Valentine’s Rotterdam & Bruges Cruise - G304 Iona departing 11 Feb 2023

The city center is a charming mix of old city walls and a large modern shopping centre. With multiple restaurants, museums, cinemas and theatres there is plenty to be explored. Time spent at embarkation and disembarkation ports may be limited which may restrict availability of shore excursions.

The second-biggest city in Germany, Hamburg lies on the banks of the Elbe River. It’s a lively, multicultural destination with an epic history and excellent shopping and dining, as well as the country’s oldest stock exchange. There are two lakes and hundreds of canals, as well as spacious parks and quiet corners – perhaps surprisingly, it’s one of Germany’s greenest cities.

St Nicolai memorial is a splendid focal point. Currently undergoing restoration, its rejuvenation programme will be complete for 2020 – don’t miss the glass lift up to the platform with incredible city views. Explore the Speicherstadt and Kontorhaus district, one of the world’s largest warehouse complexes linked together by narrow streets, bridges and canals and home to harbourside pubs and charming restaurants. Nearby is the astonishing Miniatur Wunderland, the world’s largest model railway and a diminutive representation of Germany and other places around the world.

For memorable experiences beyond the city, the thought-provoking Neuengamme Concentration Camp Memorial is within easy reach. So too are the medieval treasures Lüneberg and UNESCO World Heritage site Lübeck. Both cities are blessed with architectural wonders, charming historic centres and a lively café culture.

When the sun goes down, light up the night in the bright and brash Reeperbahn, Hamburg’s legendary nightlife mile in the vibrant St Pauli district. Here you’ll find a colourful array of dance clubs, live music venues and cosy pubs in a buzzy mash-up with something for everyone and where anything goes. The street is steeped in music history. Follow in the footsteps of the Beatles along Grosse Freiheit: they played their first concerts in the Indra Club in August 1960, and subsequently performed at the Kaiserkeller and Top Ten Club.

Head for the Planten un Blomen Park for a more sedate soirée. The 47-acre green space in the heart of the city hosts a nightly musical performance – a magical experience combining illuminated fountains and classical music. And, of course, there’s the richness of Hamburg’s restaurant culture to enjoy. The city is renowned for its mix of international cuisine and local specialities, as well as an impressive gourmet scene. After dinner, head for the Spielbudenplatz: the historic core of Hamburg’s entertainment district is the perfect place to stroll and soak up the lively city vibe.

The centre of Rotterdam was almost completely destroyed during the Second World War. It has since reinvented itself with gusto to become a dynamic showcase of stunning modern architecture and a forward-thinking hub of creative energy. The Church of Saint Lawrence (the city’s only surviving piece of medieval architecture) and the striking Art Nouveau Witte Huis (which survived the Rotterdam Blitz of May 1940, when the German Luftwaffe bombed the city during the invasion of the Netherlands) both stand out against the modern skyline.

Rotterdam’s unique new constructions include the dizzying Cube Houses with structural cubes that tilt at a 45-degree angle, the monumental Erasmus Bridge, and the Euromast Tower with its panoramic city views. Step back in time with a visit to the picturesque port of Delfshaven on the right bank of the River Nieuwe Maas. The historic old port area boasts windmills, museums and canal houses now hosting cosy shops, art houses, trendy cafés and artisan breweries. Delfshaven locals once earned their living by fishing for herring and distilling gin – this tradition thrives today with a wealth of boutique distilleries offering tastings aplenty.

There’s also lots to see nearby in contrast to the city buzz. Delft Pottery, famous for its blue porcelain, gives fascinating insight into artistic traditions old and new, while the charming city of Gouda (think cheese and pretty landscapes) and the original windmills at Kinderdijk offer more pastoral experiences.

Rotterdam’s nightlife offers something for everyone, from wining and dining to entertainment. Take your pick from the traditional biergartens, where you can sip large mugs of beer and eat sizzling sausages fresh off the grill; cosy pubs; welcoming cafés; glamorous cocktail bars and fine dining. Visit the Fenix Food Factory on the city’s Katendrecht peninsula for local culinary experiences and a relaxed street-food vibe.

Get your skates on to work off some energy at the Schaatsbaan, with its 1,600 square metre ice rink and 400-metre tunnel. Or stroll the streets of the busy Witte de Withstraat area, known for its socialising hotspots and upbeat scene. The city is famed for its impressive array of live music venues, often performed in unusual intimate venues. And the locals do know how to have a good time. Dance the night away with a friendly crowd in any number of nightclubs, festivals and public parties.

There’s also lots to see nearby in contrast to the city buzz. Delft Pottery, famous for its blue porcelain, gives fascinating insight into artistic traditions old and new, while the charming city of Gouda (think cheese and pretty landscapes) and the original windmills at Kinderdijk offer more pastoral experiences.

Rotterdam’s nightlife offers something for everyone, from wining and dining to entertainment. Take your pick from the traditional biergartens, where you can sip large mugs of beer and eat sizzling sausages fresh off the grill; cosy pubs; welcoming cafés; glamorous cocktail bars and fine dining. Visit the Fenix Food Factory on the city’s Katendrecht peninsula for local culinary experiences and a relaxed street-food vibe.

Get your skates on to work off some energy at the Schaatsbaan, with its 1,600 square metre ice rink and 400-metre tunnel. Or stroll the streets of the busy Witte de Withstraat area, known for its socialising hotspots and upbeat scene. The city is famed for its impressive array of live music venues, often performed in unusual intimate venues. And the locals do know how to have a good time. Dance the night away with a friendly crowd in any number of nightclubs, festivals and public parties.

From Zeebrugge (literally Bruges-on-Sea) it’s a short journey to the enchanting city of Bruges. With its medieval buildings and intricate network of canals, the ‘Venice of the North’ has its own special magic. The cobbled streets are lined with smart shops, restaurants and bars and grand historic buildings, among them The Belfry in the imposing Market Square and the Church of Our Lady, home to Michelangelo’s Madonna and Child marble statue. Small and perfectly formed, the city is best explored on foot, by bike, by canal boat or by Segway.

Of course, Bruges’ cocoa heritage is a star attraction. Head for the Chocolate Museum for fascinating insight into the city’s trading past and taste your way around the myriad shops scattered through the winding streets. More tasting is required to appreciate the region’s infamous array of local beers, accompanied by a steaming bowl of traditional moules-frites. Pottering around the shops is equally attractive – behind their pretty windows find local crafts, tapestries and the country’s beautiful, world-famous lace.

Further afield there’s the chance to contemplate the past and visit the First World War cemeteries and Menin Gate Memorial at Ypres – now places of quiet reflection, beauty and peace. Other great away-days include the quaint Flemish village of Damme (complete with windmills, gothic cathedrals and postcard-pretty squares) and the coastal resort of Knokke (with its sweep of golden sands), the shiny capital Brussels or the medieval splendours of Ghent.

The city center is a charming mix of old city walls and a large modern shopping centre. With multiple restaurants, museums, cinemas and theatres there is plenty to be explored. Time spent at embarkation and disembarkation ports may be limited which may restrict availability of shore excursions.