Join the National Geographic Explorer for this exciting 8-day cruise along the canal-webbed cities of the Netherlands and Belgium. Stroll the Hanseatic capitals of Brugge and Gent. Get an insider's view of Amsterdam with the help of local art historians and a visit to the famed Rijksmuseum, reopened just after its nine-year renovation. See the seldom-visited islands of Harlingen and the Frisian Islands on this holistic and panoramic expedition through Western Europe's low countries.
Arrive in Bremerhaven, where two centuries of impressive harbor city history can be seen all around the Old and New Harbor area. Embark the National Geographic Explorer.
In the morning, transit through the scenic and wildlife-rich Waddenzee, en route to Harlingen. You are welcomed with open arms as the first ever ‘cruise ship’ to call at this lovely little seaside town. With beautiful buildings, restaurants and shops lining the scenic canals, Harlingen feels like Nyhavn, in Copenhagen. This ‘off-the-beaten-path’ gem is sure to lure many to stay ashore for dinner as the ship stays berthed well into the evening.
Zodiacs take you to explore the West Frisian Islands, a chain of islands in the North Sea off the Dutch coast, along the edge of the Wadden Sea. The Frisian languages are still used by 500,000 speakers; dialects of Frisian are recognized as official languages in both the Netherlands and Germany. Your destination is Texel, the largest of the Frisian Islands, with plenty of options: explore the vast beach and dune environments, go birding or walk about town. Also call at nearby Den Helder to see the tulip fields.
The best way to experience Amsterdam is to stroll along the network of picturesque canals. Cafes, shops, and narrow, gabled brick houses from the 17th and 18th centuries line the waterways. And now more than ever, Amsterdam stands out as a center of culture. The Rijksmuseum, of a standard equal to the Louvre in Paris and the Prado in Madrid, exhibits the works of such Dutch masters as Vermeer and Rembrandt. The beautiful building, opened in 1885, has reopened after a mammoth, nine-year and $489 million renovation. Take a guided tour through the Rijksmuseum, most noted for housing Rembrandt’s The Night Watch. Van Gogh enthusiasts may wish to visit the recently reopened Van Gogh museum, highlighting his work.
With one of the largest ports in the world, Antwerp has been a prosperous trading center for centuries and is the core of the global diamond trade. Its accrued wealth can be seen in the beautiful 16th century guild houses and impressive buildings. Take a slow stroll with your historians, appreciating the architecture of the Grand Palace and guild houses. Of course, no visit to Antwerp would be complete without admiring the works of Rubens and Van Dyck.
Don't forget your walking shoes! Gent is a showcase of medieval Flemish wealth, with wonderful architecture. Cathedral, church, and belfry towers pierce the sky and fill the air with the music of their bells. Beside an ancient harbor, ornate guild houses line the banks. Street markets flourish as in previous centuries.
From Oostende, drive to the medieval town of Brugge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Notice immediately that this city has carefully cherished its architectural and artistic treasures from the past. Brugge is known for its brick Gothic architecture, and as the birthplace of the school of the Flemish Primitives. After a walking excursion, board small boats to view the architecture from canal level. Late afternoon, cross the English Channel to London, navigating up the Thames until midnight near the iconic LED-lit Tower Bridge.
Day 8: Disembark in London, U.K.
1 Breakfast
Following breakfast on board, disembark in London and transfer to Heathrow Airport for flights home.
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$7,690
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Cat 1
Main Deck with one or two portholes. #301-308
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Cat 2
Main Deck with window. #317-320, 335-336.
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Cat 3
Main Deck with Window #313-316, 321-328, 337-340,342, 344, 346, 348, 350.
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Cat 4
Upper and Veranda Decks with Window. # 103-104, 107-108, 201-202, 204-207, 210, 212, 217, 226, 228.
Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
Meyer Smolen
TrustScore 4.8 | 137 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 137 reviews on
2 hours ago
Great follow through and help in what needed to be done to have a safe successful trip !
Gayle S.
5 hours ago
The team at Adventure Life is amazing. From the planning process to the support once on the road, it's flawless. Highly recommend that you use them to plan and support your trip of a lifetime!
LS
1 day ago
The agent had great response to questions and coordinated well to create an itinerary that met our expectations.
Bob Sunshine
2 days ago
Very responsive to all questions
Teresa Cardoso
3 days ago
Kelly and Rhenee were excellent to work with on planning our trip. The logistics all worked smoothly and everyone was friendly and on time. Our accommodations were very good, particularly the incredible Patagonia Camp in Torres del Paine! Our guides on every excursion were outstanding and made the hikes memorable! Overall we had a wonderful trip with incredible memories!