Thursday, April 24, 2025 – Photo of the Day – Copenhagen, Denmark
Where in the World Are We?
WE are in Copenhagen, Denmark.
COPENHAGEN, DENMARK
City of Spires
Effortlessly cool and down-to-earth, Copenhagen is a contemporary, clean, and classy highlight of Scandinavia. A city built to be liveable, Copenhagen has refused to compromise, resulting in a forward-thinking metropolis that’s green and clean. Swim in the waters of Havnebadet Islands during summer, or shelter from winter’s bite by snuggling in beside a roaring open fire during winter.
You can even hop on a train to Sweden, traversing the famous span of a Nordic Noir star – the Öresund Bridge. It takes just a touch over half an hour to step off the train in Malmö. There’s only one way to explore Copenhagen truly, and that’s on two wheels. Easy bike hire schemes will get you moving across this flat city, designed with bikes at the forefront of the mind. Choose a model with electronic assistance to take the strain out of any journey, giving you the freedom to zip around and explore the modern, angular architecture of the centre, as well as the pastoral colours of Nyhavn waterfront.
The Danish concept of hygge is very much alive here, and you’ll feel that warm, cosy feeling as you visit cafes illuminated by the warm glow of hanging filament bulbs, and stuffed to the brim with thick, dusty books.
SIGHTS
• Nyhavn
• Kastellet & Little Mermaid
• Copenhagen University Library
• Frederik’s Church (Marble Church)
• Carlsberg Brewery
• Rosenborg Castle
• Christiansborg Palace
• Tivoli Gardens
SHOPPING AND CUISINE
Home to mega-brewer Carlsberg, Copenhagen is also a city for hop enthusiasts, and there is a thriving craft brewing scene to sample. Danish smørrebrød sandwiches are a must try, or for something a little more substantial, settle in for a culinary voyage and try a taster menu – the city’s restaurants are littered with Michelin stars.
Strøget, Europe’s longest shopping street, runs through the centre of the city. It’s a good place to shop if you’re looking for major international brands such as Lego, H&M, and the Harrods of Danish design.
Today’s Excursion – A Swedish Sojourn
We made the most of our time and explored two countries in one day: Denmark and Sweden. We discovered the city of Lund and its cathedral, took a stroll in the medieval city centre of Malmö, and let ourselves be amazed by the famous Copenhagen landmarks.
Øresund Bridge
On July 1, 2000, a bridge was inaugurated, but it was not just any bridge. It was the Øresund Bridge, linking the two
nations, Denmark and Sweden, together. Two former “enemies” are now one. Two people and two cultures formed the new
area of the Øresund Region. Over the years, the Øresund Bridge has also played a significant role and given its name to the Danish-Swedish TV production “The Bridge”, which you may know from TV.
Lund
Lund is a town with a long history. Once, when under the Danish flag, Lund was the home of the Bishop of Scania. It is now a town with a large university, and many international students come to study here. We visited the imposing cathedral and watched the advanced astronomical clock on the wall.
Malmö
Malmö is the third-largest city in Sweden, with 300,000 inhabitants. In the medieval city center, we strolled through the history of Sweden, admiring the charming old 17th-century houses and crossing small squares and cobblestone streets.
Copenhagen Scenic Drive
Returning to Copenhagen, you will pass some of the famous landmarks during your panoramic drive. A few to mention are the
Old Stock Exchange was built by King Christian IV, the naval Church, and Nyhavn before returning to the pier.
Tonight’s dinner was in The Atlantide Restaurant
THE MUSICAL ARTISTRY OF KENNY MARTYN
Renowned Clarinet virtuoso entertainer Kenny Martyn featuring music from Benny Goodman, Duke Ellington, Acker Bilk. Kenny’s mastery of the clarinet combined with his unique performance style has been held to critical acclaim in New York, London and Hong Kong. Don’t miss this brilliant master of Musical Entertainment
Wednesday, April 23, 2025 – Photo of the Day – Copenhagen, Denmark
Where in the World Are We?
