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Individual travel arrangements to Hamburg, departure 19.00 hrs
Relaxation at sea
Cherbourg/France, from 13.00 to 19.00 hrs
Welcome on board the small HANSEATIC inspiration, which offers you many new discoveries on the coasts of Western Europe. Here, history collides with the present day, and cultural treasures are nestled among nature’s wonders as you explore Normandy, Brittany, Belgium and Freisland. The next few days promise an exciting blend of French savoir vivre and European history. Cherbourg awaits with one of France’s most important seaports, a charming town centre and a deep-sea museum that is well worth a visit. You will then stroll through the pretty town centre with its half-timbered houses and cathedral. Alternatively, explore the Val de Saire*. Alternating between rugged and delightful, the unspoilt landscape is enchanting in its contrasts.
St Malo, from 6.00 to 18.00 hrs
Follow in the footsteps of great pioneers in medieval St Malo: Jacques Cartier set sail from here in 1534 and went on to discover – and name – Canada. The monastic island of Mont-Saint-Michel* seems like a water-borne mountain, floating when the tide comes in and grounded when the water is low. The tides also shape life in Cancale, the Breton oyster capital*, which was given a town charter in gratitude for supplying profuse quantities of oysters for the royal table. On a coastal hike on Cap Frehel*, the springtime sun shows the sandstone cliffs in their best light. Follow a narrow path and marvel at the play of colours between the stone and wild heathland.
Relaxation at sea
Ostende/Belgium, from 8.00 to 18.00 hrs
A diverse array of experiences await on your explorations from Ostende. Avant-garde fashion, fine chocolates and the adventures of Tintin and Snowy: Belgian artistry is world-renowned, following in the tradition of the Flemish painter Jan van Eyck, the master of naturalism. A visit to the historic trading cities of Brugge and Ghent in Flanders* brings history to life in the cobbled streets. Trade and the textile industry brought prosperity and blossoming culture to the entire region in the Middle Ages. Van Eyck’s famous winged altarpiece, typical guildhalls and a glimpse over a chocolatier’s shoulder: what will be your favourite sensory experience?
Amsterdam/Netherlands, from 8.00 to 18.00 hrs
Amsterdam: old and new, quiet and busy, provincial and cosmopolitan – no description of Amsterdam is without its contradictions. Discover the jewel of the Netherlands on a city walk with a canal trip* or at your own pace. Only by wandering through the narrow streets will you notice the elegance of the gabled houses, the heron on a house boat or a hidden inner courtyard known as a “hofje”. Head to the Van Gogh Museum or the Moco Museum for a spot of culture. The sun’s first warm rays, chirping birds and flowers beginning to bloom: is there anything more beautiful than spring in the Netherlands? At the Keukenhof*, Europe’s largest flower garden, you can look forward to numerous artworks, flowerbeds and sculptures featuring vivid tulips, daffodils and hyacinths.
Texel, from 7.00 to 17.00 hrs
Why travel to distant lands when there’s so much to see close by? The answer lies on the Dutch island of Texel, famous for the sheep of the same name and its typical farmhouses. Feel the wind in your hair as you explore the De Slufter nature reserve*, a vast area with tidal creeks and salt flats amidst a chain of dunes. Take an island tour* and discover the dreamy, idyllic little town of De Koog with its lovely centre and small beach cafes. Or get active with a bicycle tour* across the island through the dunes and heathland.
Borkum, from 8.00 to 17.00 hrs
Back in Germany, you’ll be greeted by Borkum, the largest of the East Frisian Islands. Take a deep breath of the fabulous ocean air and let the iodine-infused breeze lift your spirits. Around 80 % of the area belongs to the national park and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stroll along the promenade and enjoy the views of the Wadden Sea, beach grass, heather and salt flats on a hike through the mudflats*. Alternatively, take a tour in a vintage vehicle* and learn more about Klaus Störtebeker, one of the most famous privateers.
Helgoland/Germany, from 8.00 to 18.00 hrs
You have probably heard a lot about this island and perhaps even visited it – but you won’t yet have explored it with the pioneering spirit of the HANSEATIC inspiration: Helgoland. If the weather allows, the Zodiacs will be put to use and you will marvel at “Lange Anna”, one of North Germany’s most imposing natural landmarks, from a totally new perspective. Make sure to stroll along the harbour promenade with its colourful lobster huts and craft stalls. Alternatively, let your thoughts roam free on a walk along the edge of the cliffs with fantastic views of the North Sea. Germany’s island jewel emphasises the wealth of contrasts on a cruise that will thrill you from France to Belgium, the Netherlands, Friesland and on to Hamburg.
Hamburg, arrival 8.00 hrs
Individual travel arrangements from cruise arrival point
* The organised shore activities are not included in the cruise price and are in the planning stage. You will receive details prior to departure. All shore activities (organised and individual) may be cancelled by Hapag-Lloyd Cruises at short notice, depending on the given developments at the time of the cruise.