Winter Getaway - 4 nights, November 2013

Enjoy a narrated panoramic drive with scenes of the Flemish countryside, before arriving in Bruges for a walking tour followed by free time.

As you enter this historical old town, the beautiful medieval atmosphere is immediately evident. Cobble-stoned streets twist and turn and centuries-old buildings hover over the canals. A guided walk takes you through the picturesque city passing the Market Place with its merchant guild houses, the Belfry Tower, Town Hall and the Gothic-style Chapel of the Holy Blood (exterior views only).

Enjoy free time to visit the charming Christmas Markets. Browse the stalls selling hand-made decorations, gifts, chocolates and local delicacies. The traditional step-gabled buildings decorated with sparkling lights, the huge Christmas tree and the ice rink in Market Square all add to the delightfully festive atmosphere.

Your guide will lead you to the 'Lake of Love' to your coach for the return journey.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. This tour requires a moderate level of walking over cobbled streets. Luncheon has NOT been included to allow maximum flexibility.

Enjoy a scenic drive from Le Havre to the village of Ranville, home to the British Cemetry. A total of 2,154 British soldiers are laid to rest here, following the capture of the village on the morning of D-Day.

Afterwards, you will continue to see Pegasus Bridge at Benouville. The original Bridge, built in 1933 was removed from the canal in 1993. It was the first bridge to be liberated in continental France and was stored on waste ground for six years. Today it is exhibited in the park of the ‘Memorial Pegasus’.

Located in the small village of Arromanches-les-bains, is the Museum of the Landing Day, which commemorates the D-Day landings. During your visit you will see history unfold and a short film will be shown, depicting the monumental exploits and heroic sacrifices of Allied forces in ‘Operation Overlord’.

During your tour, you will also see The Battery of Longues, the German artillery battery which attacked the allied ships on the morning of 6th June 1944. Longues is the only coastal battery to have kept its guns, giving an impressive picture of what an Atlantic wall gun placement was really like.

A delicious local-style luncheon will be served during your tour.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. The drive between Le Havre and the Landing Beaches is approximately 2½ hours. This tour involves approximately 2½ hours’ walking over relatively flat ground. Comfortable, flat walking shoes are recommended.

Ypres was reduced to rubble by constant bombardments during the Great War. Now restored to its former grandeur, Ypres contains numerous poignant sites and monuments linked to the war.

There are many battlefields where German and allied armies fought without decisive victories. Take time to remember those who lost their lives at Tyne Cott Cemetery.

Menin Gate is a famous British War memorial and is by far the most important evidence in Ypres of the British presence. The names of 54,896 missing soldiers are engraved on its walls.

‘In Flanders Fields’ Museum is not a traditional war museum. It is not about commanders and strategists, but about ordinary people who endured the war, the soldiers, nurses, fugitives and children. ‘In Flanders Fields’ Museum is active in keeping the veterans’ stories alive for future generations. The innovative hi-tech methods used within the Museum earned it the title of ‘Best European Museum’.

A short visit will be made to St George’s Memorial Church, which stands as a memorial to the thousands who died in the three battles of the Ypres Salient.

Enjoy free time in Ypres browse through the shops or relax in one of the quaint cafés or restaurants for luncheon.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. Luncheon has not been included in this tour to allow flexibility. There is approximately 1½ hours’ total walking with steps in the Museum, Menin Gate and the Cemetery.

Upon arrival in Brussels, drive past the King Boudewijn Stadium for a photograph stop at the Atomium. This was built for the World Fair in Brussels in 1958 and represents the atoms of an iron molecule. Further on, pass by the Royal Palace, the European Parliament and the Cinquantenaire Arcade.

Continue to the centre to commence your walking tour near the Central Station. Here you can walk through the Old Town to admire St Hubert Arcades and Butchers' Street with its plethora of restau¬rants and cafés. You will be astonished by the beauty of the Grand Place, often referred to as the most beautiful market square in the world. A few blocks further on, you will meet ‘Manneken Pis’ Brussels best known little boy.

