Uniworld Grand Europe River Cruise 2010 - Tulips and Windmills

2010 EARLYBIRD SPECIAL

PAY-IN-FULL at time of booking on or before September 30, 2009 to SAVE A$1,500 per couple (A$750 per person) off twin share cruise only rates on suites, or category 1 and 2 staterooms. SAVE A$1,000 per couple (A$500 per person) on category 3, 4, and 5 staterooms.

OR BOOK and DEPOSIT on or before November 30, 2009 to SAVE A$500 per couple (A$250 per person) off twin share cruise only rates.

Tulips & Windmills
Amsterdam to Antwerp - 10 Days

Seas of flowers, picturesque windmills, and the balmy days of spring

All the things that come to mind when you think of the Netherlands and Belgium - countless colorful canals, whimsical windmills, vibrant tulips, the art of Rubens and Rembrandt, rich maritime history - are yours to experience in all their real-life glory.

This perfectly paced springtime cruise takes you to the historic windmills of Kinderdijk, the Belgian treasure of Bruges, the 70-acre Keukenhof Gardens with more than seven million flowers, and museums rich in art by the famed Dutch Masters. While visiting Enkhuizen and Hoorn, you'll discover the impressive maritime history of days gone by. Stroll through cosmopolitan Amsterdam and trendy Antwerp, and learn about Dutch art, WWII history, and the Netherlands' struggle against the sea on three guided museum visits.

All along the way, you'll indulge in the famous treats of the region. Sample delicate, handmade Belgian chocolates that are among the finest in the world. Feast on warm waffles with berries and cream. Taste delicious cheeses along with hearty beer - all while savoring the storybook atmosphere of some of Europe's most charming towns.

Who will enjoy this cruise: Those who appreciate gardening, art, great food and drink, history buffs, and anyone who wants to experience the charm of Belgium and the Netherlands during the peaceful time of spring.

Tulips & Windmills ( Category L - Rhine Deck / Category 1 - Rhine Deck / Category 2 - Danube Deck / Category 3 - Main Deck / Category 4 - Moselle Deck / Category 5 - Moselle Deck ) What's Included

Sightseeing Highlights

  * Rijksmuseum visit
  * The famous Keukenhof Gardens
  * Zuider Zee Open Air Museum*
  * Kröller-Müeller Museum*
  * Farm fresh Gouda and Edam cheese tasting
   *Closed on Mondays
 

Dining Highlights

  * On-board dining & entertainment
  * Welcome onboard dinner
  * All meals on board ship: breakfast, lunch and dinner

First Class Travel Highlights

  * 9-night cruise in an outside stateroom on the River Queen, River Duchess or River Princess
  * Guided shore excursions
  * Trafalgar Cruise Manager throughout your cruise
  * A stylish travel bag and wallet containing tour documents and helpful information

Complimentary Transfers

  * Arrival Transfers: Flights must arrive between 0800 and 1500 on the day that the cruise departs in order to receive airport to ship transfers. These transfers are group transfers and passengers may experience a waiting period between transfers. Passengers will need to make their way to the meet and greet area where they will be met by a representative holding a TRAFALGAR UNIWORLD sign. Passengers arriving outside these times will need to make their own arrangements or purchase a private transfer.
  * Departure Transfers: Flights must depart between 0800 and 1400 on the day that the cruise ends in order to receive the ship to airport transfer. Passengers departing later than this must make their own arrangements or purchase private transfers.

Important Note: Complimentary transfers will vary on certain tours especially if a Land portion is included on the tour. Please contact Costless Holidays at time of booking to confirm the Complimentary transfer status on your selected tour.

