Netherlands Waterway Cruise
Topic: Tour Calendar April 11 - 19, 2008
Join us for an unforgettable Cruise Through the Canals, Rivers, and Lakes of the NETHERLANDS!
The Netherlands is a delightful little country symbolized by tulips and windmills. Its beautiful, varied scenery, world-class art treasures, and rich historical heritage make it a favorite destination for American travelers. Come and discover for yourself the cosmopolitan big cities and the charming old towns and villages that dot the picture-postcard landscape. Experience the colorful traditions and meet the friendly, ambitious people — most of whom speak English. Eat cheese and poffertjes and croquettes. Shop for exquisite porcelain, wooden shoes, and flower bulbs.Among the many exceptional features of this cruise tour is its one-of-a-kind itinerary designed to showcase the northern provinces whose narrow waterways aren’t open to the larger ships.
Ideal for first-time travelers and those who are returning for a second or third visit, the Netherlands Waterway Cruise is a unique opportunity to really see and experience all that Holland has to offer!
Cruise Itinerary
Day 1 ~ Friday, April 11 - Departure
Check in at your airport for the overnight flight across the Atlantic!Day 2 ~ Saturday, April 12 - Amsterdam
Welcome to the Netherlands! Following passport control and customs, board our deluxe motorcoach for a familiarization tour of Amsterdam. Around noon, we will board the Salvinia. The afternoon is at leisure to rest up from your trip, or you may want to start exploring this historic and interesting city.Day 3 ~ Sunday, April 13 - Keukenhof, Amsterdam
The morning is at leisure to attend worship services at a church of your choice. This afternoon we have planned an optional excursion to the fabulous Keukenhof National Flower Exhibition. Millions of tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths create a breathtaking sea of flowers. This vast floral landscape, stretching over 70 acres, includes themed gardens, fountains, lakes, greenhouses, and much more. Or you may wish to take in the sights and sounds of A’dam. Enjoy a canal boat ride. Browse in the fabulous Rijksmuseum, Vincent Van Gogh Museum, the Nautical Museum, or Anne Frank House. Whatever you choose, have a great time!Day 4 ~ Monday, April 14 - Alkmaar, Den Helder
This morning’s cruise takes us via the North Holland Canal to Alkmaar. A get-acquainted walking tour with local guides includes visits to the Cheese Market and the well-preserved old town center. This afternoon we continue our cruise, enjoying spectacular views of tulip fields on both sides of our ship, to the port city of Den Helder. This evening we’ll be entertained by a local group of singers dressed in traditional costumes.Day 5 ~ Tuesday, April 15 Texel Island, Franeker
This will be fun! A short trip takes us across the Marsdiep Channel to Texel, the largest of the Wadden Islands. With more than 300 species of birds, rolling dunes and beautiful freshwater lakes, Texel—pronounced Tessel—is a nature lover’s paradise. Head out along one of the nature trails or rent a bicycle and go for a spin. Back on board, we’ll cross the Wadden Zee and clear the Harlingen locks before we continue to the picturesque town of Franeker. We’ll tie up for the night near the old town center. This evening we’ll be entertained by a Frisian folklore group.Day 6 ~ Wednesday, April 16 - Sneek
Today we’ll cruise through the lush Frisian countryside and through the van Harnixma Canal and Prinses Margriet Canal to reach Sneek. Called Snits by its inhabitants, this busy, popular town is the gateway to the Frisian lake district. After we drop anchor, we’ll be invited on a walking tour to see the 16th-century City Hall, Watergate, and more. For those interested in seeing more of Friesland, you can join us for a full-day optional bus tour with stops in Makkum, Hindeloopen and Sloten.Day 7 ~ Thursday, April 17 - Kampen
A full-day cruise takes us along the shores of the Noordoostpolder - North East Polder, land the industrious Dutch have reclaimed from the sea. Upon arrival in the old Hanseatic city of Kampen, we’ll have some free time for independent exploration and shopping. After dinner we’ll be treated to an organ concert in one of the Kampen’s historic churches. An optional motorcoach excursion with visits to an orchid farm and various picturesque old towns and villages, such as Giethoorn and Staphorst, will be available.Day 8 ~ Friday, April 18 - Deventer, Arnhem
Today’s cruise takes us via the Yssel River to Deventer. Be sure to sample the delicious gingerbread known as Deventer Koek. We’ll also have a walking tour of this interesting town. This afternoon we’re off to Arnhem, a city whose name recalls the brave Allied troops who fought here in the famed WWII Operation Market Garden. For this evening we have scheduled a Captain’s Farewell Dinner. Today’s optional bus excursion includes a visit to Palace Het Loo.Day 9 ~ Saturday, April 19 - Return
Time to say tot ziens—good-bye—to the Salvinia and its crew! After an early breakfast, transfer back to Schiphol Airport for our return flight.Optional shore excursions
Sunday, April 13 ~ Afternoon excursion to Keukenhof—$48
Top off your cruise tour with a visit to the fabulous Keukenhof National Flower Exhibition! Millions of tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths create a breathtaking sea of flowers. This vast floralscape, which stretches over some 70 acres, also includes themed gardens, fountains, lakes, greenhouses, pavilions with changing flower shows, and a permanent orchid display.Wednesday, April 16 ~ Full-day excursion through Northern Friesland—$63
