Itinerary: Cruise from Newcastle – Rouen – Honfleur – Cherbourg – St. Malo – Brest – Plymouth – Bruges (Zeebrugge) – Amsterdam (Ijmuiden) – Return to Newcastle.
Ports of Call
Cruise from Newcastle
- Rouen: A historic city on the River Seine, known for its medieval architecture. Landmarks include the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen and the Gros Horloge astronomical clock. It is where Joan of Arc was tried and executed.
- Honfleur: A well-preserved Normandy harbour with tall, slate-fronted houses. The town is noted for its picturesque Vieux Bassin (Old Dock) and the wooden Sainte-Catherine Church. It maintains the character that attracted many impressionist painters.
- Cherbourg: A major port on the Cotentin Peninsula in Normandy. The Cité de la Mer museum, housed in a former transatlantic liner terminal, explores maritime history. It is a working port with a strong connection to naval and passenger shipping.
- St. Malo: A walled port city in Brittany with a history of privateering. Visitors can walk the ramparts for views of the English Channel and explore the narrow, cobbled streets. The city was largely rebuilt after being heavily damaged during World War II.
- Brest: A port city in Brittany, with a significant naval base. Much of the town was rebuilt after World War II, and it is home to the Océanopolis sea life centre. It provides access to the rugged coastline of western Brittany.
- Plymouth: A historic port city in Devon, known for its maritime heritage. Key sites include the Barbican district, with its cobbled streets, and the Mayflower Steps. It has played a central role in English maritime exploration.
- Bruges (Zeebrugge): A medieval city accessed via the port of Zeebrugge. It is known for its canals, cobbled streets, and market squares. The historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage site, offering a well-preserved view of medieval architecture.
- Amsterdam (Ijmuiden): The capital of the Netherlands, reached via the port of Ijmuiden. It is famous for its canal system, narrow houses with gabled facades, and artistic heritage. Major attractions include the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and Anne Frank House.
Return to Newcastle