DAY 1, Wednesday - Depart for France
Depart for France
DAY 2, Thursday - Arrive in Paris
Arrive in Paris, the "City of Light" and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to begin your discovery of one of the world's greatest cities and its endless treasures. Tonight, attend an orientation meeting with your local host at the hotel at approximately 6 PM, followed by dinner. We recommend that you select flights which arrive in your destination no later than 4 PM
Overnight: Paris
Meals: Dinner
DAY 3, Friday - Tour of Paris
Drive along the famous Champs Elysees to the Arc de Triomphe, Concorde Square, and the iconic Eiffel Tower, symbol of Paris. On to the celebrated "Rive Gauche," the vivacious Left Bank, where artists, philosophers, and writers once flourished in the artistic community at Montparnasse. View the Latin Quarter, home to many of France's higher education establishments, including the Sorbonne. Spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure or join the optional tour to the Palace of Versailles and its gardens, where you will see classical French architecture at its most decadent. This evening, perhaps stop at a bistro for dinner coupled with great wine
Optional: Palace of Versailles (PM)
Overnight: Paris
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 4, Saturday - Tour of Brussels
Travel through the French countryside to Brussels, the capital city of Belgium. Upon arrival, take a city tour of Brussels. View the Atomium, the Royal Palace, the Museum district, and the Palace of Justice. Visit the 17th century Grand Place lined with ornate guild houses. Stroll along the city center and view the famous Manneken Pis bronze sculpture. Check into your hotel, and spend the evening at leisure, exploring the myriad of restaurants on the Rue des Bouchers or perhaps just sample the city's famous chocolate and beer
Overnight: Brussels
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 5, Sunday - Cruise Embarkation
Travel to the port in the Netherlands this morning. After arrival formalities, time to relax on board. Tonight, meet your Cruise Director and enjoy dinner as it sets the mood for your delightful river cruise. Set sail for Antwerp during dinner
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 6, Monday - Antwerp City Tour
Continue sailing this morning. In the afternoon, arrive in Antwerp, one of Europe's largest and 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 unique marketplace, surrounded by the mighty Renaissance Town Hall and numerous guild halls. Visit the Cathedral of our Lady, the highest Gothic building in the Low Countries. Afterward, there will be free time to explore on your own. The ship will set sail for Ghent in the evening
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 7, Tuesday - Tour Ghent, the Historic Flanders Port
Discover the historic Flanders port of Ghent today, a showcase of Flemish wealth. Your tour of this medieval city includes views of the 7th century St. Bavo's Cathedral and the imposing Gravensteen Castle. At the town center, view the gigantic Belfry, a symbol of the city's independence and the Gothic-style Cloth Hall, glorifying the city's major industry. Alternatively, take the optional full day tour to Bruges*, also known as the "Venice of the North" and home to some of Europe's best preserved medieval buildings. Here, view the Lake of Love (Minnewater), the Beguinage Convent and walk along the picturesque winding cobbled alleys and romantic canals
*Passengers who choose this optional, will not be able to participate in the included tour of Ghent.
Optional: Full Day Bruges City Tour
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 8, Wednesday - Willemstad, Afternoon Windmill Tour in Kinderdijk
Begin your exploration of charming Willemstad, located on Holland's Diep River. The town, named after King Willem of Orange, is best-known 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. Alternatively, join the fascinating optional excursion to the Delta Works* this morning. After the 1953 flood in the Netherlands, the Delta Plan was created to prevent a disaster from ever happening again. Taking 30 years to complete, the storm flood barrier, almost six miles long, stands as the final defense in the battle against the water and is considered a technical miracle. This afternoon, visit a windmill park in the small village of Kinderdijk on the north bank of the River Noord. The windmills, built in the 1700s, are still in use today and played a vital role in the development of the country. During this excursion, visit a windmill and learn more about the modern technology that is now replacing their existence
*Passengers who choose this optional, will not be able to participate in the included tour of Willemstad.
Optional: Half Day Delta Works (AM)
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 9, Thursday - Morning Tour of Enkhuizen
Embark on a morning tour of the charming city of Enkhuizen. Discover the city's historic landmarks and step into the Dutch Golden Age of the 17th century when you stroll through Enkhuizen's historic streets. Learn about the city's local culture and hear facts about the time when the Netherlands was a global trading power with Enkhuizen one of its main port cities. Conclude the tour with a visit to Zuiderzee Museum, that focuses on maritime history and cultural heritage of the Zuiderzee. Visit the exhibits and discover how people once lived in this area. Free time to explore on your own before returning to the ship
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 10, Friday - Morning in Keukenhof Gardens
Depart this morning for beautiful Keukenhof Gardens, the largest and most spectacular flower gardens in the world. Explore the iconic fields of multicolored tulips stretching out over the flat Dutch landscape as far as the eye can see. Take your time to stroll around the gardens and marvel at the floral displays. Return to the ship for lunch and spend a relaxing afternoon on board
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 11, Saturday - Panoramic Tour of Amsterdam
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. At tonight's dinner, share wonderful memories of your cruise and bid farewell to your Cruise Director
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 12, Sunday - Depart the Netherlands
This morning, disembark and transfer to the airport for your departure flight. Disembarkation will end at 9:30 AM
Meals: Breakfast
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