Excursions in Holland & Belgium

We'll leave from Arnhem by coach for the Het Loo Palace. Located in the gorgeous city of Apeldoorn, the Het Loo Palace is a 17-century castle that has been transformed into a museum. Built between 1684 and 1686 for stadtholder-king William III and Mary II of England, the palace was one of the residences of the House of Orange-Nassau until the death of Queen Wilhelmina in 1962. The furnished rooms and chambers demonstrate how the Oranges lived and worked here for over 300 years. The museum holds a fine collection of historical objects, paintings and clothes; the stables and coach house present a magnificent collection of royal carriages; and the gardens have been fully restored to the Baroque Dutch style in the time of the first residents. The entire grounds are a wonderful feast for the eyes. (Closed on Mondays).

Duration : approx. 4:00

• Information in the museum (notice board) is given in Dutch, in English and in German.
• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.
• These excursions are not proposed for all the cruises and depend on the itinerary.
• If the minimum of 25 participants is not reached, the excursion may be either cancelled or proposed at another rate, depending on the number of participants (to be paid for on board).
• The excursions on the first evening and the morning following boarding are only guaranteed for the passengers who have booked the excursion before the cruise.

We will first discover the Steen castle, overlooking the Scheldt. Built in the 13th century, it is the oldest building in Antwerp and today houses, under long covered passages left by Napoleon after his time in Antwerp, the National Maritime Museum. As we enter the Old Town we will see the Butcher's Hall, then move on to the Grand'Place with its magnificent Town Hall, a mixture of Gothic and Renaissance styles. We will also be able to admire the famous statue of Silvius Brabo, who according to legend, freed the town from the grip of the giant Druon Antigoon. Our tour will then take us to the foot of the impressive Gothic Cathedral, a construction of lace-work in stone, which took almost two centuries to complete. Finally, to top off our tour, we'll visit a brewpub to learn about the local pale ale, how it's produced, and have a sip or two (or three or four…)*

Duration : approx. 4:00

• Good walking shoes are recommended : visit entirely on foot.
• The pier of the boat is 30 minutes away from the city center.
• The entrance fee to the cathedral of Anvers has to be payed directly in the cathedral.
• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.
• These excursions are not proposed for all the cruises and depend on the itinerary.
• If the minimum of 25 participants is not reached, the excursion may be either cancelled or proposed at another rate, depending on the number of participants (to be paid for on board).
• The excursions on the first evening and the morning following boarding are only guaranteed for the passengers who have booked the excursion before the cruise.
• *Alcohol can be harmful to your health. Please drink in moderation.

Departure by coach from Volendam or Enkhuizen for the town of Alkmaar.
We'll reach the city center on foot in the company of our guide. Alkmaar is a historical town with over 400 monuments. The Waag (weigh house building), dating from the 14th century, the Town Hall dating from the 16th century, the Grote or Sint-Laurenskerk (St Lawrence church) and a multitude of enclosed courtyards, noteworthy facades and canals all partake in the particular atmosphere of this city. However, Alkmaar is particularly known for its cheese. From the 1st Friday in April to the 1st Friday in September, the traditional cheese market is held every Friday morning from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The traders sell their cheeses using a barter system. The cheese carriers' guild, which has existed for 400 years, transports the cheeses on wooden barrows, after weighing the batches at the weigh house. Inside this building, a guided visit to the Cheese Museum will teach you all about the various steps to making dairy products. You'll discover the beautifully ornate cheese presses and various other implements and tools used to make cheese and butter over the centuries. The first floor houses documentation illustrating how cheese is made today on the farms and dairy factories, as well as this industry's major influence on the Dutch economy.
After some free time, return to the ship for lunch.

PLEASE NOTE

• Wear sturdy shoes: the streets are cobbled.
• On Friday, the visit is to the cheese market instead of the museum.
• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.

