Exploring Europe's Western Coast: A Cultural Odyssey

Day 1 - Hamburg

Hamburg, Germany: Hamburg stands as Germany's second-largest city, enriched with a storied past dating back to Charlemagne. This bustling port city offers a vibrant mix of art, culture, expansive shopping options, and Baroque architecture complemented by picturesque waterfront views. Visitors can enjoy its renowned fish market, numerous art galleries, and museums, along with serene parks, including a lovely botanical garden. Those intrigued by the Swinging Sixties might explore the locales around Grosse Freiheit, where The Beatles performed their initial public gigs before soaring to international fame.

Day 3 - Antwerp

Antwerp, Belgium: Immerse yourself in Antwerp, Belgium's second city, celebrated for its diamond cutting heritage, avant-garde fashion scene, and its renowned artistic lineage. The city pulsates with an artistic and cultural spirit, offering a rich tapestry of experiences.

Day 5 - Honfleur

Honfleur, France: Honfleur charms as the most picturesque of the Côte Fleurie's seaside towns, exuding a time-worn elegance. Its streets, lined with half-timbered houses and stylish boutiques, echo the artistic inspirations for early Impressionists. Although increasingly popular, the town maintains its historic allure, particularly around the Vieux Bassin harbour, overlooked by historic slate-topped houses. The town's connective marvel, the Pont de Normandie, offers a breathtaking vista, linking technologically with its remarkable cable-stayed design.

Day 6 - Saint Hélier

Saint Hélier, Jersey: Approximately 12 miles from the Cotentin Peninsula in Normandy and 100 miles from Great Britain's southern coast, Jersey, the largest of the Channel Islands, shares a poignant history of WWII German occupation. It offers a blend of British heritage and serene island beauty.

Day 7 - Saint Peter Port

Saint Peter Port, Guernsey: Enter a charming realm of cobblestone streets and vibrant floral arrays at Guernsey's capital. This delightful port town places the island's scenic beaches and storied history at your fingertips. Castle Cornet, an 800-year-old fortress, provides panoramic harbour views and encompasses gardens and museums that paint Guernsey's rich past.

Day 8 - Falmouth

Falmouth, England: This lively resort town, with its bustling fishing harbour and yachting centre, invites you to explore its historical significance. Once the main mail-boat hub for North America in the 18th century, Falmouth's slate-roofed houses and the infamous King's Pipe contraband oven add to its historic charm. A ferry now connects Falmouth to the village of Flushing across the inlet.

Day 9 - Saint Mary's

Saint Mary's, Isles of Scilly, England: As the largest isle of the Scilly archipelago, St Mary's is home to around 1800 inhabitants. Hugh Town, with its quaint streets and proximity to nature reserves and serene beaches, forms the heart of this island—an unspoiled paradise hosting archaeological sites and picturesque coastal walks.

Day 11 - Bordeaux

Bordeaux, France: Bordeaux epitomises elegance, meriting a visit for its historic ambience that merges 18th-century grandeur with a modern vibrancy. Known as the heart of the wine trade, the city boasts refined shopping and captivating riverfronts akin to St. Petersburg. An exploration of 'le vieux Bordeaux' or an enlightening boat trip on the Garonne offers a true taste of Bordeaux's historical tapestry.

Day 12 - Bilbao

Bilbao, Spain: Bilbao, dramatically transformed by the arts, marks time as Before Guggenheim or After Guggenheim. Frank Gehry's iconic museum, and other architectural feats, ushered in a cultural renaissance in this former industrial epicentre. While new highlights receive acclaim, the city's timeless treasures quietly rest along the Nervión River, especially within the charming Siete Calles of the Casco Viejo. An exploration of contemporary parks and cultural venues traces the city's evolution, while its culinary scene continually impresses visitors and locals alike.

Day 13 - Bilbao

Bilbao, Spain: Extending beyond its renowned modern landmarks, Bilbao's historic core along the Nervión River displays an elegant old-world charm. Here, the vibrant Casco Viejo neighborhood captivates with its narrow lanes and historic mansions, while leafy promenades invite walks along the riverfront. Culturally rich with acclaimed institutions and celebrated gastronomy, Bilbao assures every visitor a rewarding, multifaceted experience.