Discover the beauty and history of the Dutch and Belgian waterways in springtime. Admire the colorful tulip carpets and flower displays; stroll amidst Kinderdijks' lush green countryside dotted with the world-famous windmills, taste the local cheese and learn about the traditions of the friendly Dutch and Flemish people. In Belgium, admire great medieval cities like Antwerp, Ghent and Brugges with their stunning architecture and traditions.
All local TaxesDetailed Itinerary
DAY 1, DEPART USA
Board your overnight flight to Amsterdam, Holland.
DAY 2, ARRIVE IN AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND
Welcome to Amsterdam, a modern city with a rich and fascinating history. Explore the 700-year-old European capital with its elegant and classic architecture, cafes, restaurants, lively marketplaces and exciting nightlife. Perhaps visit one of the city's renowned museums such as the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum or the Anne Frank House. Tonight, meet your fellow passengers onboard for the Welcome Dinner. (D)
DAY 3, EDAM
After breakfast,enjoy a comprehensive morning cruise through the historic canals of Amsterdam. Return to the ship for a scenic lunch, while you cruise the Ijsselmeer towards Volendam. Enjoy a late afternoon scenic drive to the village of Edam, famous for its tasteful cheese. Cruise through the night to Arnhem. (B,L,D)
DAY 4, ARNHEM - NIJMEGEN
Arrive in Arnhem early this morning and see the site the Battle for Arnhem Bridge during Operation Market Garden. Then visit the Arnhem Museum Hartenstein, which shows the course of events during the Battle of Arnhem, one of the major battles of World War II. After the tour, return to the ship for lunch and cruise to Nijmegen for some free time on your own. Enjoy scenic cruising this evening as you sail through Holland, and on to Belgium. (B,L,D)
DAY 5, ANTWERP, BELGIUM
This morning, enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of Antwerp, one of the world's most important ancient seaports. See the Grote Market with its beautiful city hall and the Church of Our Lady, and admire the city's superb architecture. The afternoon is free to explore Antwerp on your own or take an optional excursion to nearby Brussels. After dinner, your cruise departs for Ghent. (B,L,D)
DAY 6, GHENT
After breakfast take a guided sightseeing tour of Ghent, the fourth largest city of Belgium. This city is the diamond of Flanders, preserving its medieval charm while remaining current with the times. Modern architecture blends with remnants of the past. Take the time to visit "Castle of the Counts" a real medieval castle in the center of town. The afternoon is yours to explore Ghent at leisure or to take an optional excursion to Brugges, which is one of Europe's most perfectly preserved medieval cities. Brugge's historical city center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. (B,L,D)
DAY 7, WILLEMSTAD, HOLLAND - DORDRECHT
This morning, sail through the Dutch region of Zeeland. This region is home to one of the world's most complex engineering projects, the Delta Works, which took more than 30 years to complete. During this morning's cruise, you will pass some of these magnificent projects, and then stop in charming Willemstad for a walking tour. Return to the ship to enjoy a scenic lunch as you sail towards Dordrecht and the 18thcentury windmills of Kinderdijk. Kinderdjik is the largest group of original windmills in Holland. Tonight, enjoy a special music performance onboard.(B,L,D)
DAY 8, UTRECHT - KEUKENHOF - AMSTERDAM
During breakfast, enjoy some scenic cruising along the Amsterdam- Rhine Canal to Utrecht. Admire the spectacular display of bulb flowers in bloom during your morning excursion to the famous Keukenhof Gardens. Keukenhof also offers several ponds, sculpture gardens, greenhouses, a windmill which can be toured and several terraces to relax in. Return to your ship in Amsterdam for lunch. The rest of the day is for you to enjoy at your leisure. (B,L,D)
DAY 9, DEPART AMSTERDAM
Disembark for your transfer to the airport.(B)
