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Dutch Sights and Belgian Delights
Day 1 - UK - Amsterdam (Holland)
Fly from a choice of regional airports to Amsterdam or travel by Eurostar from St. Pancras International to Brussels and on to Amsterdam by first class rail. A representative will transfer you to your luxury ship. Tonight enjoy dinner onboard. (D)
Day 2 - Dordrecht
Join a knowledgeable local for a guided tour of Rotterdam. A dynamic, international city with a bold and passionately beating heart, Rotterdam is known as the architectural capital of the Netherlands. Or, you could choose to explore beautiful Delft before dropping into the pottery factory and museum to discover more about the world famous Delft Blue Pottery. Alternatively, discover picturesque Kinderdijk, famous for its historic windmills. Or visit Gouda, a town synonymous with cheese, and visit its local cheese market that dates back centuries. (B,L,D)
Day 3 - Veere
Visit the Delta works, including the famous Storm Surge Barrier, an incredible feat of modern engineering, purpose-built to protect the flooding Delta Plain. Alternatively, you can choose to explore the charming village of Veere, located on a series of regional dykes, with a history that extends all the way back to the 15th century. Or, for something more active, embark on an enjoyable guided cycling tour of Veere and its surroundings. Alternatively, choose to visit an oyster farm for a tour and tasting. (B,L,D)
Day 4 - Antwerp (Belgium)
Let a local expert guide you through Ghent, one of Belgium’s most historic cities with a myriad of medieval buildings and charming canals, or explore Antwerp, renowned as the diamond capital of the world. Alternatively, learn about the life of the famous Flemish painter, Peter Paul Rubens during a guided tour. Visit his former residence and the cathedral that is now home to some of his most important works. (B,L,D)
Day 5 - Arnhem
Explore the Arnhem Airborne Museum and learn about the Battle of Arnhem. Alternatively, visit the Netherlands Open Air Museum and discover historic houses, farms and windmills. Or, join a cycling tour through pretty surrounds. (B,L,D)
Day 6 - Hoorn
Travel from Hoorn to the sleepy fishing village of Volendam, with its unusual raised homes and its quaint wooden church, then continue to Edam, famous for its round cheese. You’ll simply love this village and its beautiful squares, old-style bridges and cheese warehouses. Or, discover Hoorn with a local guide and be immersed into the local life while tasting fine regional cheese and seafood. Or perhaps discover the long held family secrets to making traditional apple pie with a cooking class hosted by a local, while learning about life in this region. Alternatively, you can choose to explore Hoorn by bike. (B,L,D)
Day 7 - Amsterdam
Explore the famous Keukenhof Gardens, one of the largest flower gardens in the world, a spectacular sight in springtime when the colourful flowers are in full bloom.
Day 8 - Amsterdam - UK
After breakfast disembark and transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK or take the Eurostar to London St Pancras. (B)
The Captain reserves the right to alter the itinerary to suit wind and weather conditions.