Europe Grand Voyage Cruise

Day 1 - Nice (Villefranche)

Arrive: Sat 18 May 2024 / Depart: Sat 18 May 2024 at 18:00

Nice, Queen of the Riviera, is imbued with the joie de vivre that epitomizes this fabled coastline. Perhaps it is that famous light and color that has long attracted artists, that makes one feel so alive, makes a stroll down the wide seaside Promenade des Anglais so exhilarating. The old town is a warren of meandering lanes edged by tall houses, and small, alluring shops. A treasure trove of archaeological and fine art museums is not to be ignored, nor is the famous flower market, awash in the heady scent and glowing hues of blossoms, and amazing displays of produce.

Day 2 - Santa Margherita

Arrive: Sun 19 May 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Sun 19 May 2024 at 19:00

Santa Margherita is much more than your mother-in-law’s preferred brand of Pinot Grigio. This charming resort community is the perfect place to indulge in some well-deserved relaxation. Nevertheless, you’ll still want to bring your walking shoes, since there’s a gorgeous walking district where you can see glamorous old hotels and dramatic forts overlooking the sea. Don’t miss Castello di Santa Margherita, a castle built in 1550 by the Republic of Genoa as a defense against pirate attacks. The main city square, Piazza Mazzini, is lined with colorful palaces just begging to be Instagrammed.

Day 3 - Florence/Pisa

Arrive: Mon 20 May 2024 at 07:30

Ah, Florence—sublime birthplace of the Renaissance, its historic center full to bursting with elegant squares, imposing palaces, magnificent churches, and museums with such an abundance of riches it could make an art lover weep for joy. The list of illustrious names connected with this city is mind-boggling: Botticelli, Dante, Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Galileo. Other colorful and fascinating characters were of dubious reputation: Machiavelli, and the religious extremist Savonarola, with his bonfire of the vanities. For many years the city was ruled by the powerful Medici family, patrons of the arts and bankers to the papacy, whose line included six kings and two popes.

Day 4 - Florence/Pisa

Depart: Tue 21 May 2024 at 20:00

Ah, Florence—sublime birthplace of the Renaissance, its historic center full to bursting with elegant squares, imposing palaces, magnificent churches, and museums with such an abundance of riches it could make an art lover weep for joy. The list of illustrious names connected with this city is mind-boggling: Botticelli, Dante, Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Galileo. Other colorful and fascinating characters were of dubious reputation: Machiavelli, and the religious extremist Savonarola, with his bonfire of the vanities. For many years the city was ruled by the powerful Medici family, patrons of the arts and bankers to the papacy, whose line included six kings and two popes.

Day 5 - Rome

Arrive: Wed 22 May 2024 at 07:30 / Depart: Wed 22 May 2024 at 20:00

Your gateway to the Eternal City, Civitavecchia has served as Rome's seaport since the 13th century. The port has a long and venerable history. The emperor Trajan built a pleasure villa near the modern city, while Bernini and Michelangelo designed the harbor fortifications. Yet the Eternal City eternally beckons. The ancient capital of the Western World and the center of Christianity for nearly 2,000 years, Rome provides an inexhaustible feast. Visit the ruins of the Forum, view the splendors of the Sistine Chapel, or climb the Spanish Steps, once the heart of Rome's Bohemian Quarter. Rome has been a magnet luring the world's greatest artists, architects, and philosophers since the days of the Caesars.

Day 6 - Ajaccio

Arrive: Thu 23 May 2024 at 09:00 / Depart: Thu 23 May 2024 at 18:00

Nestled on the southwest side of the French island of Corsica, the seaside capital of Ajaccio is best known as the birthplace of famed French emperor Napolean Bonaparte. Yet there's a lot more to this charming Mediterranean city than its Napoleonic heritage. Stroll along cobblestone streets and colorful alleys to explore countless cafes and shops. Take in the Palais Fesch: From Botticelli to Bellini, it houses France's largest collection of Italian paintings outside the Louvre. Venture at sunset to the Iles Sanguinaires (Blood Islands), named so to describe the color of the islands when the sun hits the rocks, or sample local delicacies such as figatellu and other charcuterie and cheeses among scenic mountains and beautiful beaches.

