On the short stretch of coastline between the Baltic Sea and the mouth of the Seine River lies some of the world’s most revered art and architecture. This tucked-away corner of Europe has experienced a prosperity disproportionate to its small size. The Netherlands and Belgium were at the center of world commerce in the 17th century, when Europe began extensive trading with India and East Asia, and the wealth that accumulated in these countries led to what historian Simon Schama called “an embarrassment of riches.” In September 2015 we invite you to explore the legacy of this golden age on a leisurely cruise from Copenhagen to Rouen, exploring this region’s great cultural contributions to the Western world.