1 Jun 2025
Lisbon
01:00
19:00
Lisbon is one of the oldest cities in the world. Its magnificent harbor made it a logical trading port as far back as the Phoenicians, as well as a departure point for 15th century voyages sponsored by Prince Henry the Navigator, patron of Portuguese explorers. The city is rich in architecture, from Romanesque and Gothic to Post Modern, and criss-crossed by monument-studded grand boulevards. Today it is seeking a place on the world stage by hosting, in addition to its own active cultural calendar, film festivals, art, fashion, and design shows, book fairs, marathons, and rock concerts.
2 Jun 2025
Leixoes
09:00
18:00
At the mouth of the Rio Douro lies the city of Porto, known mostly for its port wine trade. With origins dating back to the 5th century, there is plenty to see in this town that was named European Capital of Culture in 2001. Stroll the Ribeira neighborhood along the river, explore the Cathedral area, or tour the port lodges of Vila Nova de Gaia across the river. Savoring a taste of tawny port, tripe, and seafood while here is highly recommended.
3 Jun 2025
At Sea
01:00
01:00
4 Jun 2025
St Peter Port
14:30
21:00
Guernsey is a self-governing British Crown Dependency off the coast of France, British by virtue of the Norman invasion of England in 1066, and the subsequent merging of the two territories. St. Peter Port overlooks the harbor, with rows of brightly painted houses, and terraced gardens. The island is ideal for rambles along cliffside paths and through the bucolic interior. While traditional fishing, flower growing, and dairy farming are still important, Guernsey’s favorable tax climate has of late brought an influx of offshore banks and insurance companies, with their attendant bistros and boutiques.
5 Jun 2025
Honfleur, France
09:00
23:00
Honfleur is a lively town and a bustling port, where fishermen can be seen hauling in the daily catch. The maritime influence is everywhere evident; even the handsome church of Sainte Catherine has an oak ceiling that resembles the hull of an overturned ship. The charming square surrounding the church gives way to narrow cobbled lanes of half-timbered houses, elegant manors, and tall, narrow town houses. The quality of light has long attracted artists, including a particularly illustrious group, among them Monet, Corot, Turner, Courbet, Millet, Seurat – all of whom stayed at a little thatched inn called the Saint Siméon, now Honfleur’s most luxurious hotel.
6 Jun 2025
London/Dover, England
09:00
23:00
The white chalk cliffs of Dover face France across the narrowest part of the English Channel, a vulnerable position protected since the Middle Ages by Dover Castle. As recently as WWII its secret tunnels have been used as air raid shelters, a hospital, and military command center, and make for a fascinating visit. In a more contemplative vein are the charms of nearby Canterbury, its stunning cathedral the oldest in England. Famed as the setting of the martyrdom of Thomas Becket, and the destination of those fictional pilgrims with their ribald tales created by Geoffrey Chaucer, it is steeped in tradition, but is also a modern and vibrant city.
7 Jun 2025
Dunkirk, France
09:00
19:00
8 Jun 2025
Rotterdam
09:00
01:00
Distinct from other Dutch cities, Rotterdam is creating its own identity as an energetic and dynamic metropolis. Long known for its important port, one of the busiest in the world, it has recently acquired the epithet “Manhattan on the Maas”, as a result of a modern building spree. Establish a frame of reference with a 360° view from atop the Euromast Observation Tower; then investigate some of the city’s striking architectural features. Do not miss the bizarre cube houses, tilted at 45 degrees, and from the outside looking like only Spiderman could live there. It is indeed a city of innovative design.
9 Jun 2025
Rotterdam
01:00
13:01
Distinct from other Dutch cities, Rotterdam is creating its own identity as an energetic and dynamic metropolis. Long known for its important port, one of the busiest in the world, it has recently acquired the epithet “Manhattan on the Maas”, as a result of a modern building spree. Establish a frame of reference with a 360° view from atop the Euromast Observation Tower; then investigate some of the city’s striking architectural features. Do not miss the bizarre cube houses, tilted at 45 degrees, and from the outside looking like only Spiderman could live there. It is indeed a city of innovative design.
10 Jun 2025
Kiel
09:00
21:00
This is the world’s busiest artificial waterway, linking the North Sea with the Baltic, and cutting 250 miles off the journey by eliminating the need to sail around the Jutland Peninsula. Operating since 1895, it was widened to accommodate larger vessels in early 20th century. Still narrow enough to keep ships close to the shore, and with no locks, it is basically a gentle cruise through the backyards and gardens of the local folk, whom you may see riding their bicycles, or picnicking on a fine afternoon. Be sure to return their waves of welcome.
11 Jun 2025
Wismar
08:30
20:00
Once a small, medieval port in northern Germany on the Baltic Sea, Wismar is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a walk through the city’s storybook-like streets, and it’s easy to see why: the Wassertor (water gate), is the last surviving medieval gate; the 13th century ruin of St. Mary, Marienkirche, and its towering steeple, is the last remaining original Brick Gothic structure; and the church of St. Nicholas, St-Nikolai-Kirche, is the largest of its kind in Europe. The heart of the old town is Wismar’s Market Place, with architecture as varied as it is beautiful—German Gothic to Romanesque revival to Art Nouveau. Visit the historical museum Schabbellhaus, housed in a former brewery, then make your way back to the picturesque old harbor. Take a boat cruise, admire the reconstructed Hanseatic “Wissemara”, or enjoy a traditional Baltic lunch such as fischbrötchen, a small bag of smoked shrimp.
12 Jun 2025
Helsingborg, Sweden\t
09:00
17:00
12 Jun 2025
Copenhagen
20:00
01:00
Copenhagen is known as a city of spires: the skyline of its medieval core is punctuated only by the steeples of churches and towers of palaces, though a modern building boom has overtaken other parts of the city. Today’s Copenhagen is known for its excellent quality of life and environmental consciousness – with many parks, it is green both literally and in today’s sense of the word. It is also bicycle-friendly, with bike paths lining almost every major street. After a ride or wander through the old town, stop for a local repast of Smørrebrød, traditional open-face sandwiches, or a mouthwatering Danish pastry.
13 Jun 2025
Copenhagen
01:00
01:00
Copenhagen is known as a city of spires: the skyline of its medieval core is punctuated only by the steeples of churches and towers of palaces, though a modern building boom has overtaken other parts of the city. Today’s Copenhagen is known for its excellent quality of life and environmental consciousness – with many parks, it is green both literally and in today’s sense of the word. It is also bicycle-friendly, with bike paths lining almost every major street. After a ride or wander through the old town, stop for a local repast of Smørrebrød, traditional open-face sandwiches, or a mouthwatering Danish pastry.
