Day 1: 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: 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, 81 cabins, panoramic deck, terrace café, panorama salon and 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.
(D)
Day 3: Amsterdam - Volendam - Enkhuizen
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 cruise to the little
fishing town of Volendam, where you can still find fishermen dressed in
traditional caps and baggy-legged trousers.
Small brick houses with green wooden siding and traditional Dutch doors give
this town a unique flair. *Next, explore
the quaint town of Edam,
renowned for the delicious round cheese that bears its name. * Later,
travel between fields of colorful tulips
to the beautifully preserved town of Enkhuizen,
a charming port with a rich maritime past and buildings dating back to the 15th
century. During dinner, the ship resumes its cruise to the river Ijssel. (B,
L, D)
Day 4: Arnhem
*Early 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 into Belgium. (B, L, D)
Day 5: Antwerp, Belgium
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 the best part 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. This evening, your ship sets sail
for Ghent. (B, L, D)
Day 6: Ghent - Bruges
The Imperial city of Ghent is lined with
typical patrician houses in its city center, conveying the splendor of by-gone
days. A sightseeing tour 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. * There is time this evening to explore Ghent on your own, before the ship sails
again.
(B, L, D)
Day 7: Zierikzee - Dordrecht
Early this morning you arrive in
charming Zierikzee. A walk through this interesting little Dutch town includes
its preserved medieval center, 14th century city gates, the Gothic
"Burgerweershuis", the fish market and the 16th century town
jail. Enjoy scenic Dutch landscapes as
you cruise to historic Dordrecht,
with its 17th century city gate and the Gothic "Grote Kerk" church.
Next, visit Kinderdijk, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you encounter Holland’s largest concentration of windmills, many still
operating, and get a revealing glimpse into Holland’s age-old battle with the sea. *Tonight, after dinner, you will enjoy
music and dancing by a local Dutch folklore group. * (B, L, D)
Day 8: Dordrecht
- Schoonhoven - Utrecht - Amsterdam
A morning stop in Schoonhoven
allows you to explore this scenic little town before cruising to charming Utrecht. *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 memorable farewell dinner celebrating the end of an unforgettable river
cruise through Holland and Belgium. (B, L, D)
Day 9: Amsterdam - Tour Ends
(B)
(B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
The Upper Class