During your free time stop for luncheon at one of the many tempting restaurants, and why not try some of the locally famous ‘moules and frites’ with a Belgian beer.

On the return transfer you will pass by the Koekelberg Basilica, before heading back to Zeebrugge.

This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. The transfer to Brussels is approximately 1¾ hours by coach and upon arrival there will be a scenic tour of 1½ hours before disembarkation for the walking tour. There will be walking over some cobble stoned areas in the city. Luncheon is NOT included on this tour to allow guests maximum flexibility.

Your journey will take you through the beautiful New Forest National Park, where you will have the chance to see the famous New Forest ponies which graze on the wild heathland, before arriving at Exbury Gardens. Created in the 1920’s, Exbury Gardens are a spectacular 200 acre site, world famous for the Rothschild collection of rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias, rare trees and shrubs. So spectacular are the gardens that the Queen of England enjoys private visits every year.

The Gardens have been specially created to reflect the changing colours of nature throughout the different seasons. During the spring the magnolias, camellias, azaleas and wisteria burst into flower, whilst the Daffodil Meadow is a carpet of glorious gold. The spectacular collection of over ten thousand rhododendron specimens is at its best with its display of beautiful colours.

During the tour there will be the opportunity to take a delightful 20 minute ride on a small narrow gauge steam railway to see parts of the Gardens not accessible on foot.

The Gardens contain a quaint tearoom, which serves a delicious English cream tea (own expense), and an extensive gift shop selling an array of gifts and souvenirs.


Guests who are embarking or disembarking the ship in Southampton should not book a shore excursion for this port.  Southampton excursions are available for guests visiting Southampton as a port call.

This excursion will operate by coach, mini steam train and on foot. There is up to three hours of walking, which is at guests' discretion. The railway and main paths of the Gardens are wheelchair accessible. There is a buggy tour available on the day for those with limited mobility (additional expense, payable direct).

A guided walking tour will help you discover the attractions of enchanting Honfleur. The heart of the village is the Old Dock; a unique little harbour, bordered by tall granite houses with colourful flowers tumbling from window boxes. Stroll through the delightful cobbled streets, lined with craft and souvenir shops, and typical French cafés and restaurants.

Due to its pretty setting, Honfleur has long attracted artists including Boudin, Monet and Sisley and even today artists capture beautiful scenes on canvas, which can be seen in the windows of the local galleries. As you stroll, your guide will point out the main sights and show you the interior of the Church of Sainte-Catherine, made entirely of wood.

Enjoy some free time to browse the shops for that perfect souvenir, explore at your own pace, or simply relax with a ‘café au lait’ and watch the world go by.

The drive from Le Havre to Honfleur takes you through the wonderful Normandy countryside and across the Tancarville Bridge. The return route will cross the impressive Normandy Bridge.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. This tour involves approximately 1½ hours of walking. Flat, comfortable shoes are recommended. Euros and major debit or credit cards are accepted for purchases.

Take advantage of your free time in Rouen to shop for regional specialities, such as the famous Rouen ceramics. Alternatively you may like to visit the city’s well known attractions or explore the ancient streets and interesting architecture at your own pace, before relaxing in a typical French pavement café.

The time is yours to do as you please. Your escort will advise you of the meeting point and time for the return journey to Le Havre.


This excursion operates by coach and on foot. The walking portion of this tour is at guests’s discretion and is over cobblestoned streets. Flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Euros and major debit or credit cards are accepted for purchases. This excursion is non-guided and exclusive of lunch and entrance fees. Transfer time to Rouen is approximately 1½ hours.

Discover the medieval old town of Bruges, with its cobble-stoned streets and centuries-old buildings next to picturesque canals. A guided walk takes you through the picturesque city passing the Market Place with its merchant guild houses, the Belfry Tower, Town Hall, Our Lady's Church, and Gothic-style Chapel of the Holy Blood.

Take home memories of a delightful short boat ride along the canals of this romantic, historical city.

