From the Netherlands to Portugal: Western Europe Cruise

Itinerary

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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.

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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.

Romantic Bruges & Canals

Included

04 h 45 m

Explore the medieval heart of Bruges on a guided walking tour, passing landmarks like Market Place, the Belfry Tower, Town Hall, and the Chapel of the Holy Blood.
Enjoy a scenic canal boat ride, gliding past historic architecture and charming bridges for a unique perspective of the city.
Savour free time in Grote Markt, where you can soak up the vibrant atmosphere, shop for local treats, or simply relax and take in the surroundings.

Discover Ostend and visit Mercator

Optional

03 h 00 m

Admire the neogothic St. Petrus and Paulus Church, with its striking stained-glass windows and royal connection as the final resting place of Queen Louise-Marie.
Stroll along the elegant Albert-I Promenade, passing the former home of renowned painter James Ensor, now a museum celebrating his life and work.
Step aboard the historic Mercator, a beautifully preserved 1931 training ship turned museum, showcasing Belgium’s rich maritime heritage and nautical innovation.

Bordering Bruges and Loppem Castle

Optional

04 h 25 m

Enjoy free time in the charming village of Damme, where you can stroll its peaceful streets or relax with a locally brewed Belgian beer.
Take in scenic views of Bruges’ historic outskirts, passing windmills and medieval city walls, with a stop to shop for world-famous Belgian chocolate.
Visit the beautifully preserved Castle of Loppem, an architectural gem blending English and Flemish styles, with a rich history dating back to the end of World War I.

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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.

The Landing Beaches of Normandy

Optional

08 h 00 m

Walk in the footsteps of heroes and visit the historic D-Day landing sites, including Omaha Beach and the American Cemetery, honoring the bravery and sacrifice of Allied soldiers
Immersive yourself in WWII history at the Arromanches Landing Museum, where models and films bring to life the incredible engineering feats of the Mulberry harbors and Operation Overlord
Enjoy a taste of Normandy with a refined lunch at Château de la Chenevière, a charming countryside castle-turned-luxury hotel

Explore and Conquer in Honfleur Walking tour

Included

04 h 00 m

Enjoy a guided walking tour of Honfleur’s charming city center, a historic Normandy seaport rich in maritime heritage
Immerse yourself in Norman history at La Mora, discovering William the Conqueror’s conquest of England through the Bayeux Tapestry and witness the reconstruction of William the Conqueror’s ship
Stroll through Honfleur’s picturesque harbor, discovering landmarks like St. Catherine’s Church, the salt warehouses, the Old Port and other landmarks, with time to explore at your leisure

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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.

Mystical Mont Saint Michel, a UNESCO Site

Included

06 h 00 m

Explore the breathtaking Mont Saint Michel Abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with expert insights into its history and architecture
Walk the dramatic approach to Mont Saint Michel, wander its medieval streets, and admire panoramic bay views
Enjoy free time to browse the unique boutiques, take stunning photos, or enjoy traditional Breton specialities at your own pace

Saint Malo Walking Tour

Optional

02 h 30 m

Walk through Saint-Malo’s charming medieval streets, discovering landmarks like the castle, ramparts, and Saint-Malo Cathedral with its stunning stained glass
Discover the legacies of historical figures such as explorer Jacques Cartier, privateers Duguay-Trouin and Surcouf, and writer Châteaubriand
Immerse yourself in the maritime heritage and seafaring spirit of this historic walled city, once home to legendary explorers and corsairs

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The charming French port of Roscoff sits on a peninsula at Brittany's tip. Despite a history of privateers and smugglers, the little city is known for its richly decorated merchants' houses. Near the port, a local hotelier created an exotic garden growing more than 3,500 species of plants from the Southern Hemisphere. Roscoff is also the origin of Onion Johnnies, Breton farmers who crossed to England to sell Roscoff pink onions on their bikes.