We are in Copenhagen, Denmark
COPENHAGEN, DENMARK
The Little Mermaid
The Little Mermaid, perched on a rock by the water’s edge in Copenhagen’s Churchill Park, is a figure of profound historical and cultural significance, embodying the eponymous character from Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale that inspired the acclaimed Walt Disney film.
This bronze statue, a primary symbol and principal attraction of the city, was commissioned in 1909 by Carl Jacobsen, son of Carlsberg Breweries’ founder. Crafted by the sculptor Edvard Eriksen, the figure was modeled after a dancer, Ellen Price, for its facial features, and his wife, Eline Eriksen, for its body.
Unveiled on 23rd August 1913, the first impression of the statue is its size. Standing 1.25 meters tall and weighing 175 kilograms, she is surprisingly petite. Her proximity to the shoreline has led to many misadventures over the past 110 years. The statue has been beheaded twice, an arm severed, throat slashed, painted, dressed, veiled, and even blown up in attempts to dislodge her from her perch. Yet, she remains one of the most photographed monuments in Denmark.
SIGHTS
• Nyhavn
• Kastellet & Little Mermaid
• Copenhagen University Library
• Frederik’s Church (Marble Church)
• Carlsberg Brewery
• Rosenborg Castle
• Christiansborg Palace
• Tivoli Gardens
SHOPPING AND CUISINE
Home to mega-brewer Carlsberg, Copenhagen is also a city for hop enthusiasts, and there is a thriving craft brewing scene to sample. Danish smørrebrød sandwiches are a must try, or for something a little more substantial, settle in for a culinary voyage and try a taster menu – the city’s restaurants are littered with Michelin stars.
Strøget, Europe’s longest shopping street, runs through the centre of the city. It’s a good place to shop if you’re looking for major international brands such as Lego, H&M, and the Harrods of Danish design.
Today’s Excursion – Wonderful Copenhagen & Tivoli
We explored the city’s oldest and most charming neighborhoods.
Copenhagen, Little Mermaid Statue
We took a short drive to the Little Mermaid. No visit to Copenhagen is complete without seeing the city’s most famous symbol. Completed in 1913, this statue was erected to express gratitude to Hans Christian Andersen and his world-renowned fairy tales.
Gefion Fountain, Nyhavn, King’s Square, Royal Theatre, Old Fish Market
We passed by Copenhagen’s famous Gefion Fountain, set amidst the parkland of the Citadel and depicting the Nordic legend of the Goddess Gefion. Drive through the bustling Nyhavn area. Here, see King’s Square, where the Royal Theatre, embassies, and many fashionable shops are located, along with the Old Stock Exchange and Gammel Strand. In addition, view the old fish market warehouses, dating back to medieval times, and Glyptoteket, founded by Danish brewer Carl Jacobsen, the creator of Carlsberg beer.
Tivoli Gardens, Rosenborg Castle
Founded in 1843 by Georg Carstensen, Tivoli was inspired by the so-called romantic pleasure gardens of Europe. When Tivoli
first opened its gates, it only had a few rides and amusements; today, however, there is a mix of attractions mingled with
charming flower and relaxation gardens. One of the most photographed features of Tivoli is the Chinese Pagoda, which dates
from 1900 and is situated beautifully by the lake. The fairy-tale writer Hans Christian Andersen was a frequent visitor to Tivoli,
and some say that it was here he was inspired to write The Nightingale.
Dinner was in The Atlantide Restaurant
35MM BLOCKBUSTER
From the soundtracks of some of the world’s biggest movies, we present a selection of your favorite hit songs. Memorable movies, featuring unforgettable music and our Silversea singers and dancers, accompanied by the Silver Dawn live band.
Tuesday, April 22, 2025 – Photo of the Day – En Route to Copenhagen, Denmark
Where in the World Are We?
Sailing from Hamburg, Germany, to Copenhagen, Denmark.
