DAY 1, Tuesday - Depart for Belgium
Depart for Belgium
DAY 2, Wednesday - Arrive in Brussels, Transfer to Antwerp
Arrive in the capital city of Brussels, and transfer to Antwerp located in the Flemish region of Belgium. Check into your hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure. Your tour begins with an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager at approximately 6 PM, followed by a reception. We recommend that you select flights which arrive no later than 3 PM
Overnight: Antwerp
DAY 3, Thursday - Visit Chocolate Nation, Antwerp Walking Tour
This morning, visit Chocolate Nation and embark on a journey into the world of Belgian chocolate. Watch as an expert chocolatier demonstrates the art of chocolate making, and savor some decadent samples. Later, take a walking tour of Antwerp one of Europe's 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 diamond district, the unique marketplace, surrounded by the mighty Renaissance Town hall and numerous guild halls. Admire the Cathedral of our Lady, the highest Gothic building in the Low Countries. Spend the rest of the day at leisure
Overnight: Antwerp
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 4, Friday - Medieval Bruges, Ghent City Tour
Discover the medieval city of Bruges, also known as the "Venice of the North" and home to some of Europe's best-preserved medieval buildings. Here, view the Beguinage Convent and walk along the picturesque winding cobbled alleys. View the Market Square and Belfry, and the Town Hall Square with its Chapel of the Holy Blood. Next, travel to the historic city of Ghent, a showcase of Flemish wealth, located in Flanders, the northern region of Belgium. The city tour includes views of the 7th century St. Bavo Cathedral, Church of St. Nicholas, the gigantic Belfry, a symbol of the city's independence and the Gothic style Cloth Hall, glorifying the city's major industry. Afterward, return to Antwerp
Overnight: Antwerp
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 5, Saturday - Full Day in Antwerp or Optional Amsterdam Tour & Canal Cruise
Today is free to explore Antwerp at your own pace. Perhaps, join the optional Amsterdam Tour & Canal Cruise. Depart Antwerp and travel north to Amsterdam. Upon arrival, begin your panoramic tour of 700-year-old Amsterdam. View the Royal Palace on Amsterdam's Dam Square, the Dutch National Monument dedicated by Queen Juliana as a memorial to the victims of WWII and Nieuwmarkt with the most impressive of Amsterdam's remaining city gates. Afterward, board a glass-top boat for a cruise of the winding canals of historic Amsterdam for an up-close view of stately mansions, 16th century gabled merchant houses, and churches with bell towers. Late afternoon return to Antwerp
Optional: Amsterdam Tour & Canal Cruise
Overnight: Antwerp
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 6, Sunday - Kinderdijk, Dordrecht, Willemstad
Begin your exploration at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kinderdijk, on the north bank of the river Noord. Visit the well-known windmill park, dotted with 19 traditional windmills built in the 1700s. Learn about their significance and the vital role they played in the development of the country. During this excursion, tour a windmill and gain insight into the daily lives of millers and the crucial part these windmills had in water management. Next, head to the city of Dordrecht boasting a rich maritime heritage. Conclude with a tour of Willemstad, located on Holland's Diep River. The town, named after King Willem of Orange, is acclaimed 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
Overnight: Antwerp
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 7, Monday - Full Day in Antwerp or Optional Brussels City Tour
Spend the day at leisure or choose the optional Brussels City Tour. In the afternoon, head to Brussels, the capital of Belgium. Begin the exploration of the city with a panoramic tour offering views of the Royal Palace, the Museum district, and the Palace of Justice. Visit the 17th century Grand Place, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its architecture. Admire the intricate facades of guild halls, the towering spire of the Town Hall and the Maison du Roi. Stroll through the cobblestone streets of the historic center to view the famous Manneken Pis fountain. Free time to explore the city on your own and to have dinner before returning to Antwerp
Optional: Brussels City Tour
Overnight: Antwerp
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 8, Tuesday - Full Day in Antwerp or Optional Mechelen with Het Anker Brewery Visit*, or Optional Keukenhof Gardens Tour*
On your last day at leisure in Antwerp, join the optional Mechelen with Het Anker Brewery Visit* or Keukenhof Gardens*. Depart Antwerp this morning and travel to Mechelen. Upon arrival, begin your walking tour and view the Palace of Margaret of Austria, Veemarkt, and Grote Markt. Admire the soaring towers of St. Rumbold's Cathedral and the tranquil Beguinage, a UNESCO listed enclave of whitewashed houses and quiet courtyards. Conclude the tour with a visit to Het Anker Brewery, sampling their renowned Gouden Carolus ales and learning about centuries of Belgian brewing tradition. Spend free time exploring on your own and have lunch. Return to Antwerp in the afternoon. In season (dependent on weather) between mid-March to mid-May, the Mechelen with Het Anker Brewery Visit optional is replaced with the Keukenhof Gardens Tour. Explore the beautiful Keukenhof Gardens, the largest and most spectacular flower gardens in the world. On the return to Antwerp, stop at the port city of Rotterdam for a panoramic tour. Tonight, at dinner, bid farewell to your Tour Manager
*Keukenhof Gardens Tour operates March 20-May 11 and the Mechelen with Het Anker Brewery Visit operates the rest of the time.
