Charms of Holland and Belgium – Amsterdam to Brussels

Resort:Charms of Holland and Belgium - Amsterdam to Brussels
Operator: Avalon Waterways
Destination: Belgium
Price From: £999.00

Itinerary Details

Day 1 Arrive in Amsterdam ( Embarkation )

Welcome to Amsterdam! Holland’s sophisticated, modern capital has a rich and fascinating history. This delightful 700-year-old city with its elegant and classic architecture, cafs, and restaurants has a distinct ambiance. The streets, squares, and canalsnot to mention the bike paths throughout the citymake for a vibrant atmosphere, and with over 60 museums, Amsterdam has the highest museum density in the world. This afternoon, board your river cruise vessel and meet your crew at an evening welcome reception. (D)

Day 2 Amsterdam.

Included today: Canal cruise.
There is no better way to see Amsterdam than by CANAL BOAT, cruising through the elegant grachten lined with stately homes dating back to Amsterdams Golden Age. Theres free time in the city this afternoonyou might like to join an optional excursionand later, bid tot ziens (farewell) to Amsterdam (B, L, D)

Day 3 Rotterdam. Excursion to Keukenhof Gardens (open until May 26), or guided visit to Delft (after May26).

This morning, cruise through Rotterdam harbour and enjoy a leisurely morning on board before an afternoon excursion takes you to the gardens of KEUKENHOF near Lisseover 70 acres of parkland with lakes, sculpture gardens, greenhouses, and a windmill to explore. Every year, 7 million flower bulbs are planted, and you have the chance to see the spectacular display of colours from the tulips, daffodils, crocuses, and more. If you’re a garden enthusiast, you may opt for an extended stay in Keukenhof, going in the morning, and lunching in the gardens on your own before rejoining the ship with the rest of the guests in the later afternoon. After May 26, when the Keukenhof gardens are no longer open, a guided excursion takes you to the city of Delft. Most famous for its distinctive Delft blue pottery, the city with its historic town centre and canals was also home to the painter Johannes Vermeer. Join your local expert for a GUIDED WALK to see the City Hall, the Old Church, and hear the story of the “Delft Explosion.” (B, L, D)

Day 4 Kinderdijk – Willemstad.

Included today: Guided walk and windmill visit in Kinderdijk; guided walk in Willemstad.
Kinderdijks 19 windmills were built in 1740 as part of the water management system to help prevent floods. Visit a WINDMILL and learn how they played a vital role in the development of the country, becoming a symbol of Holland. Rejoin your ship for lunch and sail to Willemstad. Here there is free time for you to explore this small historical town with well-preserved fortifications, at your own pace. One of the oldest buildings in town is the old gatehouse at the entrance of Willemstad, and as you walk around you will notice a wide variety of building styles. The town even has its own windmill towering high above the marina, and in the very centre of the seven-pointed, star-shaped town stands the Koepelkerk (Rounded Church). (B, L, D)

Day 5 Veere.

Included today: Visit the Delta Works; guided walk in Middelburg.
This morning, visit the DELTA WORKS near Veere. After the flood of 1953, during which more than 1,800 people drowned in one night, the Delta Plan was born to prevent a disaster of this magnitude from ever happening again. Taking 30 years to complete, the storm flood barrier stands as the final defense in the battle against the wateralmost six miles long and considered a technical miracle. During lunch, cruise to Middelburg. This afternoon, a WALKING TOUR will acquaint you with this Dutch East India Company trading city, which was originally built as a Zeeland stronghold against 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 15th-century gothic Town Hall. (B, L, D)

Day 6 Ghent.

Included today: Guided sightseeing, visit St Baaf’s Cathedral.
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 centre alone is a showcase of medieval Flemish wealth and commercial success. Visit ST. BAAF’S CATHEDRAL, which houses remarkable art treasures, including the most important work in Flemish art, The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb, created by the Van Eyck brothers around 1432. On your own, explore the traffic-free streets in the city centre; see Gravensteen, the “castle of the counts,” an imposing castle in the city that was built in 1180; or join an optional excursion to fascinating Bruges with its criss-crossed canals and charming old patrician houses. (B, L, D)

Day 7 Antwerp.

Included today: Guided sightseeing.
Antwerp is Belgiums second-largest city and one of the worlds most important ancient seaports. It merges the new with the old and offers the attractions and atmosphere youd expect from a European cityfriendly people, fabulous architecture, chic shops, interesting museums, vibrant cafs, charming galleries, and historic monuments. INCLUDED SIGHTSEEING with a Local Guide shows you its superb architecture; the central GROTE MARKT, lined with 16th-century houses; the beautiful city hall, completed in 1566; and the Church of Our Lady, started in 1352 and featuring paintings by Rubens. An optional excursion is available to nearby Brussels, Belgiums capital and home of the European Union. (B, L, D)

Day 8 Brussels ( Disembarkation )

Your cruise ends after breakfast this morning. (B)

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