|
DAY 1, Wednesday - Depart for France
Depart for France
DAY 2, Thursday - Arrive in Paris, the "City of Lights"
Arrive in Paris, the "City of Lights"; transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to begin your discovery of one of the world's greatest cities with its endless treasures. Tonight, enjoy a Welcome Drink and orientation meeting with your local host at the hotel at approximately 6 PM, about the journey. We recommend that you select flights which arrive in your destination no later than 4 PM on Day 2 or earlier, if possible
Overnight: Paris
DAY 3, Friday - Tour of Paris
Drive along the famous Champs Elysees to the Arc de Triomphe and the iconic Eiffel Tower, symbol of Paris. On to the celebrated "Rive Gauche", the vivacious Left Bank where artists, philosophers and writers in a long gone era flourished in the artistic community at Montparnasse. View the Latin Quarter, home to many of France's higher education establishments, such as the Sorbonne. Spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure or join the optional tour to magnificent Versailles to witness the grandeur of French classical architecture on the visit to the Palace and the extravagant State Apartments
Optional: Versailles Apartments (PM)
Overnight: Paris
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 4, Saturday - Full Day in Paris
The day is yours to explore this exciting city independently. Visit bustling Montmartre on your own to see spectacular views of the city, and the Basilica of Sacre Coeur, or walk the winding streets to mingle with the street artists selling their wares at Place du Tertre. Perhaps tonight stop at a bistro for dinner coupled with great wine
Overnight: Paris
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 5, Sunday - Tour Brussels, River Cruise Embarkation in Amsterdam
Travel through French countryside to reach Brussels. In Belgium's capital city, view the gigantic Atomium, that still remains from the 1958 World Expo, the Palace of Justice and the Grand Place, a re-created 15th century town square with decorated guild houses. Stroll the city center with the well-known Manneken Pis bronze sculpture before continuing to the Amsterdam port for embarkation. After arrival formalities, rest and relax on board. This evening, meet your Cruise Director and enjoy a gala Welcome Dinner as it sets the mood for your delightful river cruise
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 6, Monday - Antwerp City Tour
Today you arrive in Antwerp, one of Europe's largest and most historic port cities, where more than half of the world's diamonds are traded. Evidence of the wealth produced from trade during the 16th century can be seen in the opulent homes that line the city streets. During the walking tour, view the unique market place, surrounded by the mighty Renaissance Town hall and numerous guild halls. Visit the Cathedral of our Lady, the highest Gothic building in the Low Countries. Rest of the day is at leisure in Antwerp, or return to the ship for a relaxing afternoon on board
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 7, Tuesday - Tour Ghent, the Historic Flanders Port
Discover the historic Flanders port of Ghent today, a showcase of Flemish wealth. Your tour of this medieval city includes views of the 7th century St. Bavo's Cathedral and the imposing Gravensteen Castle. At the town center, view the gigantic Belfry, a symbol of the city's independence and the Gothic-style Cloth Hall, glorifying the city's major industry. Alternatively, take the optional full day tour to Bruges, also known as the "Venice of the North" and home to some of Europe's best preserved medieval buildings. Here, view the Lake of Love (Minnewater), the Beguinage Convent and walk along the picturesque winding cobbled alleys and romantic canals
Optional: Full Day Bruges City Tour with Lunch (AM)
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 8, Wednesday - Willemstad, Afternoon Windmill Tour in Kinderdijk
Begin your exploration of charming Willemstad, located on Holland's Diep River. The town, named after King Willem of Orange, is best-known for its well-preserved fortifications. View some of the town's architectural landmarks; the Mauritshuis, De Koepelkerk Church, the first church built in the Netherlands specifically for Protestant worship, d'Orangemolen, a stately white windmill, and Old Town Hall. Alternatively, join the fascinating optional excursion to the Delta Works this morning. After the 1953 flood in the Netherlands, the Delta Plan was created to prevent a disaster from ever happening again. Taking 30 years to complete, the storm flood barrier, almost six miles long, stands as the final defense in the battle against the water and is considered a technical miracle. Afterward, rejoin the ship and continue cruising to Dordrecht. This afternoon, visit a windmill park in the small village of Kinderdijk on the north bank of the River Noord. The windmills, built in the 1700s, are still in use today and played a vital role in the development of the country. During this excursion, visit a windmill and learn more about the modern technology that is now replacing their existence
Optional: Delta Works Tour (AM)
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 9, Thursday - Morning Tour of Enkhuizen
Embark on a morning tour of the charming city of Enkhuizen. Discover the city's historic landmarks and step into the Dutch Golden Age of the 17th century when you stroll through Enkhuizen's historic streets. Learn about the city's local culture and hear facts about the time when the Netherlands was a global trading power with Enkhuizen one of its main port cities. Conclude the tour with a visit to Zuiderzee Museum, that focuses in maritime history and cultural heritage of the Zuiderzee. Visit the exhibits and discover how people once lived in this area. Free time to explore on your own before returning to the ship. Set sail in the late afternoon.
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 10, Friday - Morning in Keukenhof Gardens, Afternoon Zaandam
Depart this morning for beautiful Keukenhof Gardens, the largest and most spectacular flower gardens in the world, where a sea of multicolored tulips stretches out over the flat Dutch landscape as far as the eye can see. Return to the ship for lunch on board. Spend a relaxing afternoon on board or visit on your own the city of Zaandam that is steeped in history. During the Dutch Golden Age, the city had a large milling center with over 1000 windmills along the Zaan river. The area is considered one of the oldest industrial areas in the world
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 11, Saturday - Panoramic Tour of Amsterdam
Awake this morning in Amsterdam, one of the greatest small cities in the world, with its world-famous museums and historical sites. Today's panoramic tour of 700-year-old Amsterdam introduces you to both the old and the new sections of this city. View the Royal Palace on Amsterdam's Dam Square, the King's official home-away-from-home. On to the Dutch National Monument dedicated by Queen Juliana as a memorial to the victims of WWII and to the unusual Skinny Bridge, once so narrow that pedestrians could not pass each other. Then, board a glass-top boat and cruise the winding canals for an up-close view of the stately historic homes, 16th-century warehouses and charming churches with striking bell towers. Rejoin the ship for lunch on board, and spend time at leisure. At tonight's Farewell Dinner, share wonderful memories of your cruise with your Tour Manager and newfound friends
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 12, Sunday - Disembarkation in Amsterdam, Rijksmuseum Tour
Bid farewell to your Cruise Director and meet your local host as you visit the world-famous Rijksmuseum. On your guided tour you will explore the vast collection of works from some of the world's greatest artists including the Dutch masters Vermeer and Rembrandt. This afternoon is free for personal exploration. As you walk through the city, sample some of the much-loved local dishes like fresh herring, salty fries, local cheeses, or stop at a lively pub for a sampling of some of the renowned Dutch beers
Overnight: Amsterdam
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 13, Monday - Full Day in Amsterdam
Day at leisure to further explore Amsterdam on your own. Perhaps experience a taste of real Dutch life by renting a bike to discover the little alleyways, hidden courtyards and canal-side treasures or join our optional tour and take a culinary journey of Amsterdam; tasting foods from local eateries and specialty food stores while walking along famous Amsterdam attractions. Tonight, treat yourself to dinner at a fabulous restaurant, or join the effervescent night scene in this city filled with theaters, nightclubs and spirited cafes
Optional: Amsterdam Food Tour (PM)
Overnight: Amsterdam
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 14, Tuesday - Depart the Netherlands
This morning, transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast
|
