VASCO DA GAMA
On our VASCO DA GAMA, which was named Ship of the Year in April 2023, you can travel to your personal places of longing all over the world. Whether you are dreaming of the North Cape, the Mediterranean or even a trip around the world: You will indulge in pure cruise feeling on a comparatively small ship with a manageable number of guests of maximum 1,000 passengers. Enjoy the family atmosphere on board our charming ocean-going vessel VASCO DA GAMA and indulge in culinary delights in our five restaurants. Our attentive, German-speaking service staff will serve you top-class drinks in the seven bars and cafés on board, which have been furnished with great attention to detail. The heated swimming pool on the Lido Deck can be used all year round, regardless of the weather, thanks to the flexible sliding glass roof. Our on-board program is rounded off by first-class entertainment with on-board shows, varied live music and lectures on local history.