Quick Getaways: Timeless Maritime Powerhouses Of Northern Europe

Amsterdam, the Venice of the North, where more than 1,500 bridges arch gracefully over scenic canals. The stately 17th 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!

Diamonds, beer, waffles, chocolate. What’s not to like? Thanks to its success at monopolizing world trade in the 16th century the city boasts beautiful architecture, from ornately designed churches and cathedrals to the stylish guild houses fronting the market square. It’s easy to see why the city attracted artists like Rubens, Van Dyck and Jordaens. The old medieval fortress by the river, Het Steen, opened as the new cruise terminal in 2021. The train station is also worth a look with its mix of styles, from an Art Nouveau façade to Roman columns to a contemporary steel-and-glass dome.

Diamonds, beer, waffles, chocolate. What’s not to like? Thanks to its success at monopolizing world trade in the 16th century the city boasts beautiful architecture, from ornately designed churches and cathedrals to the stylish guild houses fronting the market square. It’s easy to see why the city attracted artists like Rubens, Van Dyck and Jordaens. The old medieval fortress by the river, Het Steen, opened as the new cruise terminal in 2021. The train station is also worth a look with its mix of styles, from an Art Nouveau façade to Roman columns to a contemporary steel-and-glass dome.

Sail inland from the North Sea along the Scheldt River, passing the historic Fort Liefkenshoek before continuing toward the vast port of Antwerp, where flat landscapes, historic trading towns, and quiet countryside unfold along the banks.

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 15th 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.

Sail the storied River Thames into or out of the heart of London, cruising beneath iconic Tower Bridge—a privilege only smaller ships can enjoy—and passing the Tower of London, the historic Royal Observatory at Greenwich marking the Prime Meridian, and the beautifully preserved Cutty Sark, the legendary 19th-century tea clipper. As you continue eastward, the skyline gradually gives way to the open waters of the English Channel.

London, one of the world's top destinations, is a city begging to be explored. Steeped in history, the well-known sites of Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, and Trafalgar Square beckon, or get a modern perspective from the top of the London Eye. This cosmopolitan city offers all the world cuisines you're used to, but there are still places to find traditional British fare like bangers and mash or shepherds' pie.

London, one of the world's top destinations, is a city begging to be explored. Steeped in history, the well-known sites of Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, and Trafalgar Square beckon, or get a modern perspective from the top of the London Eye. This cosmopolitan city offers all the world cuisines you're used to, but there are still places to find traditional British fare like bangers and mash or shepherds' pie.