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Pleasure tripping...

  • 6/2/20083:06:59 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

    Places to Go and People to See with Travel Agent Veronica Sgro
     
    DUTCH DREAMS RIVER CRUISE with Uniworld Grand River Cruises
     
    If you haven’t yet been to the Netherlands, you might want to put it on your list of places to visit. This was one of the best trips to Europe and on this particular travel adventure I booked a river cruise with Uniworld Grand River Cruises during tulip time.
     
    We board the Grand River Ambassador for our 7 night cruise and began our itinerary in Amsterdam home of the renowned Rijksmuseum with the largest collection of Dutch art in the world. Canals lined with-lined streets, Dam Square, the famed Dampkring Coffee House (featured in the movie Oceans 12) and the Royal Palace. Departing early the next morning we cruise to Volendam known best for being a trading center since the 17th century.  Tonight is the Captains Dinner and the opportunity to meet the River Ambassador’s staff. 
    Our next port of call is Kampen where a cruise on an open canal boat in the tiny village of Giethoorn has been arranged. . In Giethoorn the only two times a person will use their front door is on the day they marry and on the day of their death – it’s tradition. 
    Next day and next stop is Nijmegen, one of the oldest cities in the Netherland dating back to Roman times. Tonight we are entertained by local dancers dancing in traditional clothes complete with wooden clogs. Wooden clogs are still being worn by the farmers of Holland to this day. Also on board this evening is a local cheese farmer selling Gouda cheese.
    Early the next morning we are headed down river towards Schoonhoven and then to Kinderdijk, most known for its beautiful Windmills. 19 Windmills have been well preserved and one is open to the public for viewing.
    In the evening, the ship will dock in Rotterdam. Saving the best for last, a visit to the Keukenhof Gardens. We enjoyed a full day in on of the most impressive gardens in the world. Keukenhof Gardens are only open 9 weeks out of the year from April – May with over 7 million tulip bulbs planted on over 70 acres. You can order a varity of “out of the ordinary” tulip bulbs that will be shipped to you in early fall just in time to plant in your garden for the most beautiful spring bloom.
     
    Travel to Europe is becoming increasingly costly. But if you want great value for your money – River Cruising is the way to go. Total cost includes:
     
    ·        7 night cruise in an outside stateroom. Refurbished in 2006 and lavishly appointed.
    ·        Classical European cuisine – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Complementary wine with each dinner
    ·        6 Shore excursions with English speaking guides and a portable audio headset
    ·        Experienced Cruise Manger. Rik was on this sailing and did an outstanding job
    ·        Very attentive English speaking crew. My personal favorites were wait staff members Robert Szollosi and Stefan Crista. Excellent job!
     
    So, get out there, see the World and make your next vacation a River Cruise Vacation with AMT American Express Travel

     

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