Medieval history comes beautifully alive as we explore the famed cobbled streets and canals of Brugge, Ghent, and Brussels; with visits to a Belgian chocolate making workshop, the Royal Museum of Fine Arts and the Grand-Palace Coudenberg. Take a historic walking tour of Amsterdam with stops at Teylers Museum and St. Bavos Church. Discover the old Dutch tradition of whaling and flensing at the Hannemahuis Museum and visit a local Dutch tile workshop. Glide past North Germanys exquisite storybook landscape on the Kiel Canal and marvel at UNESCO World Heritage Site, the medieval city of Lubeck, where youll also visit a marzipan modeling workshop.
Zodiac through the canals of Harlingen by special permission, and learn about the local Friesland culture
Work alongside local culinary artisans to make Belgian chocolates in Brugge and sculpt marzipan in Lubeck
Bike across storybook landscapes in Flanders and Germanys Schleswig-Holstein region
Visit Belgiums Royal Museum of Fine Arts and Teylers Museum in the Netherlands, among many other cultural attractions
There are no future departures for this trip at this stage.
National Geographic Orion
Vessel Type: Luxury Expedition
Length: 103 metres
Passenger Capacity: 102 (in 53 cabins)
Built: 2003 / Refurbished 2014
Engineered for maximum comfort and safety, Orion is equipped with the latest technology including large retractable stabilizers, sonar, radar, and an ice-strengthened hull. A shallow draft plus bow and stern thrusters provide the convenience of being able to maneuver close to shore. 14 Zodiacs ensure quick disembarkation and offer the ideal transport for up-close exploration.
National Geographic Orion meets strict specifications for environmental protection and the on board waste management systems meet the stringent Antarctic operational standards enabling us to travel to the most pristine environments. A host of advanced design features and technology ensures sustainable marine environmental practices.
National Geographic Orion accommodates 102 guests in 53 cabins, including several with balconies. She is spacious and modern, with a variety of public rooms that offer panoramic views of the passing landscape. Friendly and informal, Orion fosters a welcoming atmosphere where like-minded guests share in exceptional experiences and enrichment.
Her public rooms include a dramatic window-lined main lounge, as well as an observation lounge and library perched at the very top of the ship, with plentiful observation decks. The spacious lounge is the heart of our expedition community, and is suited for spirited cocktail hours, informative presentations and our nightly tradition of Recap. In addition, a dedicated theater provides a unique setting for specialist presentations or films and slideshows. Both the main dining room and outside buffet easily accommodate all guests at once for open seating dining. On selected nights, weather permitting, our dining room menu is also available on the outside deck.
While Orion interiors are elegant, life aboard is always casual, with no need for formal clothing. And you’ll find shipboard services like laundry, in-room cabled internet, and public-area wifi make packing and traveling more convenient.
