Historic Ports of the Western Seabord

Day 1

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a gorgeous Dutch city where a boat cruise along the canals gets to the heart of things. Yet, the magic also unfolds while strolling through narrow streets and crossing the hundreds of bridges. It houses a treasure trove of fabulous art museums, including the Rijksmuseum, adorned with Dutch Masters, conveniently located near the Van Gogh Museum. To the south, picturesque stretches of countryside with windmills line the canals

Day 2

Oostende

Once a retreat for European nobility, Oostende's charm lies in its sandy beaches, boardwalk, racetrack, 19th-century Belle Époque architecture, beachfront cafés and a harbour with seafood stalls. The Atlantikwall, a network of WWI and WWII bunkers, is now an open-air museum. Other museums include the Ensor Museum with James Ensor's maritime artworks, the Mercator aboard a 1930s three-masted ship, and Mu.ZEE, displaying Belgian art from the 1830s

Activities:

Included

Romantic Bruges & Canals

4 hrs 45 min

Start your day with a drive to Bruges. Upon arrival, immerse yourself in the city’s medieval charm with a guided walking tour. Stroll through the picturesque streets, exploring the bustling Market Place with its merchant guild houses, the iconic Belfry Tower, and the elegant Town Hall in Burg Square. Admire the exterior of the Gothic-style Chapel of the Holy Blood and the tranquil Dijver canals. You’ll also pass by Our Lady’s Church, known for its stunning architecture. Enjoy a relaxing 30-minute canal boat ride, gliding past major landmarks from a unique perspective. Following the boat ride, you’ll have free time at Grote Markt and time to explore independently. Take in the vibrant atmosphere, shop for souvenirs, or savor local delicacies. Regroup and walk back to the coach for your return journey. Depart Bruges and arrive back at the ship This tour offers a perfect blend of guided exploration, scenic views, and personal time to experience Bruges at your own pace.

Optional

Discover Ostend and visit Mercator

3 hours

Explore the vibrant maritime charm of Ostend, a city steeped in unique events for all ages. While the city evolves at a rapid pace, its maritime character stands proud. Join us on a journey through iconic fishing culture, lively harbour scenes, and distinctive nautical heritage. Some of the highlights of the tour are the St.-Petrus -and Paulus Church, a neogothic church built in 1907 with beautiful stained-glass windows. The tomb of Louise-Marie, the queen of Belgium who deceased in Ostend, is situated in the chapel of the church. Further on you will also pass the house of the famous painter James Ensor. He lived and worked there until his death in 1949. After he died, the house was turned into a museum. During the guided walk you will also wander over the Albert-I Promenade. Last but not least, discover key maritime sites like the Mercator. The training ship Mercator boasts a captivating history that dates back to its construction in 1931. This ship is designed by the Belgian Antarctic explorer Adrien de Gerlache. Even though the vessel was served as a practical training ground for future merchant navy officers, and to a lesser extent, for engineers, sailors and cooks, it witnessed some unique events. Since 1964, the Mercator has found a nearly uninterrupted home in Ostend, serving as a captivating museum ship. In 1994, it was officially designated a 'protected monument'. From late September 2015 to the end of March 2017, the Mercator underwent its most extensive restoration and received the prestigious title of ‘protected floating heritage’. The Mercator is a unique Flemish vessel of immense historical significance. It stands as the sole large sailing ship of its time that served the Belgian state. Equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including a motor, instruments, and electrical equipment, the ship's interior, including the cabin, remains impeccably preserved. Minimum participation required; tour may be cancelled or subject to price changes if not met.

Day 3

Honfleur

Honfleur in Normandy has attracted artists for centuries, including Impressionist Claude Monet, with many works on display at The Eugène Boudin Museum. Set on the Seine estuary in the department of Calvados (known for apple brandy), this picturesque harbour town has cobbled streets and colourful 16th- to 18th-century townhouses around the Vieux Bassin (old harbour). The 15th-century St. Catherine's Church is built entirely of wood by shipwrights

Activities:

Included

Explore and Conquer in Honfleur Walking tour

4 hours

Absorb Norman history and the Battle of Hastings on this tour of Honfleur. Start at La Mora, an immersive journey through 1,000 years of Norman naval adventures, focussing on William the Conqueror’s conquest of England. Experience the Bayeux Tapestry through an exhibit. Then, wander Honfleur’s picturesque streets, lined with timber-framed houses, and explore landmarks like St. Catherine’s Church, the Old Port and the Lieutenance. Enjoy free time.

