North Sea Voyage: Northern Europe and the Normandy Beaches

Description

Voyage from Copenhagen to London along the canals and coastline of the North Sea, exploring beautiful coastal cities as well as the crucial and storied role the region has played in history. Stroll through charming, canal-side towns that sprang up along Old World trade routes. Marvel at the elaborate architecture of medieval ruling capitals and reflect at the sites of battles that helped determine the outcome of World War II. There will be time to indulge your personal interests, and you may choose to explore each site with the naturalist or historian whose background and personality matches your own. Meet the lively characters who make up the contemporary scene in towns along the way with National Geographic Explorer as your home base as you experience Europe from a unique vantage point—the sea.

Trip Name

North Sea Voyage: Northern Europe and the Normandy Beaches

Days

Overview

Vessel Type: Luxury Expedition Length: 108 meters Passenger Capacity: 148 (single & twin cabins) Built / Refurbished: 1982 / 2008 National Geographic Explorer is a state-of-the-art expedition ship. It is a fully stabilized, ice-class vessel, enabling it to navigate polar passages while providing exceptional comfort. It carries kayaks and a fleet of Zodiac landing craft. An Undersea Specialist operates a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) and sophisticated video equipment, extending access to the underwater world. Public areas: Bistro Bar; Chart Room; Restaurant; Global Gallery; Library, Lounge with full service bar and state-of-the-art facilities for films, slideshows and presentations; Mud Room with lockers for expedition gear, and Observation Lounge. Our “Open Bridge” provides guests an opportunity to meet our Officers and Captain and learn about navigation. Meals: Served in single seatings with unassigned tables for an informal atmosphere and easy mingling. Menu is international with local flair. Cabins: All cabins face outside with windows or portholes, private facilities and climate controls. Expedition Equipment: Zodiac landing craft, kayaks, Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV), hydrophone, SplashCam, underwater video camera, Crow’s Nest remote controlled camera, video microscope, snorkeling gear. Special Features: A full-time doctor, Undersea Specialist, LEX Photo Specialist and Video Chronicler, Internet Cafe and laundry. Wellness: The vessel is staffed by two Wellness Specialists and features a glass enclosed Fitness Center, outdoor stretching area, two LEXspa treatment rooms and Sauna.

Itinerary

Day 1 - DAY 1: Copenhagen, Denmark / Embark

Arrive in Copenhagen, where you’ll exploreNyhavn, the city’s 17th-century waterfrontneighborhood, on a private canal boat tour beforeembarking National Geographic Explorer. (L,D)

Day 2 - DAY 2: Lübeck

Cruise up the river Trave to the beautiful medievalcity of Lübeck. Once the Queen City of theHanseatic League, Lübeck boasts beautiful brickarchitecture, much of which was rebuilt afterWWII. Taste locally produced marzipan, and visitthe incredible Holsten Gate and Hospital of theHoly Spirit—two of the many fascinating buildingsto grace this lovely, picturesque town. (B,L,D)

Day 3 - DAY 3: At Sea

Overnight and into the morning, transit the KielCanal, a 61-mile waterway connecting the NorthSea with the Baltic. During and after breakfast,take in the beautiful views of the Schleswig-Holstein region from the ship until we reach theBrunsbüttel Lock and exit out into the North Sea tosail along the coast of mainland Europe. Unwind,head to the spa, browse the library, and hear talksfrom our staff. (B,L,D)

Day 4 - DAY 4: Amsterdam, Netherlands

Cluttered with bicycles, bursting with flowers, andcarved by canals, Amsterdam is a vibrant city withan arts scene that has flourished since the MiddleAges. Take in the unique character of the canal-lined streets by boat or on foot, and experiencethe spectacular Rijksmuseum. On a guided tour,get an insider’s view of the world’s largestcollection of Dutch masters with works byVermeer, Rembrandt, and more. (B,L,D)

Day 5 - DAY 5-6: Antwerp and Bruges

Bruges is a UNESCO World Heritage site filledwith Gothic architecture and serene waterways.Walk through the bustling and colorful MarktSquare, and listen as the bells of the medieval belltower toll the hour. After a walking excursion,board small boats and glide down swan-dottedcanals to experience the gemlike old town fromanother perspective. The port city of Antwerpdates from the Middle Ages. Stroll the centuries-old diamond district; visit the Rubens House toview works by Baroque master Peter PaulRubens; and admire the Renaissance architecturein Grote Markt. (B,L,D)

Day 6 - DAY 7-8: Beaches and Historical Battlefields of Operation Overlord

Turn your focus toward one of the most importanthistorical events of the 20th century as you retracethe events of D-Day with a historian. Walk in thefootsteps of the Allied troops at Omaha Beach,and pay your respects at the American Cemetery.Visit the famous Pegasus Bridge across the CaenCanal, where the British 6th Airborne Divisionglided in to land at the very start of the Alliedinvasion. See the remains of Mulberry Harbor,created from partially sunken blockships to providea safe point of entry for supplies and equipmentafter the initial invasion began. (B,L,D)

Day 7 - DAY 9: Dover, England

Sail past the Cliffs of Dover, a beacon to manyWWII pilots returning home from battle on thecontinent. Walk the wartime tunnels deep beneathDover Castle and immerse yourself in the dramaof the Dunkirk evacuation—“Operation Dynamo.”Visit Ramsgate, once the embarkation point for the1940 evacuation, where 4,200 ships left the harborto rescue men stranded on Dunkirk’s beaches.Overnight, navigate up the River Thames towardLondon. (B,L,D)

Day 8 - DAY 10: London, U.K. / Disembark / Home

Disembark in London and transfer to HeathrowAirport for flights home. (B)

Day 9 - Please Note:

Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

Start	End	Price From	Room Type

Inclusions

Take in the stunning architecture in Lübeck, a medieval German city founded in 1143
Cruise the storybook canals of Bruges on a private boat tour
Explore Amsterdam’s Rijksmuseum to see The Night Watch, perhaps the most famous of Rembrandt’s paintings
Walk in the footsteps of Allied soldiers along Omaha Beach, a WWII site that was part of the largest amphibious invasion in history
Sail past England’s otherworldly Cliffs of Dover, rising 350 feet from the sea, and navigate up the River Thames toward London