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

The oldest building in the city sits on the banks of the Scheldt River. The medieval fortress Het Steen was built between 1200 and 1225 to defend and protect the inhabitants from invaders. Today, it houses a multimedia exhibition called The Antwerp Story, which traces the city through time in a surprising and innovative fashion. Travel from century to century as you traverse the rooms. Discover the tales, hidden secrets, and historic sites in the surprising city of Antwerp. The fortress roof offers an uncluttered view of the river, city, and the second-largest shipping port in Europe. After this immersive intro, we'll head over to the historic center and Grand-Place. The city hall—listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site—is, without a doubt, the most remarkable building. Richly decorated guildhalls line the edges of the Grand-Place. The square's center contains the eclectic Brabo Fountain. The stunning Gothic masterpiece—the Cathedral of Our Lady and its single belfry—has dominated the horizon for over five centuries.

PLEASE NOTE

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

We'll begin our tour of Antwerp this morning at the Grand-Place, surrounded by the elegant facades of ancient halls. We'll stop in front of the Flamboyant-style city hall. Then, we'll head over to the Hendrik Conscience Heritage Library for a visit to one of the country's most prestigious book rooms. We'll visit the Nottebohm Room to learn about the rare historic collection it holds. The room is located in the library's oldest wing and was made into a showroom in 1936. Afterwards, we'll visit the Red Star Line Museum, which traces the saga of the great wave of Europeans emigrating to the USA between 1850 and 1930.

PLEASE NOTE

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

We'll leave from Ghent for Bruges (plan on a one-hour trip each way). Its works of art, tranquil ambiance, romantic aura, and stunning architecture make it one of the top places to visit during any European vacation. The city has meticulously preserved the elegance and class it exuded during its golden age as a maritime trade center. Among the sites we'll see are the market square with its medieval belfry, the Provinciaal Hof, and colorful stepped-gabled houses. We'll then visit a brewery for a taste of ale. Located in the historic center of the city, the brewery was founded in 1856. Six generations later, it is a dynamic brewery still attached to its origins and the authentic Brugse Zot. Explore the brewery as the earthy smell of malt and fresh hops permeates the air, while beer is brewed before our eyes. Of course, we'll get to drink a nice glass of ale! We’ll return to the ship in Ghent.

PLEASE NOTE

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

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.

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.

Take a tour of the top sites in the largest city in the East Flanders Province. Follow the footsteps of Charles V and admire the monuments in one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe. Ghent's city center is a pedestrian's dream—an open-air museum where Flemish architecture accents the indisputable beauty of its medieval heritage. Afterwards, we'll drop by a brewery to knock back a bottle. Ghent's city center was once home to a large number of breweries. Today, breweries have begun to pop up once again. Gruutbeer is the most famous, as they don't use hops to brew their beers; instead, they rely on a mixed of medieval herbs.

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'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.