A Voyage to France, England and the Low Countries

Itinerary

June 13-14 - New York, Paris, Deauville, France
Depart New York on an overnight flight to Paris. Upon arrival, travel by private motorcoach to Deauville for a night at the deluxe Normandy Barrière Hotel, overlooking the sea. Following an afternoon at leisure, gather for introductory remarks by Patrick Bowe and a welcome dinner at our hotel.

June 15 - Deauville, Honfleur
Depart late this morning for Honfleur, where the narrow half-timbered houses of this charming fishing town have long inspired artists, writers, and musicians. After lunch on your own, visit the museum dedicated to the painter Eugène Boudin, a Honfleur native. Stroll through the Old Town and see St. Catherine’s Church, constructed entirely of wood by shipbuilders at the end of the Hundred Years’ War. In the late afternoon, embark Sea Cloud II and toast our departure with a glass of champagne as we sail into the English Channel.

June 16 - Portland, England
Enjoy a morning at sea, with a talk by one of our lecturers. After lunch, dock in Portland, site of the 2012 Olympic sailing events and former base for the Royal Navy. A drive inland through Dorset—with a stop in picturesque Weymouth—brings us to Athelhampton House. Dating to 1485, this manor house has 20 acres of formal Renaissance-inspired gardens, highlighted by a circle of pyramid-shaped yew trees in the Great Court. Return to Sea Cloud II in the early evening and join the captain for our welcome dinner.

June 17 - Newhaven
Step ashore in Newhaven in Sussex, where we are invited by Viscount Gage for a private visit to Firle Place, home to the Gage family since the late 15th century. Although 18th-century in appearance, much of the Tudor building remains behind the masonry and plasterwork of a transformation three centuries later. On display is the noted Cowper painting collection, which includes works by Raphael, Van Dyck, and Gainsborough. Return to Sea Cloud II and attend an afternoon lecture as we cross the sea to Belgium.

June 18 - Ostend, Bruges, Belgium
Following a relaxed morning at sea, explore Bruges, a medieval gem laced with canals and gardens. Admire the celebrated Madonna by Michelangelo in the Cathedral of Our Lady and view the collections at the Hans Memling Museum, housed in the 12th-century Hospice of St. John. The pocket-sized Groeninge Museum displays Flemish masterpieces by Bosch, Van Eyck, and both Bruegel the Elder and Younger.

June 19 - Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Arrive in colorful Amsterdam to experience its art and culture. See the famed botanic garden and continue to the impressive Rijksmuseum, the State Treasury of Dutch paintings. Following lunch aboard our ship, take an architectural tour of the city by canal boat, or visit the Van Gogh Museum, with the largest collection of the artist’s paintings in the world. Sea Cloud II remains in port overnight.

June 20 - Amsterdam or Haarlem
Drive to nearby Haarlem for a specially arranged organ recital at the massive St. Bavo’s Church and a tour of the Frans Hals Museum. Or remain in Amsterdam for an unscheduled morning to shop and sightsee on your own. This afternoon, attend a lecture as Sea Cloud II continues her course along the coast of The Netherlands.

June 21 - At Sea
During a full day at sea, enjoy the amenities of our fine ship as we sail to Germany. Make a toast to a wonderful cruise at the captain’s farewell reception and dinner this evening.

June 22 - Hamburg, Germany
Disembark Sea Cloud II and transfer to the airport for the flights home, or continue on the optional postlude in Hamburg.