Winter Getaway - 4 nights, November 2013

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.

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.

Your narrated panoramic drive offers picturesque scenes of the Flemish countryside, before arriving in Bruges for a walking tour, canal ride and 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. Take a guided walk through the picturesque city passing the Market Place with its merchant guild houses, Belfry Tower, Town Hall and the Gothic-style Chapel of the Holy Blood (exterior views only).

A true highlight of your tour of Bruges will be a relaxing canal boat ride along the serene waterways of this romantic, historical city.

Take time to browse independently around Bruges where the shops are plentiful and overflowing with souvenirs; including 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, canal boat 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. There is approximately two hours' total walking, some of which involves steps and cobblestones.

Enjoy a scenic drive from Le Havre along the coastal road, passing the Gold and Juno landing sites and onto Arromanches to the Museum of the Landing Day. The Museum commemorates the D-Day landings and during your visit you will see the history unfold. A short film will be shown depicting the monumental exploits and heroic sacrifices of Allied forces in ‘Operation Overlord’.

Afterwards, rejoin your coach for the short drive to Crépon, where you will be served a delicious French-style luncheon in a local restaurant.

Your journey will then continue to visit The American Cemetery, which occupies a plateau overlooking Omaha Beach, and is the final resting place for 10,000 American soldiers. Walk between the rows of stark white headstones that cover the greensward. A new Visitor Centre presents exhibitions on ‘Operation Overlord’ and focuses on three major themes: the competence, the courage and the sacrifice of Allied Forces. Following your visit a photographic stop will also be made at Omaha Beach.

Before heading back to Le Havre, you will have a further photographic opportunity at the last of the historic sites, Pointe Du Hoc. The companies of 2nd Ranger Battalion climbed the 100 foot cliffs on D-Day to capture this strategic postion.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. The drive between Le Havre and the D-Day Landings is approximately two hours. This tour involves approximately two hours of walking over relatively flat ground. Comfortable, flat walking shoes are recommended.

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.

On arrival in Brussels drive past the King Boudewijn Stadium and make 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.

Near the Central Station walk through the Old Town area to admire the St Hubert Arcades and Butchers' Street with its plethora of restaurants and cafes. You will be astonished by the beauty of the Grand Place, adorned in its Christmas finery. A few blocks further, meet Manneken Pis, Brussels' best known little boy.

During your free time, visit the annual Christmas Market. No fewer than 220 wooden chalets will be present for the Christmas market. A huge array of Christmas goods, craft products and delicacies will be on sale in the beautifully illuminated shopping area. A 160 feet high giant wheel gives fantastic views of the city and the traditional Christmas tree and decorations.

As the year-end draws near, the Christmas markets blossom in many cities and towns in Belgium. This market with its cheerful lights, delicious aromas and vast number of stalls promises a truly festive atmosphere.

After a short walk back to the coach, pass by the Royal Palace, the European Parliament, the Cinquantenaire Arcade and the Koekelberg Basilica before heading back to Zeebrugge.


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.

Giverny is internationally renowned for Claude Monet’s house. The world famous impressionist lived in this house from 1883 until his death in 1926. Between 1886 and 1890, a colony of painters joined him in order to take advantage of the ‘garden art’ form.

The first part of the visit will be to a part of the gardens where the arches of flowers are surrounded by amazing flower beds which provide a palette of varying colours from spring to autumn. Take time to wander through the various parts of the famous gardens which include weeping willows and the famous Japanese bridge. You will also see Wistarias, Azaleas, and the pond which inspired Monet in his work.

Continue inside the pink and green house standing at the top of the gardens. You’ll view the blue salon, bedroom, old studio, the yellow dining room with its delightful painted wooden furniture and the tiled kitchen. Reproductions of Monet’s works and his collection of 18th and 19th century Japanese prints can been seen in the different rooms. You will have free time to look around the gift shop which offers numerous reproductions of the painter’s work and souvenirs.

You’ll then have free time in the picturesque village of Giverny for luncheon in the numerous restaurants and cafés.

Afterwards, there will be the opportunity of meeting up with your guide for a walking tour of Giverny village or to enjoy extra free time on your own for exploring and shopping independently before returning to the ship.


Note: The visit inside Monet’s House in not guided. This tour involves approximately three hours of walking over some uneven and cobblestoned surfaces. Flat, comfortable shoes are recommended.

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.

Take a drive through the heart of the Normandy countryside to the village of Cormeilles. Here, you’ll find the traditional distillery Busnel and Anée.

Enjoy a guided walking tour and visit the Museum, where you will discover the whole process of the Busnel as well as the Anée Calvados elaboration. Take your seat, for a short film retracing the fascinating Busnel Calvados history. Follow your guide through the distillery surrounded by a century old traditional half-timbered cellars.

You will be invited to a special tasting of the renowned distillery products such as Calvados, Pommeau and Cider together with delicious Normandy cheeses: Camembert; Pont Leveque; and Livarot, served with classic French bread and butter.

