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Gems of Western Europe
D2224080109
Dates
08/01/24 - 08/10/24
Ship
SH Diana
Duration
10 Nights
Guests
2 Guest
Price From
$ 8,144
Per Person
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Trip Details
This exceptional cruise will take you on a journey through some of Europe's most beautiful and historic ports. It will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the beauty and wonder of these destinations in a luxurious and comfortable setting. You will be able to immerse yourself in the local culture and history, such as the ramparts of the old town in Saint-Malo, the world-famous Tresco Abbey Garden, or Château de Keriolet, while enjoying the finest amenities and services. Immersed in these captivating places' enchanted, wild beauty and fascinating histories, you’ll be left with a timeless feeling that people have felt throughout the ages, forever touched by the wonders of Western Europe.
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Itinerary Map
Itinerary
Amsterdam Day 1

Our port is the gorgeous Dutch city where a boat cruise along the canals gets to the very heart of things, but where walking the narrow streets and over the hundreds of bridges is magical too. Discover a treasure trove of fabulous museums such as the Rijksmuseum, filled with Dutch Masters – and just around the corner from the Van Gogh Museum. While, south of the city, explore windmill-filled stretches of countryside canal.

Zeebrugge Day 2

We sail into the Belgian port and seaside resort of Zeebrugge. The old fish market in the marina houses Seafront, a maritime theme park in the old fish auction house. The port is linked to the city of Bruges - or Brugge - via the Baudouin Canal. Famous for lacemaking, Belgian beer and chocolate, Bruges is also known as the Venice of the North for its charming canals. Take your time to appreciate these waterways by hopping on a leisurely boat tour.

Shore Excursion
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Romantic Bruges
  • Duration: 04 h 00 m
  • Included
  • Visit Burg Square, the focal point of ancient Bruges and home to wonderfully ornate buildings with impeccable statues
  • Catch a glimpse of the incredibly intricate Chapel of the Holy Blood, a sacred site that emanates a sense of mystery and reverence
  • Make one last stop the the romantic Lake of Love before returning to the coach
Honfleur Day 3

Your port of call today is Honfleur, Normandy’s most charming port town. If it looks familiar, that’s because Honfleur was a favourite subject of Monet and many other artists too, including Boudin, Corot, Courbet, Dubourg, Sisley, Bazille and Daubigny. Thanks to landscapes by these masters, the town’s timber-framed houses and the appealing Vieux Bassin (Old Harbour) are part of our collective consciousness. Before the city became a refuge for 19th-century artists escaping Paris, in the 16th and 17th centuries, Honfleur was one of France’s most important ports. It was from here that, in 1608, Samuel de Champlain set sail to found Québec. Some of the city’s unmissable attractions include Les Maisons Satie Musée d’Ethnographie et d’Art Populaire Normand, Musée de la Marine and Musée Eugène Boudin. The Eglise Ste-Catherine is an extraordinary wooden church. Constructed in the late 15th and early 16th centuries, it contains maritime motifs.

Shore Excursion
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Walking Honfleur
  • Duration: 03 h 15 m
  • Optional
  • Follow your guide along the cobblestone streets lined with timber-framed houses as you learn the significance of this fascinating fishing village
  • Stop by the vast salt warehouses for a glimpse into one of the most historically important sites in the city
  • Enjoy time to walk the city centre at your leisure
Charming Etretat
  • Duration: 04 h 30 m
  • Included
  • See some of the most historically significant structures in the area like the old Market Hall on the Place Foch
  • Take in the natural beauty of the scenery with towering cliffs and a pebble beach
  • Learn the story of how this village became a popular seaside resort at the start of the 20th century
The Landing Beaches of Normandy
  • Duration: 08 h 00 m
  • Optional
  • Discover the landing sites of Normandy
  • Pay a tribute to the fallen soldiers at the American cemetery and at Omaha Beach
  • Lunch in Castle La Chenevière
Saint-Malo Day 4

The enchanting coastal city of Saint-Malo is a labyrinth of medieval streets filled with history and culture. Dating back to the 12th century, Saint-Malo was once a haven for pirates and a stopping point for merchant ships. Today you’ll find colourful shops and outdoor alongside aromatic markets, cafes and restaurants. Oysters and crêpes are the local delicacies - definitely sample some whilst here. The ancient walled town of Intra-Muros forms the heart of Saint-Malo. Here the striking Gothic and Romanesque Cathédrale de St Malo dominates the skyline.

