Farewell to winter and the dark days – spring has finally come! Experience the joy of springtime with the small HANSEATIC spirit. The starting point is in 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. Tulips from Amsterdam? As the Netherlands is a global player when it comes to flower exports, why not dive into the world of the plant trade at the Aalsmeer Flower Auction*? Take a bicycle tour along the tulip route* past numerous fields of flowers blooming in the most vibrant colours.

Diamonds are a girl’s best friend – unravel the legends of the gemstone in Antwerp as you hum Marilyn Monroe’s famous song; the city is home to the world’s largest diamond exchange, after all. You will feel as if spring has well and truly sprung in the vibrant cultural city and inspiration of Peter Paul Rubens when you take in the Grote Markt, the Church of Our Lady or the guildhalls on a ride in an electric tuk-tuk*. The Royal Palace, Manneken Pis and Atomium are the most memorable landmarks in Brussels*. While you are here, you absolutely have to try a famous Belgian waffle. Ghent* was built in the Middle Ages at the spot where the River Schelde and River Leie meet, with the course of the rivers’ arms forming a charming part of the cityscape. Your experts will explain how important the estuaries on the North Sea coast are in modern times as you cruise in the Westerschelde.

Warm sunbeams shine through the early morning mist as breathtaking sights reveal themselves on the early morning cruise on the Thames. Two eventful days in London await you. Sail through the Neo-Gothic monument when Tower Bridge opens to allow the HANSEATIC spirit to reach its mooring point in the heart of the city. A moment like this will stay with you forever and is only possible with a small expedition ship. Red double-decker buses, Big Ben and Trafalgar Square: London is a city everyone has to visit at least once. Daffodils and crocuses bloom in the parks as Mother Nature comes to life, much like your pioneering spirit. Ride the London Eye* for an initial panoramic view of the city. There is much to experience and marvel at, be it organised or at your own pace. For example, take a city walking tour of the South Bank and St Paul’s Cathedral*, an area awoken from its slumber by spectacular construction projects. Kings and castles are as much a part of the fabric of Great Britain as the Queen in Buckingham Palace. On an excursion to Leeds Castle and Canterbury Cathedral*, you will have the chance to visit a castle dating back to the 9th century and even learn a few interesting things about the Christianisation of England. Would you rather sink into an armchair with tea and scones or enjoy a pint in a cosy pub? Our travel concierge will be happy to organise the perfect evening* for you in Great Britain’s cosmopolitan city.