11 Days Southampton to Ijmuiden (Amsterdam)- Silver Spirit

Itinerary & Excursions

1. 9 Ports
2. 5 Countries

Northern France, Belgium, and the Channel Islands offer incredible heritage, enchanting coastal scenery, and moving wartime history. Explore aboard the Silver Spirit, starting in Southampton and sailing to Guernsey and the fortifications of Saint-Malo. An overnight in the Norman capital of Rouen reveals centuries of timbered history in its medieval quarter. Sail along the Seine and continue into Belgium for strong beers and art, where the edgy charm of Antwerp sparkles.

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Day 1-  Southampton, United Kingdom

Home of the ill-fated Titanic departure, Southampton has a long maritime history. Henry V's fleet bound for the battle of Agincourt left from here, as did the Mayflower (not from Plymouth as many believe) and the great British ocean liners, Queen Elizabeth II and Queen Mary both departed on their maiden voyages from the port. So suffice to say, that Southampton is a seafaring place. Today Southampton is the cruise capital of Northern Europe, so expect a city that understands how to have fun. This comes in a variety of ways: a castellated old city that has lots of charm, some excellent museums (the most notable of which is the Sea City Museum), and extensive green spaces. Authentic Tudor remains provide a fascinating insight to 15th-century living while other landmarks date back even further. A stroll around the city is generous in its attractions, so there is no better way to see Southampton than on foot. Culture-wise, the city's bustling Guildhall Square is the center for art, education, and food and drink. Southampton's location on the south coast of England means just a short distance away lie some interesting spots. Pre-historic enigma Stonehenge is less than an hour away while the quintessentially English market town Salisbury is perfect for a bit of shopping. Both are well worth a visit. For those who prefer their entertainment crafted by Mother Nature, a short ride to the New Forest will give you peace; think idyllic glades, ancient woodland, open moors, heathland and clifftop walks.

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Day 2 -  Saint Malo (Brittany), France

Oh la la! Prepare yourself for a taste of living life a la Francaise in Rouen. Gothic architecture and history at every turn? Wide, leafy squares and timbered Norman houses? Enough French food that will keep your stomach full and tastebuds happy for hours? Yes, Rouen is all that and more. Set on the banks of the Seine and less than two hours from Paris, Rouen is about as French as you can get. The city's roots go back to the 10th century when Vikings and Romans laid claim to the city. If you think that the cathedral looks familiar that is probably because Rouen's most famous resident Claude Monet painted the city in his many canvases. But well before the impressionist painter immortalized Rouen with his beautiful brushwork, the city was host to many other famous faces. William the Conqueror, Richard the Lionheart, Joan of Arc - take your pick. While the others may have left their hearts metaphorically, Joan actually did leave hers on a funeral pyre in 1431. A museum of the Roman Catholic Saint opened in 2015. Touring the city by foot is by far the best way to discover the riches of Rouen. The emblematic Gros Horlage (Big Clock) is by far the city's number one must-see but with gothic churches and streets at every turn, every sight is a marvel. If you get bored of strolling the cobbled streets, head for the ceramic museum, in the Hôtel d'Hocqueville, for a wonderful collection of Sèvres porcelain. The elegant seaside resort of Deauville, as well as the D-Day beaches, are just a short drive away.

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Day 3 -  Rouen, France

Oh la la! Prepare yourself for a taste of living life a la Francaise in Rouen. Gothic architecture and history at every turn? Wide, leafy squares and timbered Norman houses? Enough French food that will keep your stomach full and tastebuds happy for hours? Yes, Rouen is all that and more. Set on the banks of the Seine and less than two hours from Paris, Rouen is about as French as you can get. The city's roots go back to the 10th century when Vikings and Romans laid claim to the city. If you think that the cathedral looks familiar that is probably because Rouen's most famous resident Claude Monet painted the city in his many canvases. But well before the impressionist painter immortalized Rouen with his beautiful brushwork, the city was host to many other famous faces. William the Conqueror, Richard the Lionheart, Joan of Arc - take your pick. While the others may have left their hearts metaphorically, Joan actually did leave hers on a funeral pyre in 1431. A museum of the Roman Catholic Saint opened in 2015. Touring the city by foot is by far the best way to discover the riches of Rouen. The emblematic Gros Horlage (Big Clock) is by far the city's number one must-see but with gothic churches and streets at every turn, every sight is a marvel. If you get bored of strolling the cobbled streets, head for the ceramic museum, in the Hôtel d'Hocqueville, for a wonderful collection of Sèvres porcelain. The elegant seaside resort of Deauville, as well as the D-Day beaches, are just a short drive away.

