Compare Bountiful Holland: Tulips & Gardens By Riverboat by Road Scholar vs Country Roads of Belgium, Luxembourg & the Netherlands - Classic Group by Insight Vacations
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| Trip |
4.5 | Great
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 10 days | 12 days |
| Price From | $ 2,495 | $ 4,175 |
| Price Per Day | $ 250 | $ 348 |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
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| Flights & Transport | Airfare included | Airfare included |
| Activities | N/A | N/A |
| Meals Included |
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| Description | The story of Dutch tulips is one of mystery, intrigue and a springtime symphony of more than 7 million bulbs in bloom. Voyage the rivers of Holland to experience this fascinating story. | This 11-day guided tour whisks you through scenic Belgium, Luxembourg and The Netherlands. In Luxembourg, indulge in a farm-to-table feast at the horse-stables-turned-restaurant L'Écurie du Parc, then stroll past the 12th-Century Clervaux Castle after dinner. Climb to the top of the star-shaped Mardasson Monument for a birds-eye view of the fields where the World War II��s Battle of the Bulge was fought. Cruise through Amsterdam’s canal district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, sailing past 16th-Century merchant houses and the iconic Magere Brug — the skinny, white-painted wood bridge over the Amstel River. Later, join a Local Expert at the Rijksmuseum, where you can view Rembrandt's ‘Night Watch’, or visit the Floriade Horticultural Expo, and see a shoemaker whittle wood into traditional clogs. |
Day
1
In Transit to Program
In Flight
Day
2
Arrivals, Welcome Reception, Program Introduction
Amsterdam D Hotel Park Plaza Victoria
Activity note: Hotel check in is at 2:00 PM.
Afternoon: Transfer by bus to the hotel. Check in and get settled. There will be some free time to get over jetlag and relax. Shortly before dinner, attend the welcome orientation. Orientation: The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the program theme, the up-to-date Daily Schedule and any changes, discuss safety guidelines, emergency procedures, roles and responsibilities, and answer any questions you may have. Indicated times are approximate. Program activities, schedules, and personnel may need to change due to local circumstances. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Dinner: Welcome Dinner at the hotel. Water is included in the program cost at all meals.
Evening: At leisure.
Day
3
The Architecture and History of Amsterdam, Embarkation
At sea B,D MS Mona Lisa
Activity note: The time available in each port is set by the cruise line. Whenever possible, the Road Scholar daily schedule indicates port arrival and departure times (subject to change by the cruise line). Road Scholar delivers a robust educational program in each port, and this may mean that free time in port is limited.
Breakfast: In the hotel dining room. On this program, breakfasts will offer a typical European style breakfast buffet with breads, cheeses, cold-cuts, yogurt, fruit, cereals, juice, milk, coffee, tea and water.
Morning: Enjoy a guided walk through Amsterdam that focuses on the various styles of architecture. You will see the Floating Flower Market, Dam Square with the National Monument, the Royal Palace, and the New Church.
Lunch: Explore local fare on your own.
Afternoon: This afternoon, take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities, which can be found in the first Information Packet. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and give directions. Transfer to the ship, embark by 5:00 PM, and enjoy a welcome drink.
Dinner: On board. Dinners on board are three or four course, served meals.
Evening: This evening, there will be an optional canal boat ride, offered by the ship. This optional excursion costs €19.00 and is payable on board.
Day
4
Canal Cruise, Sailing
At sea B,L,D MS Mona Lisa
Breakfast: On board. Breakfasts on board are buffet style with typical European offerings.
Morning: This morning, explore the canals during a guided cruise followed by a bit of free time before lunch.
Lunch: On board. Lunches on board are three or four course, served meals.
Afternoon: At sea. Spend the afternoon cruising along the city's canals and joining the network of Dutch waterways before reaching Alphen-on-the-Rhine. While onboard, take in a lecture focusing on Dutch History.
Dinner: On board.
Evening: At leisure.
Day
5
Keukenhof, Gouda
At sea B,D MS Mona Lisa
Breakfast: On board.
Morning: Today we'll spend the day at the Keukenhof Gardens. Admire the wide variety of tulips, narcissi, and daffodils. Enjoy some free time at the gardens.
Lunch: Explore local fare on your own at one of the many restaurants in Keukenhof.
Afternoon: In the late afternoon, transfer to Gouda for a guided walk through this charming town, made famous for its cheese.
Dinner: On board.
Evening: At leisure.
Day
6
Sailing, Rotterdam
At sea B,L,D MS Mona Lisa
Breakfast: On board.