After the tasty delights of Distillery Busnel and Anée, experience the charm of Honfleur: a tiny, perfectly preserved 13th century fishing village. Enjoy an introduction to the town, featuring cobbled streets lined with typical old timber framed houses. Honfleur is considered the birthplace of the impressionist and romantic art movement, and is brimming with many small shops and galleries displaying the paintings of this beautiful town by its talented artists.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. This tour involves approximately two hours of walking over some uneven and cobblestoned surfaces. Flat, comfortable shoes are recommended.

A short drive out of Southampton will bring you to the New Forest. The New Forest, originally created by William the Conqueror for deer hunting, is a mixture of open grazing, woodland and heath. The Forest has remained almost untouched for 1,000 years and is famous for its tiny villages with traditional thatched cottages and wild ponies which roam free on the land. Today it is managed by the Forestry Commission and in 2004 was designated a National Park.

Your scenic drive will take you through the heart of the New Forest, with its famous New Forest ponies, past a variety of beautiful landscapes to three of its prettiest villages; Hythe, Beaulieu and Lyndhurst.

The historic marina village of Hythe is located alongside Southampton Water and on a clear day you can see across to where your cruise ship is berthed. The village also boasts the world’s oldest operating pier train.

The picturesque village of Beaulieu dates back to the 13th century and is renowned for its Abbey, Motor Museum and Palace Manor House. Admire the lovely views across Beaulieu River as you pass through this quaint village.

The New Forest capital, Lyndhurst is a bustling village containing tea rooms, pubs, souvenir shops, local stores and ice cream vendors. You will have the chance to visit the New Forest Visitor Centre to view its exhibits, browse the local shops or relax in one of the tea rooms.


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. The sightseeing is conducted from the comfort of your coach with a photograph stop at Hythe and Beaulieu. There will be approximately 45 minutes free time in Lyndhurst.

Your scenic drive takes you along the highway with scenes of the Flemish countryside as your companion. On arrival in Ghent, take a walking tour through the old city passing by the interesting guild houses with their steep, gabled fronts.

The Flemish city of Ghent was considered the most powerful next to Paris in the 16th Century and was an important Medieval and Renaissance art centre. The past seems to still be alive and you can feast your eyes during a walk in the heart of the city. Take a stroll over St Michael’s Bridge, which overlooks the old river port and enjoy a view of the well-known ‘Row of Three Towers’, consisting of St Nicholas Church Tower, the Belfry Tower and St Bavo’s Cathedral Tower.

During your visit inside St Bavo’s Cathedral, you will have an opportunity to admire the church’s highlight – the famous painting of ‘The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb’, by the brothers Van Eyck. Also of particular note is the ornately carved wooden pulpit.

Enjoy some free time browsing independently through Ghent. Find the perfect memento of your visit in the many shops offering delicious Belgian chocolates, handmade lace and wonderful little souvenirs and handicrafts.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. There are cobble-stoned streets and small steps leading into St Bavo's Cathedral. Appropriate attire is required for the visit to the Cathedral. From 2012, a five year project to renovate the panels of the 'Lam Gods' will be undertaken. During that process, some panels may be replaced by copies.

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.

Your scenic drive brings you to Bruges, where you will discover the highlights on a guided walk. The charm of this medieval city will capture you immediately as it is smaller and more contained than many other old Flemish cities, giving the impression that you have stepped back in time. Your guide will lead you through the narrow, twisting cobblestone streets, passing by picturesque scenes of ancient buildings, tree-lined canals and gabled facades. See the bustling marketplace, Belfry Tower, the Town Hall and the Chapel of the Holy Blood (exterior views only).

There is no doubt that Belgium is the country of beer as it offers more than 450 varieties of brew. Belgium’s widely varying landscape enables the most contrasting tastes and flavours and beer is deeply rooted in its culture and tradition. Belgian brewing has kept pace with technology and produces beers that correspond to consumer demand whilst still maintaining the traditional character and range of beers. Enjoy a tasting of four different beers from four unique glasses in a local beer café, before taking to the streets for 30 minutes of free time for shopping.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. There is approximately one hour of walking on this tour over some cobblestoned streets and participants must be over 18 years old.

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.

The Roman City of Bath and the beautiful countryside which surrounds it, has been described as one of England's most beautiful places to visit. Bath is situated within the south west of England and is a 2,000 year old fabulous spa town, built around Britain's only hot mineral springs.

Bath offers a multitude of fantastic places to visit and is very easy to navigate on foot. Designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1987, the city has some of the finest architectural sites in Europe and boasts a unique and diverse range of historic features, which attract people the world over.

Your visit will begin with a panoramic tour of Bath, with your guide bringing the city to life as you pass the Roman Baths, Bath Abbey, the Royal Crescent, the Circus and the parks, including Royal Victoria Park. There will be approximately three hours’ free time to explore this historic city at your own leisure. Watch the many street performers, visit the Roman Baths Museum, discover Jane Austen’s connection to the city at the Jane Austen Centre, wander around the fabulous shops or simply sit back and enjoy the bustling atmosphere.


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 and on foot. The transfer time to Bath is approximately 1¾ hours. Luncheon is not included to allow maximum flexibility. Please remember to carry local currency (pounds sterling). Any walking is at guests’ own discretion. Bath is relatively flat but some streets are cobbled.