Delve into Europe’s best coastal cuisine and seaside vistas throughout this Atlantic exploration of Western France and Northern Europe’s picturesque lowlands. Pedal past oyster huts, salt farms, and ocean beaches outside La Rochelle, then sample warm crepes covered in fresh fruit, melted cheese, or rich chocolate at a local crêperie. Sip tea with the Duchess of Rohan within the stately halls of Josselin’s Castle near Lorient. Venture across tidal flats to the iconic granite Mont St. Michel abbey, then lose yourself in a maze of Medieval narrow stairs and cobbled streets prior to a traditional Norman seafood lunch paired with local ciders. Take in romantic views of the Eiffel Tower and admire captivating Louvre masterpieces during an overnight stay near Paris. Soar above Amsterdam’s narrow lanes and canals during a breathtaking helicopter tour. Journey inland from Wismar to Berlin for a day of modern art and Cold War landmarks. Overnight in Copenhagen to take in all the iconic sights before the journey ends.

Bordeaux has long been known as La Belle au Bois Dormant, Sleeping Beauty.  And while the beauty part is undeniable, the sleeping part could be argued. Sure, the region is filled with treasures from long ago, including more than 350 historic monuments and buildings in the city alone. But the capital of Aquitaine is also home to a vibrant culture and, as oenophiles well know, is the gateway to some of France’s most famous vineyards. In this UNESCO World Heritage city, 13th century cathedrals and 18th century palaces are commonplace. Venture beyond the city’s borders to the chateaux of the Médoc region or to Saint-Émilion, a breathtaking medieval village set among the vineyards that is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Bordeaux has long been known as La Belle au Bois Dormant, Sleeping Beauty.  And while the beauty part is undeniable, the sleeping part could be argued. Sure, the region is filled with treasures from long ago, including more than 350 historic monuments and buildings in the city alone. But the capital of Aquitaine is also home to a vibrant culture and, as oenophiles well know, is the gateway to some of France’s most famous vineyards. In this UNESCO World Heritage city, 13th century cathedrals and 18th century palaces are commonplace. Venture beyond the city’s borders to the chateaux of the Médoc region or to Saint-Émilion, a breathtaking medieval village set among the vineyards that is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

La Rochelle is said to be the most lovely and unspoiled port city in France, and who are we to argue?  Two 14th century stone towers guard the gateway to the medieval core of the city, the Vieux Port. And this is a city that is focused on ships. You’ll find yachts floating in the Port des Minimes, ships in the stained glass of church windows, maybe even decorating the arcaded walkways that line the streets. Learn the art of brandy making with a visit to the Cognac region and the Hennessy maisson, dating back to 1765. While walking past the aging barrels, inhale the heady aroma—the escaping vapors known as “the angels’ share.”

A unique feature in this seaport steeped in maritime history is that only one cruise ship a day can come here so a visit to this town is exclusive. Visit the Church of Our Lady of Victory, a UNESCO site with a bell tower made of concrete. Also find the Tour de la Decouverte and climb the 216 steps to a panoramic view of the port and sea.

Once notorious as the home of pirates, St.-Malo today is better known for the UNESCO site monastery and town of Mont St. Michel and the famous oysters of nearby Cancale. Walk the city’s ramparts, or pass the time at a seaside boulangerie sampling a fresh and buttery croissant. 

Once notorious as the home of pirates, St.-Malo today is better known for the UNESCO site monastery and town of Mont St. Michel and the famous oysters of nearby Cancale. Walk the city’s ramparts, or pass the time at a seaside boulangerie sampling a fresh and buttery croissant. 

This third largest port of Normandy is a small ship only port full of historical significance and is the gateway to the Normandy beaches of WWII. View the stunning former Benedictine monastery, the imposing Chateau de Caen built by William the Conqueror in 1060 and the Pegasus Bridge. Then take a walk in the Vaugueux District with its pedestrian-only street lined with shops and eateries.

Cruise this 483-mile (777 km)-long important commercial waterway within the Paris Basin. The River Seine flows right through the heart of Paris. There are 32 bridges spanning the river, with the oldest being Pont Neuf, completed in 1606.  The riverbanks are full of interesting places, including floating restaurants and houseboats.

This port city on the Seine River and gateway to Paris is full of beautiful architecture and is an art-lover’s delight. Museums are plentiful here including the Historial Jeanne d’Arc and the Musee des Beaux-Arts with the second-largest collection of Impressionist works in France. Stroll the many local markets full of fresh produce and flowers and dine at one of the incredible restaurants featuring fresh ingredients from this region.

This port city on the Seine River and gateway to Paris is full of beautiful architecture and is an art-lover’s delight. Museums are plentiful here including the Historial Jeanne d’Arc and the Musee des Beaux-Arts with the second-largest collection of Impressionist works in France. Stroll the many local markets full of fresh produce and flowers and dine at one of the incredible restaurants featuring fresh ingredients from this region.

Sitting on the estuary where the Seine River meets the English Channel, the charming character of this harbor town has been the subject of artists like Claude Monet and Eugene Boudin. The 15^th century St. Catherine’s church is an interesting vaulted timber structure built by shipbuilders. And a walk along the edge of the Honfleur Estuary will pass town gardens, beaches, and a view of the Normandy Bridge. You can also find the intriguing local cider along the Route du Cidre.

