History and the present day, cultural treasures and natural wonders: Europe’s west coast offers a surprising gallery of art and landscapes, all painted in the finest autumn colours. A mix of wildly romantic islands and historical and fashionable metropolises.
- Five countries in nine days: impressions in the golden light of October from/to Hamburg
- Perfect for nature lovers: inspiring landscapes on Guernsey and the Isle of Wight
- Honfleur in autumn: landscapes of Normandy in bright autumnal colours
- Architectural cities and trendy metropolises: discover Antwerp and Amsterdam
- True expedition experience: Zodiac ride off the coast of Helgoland (subject to weather conditions)
Availability is always subject to confirmation. Please check with us before booking flights
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Individual travel arrangements to Hamburg, departure 18.00 hrs
Evening cruise on the Elbe
Isle of Wight/Great Britain, 11.00 – 19.00 hrs
Welcome on board your small expedition ship, which offers you many new discoveries on the coasts of western Europe. The Isle of Wight in southern England, which once inspired Charles Dickens, is our first stop on this cruise: beaches, cliffs and castles – a trilogy you can enjoy at your leisure on your shore visit. Stroll through the sleepy lanes of the small harbour town of Cowes, or take in sweeping views of the coast and the English Channel. The beautiful scenery is dotted with lighthouses, well-preserved windmills and a 6,000-year-old megalithic monument. You’ll be in aristocratic company while you explore, since the island is home to Osbourne House, Queen Victoria’s summer residence. The Isle of Wight was once also a favourite of the dinosaurs: the many fossils discovered here have made it one of the dinosaur hotspots of Great Britain.
Guernsey/Channel Islands, 08.00 – 18.00 hrs
Guernsey, the pearl of the Channel Islands, is an inviting place with its breathtaking cliffs, hidden bays, picturesque hilly interior and interesting history. Its natural landscapes inspired the famous painter, Renoir, and the author Victor Hugo also lived here for a while. The gardens around Saint Peter Port, the island capital and the prettiest little town in the British Channel Islands, would be the perfect subject for an impressionist painting. Experience this Mediterranean-like place for yourself – a fascinating labyrinth of terraces and hidden gardens is just waiting to be discovered. Castle Cornet has been a landmark of Saint Peter Port since the Middle Ages: explore this mystical fortress or simply enjoy the peace and quiet on a spectacular cliff path.
Honfleur/France, arrival 08.00 hrs
Sail past beautiful coastlines on your way to France and one of the most attractive places in Normandy: Honfleur at the mouth of the Seine. The birthplace of Impressionism, painters like Renoir, Monet, Pisarro and Cézanne used to meet here. Stroll through the picturesque old town of Honfleur with its timbered houses, historic Vieux Bassin port and the famous church of Sainte Catherine. Learn more about the town’s maritime history in the Musee de la Marine or discover the works of art in the Musee Eugene Boudin. The Pont de Normandie, built in 1995 to connect Honfleur to Le Havre, is the longest cable-stayed bridge in Europe. Bridging the gap from the past to the present, the experts joining you on your walks will delve deep into the history of the town.
Honfleur, departure 06.00 hrs
Relaxation at sea
Antwerp/Belgium, 08.00 – 17.00 hrs
Cruise on the Westerschelde
Narrow streets, historic guild houses, Flemish specialities and trendy galleries make Antwerp an exciting cultural adventure. The city has been a global centre of the diamond trade and industry since the 15th century. Dazzling artistic highlights on your city tour are provided by the Grote Markt and the Gothic Church of Our Lady, and especially by Peter Paul Rubens: Antwerp is inextricably associated with the Baroque artist, who lived and worked here in the 16th and 17th centuries. At the time, his studio was one of the biggest and most successful in the world. His former home and studio, Rubens House, is now a museum celebrating the life and works of the artist. Together with your experts on board, discover Antwerp as a centre of artistic achievement. Your experts will explain how important the estuaries on the North Sea coast are in modern times as you cruise in the Westerschelde.
Amsterdam/Netherlands, 09.30 – 19.00 hrs
Tranquil and vibrant, old and new, picturesque and daring – the canal city of Amsterdam is a unique celebration of contrasts. Discover the jewel of the Netherlands on a city walk with your experts or completely at your own pace. Only by wandering through the narrow streets will you notice the elegance of the gabled houses, the heron on a house boat or a hidden inner courtyard known as a “hofje”. Take a journey back in time through the historic ages, past the Westernkirk (western church), the Anne Frank Museum and the Royal Palace. Cultural insights await when you follow in the footsteps of the legendary painter in the Van Gogh Museum*. The Netherlands and cycling simply belong together: so how about exploring Amsterdam by bicycle? Take in the avant-garde former workers’ district in the north of the city – now a “creative hub” with houseboat galleries and trendy restaurants.
