Welcome on board the small HANSEATIC nature, which offers you many new discoveries on the coasts of Western Europe. Here, history collides with the present day, and cultural treasures are nestled among nature’s wonders as you explore Great Britain, Normandy, Belgium and the Netherlands. First the Isle of Wight on the southern coast of England greets you – known for having even inspired Charles Dickens. Beaches, cliffs and castles make a delightful trio for an island hike*. You’ll be in aristocratic company at the royal Osborne House*, Queen Victoria’s summer residence.

The Channel Island of Guernsey is perfect for nature lovers and once provided inspiration for Renoir. The gardens around Saint Peter Port* are the perfect subject for an impressionist painting. The vintage flair on Guernsey* bus tour shows how the mild climate of the Gulf Stream allows a diverse range of splendid and exotic plants to bloom.

A visit to a premiere destination: Caen in the heart of Normandy. A rich history and typical French lifestyle await you here. William the Conqueror, the city’s most famous son, had a castle and two abbeys built. The conquest of England in 1066 comes to life again in Bayeux with historic tapestry*. The monastery island of Mont-Saint-Michel* seems like a water-borne mountain, floating when the tide comes in and grounded when the water is low. Alternatively, you can enjoy savoir vivre and Atlantic flair on a walking tour of Deauville and Honfleur*.

Your day starts best on the many open deck areas or the deck track at the bow, where the fresh October air blows around you. Cruising on the Caen Canal, let your eyes wander over the beautiful landscape that is slowly becoming more and more autumnal. After an interesting passage through the Ouistreham lock, you will return to the English Channel on course for your next destination.

Diamonds are a girl’s best friend – unravel the legends of the gemstone in Antwerp as you hum Marilyn Monroe’s famous song; the city is home to the world’s largest diamond exchange, after all. Let yourself be fascinated by the vibrant cultural city and inspiration of Peter Paul Rubens when you take in the Grote Markt, the Church of Our Lady or the guildhalls on a ride in an electric tuk-tuk*. The Royal Palace, Manneken Pis and Atomium are the most memorable landmarks in Brussels*. While you are here, you absolutely have to try a famous Belgian waffle. Ghent* was built in the Middle Ages at the spot where the River Schelde and River Leie meet, with the course of the rivers’ arms forming a charming part of the cityscape. Your experts will explain how important the estuaries on the North Sea coast are in modern times as you cruise in the Westerschelde.

Look forward to the trendy city of Rotterdam. This young, dynamic city is all about futuristic architecture, huge container ships, popular restaurants and renowned museums. By bicycle or tuk-tuk ride*, you can experience these aspects of the city like the locals of Rotterdam themselves. The Hague*, the seat of government of the Netherlands, is just a stone’s throw away. Stroll through the historic centre and take a detour to the Peace Palace, the seat of the United Nations, and to the royal Noordeinde Palace. Alternatively, pay a visit to Delft*, famous for its royal blue-and-white porcelain.

Discover one of North Germany’s most imposing natural landmarks – Lange Anna on Helgoland: the red stack of rock rises 47 m (154 ft) into the air off the island’s coast, attracting not only day trippers but also a great number of marine creatures. Did you know that Germany’s largest predator lives here? The grey seal, which shares the dunes with common seals, reaches speeds of up to 40 km/h (25 mph) in the water as it hunts for sardines and cod. You, meanwhile, will hunt for spectacular panoramas on a 2.8 km (1.7 mi.) circular walking route along the cliffs.