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Europe and the Fine Arts - Bilbao to Hamburg
MS Bremen - May 22-31, 2012
Voyage BRE1210
"Gothic highlights, baroque splendour and modern works of art: Embark on a
fascinating journey through Europe's cultural history and discover literature, art and architecture
from an altogether new perspective - in cities full of charm, liveliness and atmosphere.“ -
Dr Ralph Quadflieg, art expert |
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Date
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Destination
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Tue - 22-May
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Embarkation in Bilbao/Spain, departure 17.00
hrs.
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Wed 23-May
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Relaxation at sea and cruising on the Loire
Nantes/France, arrival 20.00 hrs
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Thurs - 24-May
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Nantes, departure 19.00 hrs (subject to the
tides)
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Fri - 25-May
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Relaxation at sea
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Sat - 26-May
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Honfleur/France, from 7.00 to 18.00 hrs
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Sun - 27-May
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Cruising on the Western Scheldt
Antwerp/Belgium, arrival 14.00 hrs
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Mon - 28-May
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Antwerp, departure 3.00 hrs
Ghent/Belgium, from 8.00 to 17.00 hrs
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Tue - 29-May
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Amsterdam/Netherlands, arrival 7.00 hrs
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Wed - 30-May
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Amsterdam, departure 6.00 hrs
Relaxation at sea
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Thurs - 31-May
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Hamburg, arrival 7.00 hrs.
Disembarkation.
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France's Art Treasures
Sailing on the Loire with a genuine expedition ship
- there is hardly a more impressive way of reaching Nantes than with the BREMEN.
The city's Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul with its awe-inspiring main aisle is regarded as one
of the most outstanding architectural achievements of its time - and is only one of the highlights
the dimensions of which our architecture specialist Stephan Börries will be contemplating from new
perspectives on the expert excursion: Nantes, capital of the dukes of Britanny*.
Alternatively, you can enjoy the city, the river and the countryside* on a boat
tour along the Erdre past manors, castles and parks. Those who opt to join the art expert Dr Ralph
Quadflieg on the expert excursion: The Apocalypse of Angers* will examine the
famous tapestries. In this context, remarkable details in the largest woven depiction in the world
will appear in an altogether new light. As will enchanting Honfleur* in the warm
spring sun - a picturesque little town that already inspired the Impressionists. On the
expert excursion: Rouen, Gothic city on the banks of the Seine* with Stephan
Börries, you can explore the very magnificent cathedral which Claude Monet made immortal with one
of his most well-known series of paintings. Or you may wish to join Dr Ralph Quadflieg on the
expert excursion: On the trails of William the Conqueror* to find out more about a
central character of the early Norman empire - marvel at the Bayeux Tapestry, one of the greatest
treasures of the Middle Ages. More than 60 m long, the piece of art depicts the conquest of England
by William in meticulous detail.
Cultural Wealth in Flanders and Amsterdam
Via the Western Scheldt, you will
reach Antwerp, in the 16th century Europe's wealthiest trading town. The stately baroque
guild houses around the market square Grote Markt bear evidence to this wealth. The Cathedral of
Our Lady, the highlight of Brabant's architecture, is an outstanding building in the literal sense
of the word. Together with our architecture expert, you will explore this masterpiece on the
expert excursion: architectural tour of Antwerp*, which also includes a visit to the
"hallowed halls" of the enormous railway station with its gorgeous domes. Alternatively, the focus
could be on the city's most famous son - on the expert excursion: Rubens and Antwerp's Golden
Era*, Dr Ralph Quadflieg will show you why "The Descent from the Cross" and "The Elevation of
the Cross" are two of the principal works of European art history. In the Jewish quarter*,
you will get to know one of the largest Jewish communities in Europe with their traditional customs
and festivals. That evening, you are cordially invited - to an exclusive organ concert for
the guests of the BREMEN in the Cathedral of Our Lady.
While Antwerp is referred to as the city of diamonds, Ghent is known as the city of flowers
which also offers fertile ground for the arts and cultures to thrive. In the company of
knowledgeable Dr Ralph Quadflieg, those who join the expert excursion: Jan van Eyck and
mediaeval Ghent* will be able to admire the "Ghent Altarpiece". One of the most important panel
paintings of the late Gothic era, it will impress you with the smallest and most accurate details,
some of which van Eyck painted using a single-haired brush. You can also opt for Stephan Börries'
expert excursion: Renaissance city Mechelen* taking you to the hometown of Anne Boleyn.
There, you will be amazed by the abundance of historically precious buildings - from the Béguinage
dating back to the 13th century to the Gothic St. Rumbold's Cathedral. An equally exciting journey
through time to the Middle Ages awaits you in Bruges*, the historic district of which is a
UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site and almost completety preserved. If you prefer to stay in the
present, you may wish to discover the contemporary Belgian art scene*.
Amsterdam also offers an impressive combination of the past and the present.
Capture the charm and the atmosphere of the city with its characteristic canals together with
Stephan Börries on the expert excursion: Amsterdam - synthesis of the arts*. In this
context, you will discover attractions such as the oldest building in the city, the Oude Kerk, as
well as the Amsterdam Stock Exchange, which is listed among the 100 most important buildings of the
20th century. Alternatively, Dr Ralph Quadflieg will provide you with a comprehensive overview of
the creative periods of an artistic genius on the expert excursion: Van Gogh Museum*. A
literary walk around the city* or a candlelit canal tour* atmospherically round off
your insightful cruise.
* These arrangements are not included in the cruise price. The
shore activities listed here are in the planning stage and are subject to
changes.
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²United States
Dollar prices are based on the current Euro to Dollar exchange rate as of
January 9,2012 and are subject to change. These rates do not include airfare.
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Each month our cruise experts select great itineraries that will be sailing within the next
6-8 months.
Check back next month to see what itineraries have been added to our 'top picks' list.
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