Day 7 - Marseille

Arrive: Fri 24 May 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Fri 24 May 2024 at 22:00

Marseille, a port city in southern France, has been a crossroads of immigration and trade since its founding by the Greeks circa 600 B.C. At its heart is the Vieux-Port (Old Port), where fishmongers sell their catch along the boat-lined quay. Basilique Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde is a Romanesque-Byzantine church. Modern landmarks include Le Corbusier’s influential Cité Radieuse complex and Zaha Hadid’s CMA CGM Tower.

Day 8 - St. Tropez, France

Arrive: Sat 25 May 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Sat 25 May 2024 at 20:00

Saint-Tropez conjures up images of sun-drenched beaches, tanned bodies, and jet setters enjoying martinis on the decks of luxury yachts. Indeed it is a glamorous playground for the wealthy, but anyone can spend an afternoon at a sidewalk café, watching the spectacle unfold. The south of France played a role in the history of modern painting, its clear light inspiring artists, so that even today many live and work here. For mesmerizing views, head up to the 16th century Citadel. Or stroll the old town, overflowing with restaurants, trendy boutiques, and galleries.

Day 9 - Nice (Villefranche)

Arrive: Sun 26 May 2024 at 07:00 / Depart: Sun 26 May 2024 at 21:00

Nice, Queen of the Riviera, is imbued with the joie de vivre that epitomizes this fabled coastline. Perhaps it is that famous light and color that has long attracted artists, that makes one feel so alive, makes a stroll down the wide seaside Promenade des Anglais so exhilarating. The old town is a warren of meandering lanes edged by tall houses, and small, alluring shops. A treasure trove of archaeological and fine art museums is not to be ignored, nor is the famous flower market, awash in the heady scent and glowing hues of blossoms, and amazing displays of produce.

Day 10 - Barcelona

Arrive: Mon 27 May 2024 at 18:00

Dynamic Barcelona is all about architecture, from the magnificent medieval buildings of the Gothic Quarter to the Modernist movement typified by the work of Antoni Gaudi. Though his materials were stone and metal, his forms were organic, awash in curves, swirls, and colors. His masterpiece is the amazing Church of the Sagrada Familia, colossal and as yet unfinished, though construction began in 1882. A contemporary contribution to the scene is Ricardo Bofill's post modernist National Theater of Catalonia, an imaginative combination of classical and modern design, with a greenhouse-like lobby.

Day 11 - Barcelona

Depart: Tue 28 May 2024 at 18:00

Dynamic Barcelona is all about architecture, from the magnificent medieval buildings of the Gothic Quarter to the Modernist movement typified by the work of Antoni Gaudi. Though his materials were stone and metal, his forms were organic, awash in curves, swirls, and colors. His masterpiece is the amazing Church of the Sagrada Familia, colossal and as yet unfinished, though construction began in 1882. A contemporary contribution to the scene is Ricardo Bofill's post modernist National Theater of Catalonia, an imaginative combination of classical and modern design, with a greenhouse-like lobby.

Day 12 - Valencia

Arrive: Wed 29 May 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Wed 29 May 2024 at 22:00

One of the country's biggest and bustling cities was defended against the Moors by the legendary Spaniard "El Cid." Work up an appetite taking in la Calle de Los Caballeros and La Lonja, Valencia's old stock-exchange building of 1483, and reward your curiosities with a Paella Valenciana, Spain's most famous contribution to the world's tables.

Day 13 - Cartagena, Spain

Arrive: Thu 30 May 2024 at 11:00 / Depart: Thu 30 May 2024 at 18:00

Strategically located along historic sailing routes, Cartagena has been colonized by a veritable who’s who of Mediterranean superpowers over the millennia, resulting in a rich and multi-layered cultural heritage, and a history both glorious and turbulent. From atop a hill, Concepción Castle served as a fortress for Carthaginians, Romans, Visigoths, Arabs, and Castilians. The 13th century Old Cathedral stands on the remains of a Roman Theater just discovered in 1987. More recent architectural contributions include modernist designs of public buildings and private dwellings by pupils of the famous architect Antoni Gaudi.