Today’s Activities Included:
9:45 Destination Lecture with Dr. Glenn E. Robinson- Wonderful, Wonderful Copenhagen!
Guarding the western entrance to the Baltic Sea, the Danish capital of Copenhagen has played an outsized strategic role in the region for centuries.
11:00 Intermediate Bridge Lesson
3:00 Enrichment Lecture with Mark Lubienski- Espionage & Treachery in the Cold War:
Enjoy stories of Cold War spies and double agents, and meet the spy who saved the world.
THE VENETIAN SOCIETY
A SPECIAL CIRCLE OF FRIENDS
The Venetian Society is an exclusive cruise loyalty program for global explorers. Membership offers unique benefits, including onboard recognition, invitations to special events, ship visitation rights, and a 5% savings on select voyages.
As you sail more, your benefit grows with each new milestone:
All milestones include complimentary laundry and pressing services.
100 days: 100 days: 5% savings on future sailings
250 days: 10% savings on future sailings
350 days: complimentary 7-day cruise
500 days: complimentary 14-day cruise
Every 150 days beyond 500: complimentary 7-day cruise
Dinner was at The Atlantide Restaurant
DYNAMIC INTERNATIONAL SHOWMAN
HEADLINE ENTERTAINER KYLE ESPLIN
Kyle Esplin is a vibrant pianist and singer who makes a piano ring like no other. His all-action live show, which includes everything from tender Ballads to Classical to Rock’n’Roll, has to be seen to be believed, and he takes Boogie-Woogie piano playing to an incredible new level.
Monday, April 21, 2025 – Photo of the Day – Hamburg, Germany
Where in the World Are We?
We are in Hamburg, Germany.
Today’s Excursion – Medieval Luneburg
We travelled to Lüneburg, a medieval town situated on the river Ilmenau and indeed a secret treasure south of Hamburg.
Located in the northeastern part of Lower Saxony, approximately 50 kilometres south of Hamburg, Lüneburg has a population of around 70,000 residents. The city, rich in tradition, boasts an over 1,000-year-old history closely tied to salt, known as the “white gold” of the Middle Ages. The salt mines made Lüneburg a rich and powerful town and an essential member of the
Hanseatic League.
Luneburg Walking Tour
To learn more and appreciate the beauty of this medieval city, our guide took us on an orientation tour of the Old Town on foot. The numerous important historical buildings, featuring well-preserved brick patrician houses built in the North Gothic style, testify to the city’s prosperity in the Middle Ages. Even today, salt plays a vital role in Lüneburg’s status as a spa town; many illnesses are treated through salt and water therapies. Walk through the small, cobbled streets and alleyways to view the historical town hall, the Rathaus, dating back to 1297. Admire fascinating buildings and merchant houses, steeped in cultural history, such as St. Nicolas’ Church, built in the 15th century, the wooden mill, and Lueneburg’s landmark, the Old Crane.
Dinner was in the Atlantide Restaurant
CONTRARIAN
HEADLINE ENTERTAINER DARRELL JOYCE
A native of Columbus, Ohio, this 30-year veteran of the comedy circuit and finalist in the Aspen and Montreal Festivals, appears to deliver his cutting-edge style effortlessly and is guaranteed to leave audiences
doubled over, rolling in the aisles with laughter.
Sunday, April 20, 2025 – Photo of the Day – Hamburg, Germany
Where in the World Are We?
We are in Hamburg, Germany.
HAMBURG, GERMANY
Hamburger’s City
If you thought the hamburger was an American invention, it’s time to give credit where credit is due, because the hamburger comes from… Hamburg. If your jaw drops because you’ve only just seen the report, well done, and read on. If not, proceed with reading on.
First of all, it’s worth noting that in Germany, it’s common practice to refer to a culinary specialty by its city of origin, as if it were a citizen of that city. For example, a Frankfurter sausage will be called ‘Frankfurter’, just as a Frankfurter would be called ‘Frankfurter’. The same goes for a Berliner, but not the one that John F. Kennedy referred to in his 1963 speech in Berlin; rather, it is a doughnut with jam filling.