Coastal Hike

Optional

03 h 00 m

Enjoy a hike along Roscoff’s scenic coastline, enjoying stunning views of the Bay of Roscoff and Bloscon’s Peak
Discover Roscoff’s maritime heritage with visits to the Sainte-Barbe Chapel, seamen’s cemetery, and charming old streets
Indulge in a traditional Breton snack at a local crêperie, savoring delicious crêpes and cider

Roscoff Walking Tour

Included

02 h 30 m

Admire elegant granite homes of wealthy merchants and privateers, reflecting Roscoff’s Renaissance prosperity
Stroll through charming cobbled streets, uncovering the town’s rich maritime history
Enjoy free time to browse local shops, visit the harbor, or relax and take in the coastal ambiance

Kerjean Castle & Garden

Optional

03 h 00 m

Visit Château de Kerjean, a magnificent 16th-century Renaissance fortress, complete with fortified walls, elegant arcades, and a beautifully preserved chapel
Explore grand rooms with an extensive collection of Breton furniture, paintings and models that bring the château’s history to life
Wander the tranquil park, admiring Renaissance fountains, a historic dovecote, and the château’s original pillory, offering a glimpse into the past

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Lorient, a town with six ports, has a rich seafaring history as the birthplace of the French East India Company and France’s second-largest fishing port. During WWII, it was a key German submarine base with massive concrete shelters. Today, La Base is a cultural hub featuring repurposed bunkers, the Submarine Flore museum and a concert hall. The town showcases a mix of 1950s colourful apartment blocks, Art Deco houses and traditional townhouses.

Concarneau & Pont Aven

Included

05 h 00 m

Explore the enchanting walled town of Concarneau, nestled within its medieval fortifications, and immerse yourself in its rich maritime history
Discover the artistic legacy of Pont-Aven, where Paul Gauguin and other artists were inspired, and stroll along its picturesque riverbanks
Enjoy free time in Pont-Aven to savor local flavors, including the famous Galettes de Pont-Aven, the region's beloved buttery cookies

Megaliths of Carnac

Optional

04 h 00 m

Explore Carnac's unparalleled collection of megalithic standing stones that have endured for thousands of years
Discover the Kerzerho alignments in Erdeven and enjoy a guided visit to one of these mysterious sites
Marvel at 3,000 menhirs from 5,000 years ago on a panoramic drive through Carnac's alignments: Le Menec, Kermario, and Kerlescan

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Royan, a French Atlantic coastal gem, features five beaches nestled between dunes and pine forests at the broad mouth of the Gironde. La Grande Conche, a 2 km stretch of golden sands, lures sun-seekers. Royan endured significant damage during an allied bombing on January 5, 1945. The town's charm continues to shine through its blend of belle époque villas and vibrant postwar architecture, including the distinctive Notre-Dame de Royan church.

Royan Walking Tour

Included

02 h 00 m

Discover Royan’s striking post-war architecture on a guided walking tour, including a stop outside the avant-garde Notre-Dame Cathedral—a concrete icon of 1950s design.
Explore the city’s circular covered market, voted France’s second-best in 2018, and enjoy free time to browse local produce and specialties.
Learn how Royan transformed into a modernist showcase after its WWII destruction, with examples of innovative urban planning and bold residential design.

World Famous Hennessy Cognac Distillery

Optional

04 h 45 m

Explore the historic town of Cognac, birthplace of French King François I, with its charming riverside setting and 13th-century château.
Visit the world-renowned Hennessy House for an insider’s look at the distillation and ageing process, followed by a tasting of their signature cognacs.
Enjoy a guided walking tour through the old streets of Cognac, soaking up its rich heritage and elegant atmosphere.

Marennes Oysters & Brouage

Optional

05 h 00 m

Explore the fortified town of Brouage, once a thriving salt port, now nestled in peaceful marshlands and rich with stories of explorers and royal romances.
Visit the charming village of Marennes, the heart of France’s renowned Marennes-Oléron oyster region, surrounded by scenic waterways and coastal heritage.
Tour a traditional oyster farm to learn about oyster cultivation and enjoy a tasting of six oysters paired with fresh bread, butter, and a glass of white wine.