Day 14 - Malaga

Arrive: Fri 31 May 2024 at 09:00 / Depart: Fri 31 May 2024 at 22:00

Málaga is the lively capital of the Costa del Sol, famed for its beaches and mild climate, and gateway to Andalusia, with its Moorish architectural heritage. The city’s Alcazaba is a fine example, an 11th century citadel sitting in majestic splendor overlooking the African coast. It contains three magnificent palaces and graceful gardens with ornate fountains. In addition to their rich cultural heritage, Malagueños are also very proud of their most famous citizens – Picasso, for whom there is a museum commemorating his birth here, and actor Antonio Banderas, so far without a monument.

Day 15 - Ceuta, Spanish Morocco, Spain

Arrive: Sat 01 June 2024 at 07:30 / Depart: Sat 01 June 2024 at 14:00

Day 16 - Seville

Arrive: Sun 02 June 2024 at 07:00

The charming old quarter in Cadiz makes it easy to see why the small town is frequented by Spaniards on holiday. Its intriguing ancient streets, delightful plazas and flower-filled balconies make exploring a must. Along the way, restore your energy at any of the mouth-watering tapas bars offering some of the country's finest seafood and typical Andalucian cuisine.

Day 17 - Seville

Depart: Mon 03 June 2024 at 17:30

The charming old quarter in Cadiz makes it easy to see why the small town is frequented by Spaniards on holiday. Its intriguing ancient streets, delightful plazas and flower-filled balconies make exploring a must. Along the way, restore your energy at any of the mouth-watering tapas bars offering some of the country's finest seafood and typical Andalucian cuisine.

Day 18 - Lisbon

Arrive: Tue 04 June 2024 at 18:00

Lisbon is one of the oldest cities in the world. Its magnificent harbor made it a logical trading port as far back as the Phoenicians, as well as a departure point for 15th century voyages sponsored by Prince Henry the Navigator, patron of Portuguese explorers. The city is rich in architecture, from Romanesque and Gothic to Post Modern, and criss-crossed by monument-studded grand boulevards. Today it is seeking a place on the world stage by hosting, in addition to its own active cultural calendar, film festivals, art, fashion, and design shows, book fairs, marathons, and rock concerts.

Day 19 - Lisbon

Depart: Wed 05 June 2024 at 22:00

Lisbon is one of the oldest cities in the world. Its magnificent harbor made it a logical trading port as far back as the Phoenicians, as well as a departure point for 15th century voyages sponsored by Prince Henry the Navigator, patron of Portuguese explorers. The city is rich in architecture, from Romanesque and Gothic to Post Modern, and criss-crossed by monument-studded grand boulevards. Today it is seeking a place on the world stage by hosting, in addition to its own active cultural calendar, film festivals, art, fashion, and design shows, book fairs, marathons, and rock concerts.

Day 20 - At Sea

Day 21 - Ferrol

Arrive: Fri 07 June 2024 at 07:30 / Depart: Fri 07 June 2024 at 17:00

Day 22 - Bilbao

Arrive: Sat 08 June 2024 at 12:00 / Depart: Sat 08 June 2024 at 17:00

If Bilbao wasn't always a household name, it was transformed with the opening of Frank Gehry's groundbreaking Guggenheim Museum in 1997. Located in the heart of the Basque Country, Bilbao became an instant media darling and tourist mecca. And that was just the beginning of an exciting phase of development in infrastructure and cultural activity, which combined with the Basque love of food, wine, and laughter, solidified the city's place in the annals of tourism.

Day 23 - Bordeaux

Arrive: Sun 09 June 2024 at 10:45

Bordeaux’s fortunes have long been tied to viticulture, beginning with an expansion of the wine trade with England in the 14th century. As a result it is a handsome and cohesive city of uniform classical and neoclassical style, with monumental buildings and many fine mansions financed by the almighty grape. The nearby countryside is alive with wine chateaux sporting impressive appellations such as Pauillac, Sauternes, Margaux, and Saint-Emilion. A visit is an excellent opportunity to learn more about wine production and appreciation, which of course requires a considerable amount of tasting to accomplish.

