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

This morning, the proposed excursions are:
CLASSIC: The must-see sites in Brussels. Your 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. You will 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. You will also see the Royal Palace—where the Belgian royal family members carry out their work—the Royal Saint-Hubert Galleries, the Sablon neighbourhood, and, of course, the famous Manneken Pis. There will be some free time to have a bite of some local specialties, including chocolate, waffles, fries, and much more.
DISCOVERY: Brussels, the Comic Strip capital. Did you know that Brussels claims to have the largest number of comic book authors per square mile? In honour of their artists, the city has decorated its walls with its well-known authors and characters. You will set out on an urban hike to spot the murals that include Tintin, Gaston Lagaffe, Lucky Luke, Astérix, Corto Maltese, and many others. You will 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 marvellous universe where comics are in the limelight. Inaugurated in 1989, the center houses permanent and temporary exhibits focusing on European comics and their progression.
Return on board the ship and spend the afternoon cruising towards Antwerp. Leaving Brussels behind, your ship will glide along one of the oldest navigable waterways—the Willebroek Canal—to the Scheldt River. The Scheldt River crosses through three countries—France, Belgium, and the Netherlands—before emptying into the North Sea. Arrive in Antwerp in the evening. Your ship will remain in port overnight.

Proposed excursions:
CLASSIC: Antwerp, its historic center, and the Het Steen fortress. 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, 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.
DISCOVERY: Antwerp, the Red Star Line Museum and Nottebohm Room. Begin your tour of Antwerp this morning at the Grand-Place, surrounded by the elegant facades of ancient halls. Stop in front of the Flamboyant-style city hall, then, head over to the Hendrik Conscience Heritage Library for a visit to one of the country’s most prestigious book rooms. 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, visit the Red Star Line Museum, which traces the saga of the great wave of Europeans emigrating to the USA between 1850 and 1930.
Return on board for lunch while the ship continues towards Ghent. Cruise on the Scheldt River, gliding past huge salt marshes and plains before reaching the Terneuzen Lock and the Ghent-Terneuzen Canal. Arrive in Ghent in the evening.

Proposed excursions:
CLASSIC: Bruges. Leave by coach for Bruges. 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. You will visit a brewery founded in 1856 to throwback a pint.
DISCOVERY: Ghent: 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, 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.
Spend the afternoon cruising towards Middelburg. Middelburg is located on a peninsula in the Zeeland Province, nestled between the North Sea, Belgium, and the Netherlands. Arrive at the end of the day. The ship will remain in port overnight.

A free morning in Middelburg. Take advantage of some downtime to stroll through the market square, past gorgeous buildings, and down quaint streets. The city’s biggest attractions include Lange Jan Tower and the Hotel St. Joris. Upon your return on board, your ship will continue cruising to Veere. Enjoy some free time or join us for the proposed excursion CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion to the Delta Works. 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. Your tour will take you to one specific area of the Delta Works. After your excursion, return on board for dinner. Your ship will cruise to Dordrecht overnight

Cruise along the largest distributary channel of the Rhine-Meuse-Scheldt Delta, arriving in Dordrecht at the end of the morning. This afternoon, the proposed excursion for CLASSIC/DISCOVERY is: The Windmills of Kinderdijk. Discover the magnificent Windmills of Kinderdijk and learn how the Dutch have tamed the surrounding water for more than 1,000 years using their unique approach. Set out on foot to visit the windmills. It’s the only place in the world where you can see so many windmills in one place, and that’s also one of the reasons why they were listed as a prestigious UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. Upon your return on board, your ship will continue cruising to Brussels.

Breakfast on board this morning before disembarking at 9:00 a.m.

• Your cruise with all meals from dinner the first evening to breakfast on the final day
• Onboard drinks included (except for drinks from our special lists)
• Double-occupancy climate-controlled cabin with shower in bathroom
• Assistance from the onboard multi-lingual crew
• Welcome cocktail
• Gala dinner
• Onboard activities
• All port fees
• Prepaid classic sightseeing package

• Drinks from the special lists, or drinks ordered during excursions or transfers
• Cancellation and baggage insurance
• Transfers/travel to and from departure/arrival points
• Personal expenses