RIVER LIFE ALONG THE WATERWAYS
OF HOLLAND AND BELGIUM:
Holland, Belgium
Date: April 10 to18, 2011
Price: From approximately $2695 plus air
Activity Level: Moderately active
For reservations: 1-800-922-3088
Tour Operator: Thomas P. Gohagan & Company
Come celebrate the beauty and spirit of Holland in springtime, when more than 1,000 varieties of tulips, daffodils and hyacinths stretch as far as the eye can see. Experience the true character of life in the Low Countries cruising through Holland and Belgium aboard the deluxe M.S. AMADOLCE. Expert-guided excursions feature picturesque Volendam; medieval Antwerp, Ghent and Bruges, a UNESCO World Heritage site; magnificent Keukenhof Gardens; the impressive Delta Works; and the legendary windmills of Kinderdijk. Meet local residents during the exclusive VILLAGE FORUM™. Join the exclusive two-night Pre-Program Option in The Hague.
ITINERARY
Day Destination
1 Depart from the U.S.
2 Amsterdam, The Netherlands/Embark M.S. AMADOLCE
3 Amsterdam/Volendam, The Netherlands
4 Arnhem (Otterlo/Oosterbeek)
5 Antwerp, Belgium
6 Ghent (Bruges)
7 Williemstad, The Netherlands (Delta Works)/Dordrecht (Kinderdijk)
8 Utrecht (Keukenhof Gardens)/Amsterdam
9 Amsterdam/Disembark M.S. AMADOLCE/Return to the U.S.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Enjoy exceptional accommodations aboard one of Europe’s most elegant river ships, the deluxe M.S. AMADOLCE, as you cruise along the tranquil and historic canals of the Low Countries.
- Discover picturesque Old Dutch towns like Volendam, whose character has remained unchanged since the height of the Dutch Golden Age in the 17th century.
- Take a special tour of the extraordinary gardens of Keukenhof, where millions of tulips, daffodils and other flowers bloom each spring.
- Enjoy complimentary personal butler service, gourmet dining—including wine with lunch and dinner and beverages throughout the cruise—and onboard gratuities.
- Explore the exquisite medieval architecture and priceless artistic treasures of the charming Flemish cities of Bruges, Ghent and Antwerp.
- Gain unique insight into life in the Low Countries during an exclusive VILLAGE FORUM with local residents.
- Visit to the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam.
- Exploration of the region’s rich artistic heritage with guided tours of the Kröller-Müller Museum, Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum and Rubenshuis.
M.S. AMADOLCE
Built in 2009, the deluxe M.S. AMADOLCE is one of the most state-of-the-art river vessels in Europe, offering grand comfort and style while providing superior personal service by a friendly, professional crew.
The 75 beautifully furnished staterooms and junior suites are outside and most feature French balconies (full-length sliding glass doors with iron railings) enabling you to open your stateroom to the outdoors. Each stateroom features the amenities of a fine hotel including a private bathroom, individually controlled air conditioning, sitting area, stylish plush bedding, Infotainment System with internet access, hair dryer, safe and bathrobes.
INCLUDED FEATURES ON BOARD THE DELUXE M.S. AMADOLCE
- Seven-night cruise round trip from Amsterdam, with port calls at Volendam, Arnhem (Otterlo, Oosterbeek), Willemstad, Dordrecht and Utrecht, The Netherlands; and Antwerp and Ghent (Bruges), Belgium.
- Spacious, deluxe accommodations in an outside stateroom with private bathroom facilities.
- Special welcome toast and dinner.
- All meals—breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner—featuring regional cuisine served at single seatings. House wine is served with dinner.
TOURS AND EXCURSIONS LED BY EXPERT LOCAL GUIDES
- Private Amsterdam canal cruise.
- Walking tour of the charming fishing village of Volendam, where residents still wear traditional Dutch attire.
- Visit the newly expanded Airborne Museum in Arnhem.
- Antwerp city tour, featuring a visit to the Cathedral of our Lady.
- Full-day excursion to Bruges, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Private Bruges canal cruise.
- An excursion to the Delta Works.
- Tour of the legendary windmills at Kinderdijk, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Excursion to the Keukenhof Gardens, one of the world’s greatest floral exhibitions.
EXCLUSIVE CULTURAL ENRICHMENTS
- Exploration of the region’s rich artistic heritage with guided tours of the world-class Kröller-Müller Museum, the Van Gogh Museum, the prestigious Rijksmuseum and Rubenshuis.
- VILLAGE FORUMTM with local citizens who will discuss life in Holland and Belgium.
- Meet the molenaar (miller) who runs the mills at Kinderdijk.
- Dutch language presentation, introducing basic phrases and correct pronunciation.
- Lectures by faculty on regional culture, history and literature, providing a comprehensive introduction to Holland and Belgium.
THE HAGUE PRE-PROGRAM OPTION
This exclusive two-night stay in The Hague, The Netherlands’ fascinating seat of government, features deluxe accommodations in the HOTEL DES INDES, a palatial hotel built to host aristocrats and heads of state. See world-famous art from the Dutch Golden Age on a specially arranged tour of Mauritshuis, observe the world’s largest daily flower auction in Aalsmeer and tour the Van Loon Museum, former home to Ferdinand Bol, one of Rembrandt’s most famous students and one of the great Dutch Masters. Complete details will be provided with your reservation confirmation.