RESERVE ONLINE AT NATIONALGEOGRAPHICEXPEDITIONS.COM 27
ITINERARY: 9 DAYS
MAY 4 AND 5: U.S./HAMBURG, GERMANY/
BREMERHAVEN
Depart on an overnight fl ight to Hamburg
and transfer to the port city Bremerhaven
on arrival. Embark the National Geographic
Explorer and cast off into the North Sea. (L, D)MAY 6: HARLINGEN, THE NETHERLANDS
This morning, we enter the scenic Waddenzee,
or Wadden Sea, a UNESCO World Heritage
landscape recognized for its wildlife-rich wet-
lands and tidal habitats. Dock in Harlingen, a
lovely seaside town where we’ll be welcomed
as the fi rst cruise ship to call at the harbor. By
special permission, explore the canals in the
heart of town in Zodiacs, and later stroll past
the lively shops and restaurants that line the
waterways—remaining on shore for dinner if
you wish. (B, L, D)MAY 7: WEST FRISIAN ISLANDS
The West Frisian Islands stretch out along
the edge of the Waddenzee off the Dutch
coast; our destination, Texel, is the largest
island. Lined with long, dune-capped beaches
and marshes, Texel is a stopping point for
thousands of migrating birds. Discover the
island on cycling or walking excursions, and
learn about its maritime history. Then continue
to Den Helder for a visit to the vast tulip fi elds
nearby. (B,L,D)MAY 8: AMSTERDAM
Decorated with bicycles, bursting with fl owers,
and carved by canals, Amsterdam is a vibrant
city with an arts scene that has fl ourished
since the Middle Ages. Experience the
spectacular Rijksmuseum, recently reopened
to much acclaim after a mammoth, nine-yearrenovation. On a docent-led tour, examine
the works of Vermeer, Rembrandt, and other
Dutch masters. You may also trace the life and
work of one of the most legendary painters
of all time at the newly reopened Van Gogh
Museum. (B, L, D)MAY 9: ANTWERP, BELGIUM
A prosperous trading center for centuries and
hub of the global diamond trade, Antwerp
brims with impressive architecture. A walking
tour with our art historians brings us to some
of the best of it. Stroll the 16th-century Grote
Markt; the main square, lined with elegant
guild houses; and the Renaissance city
hall. See the railway station and the Gothic
Cathedral of Our Lady, and admire works
by Flemish masters Peter Paul Rubens and
Anthony van Dyck. (B, L, D)MAY 10: GENT
As the former seat of the counts of Flanders,
Gent was a manufacturing center and one of
Europe’s wealthiest cities during the medieval
era. Today, the city remains a showcase of
medieval Flemish architecture. Historic
belfries pierce the sky, fi lling the air with their
chimes, and ornate guild houses line the
ancient harbor. Spend the day getting to know
Gent, strolling through its squares, and explor-
ing its historic sites with our guides. (B, L, D)MAY 11: OOSTENDE/BRUGGE
Dock in Oostende and drive to the medieval
town of Brugge, a UNESCO World Heritage
site known for its brick Gothic architecture
and serene waterways. Brugge was also the
birthplace of the school of medieval painters
known as the Flemish Primitives, which
included Jan van Eyck and Hans Memling.
After a walking excursion, board small boats
and glide down swan-dotted canals to
experience the gemlike old town from another
perspective. (B, L, D)MAY 12: LONDON, ENGLAND/U.S
Sail up the Thames River and into London at
midnight where we pass by London's Tower
Bridge brilliantly lit up against the dark sky.
After breakfast, disembark in London and
transfer to Heathrow Airport for fl ights home.
(B)Tulip fi elds, NetherlandsTRIP DETAILS
DATES: 2014: May 4–12
EXPEDITION COST:
Category 1 $7,320
Located on Main Deck with porthole
Category 2 $7,760
Located on Main Deck with window
Category 3 $8,050
Located on Main Deck with window
Category 4 $8,540
Located on Upper and Veranda Decks with
window
Category 5 $9,990
Located on Upper Deck with balcony
Category 6 $11,750
Located on Upper and Veranda Decks—suite
Category 7 $13,450
Located on Upper Deck—suite with balcony
See National Geographic Explorer photos
and deck plan on page 61. Prices are per
person, double occupancy. For a single
cabin, add $1,930 in Category 2 and $2,020
in Category 3. Airfare is not included in the
expedition cost. Economy airfare from New
York to Hamburg and returning from London
is $1,180 (subject to change).
BACK-TO-BACK SAVINGS
Save 10% on this voyage when you combine
Exploring the Low Countries back-to-back
with Exploring the British and Irish Isles (page
32). Visit our website or call for details.Texel, Frisian IslandsEUROPE