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.
Fascination of Western Europe with celebrity chef Johann Lafer
16 days | Barcelona • Alicante • Gibraltar • Málaga • Lisbon • Porto • A Coruña • Bilbao • Port Médoc • Saint-Malo • KielWhy this trip?
- Look forward to numerous moments of entertainment with the famous star and TV chef Johann Lafer.
- As you travel around the Iberian Peninsula and along the Atlantic coast of Europe, you get to taste local specialities where they are produced.
- You will see the Barbary apes of Gibraltar up close.
- Away from the water, too, you will collect lasting impressions – on a trip to the Portuguese Serra de Sintra mountains, the Spanish Basque country, or along the French Route des Châteaux, for example.
Ultra early booking discount
The discount is already included in the displayed starting price.
10% discount per person on bookings before 06.01.2025
Itinerary
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.
Embarkation 15:00 to 17:00.
Alicante
Located in the heart of the Costa Blanca, the idyllic port city fascinates with a rich history: Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans and later Arabs came to the coast in search of new trade routes and shaped the image of the place with their different cultures. Among the most famous sights is the Castillo de Santa Bárbara. Located on a hill, the visitor is rewarded with breathtaking views of the sea and the landscape.
Day 3
Recreation at sea.
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.
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.
Day 6
Recreation at sea.
Lisbon
In Lisbon, the famous monument Padrão des Descobrimentos commemorates adventurous seafarers like the namesake of our VASCO DA GAMA or Ferdinand Magellan. Explore the fascinating metropolis and enjoy the Portuguese way of life!
Porto
Walk in Porto in the footsteps of the great Portuguese explorers! The narrow streets and centuries-old buildings bear witness to times long past. Culinary delights await you at a port wine tasting - the noble wine got its name from the Portuguese port city in the 18th century.
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.
Port Médoc (Bordeaux)
The beautiful marina Port Médoc invites you to explore the picturesque region of Bordeaux. Look forward to dreamlike nature, enchanting cities and culinary delights in the famous wine region in the southwest of France!
Day 12
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 14
Recreation at sea.
Day 15
Recreation at sea.
Kiel
The picturesque port city is best known for the Kiel Canal and the unique sailing event "Kiel Week". However, Kiel has much more to offer: Stroll through the pretty port city and enjoy the maritime flair!
Disembarkation until 09:00 am.
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: €495 p. P.
- Premium beverage package on sea voyages with VASCO DA GAMA: €795 p. P.
- Non-alcoholic beverage package for kids & teens on sea voyages with VASCO DA GAMA: €210 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.