Day 24 - Bordeaux

Bordeaux’s fortunes have long been tied to viticulture, beginning with an expansion of the wine trade with England in the 14th century. As a result it is a handsome and cohesive city of uniform classical and neoclassical style, with monumental buildings and many fine mansions financed by the almighty grape. The nearby countryside is alive with wine chateaux sporting impressive appellations such as Pauillac, Sauternes, Margaux, and Saint-Emilion. A visit is an excellent opportunity to learn more about wine production and appreciation, which of course requires a considerable amount of tasting to accomplish.

Day 25 - Bordeaux

Depart: Tue 11 June 2024 at 21:00

Bordeaux’s fortunes have long been tied to viticulture, beginning with an expansion of the wine trade with England in the 14th century. As a result it is a handsome and cohesive city of uniform classical and neoclassical style, with monumental buildings and many fine mansions financed by the almighty grape. The nearby countryside is alive with wine chateaux sporting impressive appellations such as Pauillac, Sauternes, Margaux, and Saint-Emilion. A visit is an excellent opportunity to learn more about wine production and appreciation, which of course requires a considerable amount of tasting to accomplish.

Day 26 - La Rochelle

Arrive: Wed 12 June 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Wed 12 June 2024 at 18:00

La Rochelle is a lovely and unspoiled seaside town. Savor the many tastes, especially from the sea, of the rue du Port/rue St-Sauveur area just off the waterfront, or the attractive rue St-Jean-du-Perot on your stroll of old timbered houses, ancient fortresses and intriguing architecture. In the region surrounding LaRochelle, visit the vineyards which thankfully, offer the world Brandy and bordeaux wines.

Day 27 - Nantes

Arrive: Thu 13 June 2024 at 10:00

Located on the Loire River, just 30 miles from the Atlantic Ocean, the city of Nantes was founded by the Celts in 70 BC, and since that time, has a venerable history. Today, with its many eco-friendly initiatives, biodiversity, great public transportation system and myriad of attractions—not to mention fantastic local wine, seafood and crepes—Nantes is regarded as one of the most livable and innovative cities in Europe. Visit the Jardin des Plante for one of the best botanical gardens in France, the Musée des Beaux-Arts for one of the finest collections of French paintings outside of Paris (with works by Chagall, Monet and Picasso), or the popular Musée Jules Verne, which includes a retrospective of the work of author Jules Verne, who was born in Nantes in 1828. At night, make your way to Hanger a Bananes for its eclectic group of restaurants, bars and clubs.

Day 28 - Nantes

Depart: Fri 14 June 2024 at 20:30

Located on the Loire River, just 30 miles from the Atlantic Ocean, the city of Nantes was founded by the Celts in 70 BC, and since that time, has a venerable history. Today, with its many eco-friendly initiatives, biodiversity, great public transportation system and myriad of attractions—not to mention fantastic local wine, seafood and crepes—Nantes is regarded as one of the most livable and innovative cities in Europe. Visit the Jardin des Plante for one of the best botanical gardens in France, the Musée des Beaux-Arts for one of the finest collections of French paintings outside of Paris (with works by Chagall, Monet and Picasso), or the popular Musée Jules Verne, which includes a retrospective of the work of author Jules Verne, who was born in Nantes in 1828. At night, make your way to Hanger a Bananes for its eclectic group of restaurants, bars and clubs.

Day 29 - Brest

Arrive: Sat 15 June 2024 at 13:30 / Depart: Sat 15 June 2024 at 18:00

Day 30 - St Peter Port, UK

Arrive: Sun 16 June 2024 at 09:00 / Depart: Sun 16 June 2024 at 19:00

Guernsey is a self-governing British Crown Dependency off the coast of France, British by virtue of the Norman invasion of England in 1066, and the subsequent merging of the two territories. St. Peter Port overlooks the harbor, with rows of brightly painted houses, and terraced gardens. The island is ideal for rambles along cliffside paths and through the bucolic interior. While traditional fishing, flower growing, and dairy farming are still important, Guernsey's favorable tax climate has of late brought an influx of offshore banks and insurance companies, with their attendant bistros and boutiques.