The first stop on our drive through the beautiful Frisian countryside is Makkum, known for its wonderful ceramics and the world-famous Royal Tichelaar pottery. Next is Hindeloopen, once an important trading center and now a quiet, peaceful place bypassed by the main roads. We’ll have time to shop for Hindeloopen’s unique handpainted household and decorative items and for more of the pottery made in nearby Makkum. Then it’s on to the fortified town of Sloten, which seems to have been built on a reduced scale. Enjoy a stroll and snap a few pictures of the tiny 17th- and 18th-century houses and the lovely canal. At day’s end, we’ll find the Salvinia in Sneek.Thursday, April 17 ~ Full-day excursion through Overijssel and Southern Friesland—$63
First off, we’ll head for Luttelgeest to visit the orchid farm. Then it’s on to once-prosperous Blokzijl where wealthy Amsterdam merchants of the Middle Ages went to escape the hectic pace of city life. Our next stop is at Giethoorn where you can enjoy a boat ride through the canals of this peaceful, picture-postcard village, or do some shopping. Then it’s on to Rouveen and Staphorst, whose very conservative inhabitants are often seen in the traditional dress of the “olden days.” You’ll be delighted with views of the thatched-roof houses that line the roads — and it’s okay to take pictures of them; but don’t photograph the people without asking their permission. We’ll continue on to the Salvinia in Kampen in time for dinner.Friday, April 18 ~ Afternoon excursion to the Palace Het Loo—$48
Taking off from Kampen, we’ll travel to the lovely Palace Het Loo, last occupied by Queen Wilhelmina. After time to walk through the palace and its marvelous gardens, we’ll rejoin the Salvinia, now docked in Arnhem. A sign-up form to select your excursions will be sent to you a few weeks before departure.Your optional extension
Holiday in Germany and Switzerland ~ April 19 - 25, 2008$998 per person
Saturday, April 19 ~ Cologne, Bacharach, Ladenburg (Germany)
Not quite ready to go home yet? Join us for a delightful visit to Germany and Switzerland! After disembarking from the Salvinia, we’ll meet our driver/guide and travel into Germany with a stop in Cologne. Then we’ll head to Bacharach, one of the many appealing towns on the Rhine River. Our home for the night is the 2000-year-old city of Ladenburg. Following hotel check-in and dinner, you may want to stretch your legs with a walk into Ladenburg’s historic Old Town.Sunday, April 20 ~ Heidelberg, Titisee
After breakfast, we’ll transfer into Heidelberg for a walking tour and a visit to the beautiful old castle. Arrangements will be made for those who would like to attend church service. In the afternoon, we’ll travel through the Black Forest to Titisee for dinner and overnight.Monday, April 21 ~ Schaffhausen, Berne, Aeschi (Switzerland)
Rise and shine! Today we’re on our way to Switzerland! Our first stop will be at Schaffhausen, where we’ll see the mighty Rhine Falls. Then continue to the medieval city of Berne, the capital of the Swiss Federation. After a short familiarization tour and some free time, we’ll move on to the lovely mountain town of Aeschi for dinner and a three-night stay.Tuesday, April 22 ~ Interlaken, Aeschi
Stay “at home” in Aeschi today or join us for a visit to Interlaken, the tourist hub of the Bernese Oberland.Wednesday, April 23 ~ Grindelwald, Aeschi
We’re off to the glacier village of Grindelwald, home to some of the most spectacular scenery in the world! You’ll have the option of ascending the Jungfraujoch, the highest resort mountain in Europe, or another nearby majestic mountain, or you might want to do some mountain hiking. Toward the end of the day, return to the hotel for dinner.Thursday, April 24 ~ Lucerne, Zurich
It’s our last full day in Europe — and we plan to use it well! By late morning, we’ll be in Lucerne, one of Switzerland’s most popular little cities. We’ll enjoy a walking tour including a visit to the Lion Monument. Use the afternoon to finish up your last-minute souvenir shopping. In the evening, we’ll travel to Zurich for hotel check-in and our farewell European dinner.Friday, April 25 ~ Return
Time flies when you’re having fun! Our European adventure has come to an end. In the morning we’ll transfer to Zurich Airport to begin our journey back to the US. We know that you’ve had a fabulous time visiting Germany and Switzerland, and we look forward to hearing from you soon!The M.P.S. Salvinia
Our "floating hotel" in the Netherlands is a cozy Dutch river cruiser. The M.P.S. Salvinia can accommodate 123 passengers, all in outside cabins with private facilities. Each cabin is equipped with a telephone, television, and individually-controlled air-conditioning.The ship's public areas, divided over three decks, include a whirlpool, sauna, and fitness room on the Main Deck; a lovely restaurant and reception area on the Promenade Deck; and a large panorama lounge and a sun deck on the Salon Deck. Passenger cabins are located on the Main and Promenade Decks. The decks are connected by an elevator and stairs.
One of the best things about the Salvinia isn't a thing at all-it's the ship's wonderful, friendly crew. And let's don't forget the great food - from early-morning coffee, buffet-style breakfast and lunch, to afternoon tea and sweets, and delicious full-course dinner.
For more information online, visit: www.feenstrarijnlijn.nl/en_algemeen/home.php.
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