Souvenir shops are in abundance, with delicious Belgian chocolates, finely-made tapestries and, of course, the world-famous lace - so the opportunities are hard to resist.

For the remainder of the afternoon you will have free time to browse independently through Bruges, exploring the charms of this delightful town at your leisure.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. This tour requires a moderate level of activity. Guests are advised that there are steps to be negotiated when boarding and disembarking the canal boat. Luncheon has not been included to allow maximum flexibility. There is approximately two hours' total walking, some of which involves steps and cobblestones.

Your narrated panoramic drive will provide scenes of the Flemish countryside, before arriving in Bruges for a walking tour, followed by free time for shopping.

As you enter this historical old town, the beautiful medieval atmosphere is immediately evident. Cobble-stoned streets twist and turn and centuries-old buildings hover over the main canals. You’ll take a guided walk through the picturesque city passing the Market Place with its merchant guild houses, the Belfry Tower, Town Hall and the Gothic-style Chapel of the Holy Blood (exterior views only).

You’ll have time to browse independently around Bruges. The shops are plentiful and overflowing with souvenirs, delicious Belgian chocolates, finely made tapestries and, of course, the world-famous lace - so the opportunities are hard to resist.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot and requires a moderate level of activity. There is approximately 2 hours’ total walking, some of which involves steps and cobblestones.

Your scenic drive will take you to the heart of Bruges, close to the major attractions at a designated drop-off point in the city. Please bear in mind that this excursion is non-guided and exclusive of refreshments and entrance fees. City maps will be provided on the coach.

The historic city centre of Bruges was added to the Unesco's World Heritage List in November 2000. The current city boundaries still coincide exactly with those of the medieval city centre, and the spaces and structures that were so typical of Bruges in the past have been preserved.

Take your time to walk through busy squares, refreshing parks and quiet, intimate cobbled streets, not forgetting to visit the modest almshouses as well as the imposing patricians' homes.

Bruges is famous for its 13th Century Belfort, housing a municipal Carillion comprising 47 bells. The city still employs a full-time bell ringer, who puts on regular concerts.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. There is a walk of approximately 20 to 30 minutes over cobbled stones from the city to the coach park, for the return drive to Zeebrugge. This is, unfortunately, unavoidable due to local traffic restrictions. This tour is non-guided and does not include any meals, refreshments or entrance fees.

Hailed as the ‘City of Light’, Paris is a spectacle of never ending attractions. Discover the city’s famous landmarks during a panoramic drive. Pass by the elegant Champs Elysées, the 164-feet-high Arc de Triomphe and Les Invalides. See the beautiful Place de l’Opera and the famous Pont Neuf en route to the Ile de la Cité. Your guide will point out many more fascinating highlights as you tour the world’s most romantic city.

Not only was Notre Dame Cathedral the inspiration for Victor Hugo’s story of the Hunchback of Notre Dame, but it is also one of the city’s most outstanding monuments. The building will be brought to life as your guide shows you the outstanding features of this magnificent Cathedral.

Gaze in wonder at the 990-foot-high Eiffel Tower, France’s most iconic landmark, built by Gustav Eiffel in 1889.

Some free time will be given close to Notre Dame, for you to explore independently, perhaps purchase some luncheon or head to the shops.

Although it would be impossible to see all of Paris in a day, this tour provides an excellent overview of this chic capital in a limited time.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. This tour involves approximately 1½ hours of walking and standing. It takes 10 - 15 minutes to walk to and from the coach park to Notre Dame Cathedral. The journey to and from Paris is via the Normandy motorway and takes approximately three hours each way. Euros and major debit or credit cards are accepted for purchases.

The Old Quarter is the most picturesque part of the city, and a gentle walk will reveal its ancient winding, cobbled streets and interesting landmarks. Hear fascinating insights into the city’s rich history and see the place where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake in 1431. The most magnificent building of all is the Cathedral of Notre Dame, and you can appreciate the beauty of its architecture during a guided visit. Other gems include the Great Clock, the Palace of Justice and the beautifully decorated façade of the Church of St-Maclou.

