Azamara Northern Europe: 11 nights from Bordeaux with Azamara Quest
Jun 16, 2026

Bordeaux

Bordeaux is city on the Atlantic Ocean and its port hosts big ships. The city had initially the name Burdigala and was established in III Century B.C. by the Gallic people.

It was a neuralgic centre for the International commerce of tin and lead. After the arrival of the Romans, Bordeaux becomes one of the richest cities of Gallia and is robbed many times by populations such as Visigoths and Vandals. With the passing of time, the City starts economic relationships with England trading in salt and wine and, in XVI Century, also the colonial sugar and slaves start having a leading role in the sustenance of the city.
Bordeaux has a liveable city centre that can be visited by foot and that offers beautiful attractions and energy. At night, the city get crowded with young people filling up the main squares and the bars where you can taste excellent wines and plunge in the romantic atmosphere that the city assumes after the sunset. You can’t miss out Château de la Brède, a gothic style castle dated back to XIV Century, surrounded by a moat and an English garden. The philosopher Montesquieu lived here and tourists can visit his library and his bedroom that are just like they were in XIX Century.
We suggest to visit also the beautiful Saint Eloi Church. Established in XII Century, the construction and renovation works lasted until 1400’s. The current structure is dated back to this period. The church is one of the stop-overs of Santiago de Compostela walking tour and is part of UNESCO World Heritage. Bordeaux offers a wide variety of gastronomic and wine choices. There are many restaurants and bars where you can taste the best wines on the market and an amazing cuisine.

Saint Petersburg

In Saint Petersburg a visit to the Hermitage Museum is a must.

Saint Petersburg (Russian: Санкт-Петербург, Sankt-Peterburg) with about 5 million inhabitants (2012), is the second largest city in Russia in terms of size and population as well as the most important port.

It is also a federal city. Founded by Tsar Peter the Great (1682-1725) on the Neva delta, where the river flows into the bay of the same name, part of the Gulf of Finland, Saint Petersburg was the long-time capital of the Russian Empire and seat of the Court of the Tsars. Today it is one of the main artistic and cultural centres of Europe. It can be considered the most northern metropolis in the world.

St Malo

Cherbourg

Rouen

Rouen

Honfleur

Honfleur is a French city situated in the low Normandy. In the past, the city has been Norman, English and French property and had an economic boom at the end of the Hundred Years’ War. In the XVII Century, the city became rich thanks to the commercial relationships with Canad, Antilles, Africa and Azores and became one of the main ports for the slave trade.

One of the most characteristic aspects of the city are the houses fronting onto the Seine, so that it feels like you’re looking at an Impressionist painting. It is not a case that great artists, such as Monet, Courbet and Boudin, chose Honfleur as the place where to find inspiration for their artistic production.
The cultural and architectural heritage includes churches and museums, such as the Musée de Vieux Honfleur, where ventures of local travellers are collected, or the Eugène Boudin Museum, where you can find paintings by local artists dated back to XIX and XX Centuries.
Honfleur is a liveable city and, in its alleys and cobblestone streets, holds a one-of-a-kind allure.

Dunkerque

Antwerp

Antwerp, located in the heart of Belgium, is a city that captivates lots of visitors with its rich history, impressive architecture and its vibrant culturale scene. Renowned worldwide as the capital of diamonds, Antwerp offers much more than glittering jewels; it is a place where art, fashion and design come together to create a unique and stimulating atmoshpere. Antwerp cruises are the best way to discover this cosmopolitan city, sailing along the Scheldt River looking at urban landscapes that tell stories full of trade, art and history.

Antwerp's buttom is the imponent gothic Cathedral, the Cathedral of Our Lady, that dominates the city skyline with its elegant spire. Not only is this unique building an architectural masterpiece, but it also host some of the most important Pieter Paul Ruben's works, one of the most famous Flemish painter born in the city. Not so distant from the Cathedral, the Grote Markt, the main square, is surrounded by medieval guilds that nowadays house cafes and restaurants, offering a perfect example of Flemish Renaissance architecture.

In addition to its historical heritage, Antwerp is a fashion capital and its fashion districts attracts emerging designers and famous brands. Visitors can take a look at different unique shops and designers' showrooms, having the opportunity to see the latest Flemish fashion trends. Antwerp's art scene is also very vibrant, there are many cultural experiences such as the ones in Plantin-Moretus Museum, UNESCO World Heritage site, and M HKA, the contemporary art museum of the city.
Enjoy a cruise that includes Antwerp in your itinerary is an incredible experience that offers the opportunity to immerse youself in the history, art and culture of one of Belgium's most fascinating cities.
Antwerp, with its unique mix of tradition and innovation, promises an unforgettable, full of discovers and inspirations stay.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a charming city with a particularly relaxing and serene atmosphere, despite its large size. The city has been a World Heritage Site since 2010 and has buildings dating back to the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. It is no coincidence that it is one of the most visited cities in the world.