Tulips & Windmills ( Category L - Rhine Deck / Category 1 - Rhine Deck / Category 2 - Danube Deck / Category 3 - Main Deck / Category 4 - Moselle Deck / Category 5 - Moselle Deck )

Day 1 - Amsterdam (embark)

Day 2 - Amsterdam
Included excursion: Dutch Masterpieces

Day 3 - Amsterdam - Hoorn
Included excursion: Village of the IJesselmeer

Day 4 - Enkhuizen
Included excursion: Zuider Zee Explorer

Day 5 - Nijmegen
Included excursion: Museums & Memories

Day 6 - Rotterdam / Dordrecht
Included excursion: Kinderdjk Windmills

Day 7 - Middelburg
Included excursion: Gateway to the Delta

Day 8 - Antwerp
Included excursion: The Diamond City

Day 9 - Antwerp
Included excursion: Bruges: Belgian Treasure

Day 10 - Antwerp (disembark)

Amsterdam
In 2006, Amsterdam will celebrate the 400th birthday of one of the Dutch Masters, Rembrandt Van Rijn. A Springtime cruise will provide you with the opportunity to experience major exhibitions of this great artist at both the Rembrandt House and Rijksmuseum. Stroll the beautiful Keukenhof Gardens, a 70-acre showcase of more than 7 million flowers, including some 1,000 varieties of tulips alone.

Hoorn
The village of Hoorn, a lovely city with a long maritime history. This Zuider Zee town rose to prominence during the Golden Age of Dutch history. Many of its 17th-century buildings are still intact. The best way to experience the city is by foot, taking in the old harbor and meandering past stately mansions, admiralty buildings and warehouses.

Enkhuizen
Enkhuizen is located on the shores of Lake IJessel and has been a prosperous fishing and trading center since the 17th century. The Zuider Zee Open Air Museum provides you with the opportunity to experience what life in The Netherlands was like in the 19th century. Visit some of the 140 buildings with gardens and canals from the area around the former Zuider Zee.

Nijmegen
Spend time exploring the oldest city in The Netherlands, Nijmegen. In fact, the city will soon be celebrating its 1,900-year anniversary. Plus, a trip to the Kröller-Müller Museum, located in the Hoge Veluwe National Park is spectacular. It houses 278 of Van Gogh’s works, as well as superb works by Seurat, Monet, Gauguin, Picasso, Gris, Courbet, Corot, Millet, Mondrian and it is also home to Europe’s largest sculpture garden featuring artists such as Rodin, Moore and Giacometti.

Rotterdam (Kinderdijk)
Nowhere in the world will you find as many windmills as in Kinderdijk. Around 1740, no less than 19 sturdy mills were built here. They have been well preserved to the present day. In 1997, these windmills were put on the World Heritage List of UNESCO.

Middelburg
Middelburg is the capital of Zeeland and an important gateway to the Delta. At the center of town, stroll past the 12th-century abbey complex, with three churches, two museums, an herb garden and office space for the regional government. And if you enjoy engineering, a visit to the Delta Expo is a must! The exhibit features a presentation on how the Dutch built the huge sea locks to safeguard the country from flooding.

Antwerp
Antwerp is one of the most dynamic and culturally diverse cities in Europe. It is also a shopper’s paradise. Not only is it known as the diamond capital of the world, it has also earned a reputation as a great fashion capital. Spend time shopping in the diamond district by the railway station, or stroll down one of the pedestrian streets, such as Meir, with its regal 18th- and 19th-century buildings, and pass by the former home of Peter Paul Rubens which now houses a collection of his paintings.

Bruges
Bruges is a Belgian treasure just waiting to be discovered. This lovely city is rich in history. Its winding lanes and cobblestone streets give evidence to its beginnings as a center of trade in Charlemagne’s time. Perhaps the most distinctive sight is the Belfry Tower (Belfort) with its stunning octagonal tower and the lovely music of a carillon, which consists of 47 bells. Spend time shopping for beautiful lace, savor a hearty beer, indulge in the finest of chocolates and enjoy breakfast savoring famous Belgian waffles.

Cruise Ships operating this itinerary:
River Queen, River Duchess & River Princess

Tulips & Windmills

Amsterdam, Hoorn, Enkhuizen, Nijmegen, Rotterdam (Kinderdijk), Middleburg, Antwerp, Bruges - 10 days