Enjoy some free time in Rouen to seek out the specialties of Normandy, including the famous Rouen ceramics, in the smart shops around the city. Alternatively, you may like to explore the city’s ‘nooks and crannies’ at your own pace, or relax awhile in a typical French pavement café.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. The walking portion of this tour lasts approximately 1½ hours and is over cobblestoned streets. Flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Euros and major debit or credit cards are accepted for purchases.

During your drive to Paris, English-speaking guides will distribute city maps and answer any questions you may have. You will disembark close to the Place de la Concorde on the Right Bank. The day is then yours to spend on your own, as you please. Perhaps visit the city landmarks, indulge in some retail therapy or simply relax in one of the many cafés.

Rejoin your coach at the predetermined time at Cours de la Reine, close to Place la Concorde, for the return drive to Le Havre.


Note: The drive between Le Havre and Paris is approximately three hours each way. Comfortable, flat walking shoes are recommended. Shopping is limited on Sundays. Euros are required for purchasing luncheon and entrance fees to popular attractions. As a guideline, The Eiffel Tower is generally open daily, 9:30am-11pm. The Louvre is closed on Tuesdays; all other days the Louvre is open 9am-6pm. Museum and site timings are subject to change without notice. Please ensure that you note the coach departure time and meeting point and arrive in good time.

Titanic pulled away from the White Star dock in Southampton at the start of her maiden voyage on 10th April 1912. Five days later in the early hours of 15th April she sank after striking an iceberg. The disaster made headlines across the world and had a devastating effect on the people of Southampton. Of the 724 crew which lived within in the area - only 175 returned home.

Your interesting walking tour commences at Ocean Terminal, which is located adjacent to the site of the original White Star dock. A leisurely stroll will take you through Queen’s Park and past the luxury flats which used to be the old South Western Hotel. This hotel was where the First Class passengers stayed before embarking on the majestic liner. Close by are the old White Star offices where Southampton residents gathered in their hundreds, waiting day after day for news of loved ones.

A walk along Oxford Street will take you past some of the drinking establishments used by the ill fated crew including The Grapes pub, which is where filming took place for the famous ‘Titanic’ movie. At the end of the street are the ruins of Holyrood Church where a memorial to the Titanic crew stands. As you wander past the ancient Southampton walls and through the main shopping precinct, with its eclectic mix of shops, you’ll hear poignant tales of the Titanic heroes and survivors.

The highlight of the tour is a visit to the SeaCity Museum. This interactive Museum is filled with information and interesting memorabilia of the fateful disaster and illustrates the impact the liner has had on the city.


Guests who are embarking or disembarking the ship in Southampton should not book a shore excursion for this port.  Southampton excursions are available for guests visiting Southampton as a port call.

This excursion operates on foot. There is two hours walking on mostly flat ground with some slight inclines. The return journey will be by shuttle bus. Guests can opt to remain in the city centre and make their own way back to the berth by shuttle bus at their own convenience. This excursion only operates when the ship is berthed at Ocean Terminal.

A panoramic city sightseeing drive will show you some of the city’s landmarks, such as the elegant Champs Elysées and the 164-foot-high Arc de Triomphe. See the beautiful Place de l’Opera and the famous Pont Neuf en route to the Ile de la Cité. Your guide will point out many more highlights as you drive through this vibrant city.

Capture the city from a different angle, as you cruise along the Seine taking in some of the architectural wonders such as the Chaillot Palace and Orsay Museum. During your cruise, you will be served a typical French luncheon and enjoy some musical entertainment.

After your river cruise, enjoy some free time along the world famous tree-lined Champs-Elysées, browse the shops and boutiques or sit in a pavement café and watch the world go by.


This excursion will operate by coach, foot and river cruiser. This tour involves around one hour of walking. There are two steps to negotiate when boarding the river cruise boat. Flat, non-slip shoes are advised. The river cruise boat is not exclusive to Cunard. The journey to and from Paris is via the Normandy motorway and takes around three hours each way. Euros and major debit or credit cards are accepted for purchases.