Optional

The Landing Beaches of Normandy

8 hours

Commemorate June 6, 1944, with a visit to Normandy’s D-Day landing beaches including Omaha Beach, honouring the bravery of Allied forces. Begin at Arromanches’ Landing Museum to learn about the monumental Mulberry and Overlord operations. Enjoy lunch at Château de la Chenevière, a Norman castle turned deluxe hotel. Then, pay respects at Colleville-sur-Mer American Cemetery overlooking Omaha Beach, the final resting place of 10,000 U.S. soldiers.

Day 4

Saint-Malo

The medieval coastal city of Saint-Malo is a labyrinth of streets. Dating back to the 12th century, Saint-Malo was once a haven for pirates and a stopping point for merchant ships. Today, colourful shops sit alongside aromatic markets, cafes and restaurants serving oysters, crêpes and cider. Intra-Muros, the ancient walled town, forms the heart of Saint-Malo, where the striking Gothic and Romanesque Cathédrale de St Malo dominates the skyline.

Activities:

Included

Mystical Mont Saint Michel, a UNESCO Site

6 hours

Let the magic of Mont Saint Michel transport you as you bask in its ethereal beauty, likened by Victor Hugo to the Pyramid of Cheops. After a 1-hour drive, take a private shuttle to the village. The silhouette of Mont Saint Michel emerges from the backdrop of the bay's delicate ecosystem. Explore quaint narrow streets leading up to the abbey, where a guided tour reveals its history and ingenious design. Enjoy free time and lunch at your leisure.

Optional

Saint Malo Walking Tour

2.5 hours

Hear tales of Saint-Malo’s rich maritime heritage on this guided stroll through its medieval streets. Discover the birthplace of explorers and corsairs like Jacques Cartier, Duguay Trouin, Surcouf, and Châteaubriand, known as the Corsair City for its brave corsairs who fought on behalf of the King. Explore landmarks like the House of Duchess Anne, the castle, ramparts, and the striking Saint-Malo Cathedral with its beautiful stained glass.

Day 5

At Sea

Sea days are rarely dull. Take the time to sit back and let the world go by. The ship’s observation decks provide stunning views of the passing ocean. A day at sea gives you the opportunity to mingle with other passengers and share your experiences of this incredible trip or head to our library which is stocked full of reference books. Get an expert’s view in one of our on-board lectures or perhaps perfect your photography skills with invaluable advice from our onboard professional photographers

Day 6

Santander

Santander, known for its beaches, unveils tales of a bygone era through medieval alleyways and ancient architecture. The Paseo de Pereda is a lush haven of gardens and sculptures. The city's history, dating back to Roman times, is marked by landmarks like the 13th-century Gothic cathedral, Catedral de la Asunción, and the Palacio de la Magdalena, a former royal summer residence. Santander is also renowned for traditional Basque cuisine

Activities:

Included

A day in Bilbao and Guggenheim Museum

8 hours

Depart the pier for a scenic drive along Spain’s northern coastline to Bilbao, the vibrant cultural capital of the Basque Country. Upon arrival, visit the iconic Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, an architectural masterpiece designed by Frank O. Gehry, whose flowing titanium, stone, and glass exterior is a work of art in itself. Inside, explore the museum’s striking galleries showcasing modern and contemporary art, featuring works from both the Guggenheim’s permanent collection and rotating exhibitions, including pieces on loan from New York’s Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum. After your visit, enjoy free time to further explore Bilbao—sample local pintxos, stroll along the riverfront, or wander through the historic Old Quarter—before rejoining your group at the Guggenheim for the return drive to Santander.

