Depart U.S. and fly overnight to Copenhagen, Denmark.

Arrive this afternoon in the royal city of Copenhagen and embark National Geographic Explorer. (D)

Lubeck was the medieval capital of the Hanseatic League. Its intact ensemble of step-gabled merchant’s houses, red-bricked warehouses and narrow alleys are protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our Zodiac options and our walking tour takes us to Buddenbrockhaus, home of Lubeck’s famous sons, authors Heinrich and Thomas Mann. (B,L,D)

We have a relaxing day as we make our way from the Baltic to the North Sea through the 63-mile-long Kiel Canal. Its banks are surrounded by pastoral lowlands. Opened in 1895, the Kiel Canal is one of the busiest canals in the world, with more than 50,000 ships transiting a year. (B,L,D)

With its canals, museums, cafes and gabled architecture, Amsterdam is a colorful city. Cruise along the canals, seeing Amsterdam’s landmarks and enjoying the free-spirited lifestyle. Choose from a variety of options--including the Anne Frank House and the famed Rijksmuseum with its collection of Dutch masterpieces -- to suit your interests in this diverse and fascinating city. (B,L,D)