Transatlantic and Northern Europe Cruise

Transatlantic Cruise & European Highlights Tour

Tours Starts: Ft. Lauderdale, United States

Tours Ends: Munich, Germany

OPTION: HAVE IT ALL!

Get HAL’s best amenities when you purchase this optional tour package. Includes: One Shore Excursion – up to $100; Signature Beverage Package (includes gratuities); One Night Specialty Dining; WiFi Surf Package, just $49 p/p per day

Day 1

Arrive in Ft. Lauderdale

If you booked your flight with YMT, a representative will greet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. Spend the evening in the balmy oceanside city at your leisure.

Crowne Plaza Ft. Lauderdale Airport or similar

Day 2

Embark Holland America Line’s ms Zuiderdam (Departs at 5:00 PM)

Bid bon voyage to the United States and begin your transatlantic cruise! Get settled into your cabin on Holland America’s ms Zuiderdam, an amazing ship with countless amenities to enjoy as you journey across the Atlantic. (B)

Day 3 - 8

At Sea

Day 9

Praia di Vitoria, Terceira, Azores, Portugal (8:00 AM - 11:00 PM)

Enjoy a day in Praia da Vitória on the scenic island of Terceira. The city’s compact historic center has cobblestoned streets lined with ornately designed churches and imperiós, or shrines to the Holy Spirit, that are found only on Terceira.

Day 10

Ponta Delgada, Azores, Portugal (7:00 AM - 5:00 PM)

This stunning island city is best known for its historic buildings, vibrant green hillsides, friendly people, and confections made with the unique Azorean pineapple. The soil on the island is perfect to grow the tropical fruit, but the unpredictable weather necessitates the use of greenhouses. This unusual process produces a slow growing but very sweet pineapple you must try in a local cake, mousse, or chutney!

Day 11 & 12

At Sea

Day 13

Cork (Cobh), Ireland (10:00 PM - 11:00 AM)

Experience Cork, Ireland’s second largest city that bursts with charm. Look out for grand Georgian avenues, 17th-century alleys, modern masterpieces such as the opera house, and narrow streets crammed with pubs, shops, cafes and restaurants.

Day 14

Dunmore East (Waterford), Ireland (7:00 AM - 6:00 PM)

Perched on a cliff edge, Dunmore East is the quintessential Irish fishing village. Stroll the narrow streets, sampling local seafood and relaxing with a quiet pint down the pub. The village is steeped in Viking and Norman history!

Day 15

Torquay (Torbay), England, UK (10:00 AM - 7:00 PM)

With idyllic views of yachts bobbing in a turquoise harbor set against a mound of colorful restaurants and resorts, Torquay is the unofficial capital of the English Riviera. Torquay is a designated UNESCO Global Geopark, with Stone Age caves that were once the home of prehistoric creatures and early humans.

Day 16

La Havre (Paris), France (7:00 AM - 7:00 PM)

When you arrive in Le Havre, France, opportunities to tour the attractions of the Normandy countryside await as soon as you leave your ship, while the sights of Paris are only 2.5 hours by highspeed train. Omaha Beach, the site of D-Day, is another option for a memorable daytrip.

Day 17

Zeebrugge (Brussels), Belgium (9:00 AM - 8:00 PM)

Today’s stop is the port city of Zeebrugge. You may travel on your own to nearby Bruges, home to some of the world’s best-preserved Medieval architecture, or stay closer to the ship and explore Zeebrugge's old fish markets and marina houses.

Day 18

Disembark in Rotterdam, Netherlands and Transfer to Cologne

Disembark in the architecturally extraordinary city of Rotterdam. It was rebuilt almost completely after the destruction of WWII. Its 80 years’ worth of ambitious new construction projects make it one of the best places in the world to see interesting and unique modern architecture. Continue to Cologne and enjoy a tour one of Germany’s most important cities. Don’t miss the spectacularly spired Cathedral Church of Saint Peter, which was rebuilt after the war and is now both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Germany’s most visited landmark. (D)

Mercure Hotel Koeln Belfortstrasse or similar

Day 19

Cologne to Stuttgart via Frankfurt, Heidelberg, and Black Forest

Travel from Cologne to Frankfurt, a charming city full of museums, shops, and beautiful landmarks. On this morning’s tour, you’ll see Frankfurt Cathedral, a great example of Gothic Roman Catholic architecture; St. Paul's Church, where President Kennedy made a stirring speech in 1963; and the Römer, a medieval building that has served as Frankfurt’s city hall for over 600 years. Continue to the stunning Heidelberg Castle, the striking red sandstone ruins of a 13th century castle set in the forested hills above Heidelberg. See the castle and the incredible grounds before traveling to Stuttgart via the Black Forest, the quintessential European fairytale woods. Grimm’s most famous stories—set deep under the dark, spooky canopy— were largely set in the Black Forest. (B, D)

Movenpick Stuttgart Airport or similar

Day 20

Stuttgart to Munich via the Romantic Road

Start the morning with a panoramic tour of Stuttgart. This beautiful city on the banks of the Neckar River is surrounded by vineyards and forests. There are many fascinating architectural and cultural landmarks surrounding the Schlossplatz, Stuttgart’s main square. Stop for lunch en route, and enjoy the scenery of the Romantic Road. Travel through magical German scenery, forest, castles, and picturesque towns. Spend the evening relaxing in Munich. (B)

Achat Premium Munchen-Sud or similar

Day 21

Munich, Germany

Spend your final day enjoying Munich, known for its German cuisine, exceptional beers, and the original Oktoberfest. Explore Munich on a city tour, where you will see the Baroque Nymphenburg Palace; Marienplatz in the heart of Old Town; Munich Residenz; Hofgarten; and Frauenkirche, a local landmark church famous for its lofty towers. Enjoy a farewell dinner with your fellow travelers at Hofbräuhaus. The high energy of this historical beer house with nightly live music and traditional German food and lagers is the perfect way to end your tour. (B, D)

Achat Premium Munchen-Sud or similar

Day 22

Depart for Home (B)

Please note that this is a proposed itinerary; the actual itinerary may vary due to season, special events, or weather. Hotels may differ depending on date. Because our tour arrangements are often made a year or more in advance, YMT Vacations reserves the right to alter the itinerary. Itinerary changes are made to improve your vacation experience, as well as respond to any unforeseen circumstances that mandate alterations. By their nature, all tour vacations involve a certain level of physical activity. While YMT tours have been designed with our guests in mind and are not physically demanding, this tour does include walking and periods of standing during the sightseeing visits. You will also encounter steps and some uneven ground along the way, particularly at older, historical sights. Please ask your Travel Consultant for more information.