Optional

Santander views and Santillana del Mar

4 hours

Located about 22 miles from Santander, the picturesque town of Santillana del Mar is considered one of the best-preserved medieval villages in Europe. Designated as a Spanish national landmark, Santillana was once an important pilgrimage site. The renowned philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre even described it as “the prettiest village in Spain.” Stroll through the charming cobbled streets and visit the Romanesque Collegiate Church of Santa Juliana, dedicated to the village’s patron saint. Explore its fascinating cloister before continuing to see historic landmarks such as the fortified House of Borja, the House of the Eagle, and the imposing Merinos Tower. After exploring Santillana del Mar, return to Santander for a scenic panoramic tour of the city’s most iconic sights. Drive past the grand Gothic Cathedral of Santander and the stunning Magdalena Palace, which was once the summer residence of Spanish royalty. Take in views of the popular beach of El Sardinero, known for its golden sands and lively atmosphere. Finally, admire the magnificent headquarters of the Bank of Santander, an architectural gem that symbolizes the city’s economic heritage. This journey offers a perfect blend of medieval charm, historical landmarks, and coastal beauty, making it an unforgettable experience. Minimum participation required; tour may be cancelled or subject to price changes if not met.

Optional

Walking and Tapas in Santander

2 hours

From the pier, we’ll take a short walk across the street to visit the stunning Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. This unique structure consists of two superimposed churches with identical layouts. The lower church, now the parish church of Santísimo Cristo, dates back to the early 13th century, while the upper church was constructed later in the century and underwent expansion after a devastating city fire in 1941. Next, we’ll stroll through the charming Pereda Gardens, named after renowned 19th-century Cantabrian writer José María de Pereda. His celebrated work Escenas Montañesas is beautifully depicted in bronze and stone throughout the park. As we continue, get your camera ready for the grand façade of the original Bank of Santander headquarters, built in 1875. Adorned with statues symbolizing the arts, culture, commerce, and navigation, this landmark is a true architectural gem. Our guided walk then takes us to the Church of St. Lucía, a neoclassical-style church built in 1868. Before returning to the ship, enjoy a taste of local tapas and choose to extend your time exploring the city at your own pace or head back onboard. Minimum participation required; tour may be cancelled or subject to price changes if not met.

Day 7

Ferrol

With a rich seafaring history and scenic beaches, Ferrol, in A Coruña, Galicia, on the Atlantic coast, champions the Ferrol Naval Museum and the 16th-century San Felipe Castle. Nearby, La Coruña, dubbed the Crystal City for its glass-fronted buildings, showcases the 1st-century Hercules Tower, a UNESCO landmark. Santiago de Compostela, a famed pilgrimage centre, houses the cathedral believed to hold the remains of St. James the Great

Activities:

Included

Santiago de Compostela City Tour

6 hours

Follow in pilgrims' footsteps on the legendary “Camino de Santiago” or Way of Saint James. Explore Santiago’s UNESCO-listed Old Town, beginning at Obradoiro Square, home to the impressive Cathedral, the Town Hall, the Palace of St. Jerome, and the Parador of the Reyes Católicos, a former pilgrim hospital. Discover the Cathedral’s grand façades—Baroque, Neoclassical, and Romanesque—before touring its interior. Then enjoy free time to explore.

Included

Santiago de Compostela Pilgrimage hike

6 hours

Experience the last stretch of the legendary Camino de Santiago, ending at the magnificent Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the believed resting place of Saint James the Great. This pilgrimage is one of only three in the world granting plenary indulgence. Your journey begins outside Santiago, following a scenic 5-kilometre path through forests, hills, and rivers, offering a peaceful and authentic approach to the city. Upon arrival at the Cathedral, your guide will introduce its stunning exteriors, including the Baroque Obradoiro façade, the Neoclassical Plaza de Azabachería, the Romanesque Plaza de Platerías, and the Holy Door in La Quintana Square, which opens only in Jubilee Years. Next, enjoy a guided tour of the Cathedral’s interior, followed by free time to explore on your own—perhaps visiting the crypt or admiring the famous Botafumeiro incense burner. Each guest will receive a traditional Camino shell as a souvenir of this unforgettable experience. Please note this is a 5km walk along dirt and gravel pathways with some mild inclines. Upon arrival in Santiago there are cobblestones and the entrance to the Cathedral has numerous steps. Guests must be fit and able to walk a minimum of 5km at ease.

