Discover picturesque Holland and Belgium in the spring on this river cruise vacation! See the sights in Arnhem, Middelburg, and Rotterdam, as well as Antwerp and Ghent. Enjoy a canal cruise in Amsterdam, take photos of the charming windmills at Kinderdijk, and learn about Holland's complex flood controls at the fascinating Delta Works. Also, explore the quaint fishing village of Volendam; take an excursion to Edam, famous for its cheeses; and drink in the colorful blooming beauty of famous Keukenhof Gardens.

INCLUDED FEATURES

Cruise:
Deluxe 7-night cruise from Amsterdam to Amsterdam in an outside stateroom with hotel-style beds

Amsterdam:
Canal cruise

Arnhem:
Guided sightseeing; visit the Airborne Museum Hartenstein and War Cemetery

Dordrecht:
Excursion to Kinderdijk; diamond party on board

Antwerp:
Guided sightseeing

Ghent:
Guided sightseeing, visit St. Baaf's Cathedral

Middelburg:
Guided sightseeing

Veere:
Orientation; excursion to the Delta Works

Rotterdam:
Guided sightseeing, visit Keukenhof Gardens

Volendam:
Orientation; excursion to Edam

Notes:

• In the event of water level problems on stretches of any river, it may be necessary to operate part of the itinerary by motorcoach.
• Included visits and special features are subject to change. If a change becomes necessary, a substitute will be offered.
  
  

  MEALS - (B) Breakfast (L) Lunch (D) Dinner

  Superb dining with all meals on board daily featuring full breakfast (B), lunch (L), and dinner (D), including a welcome reception, welcome dinner, and Captain's dinner; quality wines from Europe's most famous wine regions with every dinner; one sitting with open seating arrangements

  INSIDE VISITS

  Inside visits and special features are shown in the description, including admission charges when applicable.

  Itinerary
  

  Day 1

  Board your overnight transatlantic flight.

  Day 2Amsterdam, Holland (Embarkation)

  Welcome to Amsterdam! Holland's capital is sophisticated and modern, with a rich and fascinating history. This delightful 700-year-old city with its elegant and classic architecture, cafes, restaurants, and lively marketplace has a distinct ambience. The works of famous Dutch masters can be seen in world-renowned museums such as the Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh. This afternoon, board your river cruise vessel and meet your crew at a WELCOME RECEPTION. (D)

  Day 3Arnhem-Dordrecht. Excursion to Kinderdijk

  One of the major tragedies of World War II was the Battle of Arnhem, featured vividly in the AIRBORNE MUSEUM HARTENSTEIN and the inspiration for the movie A Bridge Too Far. Sitting between two branches of the Rhine, charming Dordrecht inspired many painters in the 17th and 18th centuries. Visit nearby KINDERDIJK with its picturesque row of windmills. A special treat: after dinner on board, enjoy a DIAMOND PARTY. (B,L,D)

  Day 4Antwerp, Belgium

  Antwerp is Belgium's second-largest city and one of the world's most important ancient seaports. Included sightseeing shows you its superb architecture, and the GROTE MARKT with its beautiful city hall and the Church of Our Lady make this city well worth a visit. An optional excursion to nearby Brussels, Belgium's capital and home of the European Union, is available. (B,L,D)

  Day 5Ghent

  In a unique way, Ghent, the "diamond" of Flanders, has managed to preserve its medieval charm and power while keeping up with the times. A Local Guide will proudly point out that the city center alone is a showcase of medieval Flemish wealth and commercial success, and will take you into ST. BAAF'S CATHEDRAL. From here, an optional excursion to fascinating Bruges, with its criss-crossed canals and charming old patrician houses, is available. (B,L,D)

  Day 6Middelburg, Holland-Veere-Delta Works

  It is certain that Middelburg was originally built as a stronghold to protect the population of Zeeland from the water and from enemies. Later, it became a prosperous merchant city that spent great wealth on the construction of important buildings such as the town hall. The eye-catching high tower of the town hall dominates the charming town of Veere, which was once an important wool-trading center. Take your photos before continuing to one of the world's most complex engineering projects, the DELTA WORKS, located nearby. After the flood of 1953, during which more than 1,800 people drowned in one night, the Delta Plan was born to prevent another disaster of this magnitude. The final defense in the battle against the water is the storm flood barrier, almost six miles long and considered a technical miracle. The project took 30 years to complete. (B,L,D)

  Day 7Rotterdam. Excursion to Keukenhof Gardens

  Rotterdam is a bustling port city that was leveled by German bombs in WWII. Now, it has a modern, high-tech look and it boasts the world's busiest port. Today's highlight: the gardens of KEUKENHOF near Lisse, which encompass over 70 acres of parkland with lakes, sculpture gardens, greenhouses, and a windmill to explore. Millions of flower bulbs are grown here that present a spectacular display of blooms every year. (B,L,D)

  Day 8Amsterdam-Volendam. Excursion to Edam

  There is no better way to see Amsterdam than by CANAL BOAT, cruising through the elegant grachten lined with stately homes dating back to Amsterdam's "Golden Age." An excursion takes you north of the city to Volendam on the IJsselmeer, a maze of fishermen's houses built on poles and a unique open harbor. The small, timbered church dates back to 1658. Continue to Edam, whose cheese of the same name has become famous worldwide and where cheese markets are still held in the summer months. The old town center, especially the Kwakelsteeg, still has lovely characteristic Waterland houses. (B,L,D)

  Day 9Amsterdam (Disembarkation)

  Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (B)