Explore the major historical events that swept across the map of Northern Europe from the 19th century to World War II, and the cultural climate that gave them context, aboard theSea Cloud II, one of the most elegant and luxurious vessels afloat.

Excursion options allow travelers to focus on their personal area of interest, whether it is the political, military, and human drama of historic battle sites or renowned country estates and world-class art collections.

After arriving in Paris, embark the Sea Cloud II in the picturesque Seine River port of Honfleur and sail across the English Channel to Portsmouth and Dover, where excursion choices include 17th-century Petworth House, famous for its extensive art collection; Portsmouth’s award-winning D-Day Museum and historic dockyards; Dover Castle’s secret war tunnels; and impressive Leeds Castle. Continue to the Low Countries of Belgium—for a day in gorgeous medieval Bruges or an excursion to Ypres, strategically important in WWI—and the Netherlands, where the cultural and horticultural treasures of Amsterdam, Aalsmeer, and Haarlem vie for your attention.

Disembark in Hamburg for return flights home. A pre-trip optional extension in Normandy includes an opportunity to see the incomparable Bayeux Tapestry and visits to sites related to D-Day and the Battle of Normandy