Helgoland, 13.00 – 18.00 hrs
You have probably heard a lot about this island and perhaps even visited it – but you won’t yet have explored it with the pioneering spirit of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises: Helgoland. Like a lighthouse built of red brick, Lange Anna on the north-western tip of the island shows birdwatchers the way. Right next to the famous rock is one of the world’s smallest nature reserves, the Lummenfelsen. With a bit of luck, you will be able to spot various species of gull and guillemots, as well as seals and grey seals, from the deck. In the shadow of the rock that rises up almost 50 m (164 ft) out of the sea, the ship’s experts will shed light on the ornithological and geological features of the island. If the local conditions permit, the Zodiacs will be put to use for a true expedition experience. Lange Anna, a natural landmark, adds a final exclamation point to the wealth of contrasts discovered in unchartered territory almost right on your doorstep.
Hamburg, arrival 08.00 hrs
Individual travel arrangements from cruise arrival point
Itineraries are subject to change.
Hanseatic Inspiration
| Length | 138 metres |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 230 passengers |
| Launched | 2021 |
The HANSEATIC inspiration, a small, state-of-the-art expedition ship with a maximum of 230 guests, offers a perfect blend of adventure and comfort for explorers seeking to uncover the world’s wonders. As an international vessel conducting cruises in both English and German, it brings over 30 years of expertise from a market leader in German-speaking countries to every journey. Each expedition is a masterpiece, passionately crafted to reveal far-flung worlds—be it icy realms, tropical paradises, wildlife havens, or cultural gems—making every voyage a unique discovery aboard this exceptional ship.
Features of all cabins and suites
An ocean view with even more: exclusively outside cabins and suites, almost all with balconies or French balconies
Spaciously designed - enjoy a relaxing stay in rooms from 21 m²/226 ft² up to 71 m²/764 ft² in size
Exceptionally equipped - for example, with binoculars, Nordic Walking poles, air conditioning, coffee machine and mini bar (free of charge) and 24-hour cabin service
Separable beds
Rain shower and heated wall in bathroom (e.g. for towels and wet parkas)
Extensive infotainment with live broadcast and recordings of expert presentations, forwardview camera, navigation chart, films and much more
Restaurants
Aboard the HANSEATIC inspiration, a new kind of freedom blends adventure and pleasure with a culinary journey across three exceptional restaurants. The spacious HANSEATIC Restaurant offers flexible mealtimes and a free choice of seating, serving a daily-changing menu of global flavors inspired by local specialties, paired with fine wines and supported by attentive 24-hour cabin service. At the Lido Restaurant, guests can savor breakfast under the open sky or enjoy a perfectly grilled steak from the outdoor barbecue, complete with panoramic views and an open show kitchen. The specialty restaurant Nikkei fuses fine Japanese creations with modern Peruvian cuisine, delivering a unique dining experience that elevates exploration to new heights—all while bars in the Observation Lounge and HanseAtrium offer favorite drinks against stunning backdrops, from Nordic fjords to icy Antarctic vistas.
Fitness and Wellness
On the HANSEATIC inspiration, an extraordinary time out awaits after thrilling Zodiac rides, challenging hikes, or Arctic adventures. Unwind in the Ocean Spa, where a Finnish sauna with stunning ocean views, a gentle steam sauna, an ice fountain, and a relaxation room rejuvenate your senses, complemented by professional massages, cosmetic treatments, and eco-friendly products made from natural, vegan ingredients. Stay active in the 100 m² fitness room or separate course room—both with ocean vistas—guided by a fitness coach offering personalized advice and a variety of courses, either indoors or on deck. The pool area, with its flexible canopy, invites relaxation year-round, featuring water loungers, a whirlpool, and a bar, ensuring a perfect blend of indulgence and revitalization against the backdrop of the open sea.
Knowledge
Shore excursions and Zodiac rides come alive with deeper context through fascinating presentations in the HanseAtrium, a high-tech lounge where experts share daily precaps and recaps, doubling as an atmospheric evening bar for films and discussions. The Ocean Academy enhances the journey with a Study Wall and interactive poster of scientific insights, microscopes for exploring hidden wonders alongside experts, and Study Seats—with swivel touchscreens—for personal dives into science. Supported by travel diaries and destination videos, this immersive experience broadens horizons with cutting-edge tools and expertise.