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Day 4 -  Honfleur, France

The crammed-together, timber-framed houses of Honfleur's delightful waterfront simply beg to be painted, and the waterfront beauty has been immortalized on the canvases of artists like Monet, and Honfleur's celebrated son, Boudin. Located in scenic Normandy, where the Seine opens out into the Channel, this is one of France's - and the world's - most spectacular, historic harbors. Impossibly picturesque, the Vieux Bassin's Norman harbor townhouses are an artist’s dream, reflecting out onto the still water, between bright wooden fishing boats. It may be gorgeous, but it’s also a historically important port, and Samuel de Champlain's epic voyage - which resulted in the founding of Quebec - launched from these waters. Take a stroll back in time, as you wander cobbled streets where flowers spill down walls or sit to indulge in Calvados – brandy made from Normandy's famous apples. A museum dedicated to Eugene Boudin, the town's influential impressionist artist, displays visions of the harbor and region, as well as paintings of the town's stunning wooden church. Wander to Eglise St Catherine itself, to see the twisting structure, which is France's largest wooden chapel. Constructed from trees taken from nearby Touques Forest, it replaced the stone church that stood here previously, which was destroyed during the Hundred Years War. Out of Honfleur, The spectacular Pont de Normandie cable-stayed bridge loops up over the Seine's estuary, bringing excursions to Le Havre even closer. The pensive, somber beaches of the D-Day landings stretch out across Normandy's coastline, while the Bayeux Tapestry unfurls within reach of Honfleur's picturesque scenery.

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Day 5 -  St Peter Port, Guernsey

The picturesque capital of Guernsey proves that you don't have to go to the Caribbean for white sand and crystal-clear water. St. Peter Port is both wonderfully pretty and atmospheric, full of blooming floral displays, tiny stone churches and brightly painted boats. What's more, summers are mostly sunny and comfortable, making the weather something you don't have to worry about. As the capital of Guernsey, St. Peter Port is where the 'action' is found. This mainly takes the form of strolling the cobbled streets, stopping every now and then to admire, and perhaps photograph, the stunning views. Once French (original name: St. Pierre Port), the town is at least 800 years old, with the stone castle and maze-like streets to prove it. Once you have made your way up to the ancient castle, make like a local and find refreshment with a cream tea, washed down perhaps with a glass of cider! If the weather is on your side, then surely there is no more invigorating pastime than hiking up to the spectacular Guernsey cliffs, taking in stunning views of wildflowers, sandy beaches, and English Channel views. For those who want to spread their wings a little further, the tiny island of Herm is just a 20-minute boat ride away, and homes no cars, one pub, a few cows, some puffins, and about 50 people. Don't be fooled by St. Peter Port's nostalgic exterior. The seaside town has made a name for itself as a foodie heaven, with everything from beach huts to Michelin-starred restaurants offering sumptuous, locally sourced fare.

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Day 6 -  Day at sea

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind, and catch up with what you've been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale-watching, catching up on your reading, or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shoreside.

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Day 7 -  Zeebrugge, Belgium

The ultimate fairytale city, Bruges is a snowglobe medieval town brought to life and lovingly preserved. The medieval majesty rises just inland from Zeebruge's busy port and sandy beaches, and the two are linked by the short stretch of the Baudouin Canal. Arrive in Bruges to discover a dreamlike place where time has stood still. Explore the Unesco World Heritage Site centre to wander at leisure among some of the world's most atmospheric streets. Laced with pretty canals, winding paths of cobbled stones, and glorious squares surrounded by soaring church spires, Bruges is an irresistible journey back through time. A city for the seasons, see the towering cups of tulips glowing, or snowy layers adding a cosy blanket during winter. The climb is not to be underestimated, but there are few better places to start a visit to Bruges than the ascent up to the 83-metre lookout of the Belfry of Bruges, which rockets up from the city's primary market square. Discover the city's pretty canals, and admire the colour-splashed facades - tangled with ivy - that line up appealingly on their banks. With plenty of museums and galleries among the incredible architecture, Bruges is a city that effortlessly lives up to its heavy hyping, and there are countless cultural attractions to immerse yourself in. Indulge a sweet tooth at the chocolate museum - or sample the wares of countless artisan chocolate shops - to leave this Zeebrugge's port with the most satisfying of tastes lingering.

