Day 1: Depart London Tilbury, UK. Today you will board the impressive MV Van Gogh and begin the journey to Germany. This evening you can enjoy a five-course dinner, and afterwards sample the evening entertainment or relax with a drink in the bar.

Day 2: Bremerhaven, Germany. After a morning of cruising, you will arrive at Bremerhaven, where there will be time to explore. Perhaps you would like to join an optional excursion to Germany's second city — Hamburg, home to one of the biggest and most prestigious shopping districts in the world. You may prefer to join an alternative excursion, taking you to the Hanseatic City of Bremen, famous for its delightful Christmas Markets.

Day 3: Ijmuiden (for Amsterdam), Holland . This afternoon, berth at Ijmuiden where you will surely wish to join the optional excursion to the Dutch capital of Amsterdam. Here there will be time at leisure for shopping and to admire the seasonal decorations.

Day 4: Zeebrugge, Belgium. Today you will have the chance to join an optional excursion to the picturesque medieval city of Bruges. Here you can visit the impressive Christmas Markets and take advantage of the excellent shopping opportunities. Alternatively today, you might like to sample the Christmas Markets in Brussels.

Day 5: Arrive London Tilbury, UK for the return coaching to your original departure point.