CITIES OF NORTHERN EUROPE

Lisbon is one of the oldest cities in the world. Its magnificent harbor made it a logical trading port as far back as the Phoenicians, as well as a departure point for 15th century voyages sponsored by Prince Henry the Navigator, patron of Portuguese explorers. The city is rich in architecture, from Romanesque and Gothic to Post Modern, and criss-crossed by monument-studded grand boulevards. Today it is seeking a place on the world stage by hosting, in addition to its own active cultural calendar, film festivals, art, fashion, and design shows, book fairs, marathons, and rock concerts.

At the mouth of the Rio Douro lies the city of Porto, known mostly for its port wine trade.

With origins dating back to the 5th century, there is plenty to see in this town that was named European Capital of Culture in 2001. Stroll the Ribeira neighborhood along the river, explore the Cathedral area, or tour the port lodges of Vila Nova de Gaia across the river.

Spend the day sailing in style aboard your boutique hotel at sea. Indulge in a treatment at Sanctum Spa, stay ship shape with a class at our fitness centre, or lounge the day away on our sunny pool deck. In the evening, savour inspired Italian cuisine at Aqualina, or relish in a classic steakhouse experience at Prime C. Plus, you’ll find plenty of exciting evening entertainment, from thrilling shows at Cabaret Lounge to intimate performances in the Living Room.

Guernsey is a self-governing British Crown Dependency off the coast of France, British by virtue of the Norman invasion of England in 1066, and the subsequent merging of the two territories. St. Peter Port overlooks the harbor, with rows of brightly painted houses, and terraced gardens. The island is ideal for rambles along cliffside paths and through the bucolic interior. While traditional fishing, flower growing, and dairy farming are still important, Guernsey’s favorable tax climate has of late brought an influx of offshore banks and insurance companies, with their attendant bistros and boutiques.

Honfleur is a lively town and a bustling port, where fishermen can be seen hauling in the daily catch. The maritime influence is everywhere evident; even the handsome church of Sainte Catherine has an oak ceiling that resembles the hull of an overturned ship. The charming square surrounding the church gives way to narrow cobbled lanes of half-timbered houses, elegant manors, and tall, narrow town houses. The quality of light has long attracted artists, including a particularly illustrious group, among them Monet, Corot, Turner, Courbet, Millet, Seurat – all of whom stayed at a little thatched inn called the Saint Siméon, now Honfleur’s most luxurious hotel.

The white chalk cliffs of Dover face France across the narrowest part of the English Channel, a vulnerable position protected since the Middle Ages by Dover Castle. As recently as WWII its secret tunnels have been used as air raid shelters, a hospital, and military command center, and make for a fascinating visit. In a more contemplative vein are the charms of nearby Canterbury, its stunning cathedral the oldest in England. Famed as the setting of the martyrdom of Thomas Becket, and the destination of those fictional pilgrims with their ribald tales created by Geoffrey Chaucer, it is steeped in tradition, but is also a modern and vibrant city.

Discover the vibrant port of Dunkirk, France, steeped in history and maritime charm. Explore the Dunkirk War Museum, wander along the picturesque waterfront, and indulge in moules-frites (mussels and french fries) at charming restaurants.

Distinct from other Dutch cities, Rotterdam is creating its own identity as an energetic and dynamic metropolis. Long known for its important port, one of the busiest in the world, it has recently acquired the epithet “Manhattan on the Maas”, as a result of a modern building spree. Establish a frame of reference with a 360° view from atop the Euromast Observation Tower; then investigate some of the city’s striking architectural features. Do not miss the bizarre cube houses, tilted at 45 degrees, and from the outside looking like only Spiderman could live there. It is indeed a city of innovative design.

Distinct from other Dutch cities, Rotterdam is creating its own identity as an energetic and dynamic metropolis. Long known for its important port, one of the busiest in the world, it has recently acquired the epithet “Manhattan on the Maas”, as a result of a modern building spree. Establish a frame of reference with a 360° view from atop the Euromast Observation Tower; then investigate some of the city’s striking architectural features. Do not miss the bizarre cube houses, tilted at 45 degrees, and from the outside looking like only Spiderman could live there. It is indeed a city of innovative design.

Arriving in Kiel by ship seems appropriate, given its long shipbuilding and naval traditions. In fact today it is one of Germany’s most visited cities, due to an enormously popular annual sailing regatta. This modern and spacious city is strikingly set on the Kiel Fjord, with a charming street of late 19th century buildings at its heart. For a glimpse of historic countryside life, investigate the Schleswig-Holstein Open Air Museum, a collection of rustic farms and country homes dating from the 16th through 19th centuries. Here local craftsmen demonstrate traditional skills in the smithy, potter’s workshop, old loom, and mill, and tantalizing scents arise from the old-fashioned bakery and smoke house.

Once a small, medieval port in northern Germany on the Baltic Sea, Wismar is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a walk through the city’s storybook-like streets, and it’s easy to see why: the Wassertor (water gate), is the last surviving medieval gate; the 13th century ruin of St. Mary, Marienkirche, and its towering steeple, is the last remaining original Brick Gothic structure; and the church of St. Nicholas, St-Nikolai-Kirche, is the largest of its kind in Europe. The heart of the old town is Wismar’s Market Place, with architecture as varied as it is beautiful—German Gothic to Romanesque revival to Art Nouveau. Visit the historical museum Schabbellhaus, housed in a former brewery, then make your way back to the picturesque old harbor. Take a boat cruise, admire the reconstructed Hanseatic “Wissemara”, or enjoy a traditional Baltic lunch such as fischbrötchen, a small bag of smoked shrimp.

An idyllic seaside town on Sweden’s western coast, Helsingborg is a study in contrasts: a cosmopolitan and forward-thinking city with a remarkably well-preserved old town that offers a compelling glimpse into its medieval Danish roots. Arrive in Copenhagen at 7pm for an overnight stay on board your ship

Disembark today and a private transfer will take you to your hotel for 2 nights post cruise to explore the city.

Copenhagen is known as a city of spires: the skyline of its medieval core is punctuated only by the steeples of churches and towers of palaces, though a modern building boom has overtaken other parts of the city. Today’s Copenhagen is known for its excellent quality of life and environmental consciousness – with many parks, it is green both literally and in today’s sense of the word. It is also bicycle-friendly, with bike paths lining almost every major street. After a ride or wander through the old town, stop for a local repast of Smørrebrød, traditional open-face sandwiches, or a mouthwatering Danish pastry.

Your holiday comes to an end today. Interested in extending you trip? Ask us about our amazing range of accommodation and touring packages.