Departure on foot from the ship in the company of our hostess to reach the riverboat dockside where we'll start our guided tour with commentary. We will pass the Port of Amsterdam, made famous by the beloved Jacques Brel song. We'll glide further into this "Venice of the North” along the renowned Amsterdam canals, providing an ideal vantage point on the city's wonderful architecture. Our tour will take us through the four large canals surrounding the center - the Prinsengracht, Keizersgracht, Herengracht and Singel canals. The Singel river was transformed into a canal in the 14th century to become part of the city's defensive belt, while the other three were conceived at the beginning of the Golden Age as a means to expand the city. Construction started in 1560 and lasted for more than a hundred years. The historical center is now surrounded by those four canals, parallel to one another. Shaped in half-moons, they follow the sun rays making sure that each and every house gets direct sunlight at some point during the day. When looking at a city map, Amsterdam resembles a half-bicycle wheel. After our tour, we'll either return on board along with our hostess or enjoy some free time in the city.

PLEASE NOTE

• You will join the riverboat on foot in the company of your hostess.
• Beware ! There are precipitous stairs to enter the riverboat. The captain will help you to embark.
• If the boat is moored far away from the city center, a supplement will have to be booked and paid on board (5€).
• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.

Departure by coach in the company of your hostess towards Keukenhof. Upon arrival, your hostess will give you an entry ticket that will allow you to stroll freely inside this beautiful flower garden extending on 32 hectares (79 acres). You'll be delighted by its wonders, from the enchanting colors and fragrances of the many tulips, narcissus, daffodils and other ornamental bulbs to the orchid pavilion and the Japanese country garden. Do not miss the breathtaking view over the tulip fields from the 1892 windmill located at the back of the garden!
In the 15th century, the garden as we know it today was nothing but hunting grounds where aromatic herbs were grown for the kitchens of the castle belonging to Jacqueline, Countess of Hainaut, hence its current name, "Keukenhof” - "kitchen garden” in English.
Return on board in Amsterdam by coach.

PLEASE NOTE

• Good walking shoes are recommended.
• Free visit in the park; open from March 21st to May 19th 2019.
• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.
• Wheelchairs are available through online booking on the Keukenhof website (passengers will have to use their own credit card).

We'll leave by coach for the center of Ghent. You'll board a boat for a tour of the medieval center via its labyrinth of canals. You'll see the cathedral and its belfry, the Graslei, and the Gravensteen. Afterwards, we'll set out on foot for a gourmet walk through the city to taste the local beer*, cuberdons, and Belgian pralines. What a great way to get to know Belgium and all its savors. At the end of our tour, we'll return to the ship by coach.

Duration : approx. 4:00

• This is a tour on foot and some streets in Ghent are cobblestone. Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes.
• The boat will continue to cruise during the excursion.
• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.
• These excursions are not proposed for all the cruises and depend on the itinerary.
• If the minimum of 25 participants is not reached, the excursion may be either cancelled or proposed at another rate, depending on the number of participants (to be paid for on board).
• The excursions on the first evening and the morning following boarding are only guaranteed for the passengers who have booked the excursion before the cruise.
• *Alcohol can be harmful to your health. Please drink in moderation.

Departure on foot towards the famous Kinderdijk windmills. This unique place combining a large number of windmills has been listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO since 1997.
You'll be able to admire no less than 19 windmills coming from different areas such as Nederwaard, Overwaard, Nieuw-Lekkerland and Blokweer, all with their specificities - either made out of stone, wood, or having been built on polders. The 1521 windmill from Blokweer was unfortunately destroyed by fire in 1997, though every effort has been made to rebuild it to its original state. A film will tell you all about this remarkable site and a visit to one of the mills will give you an insight on the life and everyday work of a miller. Weather permitting, you may be lucky enough to see the sails in action! We'll walk back to the boat along the seawall.

PLEASE NOTE

• In case of bad weather, we won't be able to visit the windmill.
• If the ship is moored in Rotterdam or any location other than Kinderdijk, a supplement will be required (to be paid on board).
• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.

Imagine a town straight out of a fairytale with no pollution nor cars to be found: this is Giethoorn.

We’ll leave from Lemmer by coach to reach Giethoorn, a charming lakeside town.

