12 Day Holland and Belgium Summertime River Cruise with Brussels and Paris

DAY 1, Thursday - Depart for the Netherlands
Depart for the Netherlands

DAY 2, Friday - Cruise Embarkation
Arrive in the Netherlands and transfer to the port. Embarkation begins at 2 PM. Earlier arrivals have access to the ship lounge or can drop off luggage prior to check-in. 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. We recommend that you select flights that arrive no later than 2 PM
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Dinner

DAY 3, Saturday - Panoramic Tour of Amsterdam, De Haar Castle
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. In the afternoon, visit De Haar Castle, one of the most magnificent castles in the Netherlands located just outside Utrecht. Originally dating back to the 14th century, the castle was restored in the late 19th century by the Rothschild family. Explore the castle with its lavish interior and the surrounding sprawling gardens. After dinner this evening, take a walk in Utrecht with its lively cafes, and bars
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 4, Sunday - Schoonhoven Walking Tour, Woerden Cheese Warehouse, Delft
This morning, take a walking tour of Schoonhoven, located on the banks of River Lek. The medieval city is known for its silver, hence its nickname "Silver City." View well-preserved medieval buildings, the Dutch Silver Museum, and many silversmiths. Spend time at leisure and perhaps shop for authentic Dutch silver jewelry. In the afternoon, while the ship sails to Dordrecht, drive to Woerden and visit the historical Cheese Warehouse, where some of the finest cheeses are made. Get a glimpse into the world of cheese making, including the aging process and storage. Afterward, continue to Delft, world-famous for its exquisite blue and white pottery. On arrival, take a walking tour of the historic Old Town, encircled by canals. Wander the streets lined with old churches and beautiful brick buildings. Return to the ship in Dordrecht
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 5, Monday - Windmill Tour in Kinderdijk, Willemstad
Begin your day with a visit to the well-known windmill park in the village of Kinderdijk. The windmills, built in the 1700s, played a vital role in the development of the country and are still in use today. During this excursion, visit a windmill and learn more about the modern technology that is now replacing their existence. Afterward, rejoin the ship and continue cruising to Willemstad, located on Holland's Diep River. The city, named after King Willem of Orange, is best-known for its well-preserved fortifications. View the Mauritshuis, De Koepelkerk Church, d'Orangemolen, a stately white windmill, and Old Town Hall. Alternatively, join the optional excursion to the Delta Works* this afternoon. Taking 30 years to complete, the storm flood barrier is considered a technical miracle. In the evening set sail for Ghent, Belgium
*Passengers who choose this optional, will not be able to participate in the included tour of Willemstad.
Optional: Half Day Delta Works (PM)
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 6, 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 7, Wednesday - Antwerp City Tour
Today you 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. Return to the ship and spend a relaxing afternoon, while sailing back to the Netherlands
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 8, Thursday - Tour of Giethoorn, Lelystad
Begin the day with a tour of Giethoorn, a Dutch village in Overijssel, often referred to as the "Venice of the Netherlands" due to its many canals. Explore this fairy-tale village on foot and by boat. Step back in time as you wander the narrow footpaths. View traditional thatched farms and cottages along with wooden bridges. Enjoy a boat trip through the canals and take in the atmosphere of the village. Spend free time on your own, before returning to the ship for lunch. The afternoon is at leisure in Lelystad, the capital of Flevoland province. Perhaps visit the Bataviawerf, a shipyard featuring a replica of a famous VOC vessel from the 17th century. Tonight, at dinner, share wonderful memories of your river cruise journey
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 9, Friday - Disembarkation, Tour of Brussels
This morning, disembark your ship and travel through the countryside to Brussels. In Belgium's capital city, view the gigantic Atomium, a remnant of the 1958 World Expo, the Palace of Justice, and the Grand Place, a recreated 15th century town square lined with ornate guild houses. Stroll along the city center and see 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 10, Saturday - Travel to Paris
On to Paris, the "City of Light." Upon arrival, start your discovery of one of the world's greatest cities and its endless treasures. Spend the afternoon at leisure. Perhaps, visit the bustling Montmartre, admire spectacular views of the city, explore the Basilica of Sacre Coeur, and wander the winding streets where street artists sell their wares at Place du Tertre
Overnight: Paris
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 11, Sunday - Tour of Paris
Drive along the famous Champs Elysees to the Arc de Triomphe, Concorde Square, and the iconic Eiffel Tower, the 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 as 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. Tonight, at dinner, bid farewell to your Tour Manager
Optional: Palace of Versailles (PM)
Overnight: Paris
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 12, Monday - Depart France
This morning, transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast