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Lindblad Expeditions Cruises, European Odyssey, Cruise Vacation Package
Duration: 17 Days / 16 Nights
Priced From: Call Travelwizard
Dates: Sep
Ship: National Geographic Explorer
From: U.S./Copenhagen, Denmark
Designed to give experienced travelers a new insightful view of Europe, our journey through seven countries--Denmark, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, France, Spain and Portugal--blends authentic experiences with dramatic coastal landscapes. Best accessed by sea rather than land, these coastal towns will be “portals” through which we’ll pass into history, art, architecture and cuisines accompanied by our Expedition Team.
“Far from the madding crowds, our noble expedition ship noses into quaint ports and calls at island communities that regular cruise ships simply cannot visit. We anchor in remote places like St.-Jean-de-Luz, Ile d’Aix and Islas Cies, which are the envy of large ships.” This fragment from Expedition Historian David Barnes’ report shows why you’ll see and share a very different Europe from the one you already know.
Unique Opportunities: Our voyage along the coast of Western Europe is an ideal way to celebrate the unhurried culture of wine. Three vintners from France and Spain will enhance each evening’s dinner with (complimentary) wine, along with informative wine tastings.
And New York Times best-selling writer, Laura Fraser, will conduct an onboard writing workshop — giving you a unique opportunity to hone your writing skills as the voyage provides you with unlimited subject matter.
Itinerary
DAY 1 — U.S./Copenhagen, Denmark
Depart U.S. and fly overnight to Copenhagen, Denmark.
DAY 2 — Copenhagen
Arrive this afternoon in the royal city of Copenhagen and embark National Geographic Explorer. (D)
DAY 3 — Lubeck, Germany
Lubeck was the medieval capital of the Hanseatic League. Its intact ensemble of step-gabled merchant’s houses, red-bricked warehouses and narrow alleys are protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our Zodiac options and our walking tour takes us to Buddenbrockhaus, home of Lubeck’s famous sons, authors Heinrich and Thomas Mann. (B,L,D)
DAY 4 — Transit the Kiel Canal
We have a relaxing day as we make our way from the Baltic to the North Sea through the 63-mile-long Kiel Canal. Its banks are surrounded by pastoral lowlands. Opened in 1895, the Kiel Canal is one of the busiest canals in the world, with more than 50,000 ships transiting a year. (B,L,D)
DAY 5 — Amsterdam, the Netherlands
With its canals, museums, cafes and gabled architecture, Amsterdam is a colorful city. Cruise along the canals, seeing Amsterdam’s landmarks and enjoying the free-spirited lifestyle. Choose from a variety of options--including the Anne Frank House and the famed Rijksmuseum with its collection of Dutch masterpieces -- to suit your interests in this diverse and fascinating city. (B,L,D)
DAY 6 — Oostende, Belgium/Bruges
From Oostende, drive to Bruges, one of the purest medieval towns in Western Europe. Board riverboats to view the incomparable gabled architecture from canal-level and stop at a café for the equivalent of afternoon tea: Belgian waffles and coffee. (B,L,D)
DAY 7 — Bayeux, France
Step back in time to the Norman invasion from France to England in 1066. At the medieval town of Bayeux, view the famed 11th-century masterpiece, The Bayeux Tapestry, which tells the story of the Invasion of England by William the Conqueror. (B,L,D)
DAY 8 — Normandy D-Day Beaches/Cherbourg
Gain an understanding of the D-Day invasion at the historic Normandy beaches. The feeling generated here, where thousands of U.S. troops landed and fought, cannot be summed up in words. Begin at Arromanches, an integral part of the Allied Landing in June 1944. You'll see the remains of this artificial port, one of the most extraordinary maritime achievements of the whole war, which enabled allied forces to land in France. Then have a guided visit of the Landing Museum.
Continue to Colleville Sur Mer to pay homage at the American Cemetery where more than 9,000 white crosses and stars of David stand perfectly aligned in an impressive site overlooking Omaha Beach. Drive to Sainte-Mère-Eglise, best remembered for its church. A famous incident involved a U.S. paratrooper whose parachute caught on the spire of the town church; he escaped capture by feigning death until the town was taken the next day. Reboard our ship in Cherbourg. (B,L,D)
DAY 9 — St. Malo and Mont-St.-Michel
Moor beneath grand ramparts, the gateway to medieval St. Malo. Drive to the beautiful 12th-century Benedictine monastery of Mont-St.-Michel, which rises from the fast-running tidal flats of the Atlantic. Return to St. Malo for a walk around the ramparts and stunning views. (B,L,D)
DAY 10 — At Sea
A leisurely day at sea allows us to absorb all that we have seen and heard so far, and to prepare for the exciting days that follow. Listen to talks from our staff, read in the library, be indulgent or rigorous (or both) in the Fitness Center and Spa, watch for marine life at the Bridge, or simply relax. (B,L,D)
DAY 11 — Ile d’Aix and La Rochelle
Tiny and tranquil Ile d’Aix is famous as Napoleon’s last place of residence on French soil before his exile to St. Helena. There is a surprising little museum here dedicated to Napoleonic memorabilia. Today this natural gem is home to shellfish gatherers and artists that live by the tides. Next we continue to La Rochelle. Take time to wander along the Vieux Port at La Rochelle, where lively cafes line the waterfront. (B,L,D)
DAY 12 — La Cote Basque, France
Zodiacs take us ashore at lovely St.-Jean-de-Luz. Visit the exquisite Eglise St.-Jean Baptiste, where Louis XIV married Maria Theresa of Spain. This photogenic fishing village is the perfect place to relax, stroll the harbor, or swim from the white-sand Grand Plage. (B,L,D)
DAY 13 — Bilbao, Spain
Explore Frank Gehry’s futuristic Guggenheim Museum with its distinctive titanium wave. (B,L,D)
DAY 14 — La Coruña/Santiago de Compostela
Visit one of the most magnificent pilgrimage sites of the Middle Ages: the cathedral at Santiago de Compostela. Witness the swinging of the extraordinary incense burner or botafumerio. A dance reception is followed by a Galician lunch served in the impressive Hostal de los Reyes Catolicos, built for 16th-century pilgrims.(B,L,D)
DAY 15 — Islas Cies and Bayona
Stroll the paths of Islas Cies National Park or swim and kayak from the white-sand beach. Explore picturesque Bayona, where Columbus’ ship, Pinta, brought news of the discovery of the New World. (B,L,D)
DAY 16 — Oporto, Portugal
Famous for its port wine, Oporto is a World Heritage Site resounding in stately architecture: the 12th-century cathedral that glitters with gold, and the Stock Exchange, the embodiment of Moorish splendor. Picturesque wine boats ply the Douro River and we have a tasting at one of the famed riverside porthouses. (B,L,D)
DAY 17 — Lisbon/Disembark/Home
Disembark in Lisbon. Following a panoramic view of the city, we head to the airport for flights home, or on to other adventures. (B)
Save time, money and stress!
For reservations: Fill out the Lindblad Expeditions Cruise vacation planner to be contacted by our Lindblad Expeditions Europe Cruise vacation specialist.
Contact: Travelwizard.com
Phone: 1-800- 330-8820 or 1-415-446-5252
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