At Ultimate Cruising, we strive to bring you extraordinary packages that stand out from the run-of-the-mill itineraries. We ask ourselves what we would want to do, what we’re looking for in a holiday and what would make a holiday utterly exceptional. And then we go about curating a dream itinerary.
Our World Affairs series is exactly that. It starts with an incredible voyage with Ponant cruising from Copenhagen to London. What makes this voyage different is that it has been designed to showcase this part of the world through the lens of history, politics and global affairs. This isn’t just cruising. On-board, you’ll meet renowned experts such as Admiral James Stavridis, former NATO Supreme Allied Commander, and have the opportunity to have intellectual discussions delving into thought-provoking topics as you explore sites that have defined modern Europe.
You’ll cruise in absolute comfort whilst uncovering the stories behind places of historic importance such as the Baltic seaports of Warnemünde and Wismar, once dominated by the Hanseatic League. You’ll navigate the 61-mile-long Kiel Canal, have the opportunity to visit The Palace in Amsterdam, The Hague or Rotterdam Harbour to see a floating dairy farm, and learn the art and science of the Dutch system of water management.
In Belgium, there is the option to visit the massive network of bunkers and tunnels built by the Germans in the World Wars and, of course, in Dunkirk, you’ll discover the museums filled with displays and artefacts from Operation Dynamo, the evacuation of the Allied Troops in 1940.
The cruise finishes in London – see the cruise only option here.
Our Continental Currents package extends your stay with a night in London before joining a small-group tour for 5 nights exploring the heart of England. It starts by exploring the beautiful town of Oxford, home of the scholars. Walk in the footsteps of the poets, historians, scientists, doctors and Nobel Prize winners.
Then, discover the birthplace of William Shakespeare and the beautiful house where Anne Hathaway lived. Explore the gorgeous Cotswolds with the cobblestoned villages and storybook cottages and marvel at the architecture of the ancient Roman baths before returning to London.
On this tour, you’ll enjoy a leisurely pace with no 6am starts, a small-group of no more than 18 people, luxury mini-coach transportation and the services of an expert tour guide. Being a smaller group, there are no queues and the smaller coach means you’ll discover the back roads and places the larger coaches can’t get to.
This combination of cruise and touring can be found in our Continental Currents: Copenhagen to the Cotswolds itinerary.
But for the ultimate experience, we’ve added one more not-to-be-missed experience. Upon arriving in London, join Tauck for an amazing river cruise experience that starts with two nights in London and the Eurostar to Paris before joining the ship.
What makes this an incredible add-on is that it begins in London with visits to iconic sites such as Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey etc. After all, who visits London without seeing these? However, for an incredible experience, you’ll have an after-hours visit to Churchill’s War Rooms where Winston Churchill strategized his World War II activities. See where the thinking and planning took place and wander the rooms where the decisions were made.
A Eurostar train trip across to Paris will see you boarding the riverboat ready for an amazing cruise on the Seine with all kinds of treats in store. Private receptions at a chateau, visits to the Normandy beaches, lots of sightseeing inclusions along the way, impeccable service and everything included! We’ve partnered with Tauck because the standard offered is second to none. It’s about all the little extras they include along the way – the early access to places like Monet’s Gardens so that you can wander the gardens without the crowds, the private receptions, the extra sightseeing etc. All those little things that add up to make a truly amazing experience.
The World Affairs: The Ultimate Experience is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the discerning traveller. There is a fantastic Solo Traveller price if you’re travelling by yourself too.
Please note though that all three components of this itinerary are extremely sought-after in their own right so availability is going to be very tight. The package relies on all three being available so we encourage you to book early to secure your space. The cruises are small ship and the tour takes a maximum of 18 people. It is a one-off departure so there won’t be another opportunity. View the World Affairs: The Ultimate Experience package here.
Speak to our Ultimate Cruising team for further information and remember to check out the huge list of inclusions in the “Special Inclusions” tab on the web page!