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Bilbao, the de facto capital of the Basque region, is an industrial city renowned for its culture, skyscrapers and the Frank Gehry–designed Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, which sparked the city's revitalisation. The city’s many pintxo bars are a mainstay of the culinary scene, while the lively La Ribera Market dates back to the 14th century. Spain’s famous La Rioja wine region is a full-day trip from the port.

Icon of Modern Bilbao: The Guggenheim Museum

Included

03 h 30 m

Enjoy a rare, out-of-hours visit to the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, exploring its world-renowned architecture and exhibitions in a serene, crowd-free setting
Enjoy a private tour led by an expert guide, offering fascinating insights into the museum's groundbreaking construction, innovative design, and the stories behind its unique architectural features
Explore 9,000 m² of exhibition space, marveling at world-class art collections set against the stunning backdrop of one of the most audacious and innovative buildings of the 20th century

Scenic Bilbao and Old Quarter with pintxos

Optional

03 h 15 m

Witness the mix of modern architecture and cultural heritage as you pass by sites like the Guggenheim Museum, Euskalduna Conference and Music Center, and Zubiarte shopping mall
Wander the narrow streets of the historic old quarter, where your guide will highlight architectural sights such as the Cathedral of Santiago and the Gothic Church of San Antón
Indulge in Basque pintxos at a local restaurant, with small, flavorful dishes made from fresh, seasonal ingredients, showcasing Bilbao’s culinary tradition

Basque Hike

Optional

04 h 00 m

Begin your adventure at Gorliz Beach in the Astando area, where you’ll encounter a unique natural wonder—fossil dunes formed over centuries by the relentless forces of wind and sand. This captivating phenomenon offers a glimpse into the power and beauty of nature’s processes.
As you journey through the stunning coastal landscape, you'll come across various points featuring the "IBILBIDE" sculptural installation by artist Ibon Garagarza. These thought-provoking artworks harmonize with the environment, enhancing the natural beauty around you.
The towering Gorliz Lighthouse, perched on a dramatic 165-meter cliff, stands as the tallest on the Cantabrian coast. Enjoy its stunning views and explore nearby historic sites, including a coastal battery from the 1930s. Continue your trek through coastal oak forests and reach the summit of Mount Ermua for panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscape.

Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve

Optional

03 h 15 m

Discover the rich biodiversity of this UNESCO-listed natural haven, featuring diverse flora, fauna, and archaeological wonders. Stop at the Biodiversity Centre to enjoy panoramic views, take stunning photos, and relax with free time or a coffee.
Journey through picturesque Basque villages, including the quaint fishing town of Bermeo, while admiring the region's changing landscapes and stunning coastal views.
Experience the dramatic beauty of the Biscay coast from the iconic San Juan de Gaztelugatxe viewpoint, with breathtaking vistas of steep cliffs, white sandy beaches, and the legendary islet of Gaztelugatxe.

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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.

Walking and Tapas in Santander

Optional

02 h 00 m

Explore the magnificent Gothic-style Cathedral, featuring two superimposed churches from the 13th century, each with a unique history
Stroll through the scenic Pereda Gardens, where bronze and stone sculptures bring to life the works of Cantabrian writer José María de Pereda
Admire the grand façade of the original Bank of Santander HQ, crowned with statues representing arts, culture, commerce, and navigation

Santander views and Santillana del Mar

Included

04 h 00 m

Explore Santillana del Mar, one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval villages, with its cobbled streets, historic buildings, and the Romanesque Collegiate Church of Santa Juliana
Admire the town’s architectural landmarks, including the fortified House of Borja, the House of the Eagle, and the medieval Merinos Tower
Enjoy a scenic drive through Santander, passing landmarks like the Gothic cathedral, Magdalena Palace, El Sardinero Beach, and the iconic Bank of Santander building

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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.

