The voyage from Copenhagen to London along the inland waterways of the North Sea, exploring beautiful coastal cities as well as the crucial and storied role the region has played in history. Stroll through charming, canal-side towns that sprang up along Old-World trade routes. Marvel at the elaborate architecture of medieval ruling capitals. And reflect at the sites of battles that helped determine the outcome of World War II. National Geographic Explorer will be your warm and welcoming home base as you experience Europe from a unique vantage point.
Highlights
Amaze with stunning architecture in Lübeck
Sail through England’s otherworldly Cliffs of Dover
Explore Amsterdam’s most famous of Rembrandt’s paintings
Experience River Thames and under Tower Bridge in London
Depart on an overnight flight to Copenhagen where you’ll explore Nyhavn, the city’s 17th-century waterfront neighborhood, on a private canal boat tour.
Cruise up the river Trave to the beautiful medieval city of Lübeck. Once the Queen City of the Hanseatic League, Lübeck boasts beautiful brick architecture, much of which was rebuilt after WWII. Taste locally produced marzipan, and visit the incredible Holsten Gate and Hospital of the Holy Spirit—two of the many fascinating buildings to grace this lovely, picturesque town.
Overnight and into the morning, transit the Kiel Canal, a 61-mile waterway connecting the North Sea with the Baltic. During and after breakfast, take in the beautiful views of the Schleswig-Holstein region from the ship until we reach the Brunsbüttel Lock and exit out into the North Sea to sail along the coast of mainland Europe. Unwind, head to the spa, browse the library, and hear talks from our staff.
Cluttered with bicycles, bursting with flowers, and carved by canals, Amsterdam is a vibrant city with an arts scene that has flourished since the Middle Ages. Take in the unique character of the canal-lined streets by boat or on foot, and experience the spectacular Rijksmuseum, recently reopened after a mammoth, nine-year renovation. On a guided tour, get an insider’s view of the world’s largest collection of Dutch masters with works by Vermeer, Rembrandt, and more.
Bruges is a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with Gothic architecture and serene waterways. Walk through the bustling and colorful Markt Square, and listen as the bells of the medieval bell tower toll the hour. After a walking excursion, board small boats and glide down swan-dotted canals to experience the gem-like old town from another perspective. The port city of Antwerp dates from the Middle Ages. Stroll the centuries-old diamond district; visit the Rubens House to view works by Baroque master Peter Paul Rubens; and admire the Renaissance architecture in Grote Markt.
Day 8-9: Beaches and Historical Battlefields of Operation Overlord
Turn your focus toward one of the most important historical events of the 20th century as you retrace the events of D-Day with a historian. Walk in the footsteps of the Allied troops at Omaha Beach, and pay your respects at the American Cemetery. Visit the famous Pegasus Bridge across the Caen Canal, where the British 6th Airborne Division glided in to land at the very start of the Allied invasion. See the remains of Mulberry Harbor, created from partially sunken blockships to provide a safe point of entry for supplies and equipment after the initial invasion began.
Sail past the Cliffs of Dover, a beacon to many WWII pilots returning home from battle on the continent. Walk the wartime tunnels deep beneath Dover Castle and immerse yourself in the drama of the Dunkirk evacuation – “Operation Dynamo.” Visit Ramsgate, once the embarkation point for the 1940 evacuation, where 4,200 ships left the harbor to rescue men stranded on Dunkirk’s beaches. Overnight, navigate up the River Thames, toward London.
Day 11: London, England | Disembark
1 Breakfast
Disembark in London and transfer to Heathrow Airport for flights home.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$9,760
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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.
Veranda Deck Suite #101-102; Upper Deck Suite with Balcony #213.
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Cat 7
Upper Deck Suite with Balcony. #215, 219, 230.
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Cat SA
C Deck Solo - Cabins 309-312, 329-334. Single cabins with window.
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Cat SB
Upper and Veranda Decks with Window. #105-106, 203, 208.
Notes
What's Included:
Aboard ship
All meals and non-alcoholic beverages*
Your bar tab and all crew gratuities are included in the voyage price on all National Geographic Explorer,National Geographic Endurance, and National Geographic Orion voyages. Please call for details.
Your bar tab and WiFi** are included in the voyage price on all National Geographic Islander or National Geographic Endeavour II voyages. Please call for details.
Cappuccinos, lattes & filtered water
24-hour coffee, tea & soda on demand (soda not included on Lord of the Glens)
Hors d’oeuvres & snacks during Recap
Fitness center or exercise equipment, depending on the ship
Fully stocked library, and other gracious public spaces
The guidance and company of our expedition staff
The services of a physician on certain ships/destinations
Ashore
Hotels ashore as indicated in itinerary
Meals on land, as indicated in itinerary
Sightseeing & entrance fees
Special access permits, park fees, port taxes
Transfers to and from group flights
The expertise of our expedition staff
Activities
All excursions
Zodiac & kayak explorations
Snorkeling, including wetsuits, masks, fins & snorkel where relevant
Presentations and guest speakers in the lounge
*Alcoholic beverages are included on the National Geographic Explorer, National Geographic Orion, National Geographic Endurance, Sea Cloud, and Lord of the Glens; certain super-premium brands are not included.
What's Not Included: Airfare
International and internal airfare
Pre- and post-expedition
Additional hotel nights
Private transfers
Travel Protection Plan
Passport, visa, and immigration fees
Expedition extensions
Gratuities
Aboard ship
Alcoholic beverages (except aboard Sea Cloud, Lord of the Glens, National Geographic Orion, National Geographic Explorer,National Geographic Endurance, National Geographic Islander and National Geographic Endeavour II); certain super-premium brands not included
Spa treatments
Gratuities (except aboardSea Cloud, National Geographic Orion, National Geographic Endurance & National Geographic Explorer)
Scuba diving
Laundry
Internet and phone
Gift shop items and any other items of personal nature
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!
