Gems Of Western Europe

ITINERARY

DAY 1
AMSTERDAM
Our port is the gorgeous Dutch city where a boat cruise along the canals gets to the very heart of things, but where walking the narrow streets and over the hundreds of bridges is magical too. Discover a treasure trove of fabulous museums such as the Rijksmuseum, filled with Dutch Masters – and just around the corner from the Van Gogh Museum. While, south of the city, explore windmill-filled stretches of countryside canal.


DAY 2
ZEEBRUGGE
We sail into the Belgian port and seaside resort of Zeebrugge. The old fish market in the marina houses Seafront, a maritime theme park in the old fish auction house. The port is linked to the city of Bruges - or Brugge - via the Baudouin Canal. Famous for lacemaking, Belgian beer and chocolate, Bruges is also known as the Venice of the North for its charming canals. Take your time to appreciate these waterways by hopping on a leisurely boat tour.

Shore Excursion (See Optional Activities)

DAY 3
HONFLEUR
Your port of call today is Honfleur, Normandy’s most charming port town. If it looks familiar, that’s because Honfleur was a favourite subject of Monet and many other artists too, including Boudin, Corot, Courbet, Dubourg, Sisley, Bazille and Daubigny. Thanks to landscapes by these masters, the town’s timber-framed houses and the appealing Vieux Bassin (Old Harbour) are part of our collective consciousness. Before the city became a refuge for 19th-century artists escaping Paris, in the 16th and 17th centuries, Honfleur was one of France’s most important ports. It was from here that, in 1608, Samuel de Champlain set sail to found Québec. Some of the city’s unmissable attractions include Les Maisons Satie Musée d’Ethnographie et d’Art Populaire Normand, Musée de la Marine and Musée Eugène Boudin. The Eglise Ste-Catherine is an extraordinary wooden church. Constructed in the late 15th and early 16th centuries, it contains maritime motifs.

Shore Excursion (See Optional Activities)

DAY 4
SAINT-MALO
The enchanting coastal city of Saint-Malo is a labyrinth of medieval streets filled with history and culture. Dating back to the 12th century, Saint-Malo was once a haven for pirates and a stopping point for merchant ships. Today you’ll find colourful shops and outdoor alongside aromatic markets, cafes and restaurants. Oysters and crêpes are the local delicacies - definitely sample some whilst here. The ancient walled town of Intra-Muros forms the heart of Saint-Malo. Here the striking Gothic and Romanesque Cathédrale de St Malo dominates the skyline.

Shore Excursion (See Optional Activities)

DAY 5
TRESCO, ISLES OF SCILLY, ENGLAND
Reach one of Britain’s most peaceful and beautiful places today. The Isles of Scilly are a low-lying archipelago that lies 45 kilometres off Cornwall. The Gulf Stream provides a mild climate in which flowers and other flora thrive and the Isles’ white-sand beaches and lapping translucent green sea could easily be mistaken for the Caribbean. From the world-famous Tresco Abbey Garden with its 20,000 species from all over the globe and Elizabethan castles to fortresses to Bronze age sites and illuminating lighthouses, the Isles of Scilly boasts several outstanding attractions to be enjoyed.

Shore Excursion (See Optional Activities)

DAY 6
CONCARNEAU
The picturesque French port city of Concarneau is in the Finistère department in Brittany. Its medieval walled city is on a tiny islet with narrow alleys and ramparts that are perfect for a leisurely stroll. Nearby, the charming artist village of Pont Aven, discovered in the 1860s by American painters, became a popular stop for French artist Paul Gauguin who set up the École de Pont-Aven art movement known as synthetism. Try galettes, the local melt-in-the-mouth Breton butter biscuits.

Shore Excursion (See Optional Activities)

DAY 7
DAY AT SEA
Sea days are rarely dull. Take the time to sit back and let the world go by. The ship’s observation decks provide stunning views of the passing ocean. A day at sea gives you the opportunity to mingle with other passengers and share your experiences of this incredible trip or head to our library which is stocked full of reference books. Get an expert’s view in one of our on-board lectures or perhaps perfect your photography skills with invaluable advice from our onboard professional photographers.