Optional

Discover La Coruna

3 hrs 45 min

Enjoy a scenic 45 min drive to La Coruna. As we arrive and enter the old part of the city, you will see the "galleries", sited in front of the harbour that gives the name to La Coruna as "The Crystal City”, due to the hundreds of windows these houses have. Many, many years ago, the sea was nearer to the city and these windows reflected the sunlight on top of the surface of the sea. At the promenade - the longest in Europe that surrounds most of Coruna’s coastline – we will pass the Castle of San Anton, built on an island; first it was the local fortress, and nowadays it shelters the archaeological museum and is connected with the city by a stretch road. Next we will arrive at the Tower of Hercules; this beacon built by the Romans is the only lighthouse in the world of its kind that is still working for its original purpose. As the most important monument of the city, it is part of the coat of arms of La Coruna, together with the bones of Gerion, a giant that was killed by Hercules and buried under the beacon. Continue to the foot of Mount San Pedro, from where you will have a beautiful view of the Tower of Hercules and the ocean where you will see the octopus, a two metre tall sculpture with the beacon behind it. Afterwards, view one of the most important places in La Coruna, Maria Pita Square, where the town hall stands. Maria Pita was a woman who lead the fight and defeated the pirate “Sir” Francis Drake in the 16th century, when he tried to invade the city. You will have free time to wander around the city centre square where hundreds of shops, bars and markets, can be found before returning to Ferrol. Minimum participation required; tour may be cancelled or subject to price changes if not met.

Day 8

Vilagarcia de Arousa

Vilagarcía de Arousa serves as the natural gateway to Santiago de Compostela, where a sweeping seafront promenade buzzes with waterfront cafés and restaurants offering fresh Galician seafood. Inland lies the UNESCO World Heritage Old Town of Santiago de Compostela, where the soaring spires of its legendary cathedral welcome thousands of pilgrims completing their transformative journey along the ancient Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route

Day 9

Leixoes (Oporto)

Famed for its port wine and bridges over the river Douro, Portugal’s second city, Oporto (Porto) is a city of two halves. On the left bank is Gaia's famed port houses such as Graham's and Taylor's. Ribeira, on the right bank, has rows of colourful old houses that line the riverfront, narrow streets that rise up the hill and Igreja de Carmo church whose facade is adorned with blue azulejos (tiles). A vintage tram trundles to the Foz district

Activities:

Included

Oporto & Wine Tasting

4 hours

Delve into Porto's captivating history, with its mix of Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque and Neoclassical architecture. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ribeira district, passing the Palácio da Bolsa and the Gothic São Francisco Church renowned for its elaborate gilded wood carvings. Enjoy free time before a wine cellar tour in Vila Nova de Gaia, where you'll uncover the story behind Porto’s famed export, Port wine.

Optional

Guimaraes: Birthplace of a Nation

4 hours

Visit Guimarães, widely regarded as the birthplace of Portugal and its original capital. This well-preserved medieval town offers a remarkable blend of history and architecture, and is known as the birthplace of the country’s first king, Afonso Henriques. Your guided tour includes an exterior visit to Guimarães Castle, perched above the old town, where you will learn about its royal history and military significance. Continue to the nearby Palace of the Dukes of Braganza, a national monument dating from the 15th century, to explore its grand interiors, period furnishings, armour, tapestries, and portraits. Afterwards, enjoy a guided walking tour through the historic centre of Guimarães, with its narrow streets, iron balconies, and traditional squares, followed by some free time to browse local shops or relax before returning to the pier. Minimum participation required; tour may be cancelled or subject to price changes if not met.

Optional

Oporto highlights by e-bike

4 hours

Pedal effortlessly through Porto on an electric bike exploring the city's stunning scenery and landmarks. Begin at Matosinhos, then ride along the picturesque beaches into Porto’s UNESCO-listed historic centre. Glide past Cordoaria Garden, Clérigos Tower and Lello Bookstore, then enjoy a coffee on Aliados Avenue. Continue to São Bento station, Porto Cathedral, Dom Luís I Bridge and the Ribeira Quarter before returning.

Day 10

Lisbon

Spread over seven hills with São Jorge Castle views, bustling Lisbon is one of the world's oldest cities. Elegant Baixa, hilltop Alfama with its yellow tram, and scenic Graça overviewing pastel buildings, are top areas. The Jerónimos Monastery in Belém is a World Heritage Gothic site. The classic Portuguese pastel de nata custard tarts are a local treat. Europe’s longest suspension bridge, the Ponte 25 de Abril, crosses the river Tagus