Collette > Springtime Tulip River Cruise

Springtime Tulip River Cruise
9 Days starting from $1,749

Countries Visited:
Netherlands, Belgium

 

Length: 9 Days
Type:
Category:
Operator: Collette
Tour Code: 3432
   
 
About This Tour


Cruise through Holland and Belgium as the expansive fields of springtime flowers burst into color. Relax aboard the luxurious MS Amadeus Princess on a seven night cruise. Visit the Keukenhof Gardens with its enormous tulip fields and Kinderdijk, UNESCO World Heritage Site, where nineteen historic, spinning windmills have pumped water out for centuries. Visit Edam, renowned for its cheese and Antwerp, Belgium's second-largest city. Explore the historic cities of Arnhem, Ghent and medieval Bruges.

 
  • What's Included
  • Itinerary
  • Dates & Prices
  • Sightseeing Highlights
  • Additional Details

Enjoy the services of a professional tour manager who accompanies you throughout your trip.

Meals
7 Breakfast(s), 6 Lunch(es), 7 Dinner(s)

Accommodations onboard the MS Amadeus Princess and enjoy excellent cuisine and outstanding service



Complimentary baggage handling.
Day 1
Overnight Flight
Savor springtime in Holland and Belgium with a cruise that is sure to leave truly memorable impressions. Admire the colorful glory of the blooming Dutch tulip fields and be astonished by the number of windmills. Winding waterways lead you to such well-known Belgian cities as Ghent and Antwerp. Your tulip time cruise begins with an overnight flight to Amsterdam, a city filled with classic architecture, cafes, restaurants and canals.

Day 2
Amsterdam, Netherlands - Board Ship - Tour Begins
Your tour begins today in Amsterdam, the 800-year-old thriving capital of Holland. All aboard as you unpack once for a relaxing 7-night river cruise aboard the MS Amadeus Princess. This beautiful ship offers the newest technology, panoramic deck, panorama salon and bar, fitness center, excellent cuisine including regional wines with every dinner, and outstanding service. Tonight, a cocktail is served in the Panorama Bar offering you a chance to meet your fellow travelers before a lovely welcome dinner. Enjoy an overnight stay on the ship in Amsterdam.

Day 3
Amsterdam - Volendam
After breakfast, absorb Amsterdam’s most important sights and diverse architecture on a morning city tour. In celebration of Rembrandt’s genius, a special stop is made at the world-renowned Rijksmuseum for a tour of the Dutch master painter’s famous collection, "The Masterpieces". Mid-day you travel to the little fishing town of Volendam where you can still find fishermen dressed in traditional caps and baggy-legged trousers. A visit to a local cheese farm illustrates the process of how cheese from the area is made and also allows you the opportunity to sample some of the delicious results! Next, visit the former island of Marken. Connected to the mainland by a causeway in the 1950s, Marken’s remoteness allowed many of the local customs and traditions to remain intact up to the present day. During dinner, the ship resumes its cruise to the river Ijssel. Sit back, relax and enjoy the ride as you enjoy a typical Dutch folklore show.

Day 4
Arnhem
Late this morning you arrive in Arnhem, location of the favorite summer retreat of the Dutch royal family. An optional excursion provides an opportunity to see the town and follow the course of the battle that took place here in September 1944, one of the major tragedies of World War II. Also, in the open-air museum, gain insight into the daily life of Arnhem’s people from 1700 to 1970. If you prefer, you may take an alternate optional excursion to the Airborne Museum in Oosterbeek, former headquarters of the British divisional commander. Here you will be able to follow the events of the battle, including the air landings and the fierce fighting in both Arnhem and Oosterbeek. This afternoon your journey continues through the lovely Dutch scenery.

Day 5
Middelburg - Cruising
Today, your ship docks in Middelburg, the capital of the Dutch province Zeeland. The city is known as “monumental city” because over 1,100 monuments dot its landscape. This afternoon you may choose between one of two included excursions. You could stay in Middleburg for a locally guided city tour which shows off the medieval atmosphere of this town, including the smallest university in the Netherlands, the grand abbey, the impressive city hall and wonderful fronts of old trading houses. Or, you may choose instead to visit the Deltaworks Project located at Neeltje Jans. This is an amazing example of how the Dutch have truly tamed the enviroment in which they live. After the Deltaworks, you will stop at the lovely town of Veere, a prosperous trading port in the Middle Ages due to the wool trade with Scotland and today, a favorite spot for visitors.

Day 6
Ghent, Belgium - Bruges
This morning you arrive in the Imperial city of Ghent. Lined with typical patrician houses in its city center, Ghent conveys the splendor of by-gone days. Perhaps you will join an optional sightseeing tour that includes St. Bavo Cathedral with its world-famous painting of the altar of the citizens of Ghent and the "Belfried" with its bell tower. This afternoon, allow yourself to be transported back into medieval times with a leisurely-paced walking tour of Bruges, one of Europe’s most perfectly preserved medieval cities.