But back to our burgers…,
In Hamburg, the Hamburgers (the city’s inhabitants) used to serve a hearty dish to the workers: the Hamburg steak, a patty of minced meat covered in sauce, otherwise known as a Hamburger. This Hamburger was a classic in German canteens and, in the 19th century, one of the main dishes served on board the HAPAG, the shipping line that linked Hamburg to New York. With all the successive waves of migration from old Europe to America, the Hamburger gained a foothold in the New World. With the addition of two slices of bread, it became even more practical, and in less than a century, it became the quintessential American specialty and a national icon that has since conquered taste buds worldwide.
SIGHTS
• Chilehaus
• Deichstrasse
• Historischer
• Weihnachtsmarkt
• Miniatur Wunderland
• Rathaus
• Reeperbahn
• St. Michaelis Kirche
SHOPPING AND CUISINE
Hamburg’s inner city is diverse. From boutiques on Gänsemarkt to passages around the Hanseviertel and luxury shopping on Neuer Wall, everyone will find something. Most traditional shopping streets boast luxury outlets and high-street fashion alike, from Jungfernstieg to the Neuer Wall. For more classic Hamburg retail, just near Jungfernstieg, you will discover a row of merchants’ houses that have been in business here since the 1920s.
The humble Fischbrötchen (fish roll) is one of Hamburg’s most popular snacks. Made using pickled or soused herring, they are typically served in a crusty roll with pickles, onions, and remoulade sauce. These moreish morsels are a pride of Hamburg, so be sure to pick one up.
Today’s Excursion – Scenic Hamburg
Enjoy a panoramic tour of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg, Germany’s second-largest metropolis and one of Europe’s
biggest ports. Elegant and cosmopolitan Hamburg is a city of palatial office buildings, magnificent promenades, international
musicals, extravagant shopping malls, and the famous Reeperbahn in St. Pauli.
Hamburg Sightseeing
See the City Hall, Germany’s oldest Stock Exchange, the Speicherstadt, as well as the Jungfernstieg, one of the elegant and luxurious shopping areas: St. Pauli and Reeperbahn. Drive past the St. Pauli Landungsbrücke, where the old sailing vessels used to dock. Continue your journey along the world-famous Reeperbahn, where, at the beginning of the 17th century, the “Reepers” constructed rigs. Nowadays, it is referred to as “the mile of sin” where ‘The Beatles’ began their career in 1962.
St. Michael’s church.
See St. Michael’s Church, which was destroyed at some point in the past but was then always reconstructed. Also known as the “Michel” by the locals, this church is the largest North German Baroque church and Hamburg’s prominent landmark.
Dinner was in The Atlantide Restaurant
BOOGIE FEVER
Get on your boogie shoes and feel the heat in your feet as you join your Silversea Singers and Dancers with the Silversea Band for some disco fever and explosive dance moves, bound to get your toes tapping and heads bobbing.
Satruday, April 19, 2025 – Photo of the Day – En Route to Hamburg, Germany
Where in the World Are We?
We are sailing from Amsterdam, Netherlands, to Hamburg, Germany.
Today’s Activities Included:
9:45 Destination Lecture with Dr. Glenn E. Robinson- Happening Hamburg- Once part of the Hanseatic League.
Hamburg had a long history as an independent city-state and major port. It is a center of German and European culture today.
11:00 Intermediate Bridge Lesson
Noon Special Luncheon celebrating Dr. Don & Sharron Balfore’s 1,000 days of sailing with Silverseas.
2:00 Enrichment Lecture with Alastair Bruce of Crioniach – The German Empire and its Three Kaisers.
The story of Prussia’s last three kings, who became emperors of Unified Germany from 1871 to 1918.
3:00 Enrichment Lecture with Mark Lubienski- Secret Intelligence: Around The Baltic.