DAY 8
VIGO
Gateway to the Atlantic, the Spanish Atlantic city of Vigo is one of Europe’s major fishing ports, known for its freezing and canning industry. Wander around the steep narrow streets and picturesque squares of Casco Vello, the old town towards the fish market. Hike to the top of Monte O Castro hill encompassing an old fortress and the 3rd-century BC archaeological site of Castro. Outlying Cies Islands are part of the Atlantic Islands National Park, renowned for its birdlife. Inland Santiago de Compostela, an important pilgrimage centre, is a short bus ride away.

Shore Excursion (See Optional Activities)

DAY 9
LEIXOES (OPORTO)
Portugal’s second city, Oporto is a city of two halves, known for stately bridges over the river Douro. On the left bank is Gaia, best-known for its port houses such as Graham’s and Taylor’s where you can enjoy a cellar tour or port tasting. Ribeira, on the right bank, has rows of colourful old houses that line the riverfront and narrow streets. Head to the top of the hill to admire blue azulejo tile murals in Igreja de Carmo church or take a ride on a vintage tram to the Foz district.

Shore Excursion (See Optional Activities)

DAY 10
LISBON
One of the oldest cities in the world, Lisbon’s technicoloured past is evident just about everywhere. The medina-like streets of Alfama still bear Moorish influences. Baroque architecture surrounds you in Baixa and scars of the Great Lisbon Earthquake of 1755 can still be found throughout the city. It’s estimated that over 100,000 people died in what became one of history’s deadliest earthquakes. Today Lisbon is a delightful mix of colourful neighbourhoods, all brimming with history, culture and tradition. Baixa is where you’ll find the hustle and bustle, set below São Jorge Castle. Nearby Chiado is one of Lisbon’s trendiest neighbourhoods with its historic cafes and designer shops.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

• Group return transfers from the airport to the cruise port (via our included accommodation where applicable)
• One night pre-cruise accommodation with breakfast in a 4/5-star hotel or onboard
• All meals onboard
• Onboard accommodation in a stateroom selected category
• 24-hour room service
• Coffee, tea, soft drinks and selected alcoholic beverages available 24-hours per day
• Lecture programmes by our experienced expedition team and guest speakers
• One selected shore excursion/expedition activities per port of call (Kayak not included, bookable for a fee on board)
• Branded Swan Hellenic expedition parka and use of rubber boots in Polar Regions
• Standard WiFi
• Onboard gratuities & port taxes

DAY 2
ZEEBRUGGE
Shore Excursion

Romantic Bruges
Duration: 04 h 00 m
Included
Stroll through the cobbled streets of the historic heart of the city and admire the half-timbered houses
Admire the Town Hall, dating from the 14th-century, has a wonderfully ornate facade covered with statues and the Oude Griffe
Enjoy some free time

DAY 3
HONFLEUR
Shore Excursion

Walking Honfleur
Duration: 03 h 15 m
Optional
Follow your guide along the cobblestone streets lined with timber-framed houses as you learn the significance of this fascinating fishing village
Stop by the vast salt warehouses for a glimpse into one of the most historically important sites in the city
Enjoy time to walk the city centre at your leisure

Charming Etretat
Duration: 04 h 30 m
Included
Discover the natural wonders of Etretat
Get familiar with the extraordinary rock formations such as the Aval cliff and arch, Amont cliff, Courtine
Take a walk to the top of the cliff

The Landing Beaches of Normandy
Duration: 08 h 00 m
Optional
Discover the landing sites of Normandy
Pay a tribute to the fallen soldiers at the American cemetery and at Omaha Beach
Lunch in Castle La Chenevière

DAY 4
SAINT-MALO
Shore Excursion

Emerald Coast & Oyster Tasting
Duration: 04 h 00 m
Included
Drive to the quaint fishing village of Cancale along the breathtaking coastal road
Experience a hands-on workshop to learn the ins and outs of being an oyster farmer
Expand your knowledge of all things oysters with a visit to the museum

