Discover the beauty and history of the Dutch and Belgian waterways in springtime on a 150-passenger riverboat. Admire the colorful carpets of tulips and flower displays; stroll amidst Kinderdijks’ lush green countryside dotted with the world-famous windmills, taste the local cheese and learn about the traditions of the friendly Dutch and Flemish people. In Belgium, tour great medieval cities like Antwerp, Ghent and Brugges with their stunning architecture and traditions and sample the delicious pastries and chocolates.
Typical Cruise Itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)
Day 1: Depart USA
Board your overnight flight to Amsterdam, Holland.
Day 2: Arrive in Amsterdam, Holland
Welcome to Amsterdam, a modern city with a rich and fascinating history. Explore the 700-year-old European capital with its elegant and classic architecture, cafés, restaurants, lively marketplace and exciting nightlife. Perhaps visit one of the city's renowned museums such as the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum or the Anne Frank House. Tonight, meet your fellow passengers on board for the welcome dinner. Includes: (D).
Day 3: Amsterdam - Volendam - Edam
After breakfast, enjoy a panoramic morning cruise through the historic canals of Amsterdam. Then on to Volendam. The afternoon tour takes you from Volendam to the village of Edam, famous for its wonderful cheese. Includes: (B), (L), (D).
Day 4: Arnhem
Arrive in Arnhem early this morning. Tour the Airborne Museum Hartenstein, which shows the course of events during the Battle of Arnhem, one of the major battles of World War II. After the tour, return to the ship around lunchtime and spend a leisurely afternoon and evening cruising through Holland and on to Belgium. Includes: (B), (L), (D).
Day 5: Antwerp
This morning, enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of Antwerp, one of the world's most important ancient seaports. See the Grote Markt with its beautiful city hall and the Church of Our Lady and admire the city's superb architecture. The afternoon is free to explore Antwerp on your own or take an optional excursion to nearby Brussels. After dinner, your cruise departs for Ghent. Includes: (B), (L), (D).
Day 6: Ghent
Disembark after breakfast for a guided sightseeing tour of Ghent, the fourth largest city of Belgium. This city is the real diamond of Flanders. In its own way, Ghent has preserved its medieval charm while remaining current with the times. The afternoon is yours to explore Ghent further or to take an optional excursion to Brugges, one of Europe's most perfectly preserved medieval cities. Includes: (B), (L), (D).
Day 7: Willemstad - Dordrecht
This morning, sail through the Dutch region of Zeeland. This region is home to one of the world's most complex engineering projects, the Delta Works, which took over 30 years to complete. During this morning's cruise, you will pass this magnificent project, then stop in charming Willemstad for a walking tour and spend some free time to shop or explore on your own. During lunch, continue cruising towards Dordrecht and the 18th-century windmills of Kinderdijk, the largest group of original windmills in Holland. Tonight, enjoy a special music performance on board. Includes: (B), (L), (D).
Day 8: Utrecht - Keukenhof - Amsterdam
Cruise along the Amsterdam-Rhine Canal to Utrecht, where you disembark for a morning excursion to the famous Keukenhof Gardens to admire the spectacular display of bulb flowers in bloom. Keukenhof also offers several ponds, sculpture gardens, greenhouses, a windmill which can be toured and several terraces for relaxing. Return to your ship in Amsterdam for lunch. Includes: (B), (L), (D).
Day 9: Depart Amsterdam
Disembark this morning and transfer to the airport. Extra nights are available if you wish to extend your stay in Amsterdam. Includes: (B).
Included:
- 7-night deluxe cruise accommodation in an outside stateroom
- Superb dining with all meals included
- Wines from Europe's great wine regions with every dinner on board the ship
- Cocktail reception, welcome dinner and captain's gala dinner
- Daily sightseeing program as outlined in the itinerary
- Special highlights including folklore dances, lectures, theme dinners, on board music performances and afternoon & evening piano music
- Services of a professional cruise director
- All transfers with the purchase of cruise and air package
- All local taxes
Available at Additional Cost::
- Round trip air from many US cities and transfers to/from the ship
- Optional activities
- Extra nights in Amsterdam
- Health and travel insurance
Price Excludes:
- Crew gratuities (suggested 15 euros per person per day)
- Personal expenses
- Other items not listed in "Included" above
Ship Features:
- 41 English-speaking crew members
- Length: 360 ft.; width: 38 ft.
- Grand Panorama Lounge with bar. Aft Lounge with bar for up to 35-50 Passengers - ideal for special group events/meetings
- Elegant restaurant that accommodates all guests in one seating without fixed seating arrangements. "Hot station" at buffet breakfasts.
- Wellness Center includes a fitness center, sauna and massages
- Sun Deck with whirlpool and walking track
- On board amenities including beauty and hair salon, souvenir shop, and giant chess game
- Non-smoking environment (smoking only outside on Sun Deck)
Staterooms:
- 71 deluxe staterooms (all 170 sq.ft. outside cabins) with hotel-style beds that can be set up as two twin beds or one large double bed
- 4 junior suites (255 sq.ft.) on the upper deck
- Category A-C staterooms and junior suites have French balconies with sliding glass doors. Category D and E staterooms have fixed windows.
- Infotainment system in all staterooms with Internet, movie and music library and English language TV stations. Internet access and TV programs are free; movies are pay-per-view.
- Terry bathrobes and white-on-white plush bedding in all staterooms, plus hair dryer and safe.
2009 departures from April 3 - 24 (seven cruises available).
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Prices are per person, double occupancy. Cruise+Air packages are also available.
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
Netherlands
Belgium
Garden Tours
Cultural Journey
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