Morning: At sea. Take in the sights from the ship as you sail from Gouda to Rotterdam.
Lunch: On board.
Afternoon: Upon arrival in Rotterdam, discover the city's architecture during an expert-led bus and walking excursion. You will see the Cube House, the Erasmus Bridge, the Market Hall, among others. Later, explore the Delft Blue Factory, home to iconic pottery.
Dinner: Gala dinner on board.
Evening: At leisure. Overnight, the ship sails towards Amsterdam.
Day
7
Disembarkation, Flower Auction, Bulb Farm
Amsterdam B,L,D Hotel Park Plaza Victoria
Breakfast: On board.
Morning: Disembarkation. After loading luggage onto a bus, drive to Aalsmeer. Then, visit the Aalsmeer Historic Garden, where you will learn about the history of flower production in the Netherlands. Later, enjoy a visit to a Dutch greenhouse and learn about the growing of plants and flowers in the Netherlands.
Lunch: At a local restaurant.
Afternoon: Enjoy a field trip to a bulb-farmer. Transfer to the hotel and check in.
Dinner: At the hotel.
Evening: At leisure.
Day
8
Rijksmuseum
Amsterdam B Hotel Park Plaza Victoria
Breakfast: At the hotel.
Morning: Attend a lecture on the Golden Age and Van Gogh. Enjoy an expert-led excursion through the Rijksmuseum to see masterpieces by Rembrandt and Vermeer.
Lunch: Explore local fare on your own.
Afternoon: Enjoy some free time to explore the city and museums on your own.
Dinner: Explore local fare on your own.
Evening: At leisure.
Day
9
Leiden, Clusius University Garden
Amsterdam B,D Hotel Park Plaza Victoria
Breakfast: At the hotel.
Morning: This morning, drive to Leiden. This city hosts the oldest university in the Netherlands and is the place where the Pilgrimfathers lived for 11 years before they moved to the U.S.A. In this fascinating city, take a guided walk with a local expert.
Lunch: Explore local fare on your own in Leiden.
Afternoon: Explore the Hortus University Garden in Leiden where the first tulips in Europe were brought from Turkey by Carolus Clusius and visit the Clusius Garden established by him in 1594.
Dinner: Farewell dinner at the hotel.
Evening: At leisure.
Day
10
Program Concludes
In Flight B
Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel. This concludes our program.
Morning: Transfer to Amsterdam Schiphol airport for departures. Please join our Facebook page and share photos of your program. Visit us at www.facebook.com/rsadventures.
Day 1: Welcome to Brussels
Airport transfers depart Brussels airport for your centrally-located hotel at 09:00, 11:00 and 14:30. After checking in, the afternoon is yours to relax. At 17:00, join your Travel Director for a visit to the cheeky Manneken Pis statue and stroll leisurely around the Grand Place, voted the most beautiful square in Europe. Your delightful first evening also includes a Welcome Dinner with wine at a local restaurant in the heart of the Old Town, with an opportunity to mingle with your fellow travellers.
NH Collection Brussels Centre.
Dinner with Wine
Day 2: The Battlefield of Waterloo Relaxed Start
Leaving the city limits behind, visit the Battlefield of Waterloo to learn about Napoleon’s final defeat in 1815. Immerse yourself in the action at the Panorama, where a huge 360-degree mural depicts a key moment in the raging battle. If you're feeling energetic, you can climb the 226 steps to the top of the Lion's Mound for panoramic views over the battlefield and countryside. Return to Brussels, where the remainder of the day is at your leisure. In the afternoon perhaps join an Optional Experience to the lively city of Antwerp?In the evening, choose from a selection of hand-picked local restaurants on your Dine-Around Evening. Why not choose We Exist, a Syrian initiative supporting immigrants as they build a new life.
NH Collection Brussels Centre.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 3: Ghent and on to Bruges
In the morning, admire the contrast of the Chinese and Japanese Pavilions and the impressive, metallic spheres of the Atomium.Your journey then crosses the pasture lands of Belgian Flanders to reach Ghent, the City of Flowers, offering a fascinating cultural mix of medieval heritage and modern urban life.With a Local Expert, take a stroll through the historical streets and be mesmerised by the outstanding beauty of its quays, churches and squares. Visit St. Bavo's Cathedral, former home of the Eyck masterpiece, and see the Castle of the Counts.
Radisson Blu Hotel, Bruges.