Day 7
Antwerp
Today the ship docks in Antwerp, Belgium’s second-largest city, boasting beautiful Gothic and Baroque architecture and lively cafes. Antwerp is best known for its diamonds and also as the city of Peter Paul Rubens, who spent much of his life here. Join a local expert exploring Antwerp’s historical sights including the "Liebfrauenkirche", Belgium’s largest Gothic church; the legendary "Brabo" fountains; and Rubens’ house. The afternoon is at leisure for shopping, independent exploration or an optional excursion to the Belgian capital of Brussels. Tonight, the captain welcomes you to the elegant Captain’s Gala Dinner, immediately followed by an evening of dancing.

Day 8
Kinderdijk - Utrecht - Amsterdam
A morning stop in Kinderdijk, a UNESCO World Heritage site, allows you to experience Holland’s largest concentration of windmills, many still operating, and get a revealing glimpse into Holland’s age-old battle with the sea. After lunch, visit the world-famous Keukenhof Gardens, spanning more than 70 acres within a beautiful park of tranquil ponds and tree-shaded paths. With more than seven million tulips and other flowers on exhibit, Keukenhof is a kaleidoscope of color in bloom. Your day concludes with a farewell dinner celebrating the end of an unforgettable river cruise through Holland and Belgium.

Day 9
Amsterdam - Tour Ends
Your tour ends today, leaving you with many pleasant memories of a wonderful vacation.


To speak to one of our live, experienced travel consultants, Call us now at 1-800-942-3301.

Airfare Disclaimer
A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link.

Documents
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.
         
Touring Date
Land Only
Land + Air
Single
(Land Only)
Single
(Land + Air)
3/28/2009 - 4/5/2009
$1,749
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4/18/2009 - 4/26/2009
$1,949
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4/25/2009 - 5/3/2009
$1,949
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5/2/2009 - 5/10/2009
$2,049
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5/9/2009 - 5/17/2009
$2,049
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Know Before You Go...

Single cabins are extremely limited. Triple accommodations are not available.
Ports of call are subject to change based on pier availability and weather conditions.
Embarkation on day 2 is after 3:00 p.m. ; on day 9, disembarkation is normally at 9:00 a.m.
Return flights should not be booked pror to 12:00 noon on the last day of your tour.
If you have not purcahsed air through the tour operator and wish to purchase transfers, you must transfer at the prescheduled times.

Passport & Visa Information
Certain countries require a minimum of 6 months passport validity. You are strongly urged to contact the appropriate consulate for details. Visit www.travel.state.gov for the U.S. State Department for the latest details about passports and visa requirements.

IMPORTANT: We recommend that our clients traveling abroad take a photocopy of their passport and applicable visas. It should be packed separately from your actual passport and visa. We also recommend leaving a copy at home with your emergency contact.

Time Zone
All countries on this tour are 6 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time.
Electricity
An adaptor (which changes the physical plug) and/or converter (which changes the electric current) are necessary if you plan to use an appliance with voltage different from the standard within the country you are visiting. Please note, if your appliance has dual voltage you may still need an adaptor for the plug. Voltage for Europe is 220.
Elevation
Elevation on this tour will not exceed 1,000 feet.

  • Unpack once for a relaxing 7-night river cruise on the waterways of Holland and Belgium.
  • Visit the world-famous Keukenhof Gardens with its enormous, colorful tulip fields.
  • Admire Holland’s windmills of Kinderdijk - a UNESCO World Heritage site.
  • Explore the historic cities of Arnhem, Ghent and medieval Bruges.
  • Experience the benefits of personal audio devices, designed for better communication between you and your guides throughout your tour.

    • Know Before You Go...

    Single cabins are extremely limited. Triple accommodations are not available.
    Ports of call are subject to change based on pier availability and weather conditions.
    Embarkation on day 2 is after 3:00 p.m. ; on day 9, disembarkation is normally at 9:00 a.m.
    Return flights should not be booked pror to 12:00 noon on the last day of your tour.
    If you have not purcahsed air through the tour operator and wish to purchase transfers, you must transfer at the prescheduled times.

    Passport & Visa Information
    Certain countries require a minimum of 6 months passport validity. You are strongly urged to contact the appropriate consulate for details. Visit www.travel.state.gov for the U.S. State Department for the latest details about passports and visa requirements.

    IMPORTANT: We recommend that our clients traveling abroad take a photocopy of their passport and applicable visas. It should be packed separately from your actual passport and visa. We also recommend leaving a copy at home with your emergency contact.

    Time Zone
    All countries on this tour are 6 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time.
    Electricity
    An adaptor (which changes the physical plug) and/or converter (which changes the electric current) are necessary if you plan to use an appliance with voltage different from the standard within the country you are visiting. Please note, if your appliance has dual voltage you may still need an adaptor for the plug. Voltage for Europe is 220.
    Elevation
    Elevation on this tour will not exceed 1,000 feet.
       
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