First World War Centenary Cruise

Day 1 Southampton Titan’s VIP door-to-door travel service collects you from home for your journey to Southampton, where our staff will greet you and assist with embarking Braemar (3T+) in readiness for an evening sailing. Day 2 Dunkirk, France We arrive early this morning into the third largest harbour in France and the site of one of the Second World War’s most notorious events, involving the 1940 evacuation of British and Allied forces. The pretty commune of Dunkirk itself features a number of fascinating museums offering an in-depth look into French wartime history, including the Dunkirk Harbour Museum and the fascinating Musée des Beaux-Arts - home to the largest collection of historic Flemish, Italian and French paintings and sculptures. Situated close to Belgium and Ypres, Dunkirk is also ideally placed for visits to the Great War battlefields; the Menin Gate Memorial, where the Last Post is played every evening as a mark of respect; and the superb In Flanders Fields Museum. Days 3-4 Ghent, Belgium (overnight) Often described as Europe’s best kept secret, we arrive in the beautiful city of Ghent this morning for an overnight stop. Easy to explore via tram or on foot, you can visit the city sights including the Castle of the Counts, a breathtakingly-grand structure originating from the Middle Ages; the iconic St Nicolas’ Church; and the UNESCO Belfry, the tallest medieval tower in Belgium. From here you can travel to Ypres, or Mons - a major First World War battle site. We are in Ghent for a full day on 11th November, allowing you the chance to head to Brussels and be part of the annual Remembrance Sunday commemorations. Day 5 Antwerp Our destination today is pretty Antwerp, where you can wander the picturesque cobblestone streets and take in the magnificent Cathedral of Our Lady and the Royal Museum of Fine Arts, the legendary diamond district and the abundance of chocolate shops. Antwerp is also near Liège, a historic city where the opening engagement between the Germans and Belgians occurred and the ruined Fort de Loncin - the only fort not to surrender to the German advances - is located here. Days 6-7 Boulogne-sur-Mer, France (overnight) At France’s most northerly point is the city of Boulogne-sur-Mer. Its magnificent 19th century cathedral that stands on the site of an older structure destroyed during the revolution, the 17th century Fort Mahon, and the Nausicaä Centre National de la Mer, are all interesting to visit. Boulogne-sur-Mer is also the closest port to the Somme and the exceptional Thiepval Memorial to the Missing. Thiepval features a fascinating visitor centre and museum dedicated to remembering the brave soldiers that lost their lives in the fierce battles of the Somme. Day 8 Southampton We disembark after breakfast and you will be met and guided to your Titan vehicle, for the journey home.