Tulip Time River Cruises

in Holland and Belgium 

8 days / 7 nights

Tulip cruise itinerary   2012

DAY 1, 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, cafés, lively marketplaces and exciting nightlife. This evening meet your fellow passengers on board for the Welcome Reception and Dinner. (D)

DAY 2, AMSTERDAM – VOLENDAM – EDAM
After breakfast, enjoy a comprehensive and scenic morning cruise through the historic harbor and canals of Amsterdam. See the beautiful homes that line the water, the fabled Skinny Bridge, and the famous Anne Frank House. Then, enjoy a panoramic city tour, where you will see the Rembrandt Windmill and other great landmarks of Amsterdam. Return to the ship for a scenic lunch, while you cruise the Ijsselmeer towards Volendam. Enjoy a late afternoon tour of Volendam Harbor to see the fish auction building, Old Quarter and famous churches. Continue by motor coach to the Village of Edam where you will sample some of its famous cheese. Another afternoon option is to enjoy a scenic bicycle ride through North Holland. (B,L,D)

DAY 3, ARNHEM – NIJMEGEN
Arrive in beautiful Arnhem early this morning and see the site of the Battle of Arnhem Bridge featured in the classic fi lm “A Bridge Too Far” during Operation Market Garden in World War II. Then visit the Airborne Museum, which shows the course of events during the Battle of Arnhem. Or, choose to visit the Het Loo Palace and see its amazing gardens. The Palace was once home to the House of Orange-Nassau from the 17th century until the death of Queen Wilhelmina in 1962. In the alternative, enjoy a guided bike tour (capacity controlled). After the tours, return to the ship for lunch and cruise to Nijmegen. From here, take a motor coach to Venlo, where you will have the unique opportunity to visit the Floriade World Horticultural Expo. Bringing together more than 100 exhibitors from dozens of countries, the Floriade Expo grounds will feature fi ve themed zones connected by wooded areas. Each of the zones contains its own horticultural exhibits, cultural attractions, activities, restaurant, music, dance and theatrical performances. Enjoy scenic cruising this evening as you sail through Holland, and on to Belgium. (B,L,D)

DAY 4, ANTWERP, BELGIUM
This morning, enjoy a walking tour of Antwerp. See the Antwerp Castle, Grote Market, Brabo Fountain and the city’s superb architecture. In the alternative, visit the Rubens House, former home and studio of Peter Paul Rubens, the famous 17th-century Flemish Baroque Painter. Afterwards, you will visit the Antwerp Cathedral which features two of Rubens’ most important works, the Elevation of the Cross and the Descent from the Cross. The afternoon is free to explore Antwerp on your own or take an optional excursion to nearby Brussels. During dinner, your cruise departs for Ghent. (B,L,D)

DAY 5, GHENT
After breakfast take a guided sightseeing tour of Ghent, the fourth largest city of Belgium. Begin your walking tour from the Belfry Tower and see picturesque highlights such as the Koornlei, the Graslei, and the Castle of the Counts. 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. Brugges' historical city center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. (B,L,D)

DAY 6, WILLEMSTAD, HOLLAND – KINDERDIJK – SCHOONHOVEN
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. Stop in charming Willemstad, a 400-year-old town, for a walking tour. You will visit the first Protestant church in Holland, where you will be treated to a private organ recital that has been planned exclusively for you. In the alternative, take a guided bicycle tour of Willemstad (capacity controlled). In the afternoon, you will visit Kinderdijk which features the greatest concentration of windmills in the country. Tonight, enjoy a special music performance as the ship cruises to Schoonhoven for the evening. (B,L,D)

DAY 7, 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 where you will be delighted to find millions of flowering tulips all over the 70-acre park. The rest of the day is for you to enjoy at your leisure. (B,L,D)

DAY 8, DEPART AMSTERDAM
Disembark for your optional transfer to the airport. (B)
 

Includes:

7 Nights Deluxe Cruise Accommodation in an Outside Stateroom - 82% of the Staterooms with large French Balconies (Twin Balconies on select vessels) Daily Sightseeing Program as outlined in the Itinerary Infotainment System in all Staterooms with Free Internet, Hit Movies, Music Library and English Language TV Stations Terry Bathrobes and White-on-white plush Bedding in all Staterooms Superb Dining with all Meals included during your Cruise Multiple Dining Venues on select vessels Free-flowing Red & White Wines from Europe's great Wine Regions, beer and soft drinks with every Dinner on board the Ship Bottled Water in every stateroom replenished daily Cocktail Reception, Welcome Dinner & Captain's Gala Dinner Special Highlights including Lectures, Theme Dinners, Cooking Demonstration, onboard Music Performances and afternoon & evening Piano Music Use of Bicycles to explore on your own Services of Professional Cruise Manager All English Language on board in a non-smoking Environment (smoking permitted only on the Sun Deck) All local Taxes

Departures dates and prices 2012:

* Itinerary slightly modified

Port Charges: $147 per person

Single Supplement for Cruise: 50% of twin price; Jr. Suites 100% of twin price.

Prices are per person in Category E in a deluxe outside stateroom with window.
To upgrade to a higher Category, add the following amount per person:
 

  Ms Amadante Amadolce Amalyra AmaCerto AmaVerde
cruiseship description