Day 1, Depart USA
Board your overnight flight to Amsterdam, Holland.
Day 2, 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, cafes, restaurants, lively marketplaces and exciting nightlife. Perhaps visit one of the city's renowned museums such as the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum or the Anne Frank House. This evening meet your fellow passengers onboard for the Welcome Reception and Dinner. (D)
Day 3, Amsterdam - Volendam - Edam
After breakfast, enjoy a comprehensive and scenic morning cruise through the historic harbor and canals of Amsterdam known as "Venice of the North". See the beautiful homes that line the water, the fabled Skinny Bridge, and the famous Anne Frank House. Then, enjoy a panoramic tour of the city, where you will see the windmills and other great landmarks of Amsterdam such as the Royal Palace, Dam Square and the floating flower market. Then enjoy free time for shopping and more exploration. 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 then continue by motorcoach 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 that features incredible sights and landscapes such as picturesque windmills and dykes before returning to the ship in Volendam. Cruise through the night to Arnhem. (B,L,D)
Day 4, Arnhem - Nijmegen
Arrive in beautiful Arnhem early this morning and see the site of the Battle of Arnhem Bridge featured in the classic film "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, one of the major campaigns of World War II. A second option for the morning tour is to visit the Het Loo Palace. This palace and its amazing gardens was once home to the House of Orange � Nassau for three centuries, including Queen Wilhelmina, features interiors with original furniture, objects, and paintings. The third option is to enjoy a picturesque bike tour through Arnhem. After the tours, return to the ship for lunch and cruise to Nijmegen for some free time on your own. Enjoy scenic cruising this evening as you sail through Holland, and on to Belgium. (B,L,D)
Day 5, Antwerp, Belgium
This morning, enjoy a guided sightseeing walking tour of Antwerp, one of the world's most important seaports and one of the largest diamond centers in Europe. See the Antwerp Castle, Grote Market with its beautiful city hall and the Church of Our Lady, and admire the Brabo Fountain and city's superb architecture. The second option is to visit the Rubens House former home and studio of Peter Paul Rubens, the famous 17th century Flemish Baroque Painter. Dozens of his paintings, artworks, as well as period furniture are featured. 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. Then afternoon is free to explore Antwerp on your own or take an optional excursion to nearby Brussels which boasts one of the most beautiful man squares in Europe. During dinner, your cruise departs for Ghent. (B,L,D)
Day 6, Ghent
After breakfast take a guided sightseeing tour of Ghent, the fourth largest city of Belgium. This city is the diamond of Flanders, preserving its medieval charm while remaining current with the times. Begin your walking tour from the Belfry Tower and see picturesque highlights such as the Koornlei, the Graslei, and the Castle of the Counts. Take the time to visit Castle of the Counts a real medieval castle in the center of town. The afternoon is yours to explore Ghent at leisure or to take an optional excursion to Brugge, which is one of Europe's most perfectly preserved medieval cities. Brugge's historical city center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. (B,L,D)
Day 7, 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. During this morning's cruise, you will pass some of these magnificent projects, and then 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. A second option is to tour Willemstad on a guided bicycle tour. In the afternoon you will visit Kinderdijk which features the greatest concentration of windmills in the country. Then enjoy free time to explore this historic village and its windmills on your own. Tonight, enjoy a special music performance as the ship cruises to Schoonhoven for the evening. (B,L,D)
Day 8, 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 planted tulip bulbs all over the 70-acre park. Keukenhof also offers several ponds, sculpture gardens, greenhouses, a windmill which can be toured and several terraces to relax in. Return to your ship in Amsterdam for lunch. The rest of the day is for you to enjoy at your leisure. (B,L,D)
Day 9, Depart Amsterdam
Disembark for your transfer to the airport. (B)
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