The hustle and bustle of the summer months is over and the low sun paints the sky in magical light. Time to enjoy all that autumn has to offer with the small HANSEATIC spirit. State capitals, in particular, are a breeding ground for creatives and contemporary zeitgeist and are rich in historical-cultural aspects – a perfect blend of traditions and trends. Fittingly, your cruise departs from and returns to Hamburg, where the old warehouse district contrasts with the modern HafenCity. Your impressions take their course with an evening cruise on the Elbe.

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 a canal trip* 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 you when you follow in the footsteps of the legendary painter in the Van Gogh Museum*. It has the world’s largest collection of works by the artist. The Netherlands and cycling simply belong together. Get active on a bicycle tour through Amsterdam’s unknown north*. The former working-class district is now a “creative hub” with houseboat galleries and trendy restaurants. An avant-garde prelude to your next trendy destination ...

Westminster Abbey, Tower of London, Trafalgar Square, Covent Garden – the anticipation of familiar sights in a new light and undiscovered facets accompanies you on an evening cruise on the Thames. Sail through the Neo-Gothic monument when Tower Bridge opens to allow the HANSEATIC spirit to reach its mooring point in the heart of the city. A moment that is only possible with a small ship. “Welcome to London” – a city of contrasts, with Gothic churches alongside skyscrapers, punks in Camden and the elegant upper class. Unique, lively and enjoyable: after your arrival in the early evening, look forward to unforgettable hours that will turn the night into day. Whether you enjoy a pint in a rustic pub, take a relaxed stroll through the trendy districts or head out into the pulsating nightlife – our travel concierge will be happy to organise the perfect evening for you* in the English capital. 

Today, the panoramic trip with the London Eye* offers you an overview of the different faces of the metropolis. The crisp autumn air will awaken your spirit of discovery among the trees glowing in beautiful colours. There is much to experience and marvel at – be it organised or at your own pace. During a big city tour, you will visit St. Paul's Cathedral* and the Tower of London*. Gain completely different insights on the Thames cruise to Greenwich and the Royal Observatory*. In the observatory, you can stand astride the prime meridian with one foot in the British time zone and the other in the Central European time zone. A timeless beauty is the white Queen’s House, originally a royal residence and later a royal naval college. As the illuminated skyline of London slowly disappears behind a bend in the river, your many inspiring impressions will accompany you as wonderful memories for a long time to come.

However, the cruise on the Thames does not have to be the end of your journey. Extend your experiences with the optional post-cruise programme in the home port of the HANSEATIC spirit – Hamburg – until it’s time to say “so long!” in typical Hamburg fashion.