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Day 8 -  Antwerp, Belgium

If there is one thing that Belgium does well it is cobbled lanes, quaint architecture, and yes, waffles. And Antwerp has all of them in spades. As Belgium’s second city, it has a small-town charm that attracts everyone from diamond dealers to independent fashion designers. But be wary of thinking of Antwerp as sitting in the shadow of Brussels; au contraire, think of it as Belgium’s younger, cooler, little sister. Antwerp was originally put on the map by both diamond merchants and the Flemish painter Ruebens in the 16th century. Fast forward 400 years and the city is still making waves – this time in the edgy fashion scene – with the Antwerp Six. This collective of six fashion designers hailing from the city changed the face of fashion forever with their minimalist, structured clothes, and opened industry thinking to independent design. Thus Antwerp is a powerful magnet for anyone who has a love affair with arts of any kind. Street markets are filled with original, quirky souvenirs to take home, while the centuries-old history in the old city center offers much for those who don’t like shopping. Head straight to Grote Markt, found right in the center of the old town. Lovely, historic guildhalls line the edges of the square, with the impressive Antwerp city hall taking pride of place. The Cathedral of Our Lady, in Handschoenmarkt is a treasure trove of art and gothic architecture, and simply a must-see. If you’re lucky you can attend a service. And if you’re not, well, there are still those waffles.

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Day 9 -  Dover (London), England, United Kingdom

The famous white chalk cliffs cradle England's southeast's principal cross-Channel port of Dover. It lies only twenty-one miles from the continent, and on a clear day, the low cliffs of Calais are visible. The Romans put Dover on the map when - having conquered Europe - they decided to move on toward Britannia, using the natural harbor of Dover as the base for their northern fleet. They erected a lighthouse to guide their ships into port. Following their withdrawal from Britain in the early 5th century, the Normans, after their conquest in 1066, constructed fortifications at Dover. The great stone castle that dominates Dover today was built in the 1180s under King Henry II. This superbly positioned fortress had been in continuous use as some sort of military installation until 1958. A network of tunnels constructed beneath the castle during the Napoleonic wars was extended during World War II for use as headquarters for the Dunkirk evacuation. More recently, sections of the 3.5 miles of tunnels were provisioned as a refuge for Kent's elite in the event of nuclear war. Now that there seems no longer a need for such facilities, the tunnels have been restored and opened to the public. 

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Day 10-  Ijmuiden (Amsterdam), Netherlands

For many, Denmark's charm might begin and end with Copenhagen. Certainly, the country's capital is a smorgasbord of culture, canals, gastronomy, and design, but you would be foolish to end your Danish discovery there. The country is widely reputed to be the happiest place on earth and Skagen (pronounced skane) is a testament to that. Located on the very tip of the Jutland peninsula, where the North Sea meets the Baltic Sea, Skagen is a happy jumble of Scandinavian charm, a fabulous arts scene, and breathtaking nature, and has the Danish royal seal of approval to prove it! A long-time favorite of fashionable Danish holidaymakers, Skagen boats one of the most beautiful coastlines in Europe. White sand beaches espouse vast forests and the whole is something really rather lovely. The sunsets are so spectacular it is not uncommon for whole families to make the trip to the beach and actually applaud as the sun finally dips below the horizon. The town is also home to the Rabjerg Mile, the largest migrating dune in Denmark, which covers 2 km2 and stretches up to 35 meters in height. Unsurprisingly for a place that is on the meeting point of two seas, fishing plays an important part in the local economy. Marinated herring is of course a specialty but the nutrient-rich surroundings mean that fish of all kinds is flavorsome and plentiful. This is usually washed down with a craft beer, so why not make like a local and head for the port, stake a claim at a table, and enjoy the very best little Skagen has to offer.