The entire city center of Bruges has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, filled with Flemish and Renaissance architecture made all the more beautiful when reflected in the city’s many canals. Shop for legendary lace, or a pint of Belgian beer.

Amsterdam, the Venice of the North, where more than 1,500 bridges arch gracefully over scenic canals. The stately 17^th century homes of Dutch merchants line the canals and museums are everywhere, filled with masterpieces from the Dutch Golden Age. Most of the sightseeing essentials are conveniently collected in the Canal Ring, the central area of the city which is designated as a UNESCO site. Here you’ll find the Anne Frank House, the Royal Palace, the Red Light District, and most of the museums. Mind all the bicycles!

Amsterdam, the Venice of the North, where more than 1,500 bridges arch gracefully over scenic canals. The stately 17^th century homes of Dutch merchants line the canals and museums are everywhere, filled with masterpieces from the Dutch Golden Age. Most of the sightseeing essentials are conveniently collected in the Canal Ring, the central area of the city which is designated as a UNESCO site. Here you’ll find the Anne Frank House, the Royal Palace, the Red Light District, and most of the museums. Mind all the bicycles!

This historic harbor town has a long history of fishing and shipping, and is filled with old canals, well-preserved merchants’ houses, and 17^th century warehouses. Wander through town to the 18^th century City Hall and wait for the next hour or half hour when the carillon will chime its pretty melody, or enjoy a pleasurable scavenger hunt as you search for gable stones. These carved and often painted stone tablets were set into the walls of buildings in olden times to help people navigate the streets before the advent of house numbers. Many give you clues to the building’s former purpose.

Bridges arch over tranquil canals – more than you’ll find in Venice. The spires of historic churches and the lovely Rathaus pierce the sky. It’s hard to know where to begin your day. Stroll the Museum Mile for a lesson in history. Venture to Reeperbahn (the Red Light District) to see where the Beatles got their start. Or just shop along the “Mo” (Monckebergstrasse), Hamburg’s version of Fifth Avenue.

Bridges arch over tranquil canals – more than you’ll find in Venice. The spires of historic churches and the lovely Rathaus pierce the sky. It’s hard to know where to begin your day. Stroll the Museum Mile for a lesson in history. Venture to Reeperbahn (the Red Light District) to see where the Beatles got their start. Or just shop along the “Mo” (Monckebergstrasse), Hamburg’s version of Fifth Avenue.

The busiest artificial waterway in the world, busier than the Panama Canal and the Suez Canal combined, this 61-mile-long canal saves a 250-mile detour.

This seaside resort has been called the German St. Tropez, and was where the beautiful people of the Belle Epoque retreated to restore their creative juices. You’ll find it restorative too, whether you choose to wander the medieval streets of Lubeck, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or try your hand at making marzipan.

Walking into the heart of Old Wismar feels like stepping into Germany’s past. The medieval town was a major trading center of the Hanseatic League, an association that blessed it with endless gabled red brick buildings, Gothic churches, and a UNESCO designation. The buildings lining the Marktplatz give you a generous helping of this eye candy. Or spend the day in Berlin, where landmarks like the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag, and Checkpoint Charlie lead you through Germany’s past.

Few people outside of Germany know about this Baltic jewel with its sandy beaches dotted with Stranskorbs (beach baskets) and elegant seaside walkway. The island was the preferred playground of the German elite during the late 1800s and its iconic Belle époch architecture will charm you, but there’s lots more to recommend this secretive seaside resort. Binz is conveniently close to Jasmund National Park with its dramatic white chalk cliffs, as well as a U-boat museum. Climb the spiraling walkway at the Rügen Natural Heritage Center, circling around a soaring birch tree until you reach the viewing tower at the top. Or take the narrow gauge steam train to Jagdschloss Granitz, a dusty pink neo-Gothic hunting lodge/castle built in the 1830s.

This historic city of palaces, canals, and copper spires casts a sense of enchantment upon all who walk its cobbled streets. Little wonder that Copenhagen’s favorite son, Hans Christian Andersen, was inspired to write some of the world’s most beloved fairy tales here. Stroll the 17^th century Nyhavn waterfront where Andersen once lived, complete with colorful row houses and historic tall ships. Enjoy world-class shopping on Strøget, the world's longest pedestrian street. Or find your amusement at world-famous Tivoli Gardens where tree-lined pathways lead to theaters, open air stages, restaurants, cafes, and over 80 attractions.

This historic city of palaces, canals, and copper spires casts a sense of enchantment upon all who walk its cobbled streets. Little wonder that Copenhagen’s favorite son, Hans Christian Andersen, was inspired to write some of the world’s most beloved fairy tales here. Stroll the 17^th century Nyhavn waterfront where Andersen once lived, complete with colorful row houses and historic tall ships. Enjoy world-class shopping on Strøget, the world's longest pedestrian street. Or find your amusement at world-famous Tivoli Gardens where tree-lined pathways lead to theaters, open air stages, restaurants, cafes, and over 80 attractions.