France Intensive Voyage

Bordeaux, a jewel of southwestern France, offers cruise travellers a delightful mix of historical charm and modern vibrancy. Start your visit at Place de la Bourse, where the Water Mirror beautifully reflects the grandeur of 18th-century architecture. Stroll along the Garonne River, taking in the scenic views and the buzz of local life.

For a taste of Bordeaux's world-renowned wine, visit the Cité du Vin, an interactive museum dedicated to wine culture. Don’t miss the gothic masterpiece of Saint-André Cathedral or the bustling Capucins Market, perfect for sampling local delicacies.

Bordeaux, a jewel of southwestern France, offers cruise travellers a delightful mix of historical charm and modern vibrancy. Start your visit at Place de la Bourse, where the Water Mirror beautifully reflects the grandeur of 18th-century architecture. Stroll along the Garonne River, taking in the scenic views and the buzz of local life.

For a taste of Bordeaux's world-renowned wine, visit the Cité du Vin, an interactive museum dedicated to wine culture. Don’t miss the gothic masterpiece of Saint-André Cathedral or the bustling Capucins Market, perfect for sampling local delicacies.

Bordeaux, a jewel of southwestern France, offers cruise travellers a delightful mix of historical charm and modern vibrancy. Start your visit at Place de la Bourse, where the Water Mirror beautifully reflects the grandeur of 18th-century architecture. Stroll along the Garonne River, taking in the scenic views and the buzz of local life.

For a taste of Bordeaux's world-renowned wine, visit the Cité du Vin, an interactive museum dedicated to wine culture. Don’t miss the gothic masterpiece of Saint-André Cathedral or the bustling Capucins Market, perfect for sampling local delicacies.

La Rochelle is famed for its historic Vieux Port, flanked by medieval towers. Don’t miss the Maritime Museum and the Aquarium, one of Europe's largest. Stroll along the picturesque harbor, and explore the narrow streets lined with shops and cafés. For a taste of local culture, visit the daily market at Place de Verdun.

Located on the banks of the Loire, the city of Nantes is renowned for its splendid scenery as well as numerous galleries and museums. It boasts a unique architectural heritage with its magnificent Château des ducs de Bretagne, a Renaissance-style castle, a medieval quarter and one of the highest cathedrals of France.

Top Things to Do in Nantes:

• explore the Château des ducs de Bretagne
• ride the mechanical elephant at Les Machines de l’Ile
  
• admire the Cathédrale St-Pierre et St-Paul
• stroll through the botanical gardens

A lively port in France’s Brittany region, Brest originally dates back to the middle ages. After being heavily bombed during World War II, the city was rebuilt with an eye towards the future. Nestled in one of France’s most picturesque natural harbours, Brest’s history has always been closely aligned with the sea. Ships will dock at the Port of Brest.

Top Things to Do in Brest:

• visit the Chateau de Brest museum
• view Brest from above on the cable car
• visit the Oceanopolis aquarium
• stroll through the National Botanical Reserve

St. Peter Port, the capital of Guernsey and the main port of the island, is home to over 800 years of history. The town overlooks the harbour, with cobblestone streets, rows of brightly painted houses and terraced gardens. Ships will anchor offshore and tenders will be provided to Albert Pier.

Top Things to Do in St. Peter Port:

• shop at the National Trust of Guernsey
  
• visit Victor Hugo’s home
• explore the royal fortress of Castle Cornet
• visit the German Occupation Museum and Underground Hospital
  

Located on the Brittany Coast and built on a rock at the mouth of the River Rance, Saint-Malo's roots go back to before Roman times. Surrounded by tall granite walls, this fortified city was superbly rebuilt to its original style after 80% of it was destroyed in WWII. Small ships can dock at the this port, while large ships will anchor offshore.

Top Things to Do in Saint-Malo:

• walk the beach to Fort National
• visit the UNESCO listed Mont Saint-Michel
• tour the medieval village of Dinan
• stroll along the cities ramparts

Cherbourg is a thriving port steeped in seafaring history. It has a busy, cheerful and international atmosphere, with easily navigable streets dotted with inviting restaurants and charming cafés. Beyond the port, the region of Normandy brims with scenery and history in every direction. Ships will dock at either Quai de Normandie or Quai de France.

Top Things to Do in Cherbourg:

• tour the D-Day landing beaches
• visit the American Cemetery & Memorial
• explore Mont Saint Michel
• view the Bayeux Tapestry

The quintessential French seaside town of Honfleur is an artists dream with its half-timbered houses along cobblestone lanes and bright wooden fishing boats lining its waterfront. Located in scenic Normandy, where the Seine opens out into the Channel, it is one of France's most spectacular, historic harbours. Ships will dock at the Port of Honfleur.

Top Things to Do in Honfleur:

• go to Omaha Beach, the D-Day landing site
• see the 15th-century St. Catherine's Church
  
• meander the Old Harbour of Honfleur
• spend the day in Paris

A visit to Bruges offers a step back in time with its medieval architecture, winding canals, and charming cobblestone streets. The Belfry of Bruges provides stunning panoramic views of the city, and don’t miss the chance to sample world-famous Belgian chocolates from local chocolatiers or take a leisurely boat tour through the picturesque canals.

As the heart of the European Union, Brussels boasts a blend of historic sites and modern attractions. Art lovers will appreciate the Magritte Museum, dedicated to the surrealist artist René Magritte. Be sure to try a classic Belgian waffle or indulge in mussels and fries at one of the city’s renowned brasseries, enjoying a quintessential Brussels culinary experience.

Zeebrugge serves as the gateway to both Bruges and Brussels. Bruges is approximately 17 km (10.6 miles) away, a 20-minute drive, offering medieval architecture and charming canals. Brussels, the Belgian capital, is about 100 km (62 miles) from the port, taking around 1.5 hours by car or train.

Amsterdam, the vibrant capital of the Netherlands, is famed for its picturesque canals and historic charm. Start your visit with a leisurely canal cruise, offering a unique perspective of the city's stunning 17th-century architecture. The Anne Frank House, located on Prinsengracht, provides a poignant glimpse into history, making it a must-see landmark.

Wander through the Museum Quarter, home to the renowned Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and Stedelijk Museum. For a local experience, explore the lively Jordaan district, filled with boutique shops, cozy cafes, and art galleries. Don't forget to stop by the Albert Cuyp Market, where you can sample Dutch treats like stroopwafels and fresh herring, immersing yourself in Amsterdam's vibrant culinary scene.

Your cruise ends in Amsterdam, the vibrant capital of the Netherlands and famed for its picturesque canals and historic charm. If you're extending your stay in the city there is plenty to explore. Start with a leisurely canal cruise through the city's stunning 17th-century architecture. The Anne Frank House, located on Prinsengracht, provides a poignant glimpse into history, making it a must-see landmark.

Wander through the Museum Quarter, home to the renowned Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and Stedelijk Museum. For a local experience, explore the lively Jordaan district, filled with boutique shops, cozy cafes, and art galleries. Don't forget to stop by the Albert Cuyp Market, where you can sample Dutch treats like stroopwafels and fresh herring, immersing yourself in Amsterdam's vibrant culinary scene.