Shore Excursion
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Emerald Coast & Oyster Tasting
  • Duration: 04 h 00 m
  • Included
  • Visit the renowned “bancs d’huîtres” (oyster beds) of Cancale
  • Experience the cultural delights that give the Emerald Coast its unique identity while hearing about the thousands of oysters that make it from the sea to gourmet tables
  • Get your fill of oyster farming knowledge by seeing the washing and conditioning process in the workshop and with a visit to the Shell Museum
Saint Malo Walking Tour
  • Duration: 02 h 30 m
  • Optional
  • Learn why they call this historic French port “The Privateers’ City”
  • Tour the ramparts while you hear the story of how they protected the town
  • Stand outside the house of Duchess Anne as your guide takes you through the story of her life
Mystical Mont Saint Michel a UNESCO Site
  • Duration: 07 h 30 m
  • Optional
  • Visit the Mont that was once described by Victor Hugo as being “…to the ocean what the Pyramid of Cheops is to the desert.”
  • The monastery founded by the 10th century now welcomes you as modern pilgrims following the old traditions
  • Enjoy a guided tour of the inside of the abbey to marvel at the achievements of all the passionate builders who contributed to its construction
Dinan & Dinard
  • Duration: 04 h 00 m
  • Optional
  • Explore ramparts, towers, and timbered houses before visiting the Basilica Saint Saveur
  • Encounter diverse Mediterranean vegetation on a drive along the Rance River
  • Walk around with your guide for an illuminating look at the Place des Merciers and the old clock tower
Tresco, Isles of Scilly, England Day 5

Reach one of Britain’s most peaceful and beautiful places today. The Isles of Scilly are a low-lying archipelago that lies 45 kilometres off Cornwall. The Gulf Stream provides a mild climate in which flowers and other flora thrive and the Isles’ white-sand beaches and lapping translucent green sea could easily be mistaken for the Caribbean. From the world-famous Tresco Abbey Garden with its 20,000 species from all over the globe and Elizabethan castles to fortresses to Bronze age sites and illuminating lighthouses, the Isles of Scilly boasts several outstanding attractions to be enjoyed.

Shore Excursion
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Tresco Abbey Gardens
  • Duration: 03 h 00 m
  • Included
  • Walk through the ruins of the Benedictine priory that the garden is now built on
  • Discover their immaculate collection of Valhalla figureheads and decorative carvings from shipwrecks dating from the 19th century
  • Replenish with a traditional Cream Tea in the garden cafe before heading back to the pier
Concarneau Day 6

The picturesque French port city of Concarneau is in the Finistère department in Brittany. Its medieval walled city is on a tiny islet with narrow alleys and ramparts that are perfect for a leisurely stroll. Nearby, the charming artist village of Pont Aven, discovered in the 1860s by American painters, became a popular stop for French artist Paul Gauguin who set up the École de Pont-Aven art movement known as synthetism. Try galettes, the local melt-in-the-mouth Breton butter biscuits.

Shore Excursion
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Quimper & Pont Aven
  • Duration: 04 h 15 m
  • Included
  • Stand beneath the sky-scraping twin spires of the Cathedral Saint Corentin, built between the 13th and 15th century
  • Listen as your guide tells the story behind the enigmatic Santig Du
Coastal Walk
  • Duration: 02 h 45 m
  • Optional
  • Hike along the cost from the pier to the beautiful Anse de St Jean. Admire the beautiful views on the bay and sandy beaches
Day at sea Day 7

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.

Vigo Day 8

Gateway to the Atlantic, the Spanish Atlantic city of Vigo is one of Europe’s major fishing ports, known for its freezing and canning industry. Wander around the steep narrow streets and picturesque squares of Casco Vello, the old town towards the fish market. Hike to the top of Monte O Castro hill encompassing an old fortress and the 3rd-century BC archaeological site of Castro. Outlying Cies Islands are part of the Atlantic Islands National Park, renowned for its birdlife. Inland Santiago de Compostela, an important pilgrimage centre, is a short bus ride away.

Shore Excursion
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Tui and wine tasting
  • Duration: 03 h 30 m
  • Optional
  • Journey to the south of Pontevedra province to reach the immaculate riverside city of Tui
  • Get to know the local culture by indulging in a variety of delicacies
  • Learn about the cathedral’s storied past and how it was once converted into a fortress
Discover Santiago de Compostela
  • Duration: 08 h 00 m
  • Optional
  • Take in the exceptional presence of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela
  • View the Town Hall and Pazo with grand buildings and towering pillars
  • Connect with the city’s story as you’re guided through the yards of the illustrious Hotel of the Reyes Catholicos
Leixoes (Oporto) Day 9

Portugal’s second city, Oporto is a city of two halves, known for stately bridges over the river Douro. On the left bank is Gaia, best-known for its port houses such as Graham’s and Taylor’s where you can enjoy a cellar tour or port tasting. Ribeira, on the right bank, has rows of colourful old houses that line the riverfront and narrow streets. Head to the top of the hill to admire blue azulejo tile murals in Igreja de Carmo church or take a ride on a vintage tram to the Foz district.