Learn how Polish mathematicians first cracked the Enigma cipher, how a Finnish ice skater lent her name to a US intelligence operation, and enjoy more stories of secret intelligence from around the Baltic in WW2.
Dinner was in The Atlantide Restaurant
BEYOND THE ORIGINAL
“Beyond the Original” redefines musical expression as male vocalists reinterpret iconic female songs, and female vocalists infuse legendary male anthems with newfound depth and meaning.
This seamless blend of modern artistry, with a touch of operatic grandeur, is enriched by dramatic harmonies soaring over the masterful arrangements of the Silver Dawn Band, as they perfectly complement the evening’s vocal performances.
Featuring standout talents—Beatrice, Francesca, Luke, and Sass—this show offers unforgettable renditions that bridge the worlds of classic, modern, and contemporary music. Experience a celebration of voice, harmony, and reinvention, where every note is reimagined and every performance transcends the boundaries of the original.
Friday, April 18, 2025 – Photo of the Day – Amsterdam, Netherlands
Where in the World Are We?
We are in the Netherlands, Amsterdam
AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS
A Blend of History, Culture, and Innovation
Amsterdam is not just about its rich history and charming architecture- it’s also a city that thrives on vibrant culture and modern innovation. With over 1,500 bridges, Amsterdam is often referred to as the “Venice of the North.” The city is renowned for its rich artistic heritage and strong ties to legendary artists such as Rembrandt and Van Gogh, both of whom lived and worked in Amsterdam.
Their legacies are preserved in world-famous institutions such as the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum, which house countless masterpieces that attract art lovers from around the globe.
The city boasts more than 75 museums, including the poignant Anne Frank House, which offers a moving look into the life of Anne Frank during World War II. Amsterdam’s Red Light District, one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods, reflects its long-standing progressive and open-minded spirit. With over 165 canals stretching more than 100 kilometers, Amsterdam’s canal ring is a designated UNESCO World Heritage site.
The city also hosts numerous festivals throughout the year, such as King’s Day, when the entire town turns orange in celebration of the Dutch monarch’s birthday.
SIGHTS
• Red Light District
• Rijksmuseum
• Van Gogh Museum
• Museum Ons’ Lieve Heer op Solder
• Amsterdam Museum
• Nemo Science Museum
• Anne Frank House
SHOPPING AND CUISINE
The city’s famous flower market, Bloemenmarkt, is the only floating flower market in the world. Open year-round, it offers a colorful selection of flower bulbs, souvenirs, and seasonal blooms.
Amsterdam is also home to the oldest stock exchange in the world- the Amsterdam Stock Exchange- founded in 1602 by the Dutch East India Company.
Today’s Excursion – Amsterdam & the Rijksmuseum
We saw famous sights, including the Baroque-style Royal Palace, the New Church, the Mint Tower, the Weeper’s Tower, and the Rijksmuseum.
Rijksmuseum
From the time of Rembrandt, Amsterdam has been revered as a center of art. Today, the city is renowned for its celebrated
museums, such as the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh, and Stedelijk Museums, to name a few. It is also a shopper’s city, featuring everything from the famous flower market to glassware, Delft porcelain, cheese, and wooden shoes.
Our guided visit to the Rijksmuseum will offer you an in-depth exploration of the museum’s collections. We discovered the Dutch
masters. The Museum is probably most famous for the Nightwatch and the Milkmaid, but it has even more to offer.
FROM THE DANUBES TO THE STEPPES
HEADLINE ENTERTAINER RUSTEM HAYROUDINOFF
Experience the brilliance and intensity of the piano at its most azzling. This virtuosic recital showcases masterworks that push the limits of technique and expression, offering a thrilling journey through fiery
rhythms, lyrical depth, and sheer pianistic power.”
He featured Liszt.
Dinner was in The Alantide Restaurant
MOMMA’S BOY
WITH HEADLINE ENTERTAINER DARRELL JOYCE
Momma raised me right.
