APT Touring River Cruise

ATP Tulip Time Cruise 2010 

ITINERARY (Amsterdam to Amsterdam)

Day 1 Sun. Arrive Amsterdam.
Welcome to Amsterdam! Holland’s capital is sophisticated and modern, with a rich and fascinating history. This delightful 700 year old city with its elegant and classic architecture, cafés, restaurants, and lively marketplace has a distinct ambience. The works of famous Dutch masters can be seen in world renowned museums such as the Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh. This afternoon the crew of your elegant river ship ms Amadagio welcomes you on board.

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Day 2 Mon. Amsterdam – Volendam – Edam Excursion.
There is no better way to see Amsterdam than by canal boat, cruising through the elegant grachten, Dutch for ‘canals’, lined with stately homes dating back to the city’s Golden Age. To the north of the city, located on the Ijsselmeer, is Volendam, a maze of fishermen’s houses built on poles with a unique open harbour. From here, an excursion takes you to the town of Edam. Edam cheese has become famous world-wide, and cheese markets are held in the summer months. The old town centre, especially the Kwakelsteeg, has lovely characteristic Waterland houses.

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Day 3 Tue. Arnhem.
Your first stop is in the historic city of Arnhem. One of the major tragedies of World War II was the Battle of Arnhem, where allied forces failed to capture the Rhine bridge in Arnhem, featured in the Airborne Museum Hartenstein and the inspiration for the movie ‘A Bridge Too Far’. There is time to visit the Museum, then return to your ship and continue sailing through Holland and into Belgium.

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Day 4 Wed. Antwerp.
Antwerp is Belgium’s second-largest city and home to marvellous art, architecture and the world’s largest diamond industry. This morning enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of Antwerp. From the Grote Markt with its beautiful city hall, see Brabo Fountain, the Church of Our Lady and rows of quaint guildhouses. The afternoon is free to explore Antwerp or join us for an optional excursion to nearby Brussels, Belgium’s capital and home of the European Union. After dinner your cruise departs for Ghent.

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Day 5 Thu. Ghent.
In a unique way, Ghent has managed to preserve its medieval charm and power while keeping up with the times. The city centre alone is a showcase of medieval Flemish wealth and commercial success. Enjoy a city tour to see the highlights of the ‘diamond’ of Flanders. From here an optional excursion to fascinating Bruges, with its criss-crossed canals and charming old patrician houses, is available.

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Day 6 Fri. Willemstad – Dordrecht.
Cruise back into the Netherlands and through the Dutch region of Zeeland. One of the most complex engineering projects ever undertaken, the Delta Works, is located here. After the flood of 1953 during which over 1,800 people drowned in one night, the Delta Plan was born to prevent another disaster of this magnitude. The final defence in the battle against the water is the storm flood barrier, almost six miles long and considered a technical miracle. The project took 30 years to complete. Stop in charming Willemstad for a walking tour. There is time to shop, then on to picturesque Dordrecht and the 18th-century windmills of Kinderdijk, the largest group of original mills in Holland. Tonight enjoy a special music performance on board.

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Day 7 Sat. Utrecht – Keukenhof Gardens Excursion.
This morning a leisurely cruise along the Amsterdam-Rhine Canal takes you to Utrecht. Disembark for an excursion to the gardens of Keukenhof, encompassing over 70 acres of parkland with lakes, sculptured gardens, greenhouses and a windmill to explore. Millions of flowers are grown here, presenting a spectacular display of blooms every year. Return to your ship in Amsterdam.

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Day 8 Sun. Depart Amsterdam.
Enjoy one last breakfast on board, then bid your ship farewell. Extra nights are available if you wish to extend your stay in Europe.

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What's Included

APT Guaranteed Inclusions

• Tipping included on cruise - save up to A$300 per couple
• Tour Volendam, Edam and Arnhem
• Absorb Antwerp’s sights on a city tour
• Enjoy walking tours of Ghent and Willemstad
• Take an excursion to Keukenhof Gardens

Finest Dining

• Enjoy 7 Breakfasts (B), 6 Lunches (L) and 7 Dinners (D)
• All meals as well as sumptuous local wines with dinner are included when on board

Other Touring Options

• French and Italian Gardens in Spring
• This wonderful cruise can be combined with Botanica’s 16 Day French and Italian Gardens in Spring tour
• Contact Us for further details

Taxes and Tour Notes

• Trip price includes all taxes and charges
• Airport transfers on first and last day of tour - add A$160 per person
• Prices are for land content only per person
• Please Contact Us about our great airfares to Europe