Located inside the Weeribben-Wieden National Park–part of the Overijssel province, lovely canals intertwine among a lush flora and 17th-to-18th century thatched farmhouses built on peat islets connected to each other by more than 170 wooden bridges. This idyllic setting is best discovered on foot or by boat.

Our trip will take us on a one-hour boat ride along the canals for an original discovery of this typical village. You'll be enchanted by the beautiful scenery of this town by the water and the welcoming spirit that suffuses the air. Before heading back to Lemmer, you will have some free time to wander about the humpback bridges or small footbridges spanning the canals.

PLEASE NOTE

• Good walking shoes are recommended.
• The town can only be visited on foot or by boat.
• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.

We’ll first bike to Edam and then enjoy a picnic lunch. In the afternoon, the tour will be along the banks of Lake Markermeer, passing close to the village of Durgerdam. As we return to Amsterdam, take some time exploring the city like the locals do! After our excursion, we will return on board the ship.

PLEASE NOTE

• Biking itineraries: to Edam 19 mi. (30.6 km) with 351-ft. elevation gain (107 m.) – to Katwoude 33 mi. (53.1 km) with 600-ft. elevation gain (183 m) – to Amsterdam 47 mi. (75.6 km) with 800-ft. elevation gain (244 m)
• Please wear comfortable, sturdy shoes.
• The times and orders of the visits are for informational purposes only and can change.

We’ll leave by coach for a guided tour of the city. Amsterdam is one of the most unique and extraordinary cities in the world. From its romantic canals to its world-renowned museums and historical significance, it’s a city that never ceases to surprise. Our first stop will be the Riecker Windmill, a windmill located on the riverbanks of the Amstel River, south of the city. This mill was built in 1636 in the village of Sloten and was used as a polder mill for the polder of the same name (Riekerpolder). The pumping of the polder water was taken over by an electric pumping station in 1932 and, when the polder was dug, the mill was then dismantled to create, among other things, Lake Het Nieuw Meer. The mill was rebuilt in 1961 on the riverbanks of the Amstel, around 8 km (approx. 5 miles) away, between the roads leading to Kalfjeslaan and Borcht. This part of the Amstel banks, very popular with tourists and walkers, is a prime location for an old Dutch windmill. A statue of Rembrandt was erected close to this mill to remind us that the painter made many drawings on the banks of this river. Afterwards, we’ll head to the Diamond District to observe how the talented cutters facet the raw diamonds into the jewels we buy. Our guide will explain in detail how a diamond is valued. After our tour, you’ll be able to spend some time browsing the shop. We'll hop back on our coach and continue on towards the Bloemenmarkt, the famous floating flower market. One of the most fragrant places in Amsterdam in any seasons thanks to its thousands of flowers and multitude of varieties, this unique market will make your head spin! At the end of our visit, we’ll return to the ship by coach.

Duration : approx. 4:00

• Panoramic tour with stops to take pictures and free time.
• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.
• These excursions are not proposed for all the cruises and depend on the itinerary.
• If the minimum of 25 participants is not reached, the excursion may be either cancelled or proposed at another rate, depending on the number of participants (to be paid for on board).
• The excursions on the first evening and the morning following boarding are only guaranteed for the passengers who have booked the excursion before the cruise.

We'll leave by coach with our guide for Volendam, a charming village that has preserved its character for over six centuries thanks to the tough vitality of its fishermen. We'll then visit a cheese factory in the area to discover how the famous Gouda cheese is made. We'll enjoy tasting the different flavors and ages available of one of the most popular cheeses in the world. We'll then head for Zaanse Schans, an open air museum with wooden windmills, barns, and houses. Take a walk through the stunning buildings and the unique peat landscape or watch traditional clog making techniques. Don't miss the small but impressive clog museum that features one of the largest and most attractive collections of wooden shoes in the Netherlands: painted, carved, ice clogs with iron trimmings, horse clogs, and decorative clogs. Take advantage of some free time on this excursion to indulge in authentic Dutch traditions. We'll return to our ship in Amsterdam by coach.