Breakfast
Day 4: Sightseeing Bruges Relaxed Start
Meet your Local Expert from Bruges for a stroll along cobbled streets, lined with high-gabled houses from the 16th century. Visit the Market Square dominated by the 83-meter medieval bell tower, The Belfry of Bruges. Explore Burg Square with its ornate Gothic town hall and glorious frescoes on the walls of the Holy Blood Chapel. With your free afternoon, perhaps join an Optional Experience to visit the historic town of Ypres? Explore the market square and attend the famous Last Post Ceremony, commemorating the fallen Allied Forces on the surrounding Flanders Fields.
Radisson Blu Hotel, Bruges.
Breakfast
Day 5: Luxembourg
Travel into the French-speaking Walloon region, where picturesque country roads lead you to the late 19th century Scourmont Abbey. The surrounding plateau on which it is built was once considered wild and barren land, but the Trappist monks have toiled for over 100 years to create a successful farm, brewery and cheese plant. Visit the Chimay Experience to learn about the production secrets of Chimay Trappist beers. Your visit concludes with a sample of freshly brewed beer and a taste of golden-crusted cheese. Continue on to the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg to arrive at your 18th century château home for two nights. In the evening, you will be served a fresh and delicious Farm-to-Table Dinner at restaurant L'Écurie du Parc. See the 12th century Clervaux Castle illuminated on your stroll after dinner.
Château d'Urspelt (Castle Rooms), Clervaux.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 6: Luxembourg City and Countryside
Your travels continue to Luxembourg City for sightseeing with your Local Expert. Visit the grave of U.S. General George S. Patton, laid to rest alongside the men who fought and died in his great Third Army. Admire the view over the Petrusse Ravine from the Pont Adolphe and stroll through the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to see the cathedral and the Palace of the Grand Duke. With the afternoon free for you to explore at your leisure, perhaps join an Optional Experience to the ancient Roman city of Trier, home town of Karl Marx, to explore with a Local Expert?
Château d'Urspelt (Castle Rooms), Clervaux.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 7: Explore Bastogne then on to Rotterdam
Head for Bastogne to visit the Mardasson Monument, a star-shaped memorial dedicated to the U.S. troops who died during Battle of the Bulge in World War II. You may choose to climb to the top for a perspective of what it might have been like during the winter of 1944. Visit the Bastogne War Museum, a fascinating modern and interactive memorial centre highlighting the causes, events and consequences of WWII. Travel through the centre of Belgium as your journey continues to Rotterdam, the world's largest port rebuilt after wartime devastation. During your orientation with your Travel Director, see the impressive market hall and its radical modern design and the Erasmus Bridge.
Inntel Hotels Rotterdam Centre.
Breakfast
Day 8: Delft and The Hague
Visit one of the manufacturers of original Delft blue pottery before moving on to the Hague, the elegant governmental centre of the Netherlands. See the Binnenhof courtyards where the Parliament is situated and the impressive Peace Palace. Select departures visit Keukenhof Gardens one of the world's largest flower gardens, an unforgettable experience not to be missed. Pass through picturesque villages and windmills of the Dutch countryside to Amsterdam for three fabulous nights.
Grand Hotel Amrâth Amsterdam.
Breakfast
Day 9: Amsterdam Sightseeing Relaxed Start
Today you explore Amsterdam, a living museum of the 17th century, yet still a vibrant metropolis and port. The best way to see this remarkable city is from the water as you cruise through the canal district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admire the elegant merchant houses from the 16th and 17th centuries, their facades are a reflection of when trade flourished during Amsterdam's Golden Age. Relax as you pass stunning gables, beautiful churches and the iconic Magere Brug, better known as the Skinny Bridge. Disembark your cruise to wander the city and see the floating flower market, Dam Square and the Royal Palace. The rest of the day is at your leisure. With your free time, perhaps venture out to the Dutch Countryside to the village of Marken?
Grand Hotel Amrâth Amsterdam.
Breakfast
Day 10: Horticulture or Museums of Amsterdam
Explore Amsterdam with Insight Choice. Choose to visit the horticultural expo Floriade, a colourful garden festival dedicated to sustainable technologies to make our cities greener. Alternatively, join a Local Expert and visit the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum, two world-class exhibitions abundant in masterpieces. Journey to the picturesque village of Monnickendam and discover Dutch traditions. Learn the secrets of the cheese maker's craft, from milk to the finished product and witness a shoemaker turn a block of wood into clogs. Tonight, join your newfound friends and Travel Director at a beautiful restaurant to enjoy your Celebration Dinner.
Grand Hotel Amrâth Amsterdam.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 11: Depart Amsterdam
Transfers to Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport arrive at 08:00 and 10:00.
Breakfast
