Bucket List Cruises in Europe
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As a cruise destination, Europe is hard to beat. A repository of riches, it has stylish cities, fabulous food and fashions, glittering palaces, cultural events and stunning scenery. Also, because of close proximity, you can visit several countries in a day, chalking up bucket-list cities with ease. And if your partner doesn’t want to leave the view from the balcony, head off on your own excursion with like-minded fellow travellers.
NICE – SOUTHAMPTON
30 May-June 11, 2016
Azamara Club Cruises, newcomers to our waters, already have committed Australian followers who will love this itinerary – a near-circumnavigation of the Iberian Peninsula with a marvellous mix of ports. After Barcelona, Andalucian Seville follows, then Lisbon before arrival in northern France’s Honfleur – which was favoured by French Impressionist painters. Choose to visit Monet’s Garden at Giverny, seaside resort Deauville or Paris. Each sailing features an AzAmazing Evening. These complimentary night tours are created exclusively for Azamara’s guests to experience a destination’s authentic culture and character. On this sailing, it is a concert at Alcázares de Sevilla during the ship’s overnight stay. It features a dramatic Zarzuela performance of operatic and orchestral music on the patio of the Reales Alcázares, a magnificent Mudéjar palace.
COPENHAGEN – STOCKHOLM
June 12- 22, 2016
Copenhagen always enchants, but the star turn on this cruise is St Petersburg, where three days in port allows time to tackle some of the city’s astonishing treasures: an evening at the Marinsky Theatre, the Gold Room at the Hermitage, an afternoon at the blue-and-gold Catherine Palace, the gorgeous gardens and fountains of Peterhof and more. Nordic beauties also delight – Helsinki proudly showcases the Finnish flair for fashion design and architecture, while sophisticated Stockholm impresses with its visual splendour.
JERUSALEM – ROME
November 1-16, 2016
This itinerary ticks all the boxes – brand-new ship, free unlimited shore excursions and all-inclusive enrichment programs by Smithsonian Journeys. Jerusalem resonates with all visitors as do the Greek, Turkish and Italian ports that follow. Explore medieval Rhodes then go up to Lindos. Patmos intrigues for its links to St John, while in Heraklion, ancient Knossos brings Minoan culture to life. Valletta surprises with its ornate palaces and churches, as does Palermo with its heady collision of cultures reflected in its architecture, market produce, food and wines. From Naples, choices are ruined cities Pompeii and Herculaneum or Capri for serious retail therapy and a visit to the picturesque Villa San Michele.
LONDON – COPENHAGEN
August 15-25, 2016
When this Oceania Cruises sailing pauses in Havre, options are a full day in Paris, historic Rouen or the beaches of Normandy. Fairytale Bruges captivates with flower-filled window boxes, picturesque canals and the paintings of Flemish masters. Or visit Brussels’ Grand Place. An 11pm departure from Amsterdam allows time to dine ashore, view the city’s charms, visit Anne Frank’s house or see Rembrandt’s The Night Watch. Then it’s onwards to Hamburg, Scandinavian ports and wonderful Copenhagen.
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