PLEASE NOTE

• Good walking shoes are recommended: guided visit on foot at Volendam and Zaanse Schans.
• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.

We’ll leave by coach for a guided tour of the city. Amsterdam is one of the most unique and extraordinary cities in the world. From its romantic canals to its world-renowned museums and historical significance, it’s a city that never ceases to surprise. Our first stop will be the De Gooyer Windmill, the tallest wooden mill in the Netherlands at 26.6 meters high. It is the last of a large group of corn mills built between the 17th and the end of the 19th centuries on the bastions of the walls of Amsterdam. The location of the mills was at that time very favourable as the outskirts of town provided ample wind. Afterwards, we’ll head to the Diamond District to observe how the talented cutters facet the raw diamonds into the jewels we buy. Our guide will explain in detail how a diamond is valued. After our tour, you’ll be able to spend some time browsing the shop. Our coach will then take us to the Bloemenmarkt, the famous floating flower market. One of the most fragrant places in Amsterdam in any seasons thanks to its thousands of flowers and multitude of varieties, this unique market will make your head spin! At the end of our visit, we’ll return to the ship by coach.

Duration : approx. 4:00

• Panoramic tour with stops to take pictures and free time.
• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.
• These excursions are not proposed for all the cruises and depend on the itinerary.
• If the minimum of 25 participants is not reached, the excursion may be either cancelled or proposed at another rate, depending on the number of participants (to be paid for on board).
• The excursions on the first evening and the morning following boarding are only guaranteed for the passengers who have booked the excursion before the cruise.

We'll leave on foot with our host/hostess for a canal tour. We'll travel along the famous Port of Amsterdam and continue along the legendary canals. Even today, they continue to define the city's landscape, and in 2010 Amsterdam's canal ring was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Besides providing a stunning backdrop to the city's historical center, cruising the canals is one of the most memorable ways to discover the city. So come aboard with us and take a relaxing trip through the Dutch capital. After our tour, return to the ship with our host/hostess or spend some free time on your own in the city.

Duration : approx. 1:45

• You will join the riverboat on foot in the company of your hostess.
• Beware ! There are precipitous stairs to enter the riverboat. The captain will help you to embark.
• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.
• These excursions are not proposed for all the cruises and depend on the itinerary.
• If the minimum of 25 participants is not reached, the excursion may be either cancelled or proposed at another rate, depending on the number of participants (to be paid for on board).
• The excursions on the first evening and the morning following boarding are only guaranteed for the passengers who have booked the excursion before the cruise.

We'll leave by coach for The Hague, the seat of the Dutch parliament and one of the most beautiful cities in the country. The Hague is also known as the "Royal City by the Sea,” since the Royal Family enjoys the location for many of their vacations. The Hague counts no less than 155 courtyards, making it the courtyard capital of Holland. Your guide will show you some of the most splendid, including the Hof van Wouw, Hofje van Nieuwkoop and the Hofje Rusthof. We'll also stroll through the Binnenhof, where the House of Representatives meets, the prime minister works and the ministers hold their weekly consultations. It has been the seat of the Dutch government for over 400 years. Our guide will also show us royal monuments, including the Lange Voorhout Palace which houses the Escher Museum. Lastly, we'll pass by the iconic Hotel des Indes, the International Court of Justice, and the Kloosterkerk.

Duration : approx. 5:00

• Times are approximate.
• The order of the visits can change.
• Wear comfortable, sturdy walking shoes.
• These excursions are not proposed for all the cruises and depend on the itinerary.
• If the minimum of 25 participants is not reached, the excursion may be either cancelled or proposed at another rate, depending on the number of participants (to be paid for on board).
• The excursions on the first evening and the morning following boarding are only guaranteed for the passengers who have booked the excursion before the cruise.