Optional: Mechelen with Het Anker Brewery Visit
Optional: Keukenhof Gardens Tour
Overnight: Antwerp
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 9, Wednesday - Transfer to Amsterdam, Cruise Embarkation
This morning, depart Antwerp and transfer to the port in Amsterdam. Embarkation begins at 2 PM. After arrival formalities, rest and relax on board. This evening, meet your Cruise Director and enjoy dinner as it sets the mood for your delightful river cruise
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 10, Thursday - Amsterdam City Tour & Afternoon Cruising
Today's panoramic tour of 700-year-old Amsterdam introduces you to both the old and the new sections of this city. View Amsterdam's port, one of the main harbors of Dutch East India Company during the Golden Age. Continue to the former Jewish quarter with its 17th century Portuguese Synagogue, and National Holocaust Names Memorial. Pass by the 19th century neighborhood with its classic architecture, museums, and lively squares. 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. This afternoon, cruise south for Germany
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 11, Friday - Cologne City Tour
Cruise on the legendary Rhine to Cologne, one of Germany's largest cities and capital of the Rhineland, arriving as you savor lunch on board. Your walking tour of the city is highlighted by the soaring, twin-steeple Gothic cathedral that is the geographical and spiritual heart of the city. Known for its vibrant art scene, Cologne abounds with cafes, galleries, shops, and taverns. After dinner on board, time to explore Cologne's vibrant nightlife before setting sail
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 12, Saturday - Morning in Koblenz & Afternoon Cruising
The ship docks this morning in Koblenz, located at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers. Join a walking tour this morning and free time to explore the Romanesque architecture and imposing defensive towers of this 2000-year old city. Or, join the optional tour to the dramatic Marksburg Castle, the only hill castle on the Rhine that's never been destroyed and has been continuously occupied for over 700 years. At noon, set sail and enjoy a relaxing afternoon on board, taking in the spectacular vistas as the ship sails past castles perched on lofty cliffs, terraced vineyards, and tiny villages. Pass the mighty Lorelei Rock on the eastern bank of the Rhine rising vertically from the waters, named for the siren "Lorelei" who bewitched sailors passing by. This evening, arrive in Rüdesheim, a lively village in the heart of the Rhine. After dinner, perhaps stroll along the lanes filled with quaint wine taverns
Optional: Marksburg Castle Tour (AM)
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 13, Sunday - Morning Cruising & Afternoon in Speyer
Today, continue sailing towards Speyer. The ship will make a stop, where passengers may depart for the optional tour to Heidelberg, home to the oldest university in Germany and inspiration for some of the world's greatest writers and artists. Tour the city and view the ruins of 12th century Heidelberg Castle before returning to the ship in Speyer. In the afternoon, stroll the lanes of this picturesque city founded by the Romans, with its prized red sandstone cathedral named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tonight, the ship sails for Strasbourg
Optional: Heidelberg City Tour (AM)
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 14, Monday - Strasbourg City Tour
A lovely day awaits you in the Alsace capital of Strasbourg, situated on the border of France and Germany, blending the cultures of both countries. Discover Strasbourg on the tour highlighting the city's center, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Of special note is the stunning Gothic Cathedral, an exquisite example of late Gothic architecture that houses one of the finest astronomical clocks in existence. See the magical La Petite France district, home to quaint shops and charming bistros, Place Kleber, a large historic square in the center of the city and Place Gutenberg, dedicated to the inventor of the printing press. This evening, return to the ship as you sail towards Breisach in the Rhine Valley
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 15, Tuesday - Breisach Walking Tour
Arrive this morning in the small city of Breisach that dates back over 4,000 years. On your walking tour along the cobbled streets lined with pastel-painted houses, it's hard to believe this town was mostly destroyed in WWII and then totally restored. View the towering Romanesque and Gothic St. Stephansmunster Cathedral, a highlight of the city. After lunch set sail and enjoy a relaxing afternoon on board. Tonight, at dinner, bid farewell to your Cruise Director
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 16, Wednesday - Depart Switzerland
This morning, disembark and transfer to the airport in Basel for your departure flight. Disembarkation will end at 9:30 AM
Meals: Breakfast
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