A native of Columbus, Ohio, this 30-year veteran of the comedy circuit and finalist in the Aspen and Montreal Comedy Festivals appears to deliver his cutting style effortlessly, guaranteeing audiences will be doubled over with laughter.
Thursday, April 17, 2025 – Photo of the Day – Amsterdam, Netherland
Where in the World Are We?
We are in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS
The city of crooked houses
If Amsterdam, its canals, its bridges, and its undeniable charm are here today, we have the henchmen of Florent V, Count of Holland, to thank. It was the abuses of these men that sealed Amsterdam’s fate. Here’s how it happened. We are in the 13th century, in a small fishing village wedged between a dam, a small coastal river, the Amstel, and marshes. This hamlet is ‘visited’ by the soldiers of the Count of Holland. Their behaviour towards the population and their property was so unacceptable that Florent V, to make amends, signed a tax exemption on 27 October 1275, which sealed the town’s fate for good. Thanks to this document, the “Tolprivilege van Amsterdam”, the inhabitants could now travel and move their goods without paying taxes. Naturally, thanks to this enormous privilege on foreign trade, the modest fishing village became a city in just a quarter of a century, an important commercial centre in a century, and then a world capital.
But let’s not forget that Amsterdam, built below sea level, rests on marshland. And when it came to building in a wetland, the city’s ever-growing population soon realised that the only way to prevent the buildings sinking was to build them on stilts. Stilts at least 18 metres long, allowing them to pass under the layer of peat and clay to reach the more stable sand. A traditional dwelling rests on ten of them, and some 11 million poles support all the buildings in the city. This is one of the reasons why Amsterdam is home to the narrowest house in the world, with a facade just 1 metre wide. That and a tax dating back to the 17th century that taxed buildings on their width…
SIGHTS
• Red Light District
• Rijksmuseum
• Van Gogh Museum
• Museum Ons’ Lieve Heer op Solder
• Amsterdam Museum
• Nemo Science Museum
• Anne Frank House
SHOPPING AND CUISINE
Heineken’s oldest brewery. Experience will reveal the history, brewing process, and marketing of the Netherlands’ most famous beer brand.
The narrow streets of the centre, the canal rings, and the Jordaan area are home to small, independent boutiques, where you can wander for hours in search of that one-of-a-kind find. The city’s markets also represent a variety of treasure troves, as well as being brilliant for taking the pulse of particular districts and soaking up the atmosphere.
Today’s Excursion – Keukenhof Tulip Festival
We visited the world’s most beautiful spring garden, home to over 7 million tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths.
Keukenhof
Situated between Amsterdam and The Hague in the Dune and Bulb region is the world’s largest flower garden, Keukenhof, also known as the ‘Garden of Europe’.Keukenhof is only open during the Spring when the tulips are in full bloom.
Keukenhof (‘kitchen garden’) was originally a herb garden, providing herbs for Jacqueline, Countess of Hainaut’s castle.
Today, the garden has bloomed to include 80 acres of paved footpaths that cross lawns, streams, lakes, and pavilions featuring
various exhibitions. The powerful display of colour from over seven million tulips, hyacinths, and narcissi forms a striking contrast with the greens of the grass and the trees. We walked through the themed gardens, complete with fountains and water features that add to the splendour of the Park.
Tonight’s dinner was in The Altantide Restaurant.
COME CROON WITH ME – THE LOVE EDITION
WITH HEADLINE ENTERTAINER JESSE HAMILTON JR
Celebrating the Power of Love!
Singing hits from The Beatles, Otis Redding, Chris Stapleton, and much more! Come Croon with Jesse Hamilton Jr and feel the Love!
Wednesday, April 16, 2025 – Photo of the Day – En Route to Amsterdam, Netherlands
Where in the World Are We?
We are sailing from Rouen, France, to Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Today’s Activities included:
9:45 Destination Lecture with Dr. Glenn E. Robinson- Amazing Amsterdam
The capital of the Netherlands, Amsterdam, is one of the greatest cosmopolitan cities in the world.
