Southampton, Rotterdam, Bruges (Brussels - Zeebrugge)

Southampton is the largest city of Hampshire on the south coast of England. Southampton is a major port.  It was the point of departure for the RMS Titanic in 1912.

Often called the gateway to Europe, the port city of Rotterdam is full of old-world charm, offering amazing views and a maze of wharves and canals, along with towering spires make for a beautiful sight. The Nazi bombardment of 1940 gutted most of the old city, so, you will notice that Rotterdam's architecture is an intriguing mix of old and new: modern glass skyscrapers often stand adjacent to 19th- and 18th-century buildings. During your walk, you will see three pre World War II buildings in the city center, the city hall, St. Laurence church and the White House. Explore the Museum Boymans van Beuningen, which houses a unique collection dating from the 14th century, or the Museum Voor Volkenkunde, home to ethnological exhibits, the Delfshaven quarter with the 18th century houses and the futuristic Kijk-Kubus, an upside-down housing complex.

Zeebrugge is Belgium's main gateway to Europe on the coast of the North Sea- 10 miles north of Brugge and 60 miles from Brussels- and has evolved into one of the fastest growing ports in the range of ports between Le Havre and Hamburg, which together handle more than a billion tonnes of cargo a year. From here, you can visit Bruges, the idyllic Unesco World Heritage city, founded in the 9th century by the Vikings. It has been beautifully preserved and charms its visitors by its medieval character.

The sky is dominated by the tower of Our Lady's Church (O.L.V-Kerk) that hosts the famous Madonna by Michelangelo. During your visit at the charming town, don't miss St. Salvator's Cathedral, with the eye-catching wall tapestries which were woven in the Brussels weaving manufactory Van der Borcht in 1730, the market place (Grote Markt) with the the Belfort or belfry tower - Visitors can climb the 350 steps to the top for a beautiful panoramic view of the city- the Cloth Hall - where the Flemish cloth which was manufactured in different other cities was sold to the rest of the world - and the neo-gothic style Provincial court. In the center of the Market stands the statueof Jan Breydel and Pieter de Coninck and several medieval-looking houses. The second largest square is the Burg Square with the gothic Town Hall (1376) and the Chapel of the Holy Blood. Chocolate lovers should visit the Chocolate Museum and Diamond Lovers, the Diamond Museum. 

Southampton is the largest city of Hampshire on the south coast of England. Southampton is a major port.  It was the point of departure for the RMS Titanic in 1912.