Netherlands Waterways Cruise Sample Itinerary
Topic: European ToursSample Itinerary
DAY 1 - DEPARTURE
Today you will check in at the airport for the transatlantic flight to Amsterdam.
DAY 2 - AMSTERDAM, KEUKENHOF, ROTTERDAM
Upon arrival in Amsterdam you'll proceed through customs. Then meet your tour manger and transfer to the waiting motorcoach for the drive to the Keukenhof Tulip Gardens. You'll have plenty of time to enjoy the beautiful flowers, and then it's back to the motorcoach for the drive to Rotterdam. Here you'll board the cruise ship your home for the next seven nights. This evening you'll join the rest of the passengers for a "welcome aboard" dinner.
DAY 3 - VEERE, MIDDELBURG
This morning the ship will cast off for our full-day cruise starting with a tour of the Rotterdam harbor. Then you'll sail southward into the province of Zeeland and on to Veere, a picturesque harbor town. After some free time here, you'll reboard the ship for the trip to Middelburg, the provincial capital.
DAY 4 - VLISSINGEN, ZIERIKZEE
Your day begins with a guided walking tour of Middelburg, including views of the sprawling 12th-century abbey. You'll also see the beautiful City Hall and the 18th-century houses that line the quays. Next you're off for a cruise that will take you to the medieval harbor town of Zierikzee. After tonight's dinner, the Zeeland Folklore Group will show you the beautiful costumes of the Zeeland Province.
DAY 5 - WILLEMSTAD
The morning will be at leisure to explore the picturesque town of Zierikzee. This afternoon, you'll cruise to the fortress town of Willemstad. Upon arrival, you may start exploring, tracing the town's perfect geometrical layout and admiring its harmonious design. After tonight's dinner we will welcome aboard a couple of local guides who will familiarize us with the history of this interesting town. Then the guides will take you on a walking tour that includes views of the 12th-century City Hall and a mill dating from 1734. Our tour will end with a short organ concert in the historic Reformed Church.
Optional The Hague and Delft Excursion
A full-day excursion will take you via Rotterdam to medieval Delft. Your stop will be in the historic city center of Delft, where you will visit the Nieuwekerk and the De Porceleyne Fles, the most famous of the Delft blue potteries. A restaurant lunch is followed by a visit to The Hague. Your panoramic tour will include views of the Dutch Parliament, the Peace Palace, and Palace Noordeinde. Next, visit Madurodam and then reboard the motorcoach for the trip back to the ship.
DAY 6 - HEUSDEN, GORINCHEM
This morning's you'll depart for a cruise along the Hollands Diep and then via the Amer and Bergsemaas to Heusden, a medieval city fortified in 1581. After some free time, you'll reboard the ship for the cruise to Gorinchem.
DAY 7 - DORDRECHT, SCHOONHOVEN
You'll cruise to the ancient port city of Dordrecht this morning. Upon arrival, you'll be met by local guides who will take you on a walking tour which will include a visit to Grotekerk. Then reboard the ship for the cruise to Schoonhoven where you'll enjoy some time at leisure.
DAY 8 - UTRECHT, AMSTERDAM
You'll depart from Schoonhoven this morning and arrive in Amsterdam mid-afternoon. You'll then have free time to explore the Dutch capital before returning to the ship for dinner.
Optional Gouda and Amsterdam Excursion
A full-day excursion takes you to Gouda. While here, see the Cheese Weigh House, the picturesque City Hall and visit St. Janskerk. After this visit, travel northward toward Amsterdam. This afternoon, visit the Rijksmuseum, Holland's State Treasure House. Next, you'll take a canal boat for a cruise through the historic center of this Dutch capital city. You might also have some time available for shopping before returning to the Ship.
DAY 9 - RETURN
After disembarkation this morning, you'll have time for a panoramic tour with views of the Mint Tower, the floating Flower Market, Dam Square, and the Westerkerk near the Anne Frank House. Time permitting, you will also visit the Begijnhof. Then's back to Schiphol Airport where to check in for your return flight to the U.S.