11:00 Intermediate Bridge
2:00 Enrichment Lecture with Jeffrey A. Weinberg – The View from the Oval Office:
What are the “tools” available to the President? Examine the array of tools available to presidents to enhance their success.
3:00 Enrichment Lecture with Alastair Bruce of Crioniach- The House of Orange:
A history of the Royal Family of the Netherlands leading to King Willem-Alexander
Dinner was in The Atlantide Restaurant.
LIMELITE
Experience a magnificent evening of musical entertainment at its best! Limelite is a dynamic show featuring the very best of musical theatre, from New York’s Broadway and London’s West End, as well as some of the most iconic movie musicals. Join your Silversea Singers and Dancers as we bring this Broadway experience to life! Enjoy hits from past productions through to present day, including Grease, ABBA, and The Greatest Showman.
Tuesday, April 15, 2025 – Photo of the Day – Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris, France
Where in the World Are We?
We are in Rouen, France, and took a day trip to Paris, France.
ROUEN, FRANCE
Land of Men from the North
Normandy, renowned for its lush, rolling landscapes, is now synonymous with tranquility and culinary delights, including Camembert, Calvados, and fresh seafood. But beneath this calm facade, Normandy conceals a vibrant and storied past. A case in point is the fierce battles fought in 1944 by the Allied Forces against Nazi Germany during World War II.
This fiery chapter in history mirrors yet another period of intense conflict that played out over a millennium earlier, when Vikings left their mark on this region. Such was their impact that Normandy, in essence, means the “Land of Men from the North”. The first Viking raids on Neustria, which was known as Normandy before the Viking era, occurred in the late 8th century.
By the mid-9th century, the Vikings had established a permanent settlement in Normandy. In 911, French King Charles the Simple made peace with Viking leader Rollo, who in return pledged his allegiance to the king, converted to Christianity, and took on the task of defending the region against his compatriots.
The Duchy of Normandy thrived, prospering and expanding, establishing Normand realms as far as the Near East. The most significant expansion was in 1066, when Normandy, under William the Conqueror, claimed territories across the English Channel. Harold Godwinson’s ascension to the English throne after William’s contested Edward the Confessor’s death. Asserting his right, William marshalled an impressive armada and crossed the English Channel, culminating in the historic Battle of Hastings. This saga, a pivotal moment in history, is beautifully captured in the famous Bayeux Tapestry, often regarded as the world’s first comic strip.
SIGHTS
• Notre-Dame Cathedral
• The Gros Horloge
• Historial Jeanne d’Arc
• A stroll along the River Seine
• The Quartier Libre
• Panorama Sainte-Catherine
• Church of St Joan of Arc
• Rue Saint-Romain
SHOPPING AND CUISINE
There are plenty of restaurants in the historic downtown area and around the Church of St. Joan of Arc, but interesting finds await in the alleys outside the immediate city centre. The area is renowned worldwide for its apples, cider, pears, and dairy products like cheese and milk. Try the apple brandy, Calvados, one of the local specialties. Additionally, some of the finest lamb, duck, and poultry from around the world can be found here.
Shopping in Rouen is a dream for all art enthusiasts. The city offers numerous antique shops, art galleries, and markets. On and around Rue Saint-Romain, right in the centre of the town, you can find many high street and local shops and boutiques.
Today’s Excursion – A day in Paris
We enjoyed a day in Paris, highlighted by a tour of the newly refurbished Notre Dame Cathedral.
After visiting the Notre-Dame Cathedral, we went to the Paris suburb of Neuilly-sur-Seine, where we had lived for five years.
VIRTUOSI SHOWTIME WITH
HEADLINE ENTERTAINER RUSTEM HAYROUDINOFF
A celebration of virtuosity and passion, this piano recital features the electrifying brilliance of Chopin and the sweeping romanticism of Rachmaninoff. From delicate lyricism to thunderous intensity, experience the piano as a vessel of both poetic nuance and powerful drama.
Dinner was in The Atlantide Restaurant.