Day 31 - St Malo

Arrive: Mon 17 June 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Mon 17 June 2024 at 20:00

The walled city of St. Malo is a quaint maze of fine old buildings, museums, and cafés serving Breton specialties of crepes and cider. Stroll along the ramparts, walk the cobblestone streets, and hear tales of corsairs, privateers grown rich off captured ships and their booty, authorized by the government during wartime, in order to hinder the enemy. Nearby is the rocky tidal island of Mont St. Michel. The perfect spot for a religious retreat, the first monastic settlement was built here in the 8th century, and the Romanesque church that is its crowning glory in the 11th.

Day 32 - Cherbourg

Arrive: Tue 18 June 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Tue 18 June 2024 at 22:00

Cherbourg is a naval base on the northwest coast of France, with an important military history and roots that stretch back to the 9th century Viking invasion. The town was occupied by Germans during World War II and liberated by Allies following the invasion of Normandy, so a visit to the Musée de la Libération, which serves as a memorial of the events, will provide insight into the region’s important past; or take a day-trip along the Norman countryside to famed D-Day beaches, battlefields, bunkers and monuments. Art aficionados should see the Musée d’art Thomas Henry, which boasts an impressive collection of Italian Renaissance and Flemish works, and the iconic Mont Saint-Michel, a Gothic-style Benedictine abbey. However, the Cité de la Mer is the stop that tops everyone’s list. Originally constructed to handle two ocean liners this building is now home to a de-commissioned nuclear submarine, an aquarium and exhibits of sea life.

Day 33 - Honfleur

Arrive: Wed 19 June 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Wed 19 June 2024 at 18:00

Honfleur is a lively town and a bustling port, where fishermen can be seen hauling in the daily catch. The maritime influence is everywhere evident; even the handsome church of Sainte Catherine has an oak ceiling that resembles the hull of an overturned ship. The charming square surrounding the church gives way to narrow cobbled lanes of half-timbered houses, elegant manors, and tall, narrow town houses. The quality of light has long attracted artists, including a particularly illustrious group, among them Monet, Corot, Turner, Courbet, Millet, Seurat – all of whom stayed at a little thatched inn called the Saint Siméon, now Honfleur's most luxurious hotel.

Day 34 - Zeebrugge

Arrive: Thu 20 June 2024 at 10:00 / Depart: Thu 20 June 2024 at 20:00

In Bruges you can lose yourself in another time, wandering the maze of winding lanes or drifting along the canals of its medieval core, the whole of which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. You can also have a wonderful time discovering the fascinating stories behind the products for which Belgium is famous, in an unexpected array of museums. For sparkle visit the Diamond Museum, and for exquisite artistry the Lace Center. At Choco-Story, learn all about chocolate’s origins and production. And for lots of fun and more tempting tastes, don’t miss the Frietmuseum, dedicated to Belgian Fries, and presented with no doubt as to who actually invented this universally adored snack.

Day 35 - Rotterdam

Arrive: Fri 21 June 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Fri 21 June 2024 at 20:00

Distinct from other Dutch cities, Rotterdam is creating its own identity as an energetic and dynamic metropolis. Long known for its important port, one of the busiest in the world, it has recently acquired the epithet “Manhattan on the Maas”, as a result of a modern building spree. Establish a frame of reference with a 360° view from atop the Euromast Observation Tower; then investigate some of the city’s striking architectural features. Do not miss the bizarre cube houses, tilted at 45 degrees, and from the outside looking like only Spiderman could live there. It is indeed a city of innovative design.

Day 36 - Amsterdam

Arrive: Sat 22 June 2024 at 06:00 / Depart: Sat 22 June 2024

Amsterdam has a personality all its own, including a long time reputation for tolerance. You'll be thinking of tulips and wooden shoes, perhaps Heineken beer, and some of the city's past inhabitants: Rembrandt, Van Gogh, and Anne Frank, who wrote her famous diary hidden in a canal-side house. But do you know that Amsterdam has more canals than Venice (connecting a jigsaw puzzle of 90 islands), joined by some 1280 bridges (many illuminated by fairy lights at night)? Or that it boasts the oldest stock exchange in the world?