Santiago de Compostela Pilgrimage hike

Included

06 h 00 m

Follow the legendary Camino de Santiago on its last 5-km stretch, passing through scenic forests, gentle hills, and historic pathways before entering the heart of Santiago
Arrive at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explore its breathtaking Baroque, Neoclassical, and Romanesque façades, as well as the Holy Door, opened only in Jubilee Years
Enjoy a guided Cathedral tour, witness the famous Botafumeiro incense burner, and receive a traditional Camino shell, symbolizing your unforgettable journey

Discover La Coruna

Optional

03 h 45 m

Enjoy a scenic drive through La Coruna, taking in the city's architectural and historical beauty
Marvel at the ancient Tower of Hercules, the world's only working Roman lighthouse
Discover the story of Maria Pita's bravery in her fight against the pirate 'Sir' Francis Drake in the 16th century"

Santiago de Compostela City Tour

Included

06 h 00 m

Visit the UNESCO-listed Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, the final destination of the renowned Camino de Santiago and the believed resting place of Apostle James
Explore Obradoiro Square, home to the cathedral’s stunning façades, the historic Parador of the Reyes Católicos, and other remarkable landmarks
Enjoy a guided tour of the cathedral’s grand interior, followed by free time to explore Santiago’s rich history and architecture at your own pace

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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.

Oporto & Wine Tasting

Included

04 h 00 m

Explore Porto’s stunning architectural heritage, from the Romanesque and Gothic São Francisco Church to the opulent 19th-century Palácio da Bolsa.
Wander through the UNESCO-listed Ribeira Quarter, a charming riverside district filled with colorful buildings, lively cafés, and historic landmarks.
Visit a renowned wine cellar in Vila Nova de Gaia, where you'll learn about the history and production of the world-famous Porto Wine.

Oporto highlights by e-bike

Optional

04 h 00 m

Explore Porto on an e-bike, riding through the city's historic streets and along the scenic beaches of Matosinhos
See Porto’s top landmarks, including Clérigos Tower, Lello Bookstore, São Bento Train Station, and the Dom Luís I Bridge
Enjoy free time in the charming Ribeira Quarter, with a relaxing coffee break along Aliados Avenue

Guimaraes: Birthplace of a Nation

Optional

04 h 00 m

Explore Guimarães Castle, birthplace of Portugal’s first king, and uncover its royal and military history
Step inside the Dukes of Braganza Palace, a 15th-century monument with medieval tapestries, antique furniture, and knight’s armor
Wander through Guimarães’ medieval streets, lined with historic buildings, iron balconies, and a 10th-century church in the main square

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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.

This itinerary provides general information about each destination. Also, please be aware that some of the venues and highlights mentioned may not be open or accessible on the day we visit. For the most accurate tour program, we recommend contacting your Swan Hellenic agent or travel agent closer to your departure date.

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Oceanview D4

20 m²

Oceanview Staterooms measure 20m²(215ft²) and can accommodate two guests. They feature two single beds or a double bed, bedroom with living room area, a flame-effect fireplace and a luxurious bathroom.

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Oceanview M4

20 m²

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Balcony D5

25 m²

Balcony Staterooms measure 25m² (269ft²) – including a 5m² (54ft²) private balcony – and can accommodate two or three guests. They feature two single beds or a double bed, bedroom with living room area, a flame-effect fireplace and a luxurious bathroom.

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Balcony M5

25 m²

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Balcony D6

25 m²

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Junior Suite

32 m²

Junior Suites measure 32-36m² (344-388ft²) – including a 6m² (65ft²) private balcony – and can accommodate two guests. They feature a king size bed, have a separate living room area, and luxurious en-suite bathroom.

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Suite

41 m²

Suites measure 41m² (441ft²) – including a 5m² (54ft²) private balcony – and can accommodate two or three guests. They feature a king size bed, and have a separate living room, with a flame-effect fireplace. There’s also a luxurious ensuite bathroom with separate bath tub and a walk-in shower.

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Premium Suite

41 m²

Premium Suites measure 41m² (441ft²) – including 8m² (86ft²) private balcony – and can accommodate two guests. They feature a king size bed, separate living room, and flame-effect fireplace. There’s also a luxurious ensuite bathroom – with separate bath tub and shower – and a walk-in wardrobe.