Saint Malo Walking Tour
Duration: 02 h 30 m
Optional
Learn why they call this historic French port “The Privateers’ City”
Tour the ramparts while you hear the story of how they protected the town
Stand outside the house of Duchess Anne as your guide takes you through the story of her life

Mystical Mont Saint Michel a UNESCO Site
Duration: 07 h 30 m
Optional
Witness the architectural beauty of the abbey while learning the stories of the passionate builders behind it
Analyze the delicate balance of the local flora and fauna
Victor Hugo said it best. “The Mont-Saint-Michel, which to the ocean is what the Pyramid of Cheops is to the desert"

Dinan & Dinard
Duration: 04 h 00 m
Optional
Explore ramparts, towers, and timbered houses before visiting the Basilica Saint Saveur
Encounter diverse Mediterranean vegetation on a drive along the Rance River
Walk around with your guide for an illuminating look at the Place des Merciers and the old clock tower

DAY 5
TRESCO, ISLES OF SCILLY, ENGLAND
Shore Excursion

Tresco Abbey Gardens
Duration: 03 h 00 m
Included
Explore the world-class Tresco Abbey Gardens, a sanctuary for some 4,000 specimens from across the southern hemisphere and subtropics, from Brazil to New Zealand; Burma to South Africa
Visit the Valhalla Museum where most of the figureheads date from the middle and end of the 19th century
Enjoy a traditional Cornish Cream Tea at the Garden Cafe

DAY 6
CONCARNEAU
Shore Excursion

Quimper & Pont Aven
Duration: 04 h 15 m
Included
Visit the village of Pont Aven, nestled in the lush Aven estuary, owes its fame to the school of painters who had Gauguin as their master
Stroll around the streets of old Quimper, admire Half-timbered and corbelled houses lean into the alleys, with the spires of Saint-Corentin cathedral towering above

Coastal Walk
Duration: 02 h 45 m
Optional
Hike along the cost from the pier to the beautiful Anse de St Jean. Admire the beautiful views on the bay and sandy beaches

DAY 8
VIGO
Shore Excursion

Tui and wine tasting
Duration: 03 h 30 m
Optional
Visit the Cathedral in Tui, consecrated in 1225 AD during the monarchy of King Alfonso,
Enjoy a wine tasting at Parador de Baiona, located on the Monterreal peninsula

Discover Santiago de Compostela
Duration: 08 h 00 m
Optional
Take in the exceptional presence of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela
View the Town Hall and Pazo with grand buildings and towering pillars
Connect with the city’s story as you’re guided through the yards of the illustrious Hotel of the Reyes Catholicos

DAY 9
LEIXOES (OPORTO)
Shore Excursion

Antique & Charming City of Braga
Duration: 04 h 15 m
Optional
Enjoy the scenic drive in the Minho province.
Visit the Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary , developed over a period of more than 600 years. It’s a Baroque vision of granite details, whitewashed walls, and perspective views.
Visit the city of Braga with its splendid 18th century houses and beautiful parks, gardens and its Baroque, Roman and Gothic Cathedral.

Douro Valley Wine Tour
Duration: 08 h 00 m
Optional
Drive trough the Douro Valley, A World Heritage Region
Learn the secrets of the wine production
Enjoy some time in Amarante, one of the most ancient settlements in northern Portugal, it was founded as Turdetanos in 360 BC

Oporto highlights by e-bike
Duration: 04 h 00 m
Optional
Discover the city center by e-bike
Stop at Ribeira quarter with its café terraces and picturesque corners

Oporto and Wine Tasting
Duration: 03 h 30 m
Included
Get a taste of architectural design with a mix of Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque and Neo-Classical styles
Take free time to stroll by the Gothic São Francisco Church, home to some of the most exuberant gilded wood carvings in Portugal
Enjoy panoramic scenes as you make your way towards the colourful Ribeira Quarter passing by the Palácio da Bolsa (Stock Exchange Palace)