An Exclusive Cruise to Top Sites in Northern Europe (port-to-port cruise)

Our tour of the Belgian capital begins with a panoramic view by coach to discover the city's most famous monuments such as Laeken Park and the 1958 World's Fair Atomium landmark. We'll then head to the city center, which is jam-packed with exceptional architecture attesting to its deep history. The Grand-Place is surrounded by extravagant guildhalls, the City Hall, and the Broodhuis museum—listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The magnificent, ornate building exteriors present a harmonious mix of Gothic, classic, and baroque styles. We'll also see the Royal Palace—where the Belgian royal family members carry out their work—the Royal Saint-Hubert Galleries, the Sablon neighborhood, and, of course, the famous Manneken Pis. Enjoy some free time to have a bite of some local specialties, including chocolate, waffles, fries, and much more.

PLEASE NOTE

• Times are approximate.
• The order of the visits can change.

Coach departure from Ghent to Bruges (allow approximately 1 hour each way). Let yourself be enchanted by the timeless charm of the "Venice of the North", a true jewel of Flanders. Entirely listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and renowned for its exceptional quality of life, outstanding art collections and unmistakably romantic atmosphere, this captivating city seems to have stepped straight out of a fairy tale.
A wealthy and powerful maritime city as early as the 14th century, Bruges has preserved an extraordinary architectural heritage. Stroll through its cobbled streets and peaceful canals, where remarkable medieval buildings display craftsmanship of exceptional elegance and refinement.
Enjoy some free time in the historic city centre to explore at your own pace. Indulge in delicious Belgian chocolates, freshly baked waffles, world-famous beers and browse the many souvenir shops.
Return by coach to the ship in Ghent.

PLEASE NOTE

• Times are approximate.
• The order of the visits can change.

Set off on a full day of discovery in the heart of East Flanders' largest city. Be captivated by the enchanting atmosphere of Ghent, a historic city where time seems to stand still and which ranks among the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe. Follow in the footsteps of Emperor Charles V (Charles I of Spain), who was born here, and admire the characteristic Flemish architecture, with its iconic stepped-gable houses lining the picturesque canals. Your guide will reveal the secrets behind the city's most emblematic monuments, remarkable reminders of Ghent's prosperous medieval trading past. Enjoy some free time in the historic city centre before visiting a local brewery. There, you will sample three beers from the renowned Gruut Brewery. Unlike traditional beers, Gruut's brews are made without hops, using instead a secret blend of herbs and spices known as gruut, following a forgotten local medieval tradition that gives these beers their truly distinctive and authentic character. Return to the ship.

PLEASE NOTE

• Times are approximate.
• The order of the visits can change.

We’ll leave by coach to visit the windmills of Kinderdijk. It’s the only place in the world where we can see so many windmills in one place, and that’s one of the reasons why they were listed as a prestigious UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. The mills were built in the 18th century to remove water from the polder as everything is below sea level. The Dutch are masters at water management, and this attraction is the best place to learn how they have dealt with their struggles against the sea over the centuries. The area was also the inspiration for a familiar children’s game. Legend has it that after a flood in 1491, as someone from the local village was inspecting the damage, they saw a cradle floating in the water. As the floating cradle came nearer, a cat was seen trying to keep it balanced by jumping back and forth so that no water could get in. When the cradle came close enough for someone to pick it out of the water, they saw a baby quietly sleeping inside. This folktale is now well known as "The Cat and the Cradle."

PLEASE NOTE

• The order of the excursions can change.
• Times are approximate.

We will begin our guided tour of Antwerp at the Grand Place, lined with elegant façades of historic buildings. We will then stop in front of the City Hall (exterior view), a remarkable building inspired by the Italian Renaissance, followed by the Cathedral (exterior view), a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. We will continue with a visit to the Red Star Line Museum, which retraces the epic story of the great wave of emigration to the United States between 1850 and 1930. Housed in the historic warehouses of the legendary shipping company, the museum tells the story of millions of Europeans brave enough – or desperate enough – to leave everything behind in the hope of a better life. These former warehouses provide a highly evocative setting that brings the stories of these travelers to life. Through personal stories, authentic artifacts and immersive exhibitions, visitors are invited to step back in time and follow the often difficult, yet hopeful journey of these migrants. Their dreams and aspirations come alive once more within this historic setting. The Red Star Line Museum thus offers a true journey into the past, while also encouraging a moving reflection on migration past and present.

PLEASE NOTE

• Times are approximate.
• The order of the visits can change.

Departure on foot with your guide towards the historic heart of Antwerp and its famous Grand Place. Dominated by the imposing Renaissance-style Town Hall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this emblematic square is lined with sumptuous guild houses, richly decorated and adorned with statues. At its centre stands the famous Brabo Fountain, the legendary symbol of the city.
Just a short walk away rises the majestic Antwerp Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. Its northern tower and spire, reaching a height of 123 metres, have dominated the Antwerp skyline for more than five centuries. The interior of the cathedral* resembles a true museum, where you will discover, among other treasures, four religious masterpieces by Peter Paul Rubens, including The Descent from the Cross and The Resurrection of Christ, created specifically to adorn the building.
The cathedral also preserves remains of wall paintings dating from the early 15th century, as well as numerous remarkable religious sculptures, including an elegant Virgin and Child from the 14th century (circa 1350).
The visit continues to the medieval Het Steen Castle (outside view), built between 1200 and 1225. Proudly overlooking the banks of the Scheldt, this former fortress is one of the oldest buildings in the city.
Return on foot to the ship.

PLEASE NOTE

• Times are approximate.
• The order of the visits can change.
• Temporary closures of Antwerp Cathedral or visitor restrictions may occur, particularly during major liturgical celebrations, special events or religious activities. In such cases, the visit to the cathedral will be replaced by a visit to St. Charles Borromeo Church.

Did you know that Brussels claims to have the largest number of comic book authors per square mile? In honor of their artists, the city has decorated its walls with its well-known authors and characters. We'll set out on an urban hike to spot the murals that include Tintin, Gaston Lagaffe, Lucky Luke, Astérix, Corto Maltese, and many others. We'll find other affirmations along the way, such as street signs and statues referencing the "9th Art." Then, dive into the world of comics at the Belgian Comic Strip Center—a marvelous universe where comics are in the limelight. Inaugurated in 1989, the center houses permanent and temporary exhibits focusing on European comics and their progression.

PLEASE NOTE

• Times are approximate.
• The order of the visits can change.
• Admission to the Belgian Comic Strip Center is included; the visit is self-guided.

We'll set out to visit the largest flood protection system in the world, located along the Dutch coastline. The Delta Works was built to battle maritime inundations affecting the local provinces. Construction of the works lasted over 40 years and includes five storm surge barriers, two locks, and six dams. Traveling the Expedition Delta route brings the impressive works to life.

PLEASE NOTE

• Times are approximate.
• The order of the visits can change.