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European Spring Explorer
HX | 8 Days | Lisbon to Dover
May 1-8, 2026
This expedition cruise from Lisbon to Dover combines history, culture, and natural beauty. Beginning in Lisbon, you’ll discover UNESCO treasures like the Belém Tower before sailing north to Porto and Ferrol, with an excursion to the pilgrimage city of Santiago de Compostela. Along the way, small expedition boats take you off the beaten path to the Isles of Scilly and the Channel Islands, where charming villages, vibrant wildflowers, and picturesque coastlines showcase the splendor of spring. From ornate churches and tiled façades to turquoise waters and rugged archipelagos, this journey offers a rich blend of heritage and seasonal beauty.
AAA Member Benefits and Special Offers:
- Member Benefits
- Up to 90 euro onboard credit per person
Call to Book
1-800-529-3222
Included With Your Trip
Your Ship: MS Fram
What's Included?
Expedition Cruise
- A stay in a cabin of your choice
- Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Wine, beer, and spirits available at meals and throughout the day and evening (subject to licensing laws; excludes premium drinks)
- All day coffee, tea, and soft drinks
- Fine dining in restaurant Lindstrøm included for suite guests (only on MS Fram)
- A complimentary Ocean Bottle water bottle to refill on board and take home
- A wind and waterproof expedition jacket
- Professional photos from your trip taken by our onboard photographer
- Complimentary Wi-Fi. Please note, streaming is not supported.
- Use of sauna, hot tubs, fitness room, lounges, and more
- Gratuities included. Fantastic service is standard at HX – though if you’d like to leave something extra, it’s always appreciated
- Range of included activities
Onboard Activities
- In-depth lectures and discussions hosted by our knowledgeable Expedition Team
- Use of our Science Center, including the library and advanced biological and geological equipment
- Citizen Science Program allows guests to assist with ongoing scientific research
- Professional onboard photographer gives tips and tricks for the best landscape and wildlife photos
- Daily briefing with the Expedition Team about the plans for the next day
Landing Activities
- Escorted landing with small expedition boats
- Loan of boots, trekking poles, and other necessary equipment for activities. Your HX travel documents will have a recommended packing list.
- Expedition photographer on hand to assist you
Notes
- All planned activities are subject to weather and ice conditions
- Excursions and activities are subject to change
- Please make sure you meet all entry and boarding requirements
- Depending on your flight times, an additional overnight stay might be needed (not included)
Additional Information
Day 1 (MAY 1): Legendary Lisbon
The Portuguese capital is rich in history and culture. Take a stroll through the classical districts of Baixa and Bairro Alto, Chiado, and Alfama, the old Islamic quarter, where there are remains of a Roman theater and a Moorish fortress. A bit outside the city center, you can visit the beautiful UNESCO World Heritage sites of Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery before you set sail.
Day 2 (MAY 2): Charming Porto (Leixões)
Your first stop is Leixões, Portugal. From here, you can see the lighthouse of Leça, the Boa Nova Chapel, and the beautiful beach of Praia Azul. You can take a shuttle bus to Porto, which is famed for its port wine and UNESCO-listed historic center. It’s an undulating city made for walking where you'll fall in love with the pastel houses, colorful tiled façades, street art, ornate churches, and panoramic views across the Douro River.
Here you can stroll along the bustling promenade by the Ribeira docks, cross the Dom Luís I Bridge, snack on delicious petiscos and enjoy wine tastings at the port cellars of Vila Nova de Gaia.
Day 3 (MAY 3): Galician Highlights
El Camino Inglés, one of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage routes, starts in Ferrol. You may also be able to join an excursion to Santiago de Compostela, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important Christian sites in the world.
Day 4 (MAY 4): Day at Sea
As you say goodbye to the Iberian Peninsula, MS Fram follows in the wake of Roman and Medieval traders as she heads for the springtime splendor of northern Europe.
This is the perfect opportunity to make the most of your ship’s onboard comforts. Relax in the hot tubs or panoramic sauna and unwind in our Explorer Lounge & Bar. Look out for dolphins out on deck or join your Expedition Team for a talk or workshop, and discover more in the Science Center.
Day 5 (MAY 5): Spring in the Isles of Scilly
If conditions allow, you’ll split our time here. You can explore Tresco’s white sandy beaches and the spectacular 19th-century Abbey Gardens, which will be awash with the vibrant colors of spring. We also hope to visit St. Mary’s, the largest of the isles. Wander through the charming streets of Hugh Town, or follow the coastal paths to discover dramatic seascapes and rocky coves. Perhaps you may also like to join a boat trip around the archipelago to scout for seals and breeding seabirds.
Days 6-7 (MAY 6-7): The Channel Islands
Lying between France and mainland Britain, the Channel Islands are a captivating archipelago with intriguing history and a landscape of unspoiled beaches, coastal castles, and lush countryside.
If conditions allow, the ship will anchor off Guernsey, the “Island of Flowers,” and take HX's small expedition boats toward St. Peter Port Harbor, passing the 13th-century Castle Cornet, which stands guard on the headland.
Also plan to visit Alderney, where you’ll join your Expedition Team for a guided walk, seeking out vibrant wildflowers amid the spring birdsong.
Day 8 (MAY 8): Disembark in Dover
The sight of the White Cliffs of Dover signals the end of this spring expedition cruise.
As you sail into Dover with the iconic cliffs coming into view, you’ll dock at the harbor, and then it’s time to say a fond farewell to MS Fram and to all those who have made your expedition cruise such a memorable experience.
Price My Trip
Product Code: AAA-HX_LF
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