Our visit of the Belgian capital will begin with a panoramic tour to see the famous monuments such as the Royal Palace of Laeken and the Atomium, a building originally constructed for the 1958 Brussels World Fair. We'll then head for the city center to admire the Royal Palace of Brussels - the King's workplace, as well as numerous Art Nouveau style buildings and the European Institutions. The visit will continue on foot to discover the Grand Place and its impressive Gothic town hall dating from the 14th century, as well as the iconic landmark Manneken Pis. We'll stop in a chocolate factory to learn what makes Belgian chocolates so delectable. Of course, we'll enjoy a tasting of these indulgent treats. Afterwards, we'll return to the ship.

Duration : approx. 4:00

• Panoramic tour by coach with stops to take pictures.
• Good walking shoes are recommended.
• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.
• These excursions are not proposed for all the cruises and depend on the itinerary.
• If the minimum of 25 participants is not reached, the excursion may be either cancelled or proposed at another rate, depending on the number of participants (to be paid for on board).
• The excursions on the first evening and the morning following boarding are only guaranteed for the passengers who have booked the excursion before the cruise.
   

Departure by coach in the company of your guides towards Haarlem.
Known as the "City of Tulips”, Haarlem has for centuries been the main production and export center for tulip bulbs. This charming town has been an inspiration for generations of painters throughout the centuries. We'll discover the Amsterdamse Poort (Amsterdam Gate) built in 1400 and the only vestige from the city's fortifications, the Grote Markt (Main Square), the Corrie Ten Boom House, used as a hiding place during World War II and the impressive Gothic Cathedral of St Bavo dating from the 14th and 15th centuries. In Haarlem, you'll get the chance to see a great number of "beguinages”, with the oldest dating back to 1395. Before heading back to Amsterdam, you will have some free time.

PLEASE NOTE

• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.

Departure on foot for Bruges. This 2000-year-old city became an important trading center for the North West of Europe in the Middle-Ages thanks to the production of high quality cloth and easy access to the sea.
In the company of your guide, you'll discover this charming "Venice of the North” with its alleys and typical houses. Our tour will begin with a stop on the small bridge spanning Minnewater Lake, also known as the "Lake of Love”, a chance for lovers to make a wish and for your guide to tell you more about the history of Bruges. You'll stroll down the narrow streets fragrant with the aroma of chocolate - the local specialty - all the way to the lovely Princely Béguinage Ten Wijngaerde, the only remaining beguinage convent in Bruges, the Grand' Place with its impressive 83 meter high Belfry right next to the fortified castle, as well as the Basilica of the Holy Blood. You'll walk along the city's canals and discover the St Anne district with the Jerusalem Chapel and the Kantcentrum, a reputed lace school and museum. After our guided tour, you will still have some free time to stroll through the streets of Bruges, take a ride in a horse-drawn carriage or on a motor boat along the canals before returning to the boat.

Duration : approx. 2:00

• Good walking shoes are recommended.
• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.
• These excursions are not proposed for all the cruises and depend on the itinerary.
• If the minimum of 25 participants is not reached, the excursion may be either cancelled or proposed at another rate, depending on the number of participants (to be paid for on board).
• The excursions on the first evening and the morning following boarding are only guaranteed for the passengers who have booked the excursion before the cruise.
   

Departure by coach in the company of your guides for a walking tour in the city center. Ghent is the capital of the old County of Flanders but is also known for being the birthplace of the Holy Roman Emperor, Charles V. It enjoyed a period of great prosperity, both economic and cultural, in the 14th and 15th centuries. From this influential period Ghent retains an important architectural heritage.
You will have the opportunity to visit the Saint Bavo Cathedral with its famous "Adoration of the Mystic Lamb" altarpiece. The Cathedral square also features the Gothic Belfry located right next to the Cloth Hall. You will walk along the Graslei (Grass Quay) and the Korenlei (Corn Quay) to reach the Gravensteen (Castle of the Counts) dating from 1180, which has had over the centuries many functions from military to administrative and legal.
After our tour, you will have some free time before returning to the boat by coach.

Duration : approx. 3:00

• Good walking shoes are recommended: visit entirely on foot.
• The boat is sailing during the excursion.
• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.
• These excursions are not proposed for all the cruises and depend on the itinerary.
• If the minimum of 25 participants is not reached, the excursion may be either cancelled or proposed at another rate, depending on the number of participants (to be paid for on board).
• The excursions on the first evening and the morning following boarding are only guaranteed for the passengers who have booked the excursion before the cruise.

