Presented by Retired Teachers' Center

Day 1: Saturday, April 10, 2010
Overnight Flight
Savor springtime in Holland and Belgium with a cruise that is sure to leave truly memorable impressions. Admire the colorful glory of the blooming Dutch tulip fields and be astonished by the number of windmills. Winding waterways lead you to such well known Belgian cities as Ghent and Antwerp. Your tulip time cruise begins with an overnight flight to Amsterdam, a city filled with classic architecture, cafes, restaurants and canals.

Day 2: Sunday, April 11, 2010
Amsterdam, Netherlands - Board Ship - Tour Begins
Your tour begins today in Amsterdam, the 800-year-old thriving capital of Holland. All aboard as you unpack once for a relaxing 7-night river cruise aboard the MS Amadeus Princess. This beautiful ship offers the newest technology, panoramic deck, panorama bar, fitness center, excellent cuisine including regional wines with every dinner, and outstanding service. Tonight, a cocktail is served in the Panorama Bar offering you a chance to meet your fellow travelers before a lovely welcome dinner. Enjoy an overnight stay on the ship in Amsterdam.
Today Dinner is included.

Day 3: Monday, April 12, 2010
Amsterdam - Volendam
After breakfast, absorb Amsterdam’s most important sights and diverse architecture on a morning city tour. In celebration of Rembrandt’s genius, a special stop is made at the world-renowned Rijksmuseum for a tour of the Dutch master painter’s famous collection, "The Masterpieces." Mid-day you travel to the little fishing town of Volendam where you can still find fishermen dressed in traditional caps and baggy-legged trousers. A visit to a local cheese farm illustrates the process of how cheese from the area is made and also allows you the opportunity to sample some of the delicious results! During dinner, the ship resumes its cruise to the Ijssel Sea.
Today Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner are included.

Day 4: Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Arnhem
Late this morning you arrive in Arnhem, location of the favorite summer retreat of the Dutch royal family. An optional excursion provides an opportunity to see the town and follow the course of the battle that took place here in September 1944, one of the major tragedies of World War II. Also, in the open-air museum, gain insight into the daily life of Arnhem’s people from 1700 to 1970. This afternoon your journey continues through the lovely Dutch scenery.
Today Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner are included.

Day 5: Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Middelburg - Cruising
Today, your ship docks in Middelburg, the capital of the Dutch province Zeeland. The city is known as “monumental city” because over 1,100 monuments dot its landscape. This afternoon you may choose between one of two included excursions. You could stay in Middleburg for a locally guided city tour which shows off the medieval atmosphere of this town, including the smallest university in the Netherlands, the grand abbey, the impressive city hall and wonderful fronts of old trading houses. Or, you may choose instead to visit the Deltaworks Project located at Neeltje Jans. This is an amazing example of how the Dutch have truly tamed the enviroment in which they live. After the Deltaworks, you will stop at the lovely town of Veere, a prosperous trading port in the Middle Ages due to the wool trade with Scotland and today, a favorite spot for visitors.
Today Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner are included.

Day 6: Thursday, April 15, 2010
Ghent, Belgium - Bruges
This morning you arrive in the Imperial city of Ghent. Lined with typical patrician houses in its city center, Ghent conveys the splendor of by-gone days. Perhaps you will join an optional sightseeing tour that includes St. Bavo Cathedral with its world-famous painting of the altar of the citizens of Ghent and the "Belfried" with its bell tower. This afternoon, allow yourself to be transported back into medieval times with a leisurely-paced walking tour of Bruges, one of Europe’s most perfectly preserved medieval cities.
Today Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner are included.

Day 7: Friday, April 16, 2010
Antwerp
Today the ship docks in Antwerp, Belgium’s second-largest city, boasting beautiful Gothic and Baroque architecture and lively cafes. Antwerp is best known for its diamonds and also as the city of Peter Paul Rubens, who spent much of his life here. Join a local expert exploring Antwerp’s historical sights including the "Liebfrauenkirche," Belgium’s largest Gothic church; the legendary "Brabo" fountains; and Rubens’ house. The afternoon is at leisure for shopping, independent exploration or an optional excursion to the Belgian capital of Brussels. Tonight, the captain welcomes you to the elegant Captain’s Gala Dinner, immediately followed by an evening of dancing.
Today Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner are included.

Day 8: Saturday, April 17, 2010
Kinderdijk - Utrecht - Amsterdam
A morning stop in Kinderdijk, a UNESCO World Heritage site, allows you to experience Holland’s largest concentration of windmills, many still operating, and get a revealing glimpse into Holland’s age-old battle with the sea. After lunch, visit the world-famous Keukenhof Gardens, spanning more than 70 acres within a beautiful park of tranquil ponds and tree-shaded paths. With more than seven million tulips and other flowers on exhibit, Keukenhof is a kaleidoscope of color in bloom. Your day concludes with a farewell dinner and a typical Dutch folklore show celebrating the end of an unforgettable river cruise through Holland and Belgium.
Today Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner are included.

Day 9: Sunday, April 18, 2010
Amsterdam - Tour Ends
Your tour ends today, leaving you with many pleasant memories of a wonderful vacation.
Today Breakfast is included.

April 10 - April 18, 2010

YOUR ITINERARY AT A GLANCE
DAY 1
	Overnight Flight
DAY 2 - 8
	MS Amadeus Princess, Amsterdam
On some dates alternate hotels may be used.

Please Note:
• Cabins are available on middle (Strauss) and upper (Mozart) decks. Please see pricing for cost of any upgrade fees for different cabin categories. Suites are available (Amadeus Suites and Princess Suites) on a very limited basis.
• This tour includes moderate physical activity. The itinerary blends some longer days with shorter days and more leisure time. Walking tours, as well as walking slightly longer distances, up stairs or on uneven walking surfaces should be expected.
• To complete your vacation, we include roundtrip airport-to-hotel transfers when purchasing Collette airfare with your tour. If you have arranged for your own air, we are pleased to provide you the option of purchasing these transfers. Please note that all transfers will leave at pre-scheduled times.
• Single cabins are extremely limited and Triple accommodations are not available. Ports of call are subject to change based on pier availability and weather conditions. Embarkation on day 2 is after 3:00 PM; on day 9, disembarkation is normally at 9:00 AM. Return flights should not be booked prior to 12:00 noon on the last day of your tour (day 9). Coffee or tea is included with all meals. Wine is included with every dinner. Gratuities for cabin stewards, bus boys and waiters on board the ship are not included and are at your discretion. Smart casual wear is recommended throughout the trip. For the welcome and farewell dinners on the cruise, a dinner dress for the ladies and jacket & tie for the gentlemen are recommended. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended throughout the tour.
• Passport is required.