Shore Excursion
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Antique & Charming City of Braga
  • Duration: 04 h 15 m
  • Optional
  • Enjoy the scenic drive in the Minho province.
  • Visit the Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary , developed over a period of more than 600 years. It’s a Baroque vision of granite details, whitewashed walls, and perspective views.
  • Visit the city of Braga with its splendid 18th century houses and beautiful parks, gardens and its Baroque, Roman and Gothic Cathedral.
Douro Valley Wine Tour
  • Duration: 08 h 00 m
  • Optional
  • Drive trough the Douro Valley, A World Heritage Region
  • Learn the secrets of the wine production
  • Enjoy some time in Amarante, one of the most ancient settlements in northern Portugal, it was founded as Turdetanos in 360 BC
Oporto highlights by e-bike
  • Duration: 04 h 00 m
  • Optional
  • Discover the city center by e-bike
  • Stop at Ribeira quarter with its café terraces and picturesque corners
Oporto and Wine Tasting
  • Duration: 03 h 30 m
  • Included
  • Get a taste of architectural design with a mix of Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque and Neo-Classical styles
  • Enjoy panoramic scenes as you make your way towards the colourful Ribeira Quarter passing by the Palácio da Bolsa (Stock Exchange Palace)
  • Take free time to stroll by the Gothic São Francisco Church, home to some of the most exuberant gilded wood carvings in Portugal
Lisbon Day 10

One of the oldest cities in the world, Lisbon’s technicoloured past is evident just about everywhere. The medina-like streets of Alfama still bear Moorish influences. Baroque architecture surrounds you in Baixa and scars of the Great Lisbon Earthquake of 1755 can still be found throughout the city. It’s estimated that over 100,000 people died in what became one of history’s deadliest earthquakes. Today Lisbon is a delightful mix of colourful neighbourhoods, all brimming with history, culture and tradition. Baixa is where you’ll find the hustle and bustle, set below São Jorge Castle. Nearby Chiado is one of Lisbon’s trendiest neighbourhoods with its historic cafes and designer shops.

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Rates Include
Regional flights to the port of embarkation and/or disembarkation (ONLY available for Antarctica cruises starting or ending in Ushuaia, Arctic cruises starting and ending in Longyearbyen and Kangerlussuaq)
Group return transfers from the airport to the cruise port (via our included accommodation where applicable)
One night pre-cruise accommodation with breakfast in a 4/5-star hotel or onboard
All meals onboard
Onboard accommodation in a stateroom selected category
24-hour room service
Coffee, tea, soft drinks and selected alcoholic beverages available 24-hours per day
Lecture programmes by our experienced expedition team and guest speakers
One selected shore excursion/expedition activities per port of call (Kayak not included, bookable for a fee on board)
Branded Swan Hellenic expedition parka and use of rubber boots in Polar Regions
Standard WiFi
Onboard gratuities & port taxes
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Itinerary Map

We are providing a list of sample excursions that Swan Hellenic may offer on this itinerary, which are subject to change. We constantly update our shore excursion program with exclusive and genuine experiences, so please do not hesitate to review your excursion program choice closer to your departure date.

We invite all guests to visit swanhellenic.com for the most updated information.

09:00 AM – 05:30 PM (EST)

+1 (800) 537 6777
ARRANGE A CALLBACK
Stateroom
Number of Guests
Oceanview D4
20 m2 Sleeps 2
Oceanview staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.
Price From
$ 0
Oceanview M4
20 m2 Sleeps 2
Oceanview staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.
Price From
$ 0
Balcony D5
28 m2 Sleeps 2
Located on decks 5, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or a double bed, distinct bedroom and living room areas, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6 sq. m balcony.
Price From
$ 0
Balcony M5
28 m2 Sleeps 2
Located on decks 5, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or a double bed, distinct bedroom and living room areas, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6 sq. m balcony.
Price From
$ 0
Balcony D6
28 m2 Sleeps 2
Located on decks 6, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or a double bed, distinct bedroom and living room areas, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6 sq. m balcony.
Price From
$ 0
Junior Suite
35 m2 Sleeps 2
SH Diana’s Junior Suite features a Super King Size bed, separate living room area, walk-in closet, luxurious ensuite bathroom, and a 7 sq. m private balcony.
Price From
$ 0
Suite
44 m2 Sleeps 2
Our Suites feature a Super King Size bed and separate living room with a soothing flame-effect fireplace, a luxurious ensuite bathroom, a walk-in closet, and a 6 sq. m. private balcony.
Price From
$ 0
Premium Suite
47 m2 Sleeps 2
SH Diana’s Premium Suites feature a Super King Size bed, separate living room with homely flame-effect fireplace, luxurious ensuite bathroom, spacious walk-in wardrobe and a 12 sq. m private balcony.
Price From
$ 0

We are providing a list of sample excursions that Swan Hellenic may offer on this itinerary, which are subject to change. We constantly update our shore excursion program with exclusive and genuine experiences, so please do not hesitate to review your excursion program choice closer to your departure date.

We invite all guests to visit swanhellenic.com for the most updated information.

09:00 AM – 05:30 PM (EST)

+1 (800) 537 6777
ARRANGE A CALLBACK