We'll leave by coach with our guides for the city of Delft.
We'll discover this charming city made famous by its blue and white ceramics, Delftware, as well as its connections to the Dutch Royal Family and the renowned painter Johannes Vermeer. We'll stroll through the enchanting city center—where you'll be able to experience a bit of authentic Dutch living: calm canals shaded by trees, petite bridges, and historical buildings. We'll also visit a delft pottery factory in the city (or nearby) where you'll discover the secrets of making this famous imitation porcelain. We'll then head to the Oude Kerk, Nieuwe Kerk, and the Prinsenhof - where William of Orange was assassinated in 1584. Afterwards, we'll travel by coach to Rotterdam. We'll then return on board. 

PLEASE NOTE

• Good walking shoes are recommended.
• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.

Enjoy a great bike ride through the De Hoge Veluwe National Park, home to diverse forests, shifting sands, red deer, wild boars, and mouflons. Set out on a pleasurable tour of this magnificent natural reserve.

PLEASE NOTE

• This is an unguided tour.
• Passengers will visit the park on their own.
• Good walking shoes are recommended.
• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.
• On Mondays, optional visit of the Dutch open-air museum in Arnhem.
• Attention: children are under the responsibility of their parents and must be autonomous by bike.

You'll leave on foot to head to the bike rental office. This guided bike tour will last about 2.5 hours, and you'll be able to explore and learn about all the must-see and out-of-the-way sites in Amsterdam. Enjoy some free time at the Flower Market or at the Albert Cuypmarkt.

Duration : approx. 3:00

• Good walking shoes are recommended.
• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.
• Attention: children are under the responsibility of their parents and must be autonomous by bike.

Take a bike tour of Hoorn and its surroundings. Located on the banks of the Ijsselmeer, Hoorn was one of the important Dutch East India Company towns in 17th-century Holland. Hundreds of merchant ships left Hoorn to sail across the world and return loaded with merchandise, especially spices such as peppercorn, nutmeg, clove and mace. Our guide will explain the city's celebrated past in detail. The outskirts of Hoorn itself are dotted with biking and hiking paths that cross the superb polders, following the river dykes and passing by old villages and the ancient Westfriese Omringdijk—an almost 800-year-old dyke. The Beemster polder, the first in the Netherlands and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a masterpiece of creative planning and a superb example of the conflict the inhabitants have waged with water in this area. You'll get to see old windmills.

PLEASE NOTE

• Good walking shoes are recommended.
• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.
• Attention: children are under the responsibility of their parents and must be autonomous by bike.

Departure by coach towards the Delta Works in the company of your hostess. Official tour guides will greet you upon arrival in the Deltapark Neeltje Jans, an educational theme park located on the former artificial island Neeltje Jans at the Oosterschelde - the Eastern Scheldt, a former estuary in the province of Zeeland. The park focuses on the relationship between Man and the Sea. In addition to the attractive nature of the Deltapark Neeltje Jans, it also plays an educational role with respect to the Delta Works and its main structure: the Oosterscheldekering (Eastern Scheldt Storm Surge Barrier). Return on board in Middelburg.

Duration : approx. 4:00

• Comfortable walking shoes recommended.
• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.
• These excursions are not proposed for all the cruises and depend on the itinerary.
• If the minimum of 25 participants is not reached, the excursion may be either cancelled or proposed at another rate, depending on the number of participants (to be paid for on board).
• The excursions on the first evening and the morning following boarding are only guaranteed for the passengers who have booked the excursion before the cruise.

We'll visit the Rijksmuseum, Holland's ultimate national museum retracing the country's history from the Middle-Ages to the present day. The collection contains more than 2,000 paintings from the Dutch Golden Age, among which you'll get to admire Rembrandt's "The Night Watch" as well as Johannes Vermeer's "The Milkmaid".

PLEASE NOTE

• Headsets are included.
• The order of the excursions can change.