Gems of Western Europe

Arrive in Amsterdam, and head on to your hotel. Relax, and spend the overnight here preparing for your adventure.

*Pre/Post hotels and flights are always subject to change until the Travel Documents are provided.

In the morning, join the group to be transferred to the port where you will embark on SH Diana for your adventure.

Amsterdam is a gorgeous Dutch city where a boat cruise along the canals gets to the heart of things. Yet, the magic also unfolds while strolling through narrow streets and crossing hundreds of bridges. It houses a treasure trove of fabulous art museums, including the Rijksmuseum, adorned with Dutch Masters, conveniently located near the Van Gogh Museum. To the south, picturesque stretches of countryside with windmills line the canals.

Zeebrugge is a picturesque seaside resort and Belgium's primary port. The marina is home to Seafront, a maritime theme park situated in the historic fish auction house. The Baudouin Canal seamlessly links Zeebrugge to the captivating city of Bruges, often referred to as the Venice of the North due to its enchanting canals. Bruges is celebrated for its medieval architecture, lacemaking, exquisite Belgian beer, and mouthwatering chocolate.

Included Excursion

ROMANTIC BRUGES

• Visit Burg Square, the focal point of ancient Bruges and home to wonderfully ornate buildings with impeccable statues
• Catch a glimpse of the incredibly intricate Chapel of the Holy Blood, a sacred site that emanates a sense of mystery and reverence
• Make one last stop the the romantic Lake of Love before returning to the coach

Honfleur in Normandy has attracted artists for centuries, including Impressionist Claude Monet, with many works on display at The Eugène Boudin Museum. Set on the Seine estuary in the department of Calvados (known for apple brandy), this picturesque harbor town has cobbled streets and colorful 16th- to 18th-century townhouses around the Vieux Bassin (old harbor). The 15th-century St. Catherine's Church is built entirely of wood by shipwrights.

Included Excursion

WALKING HONFLEUR

• 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

The medieval coastal city of Saint-Malo is a labyrinth of streets. Dating back to the 12th century, Saint-Malo was once a haven for pirates and a stopping point for merchant ships. Today, colorful shops sit alongside aromatic markets, cafes, and restaurants serving oysters, crêpes, and cider. Intra-Muros, the ancient walled town, forms the heart of Saint-Malo, where the striking Gothic and Romanesque Cathédrale de St Malo dominates the skyline.

Included Excursion

MYSTICAL MONT SAINT MICHEL, A UNESCO SITE

• Visit the Mount that was once described by Victor Hugo as being “…to the ocean what the Pyramid of Cheops is to the desert.”
• The monastery founded in the 10th century now welcomes you as modern pilgrims following the old traditions
• Enjoy a guided tour of the inside of the abbey to marvel at the achievements of all the passionate builders who contributed to its construction before wandering the medieval streets at your own pace

Tresco, one of the five inhabited islands of the Isles of Scilly, is a subtropical paradise located 45 km off the coast of Cornwall. The Gulf Stream provides a mild climate, allowing flowers and other flora to thrive, including the 20,000 global species found in Tresco Abbey Garden. This world-renowned botanical garden is divided into themed areas, including the Valhalla Collection of succulents, the New Zealand Garden, and the Italian Garden.

Included Excursion

TRESCO ABBEY GARDENS

• Walk through the ruins of the Benedictine priory that the garden is now built on
• Discover their immaculate collection of Valhalla figureheads and decorative carvings from shipwrecks dating from the 19th century
• Replenish with a traditional Cream Tea in the garden cafe before heading back to the pier

The picturesque French port city of Concarneau is in the Finistère department of Brittany. On a tiny islet, Its medieval walled city has narrow alleys and ramparts. Nearby, the 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. The local speciality, galettes are melt-in-the-mouth Breton butter biscuits.

Included Excursion

QUIMPER & PONT AVEN

• Stand beneath the sky-scraping twin spires of the Cathedral Saint Corentin, built between the 13th and 15th century
• Listen as your guide tells the story behind the enigmatic Santig Du

CONCARNEAU AND PONT AVEN

• Visit the charming walled town of Concarneau, embedded in its fortifications, and one of the most beautiful bays in Brittany
• Discover the lovely town that inspired painters like Gauguin, one of the founders of the Pont-Aven School in 1886
• As you stroll along the river or over footbridges decorated with colorful flowers, it’s easy to imagine why the artists were fascinated by the poetry of the landscapes and the luminosity of this little town

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 allows you to mingle with other passengers and share your experiences of this incredible trip or head to the library which is stocked full of reference books. Get an expert’s view in one of our onboard lectures or perhaps perfect your photography skills with invaluable advice from the onboard professional photographers.

Gateway to the Atlantic, Vigo is a major fishing port with a canning and freezing industry. Casco Vello, the old town with steep narrow streets and picturesque squares, leads to the fish market. Monte O Castro Hill offers an old fortress and a third-century BC archaeological site. Nearby, the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage way leads to the UNESCO-protected Old Town of Santiago de Compostela with its majestic cathedral is a short bus ride away.

Included Excursion

THE GALICIAN TOWN OF TUI AND WINE TASTING

• Journey to the south of Pontevedra province to reach the immaculate riverside city of Tui
• Get to know the local culture by indulging in delicacies and wines
• Learn about the cathedral’s storied past and how it was once converted into a fortress

Famed for its port wine and bridges over the river Douro, Portugal’s second city, Oporto (Porto) is a city of two halves. On the left bank is Gaia's famed port houses such as Graham's and Taylor's. Ribeira, on the right bank, has rows of colorful old houses that line the riverfront, narrow streets that rise up the hill, and Igreja de Carmo church whose facade is adorned with blue azulejos (tiles). A vintage tram trundles to the Foz district.

Included Excursion

SHUTTLE BUS TO OPORTO

• Discover Oporto at your own pace
• Stroll in the narrow streets of Ribeira quarter with its colorful facades and azulejos decorations
• Wander along the romantic Douro river embankment

On this day, bid farewell to your fellow travelers and crew. Take the group transfer to the airport and catch your flight home.

Spread over seven hills with Sao Jorge Castle views, bustling Lisbon is one of the world's oldest cities. Elegant Baixa, hilltop Alfama with its yellow tram, and scenic Graça overviewing pastel buildings are top areas. The Jerónimos Monastery in Belém is a World Heritage Gothic site. The classic Portuguese pastel de nata custard tarts are a local treat. Europe’s longest suspension bridge, the Ponte 25 de Abril, crosses the river Tagus.