Tulip Blossom Cruise

YOUR ITINERARY

Day 1: Depart USA. Your spring tulip-time cruise/tour to Holland & Belgium begins as you board your overnight flight to Europe.

Day 2: Arrive Amsterdam (Holland). Welcome to Amsterdam, the delightful Dutch capital. A local expert will lead you on a guided orientation tour to discover the charms and fascinating history of this delightful 800-year-old city. Along the canal-laced city center view elegant classic architecture, splendid historic homes, 16th century merchant houses and charming churches with bell towers. The bustling cafés, restaurants and colorful marketplace are certain to enchant you. Later, board your river cruiser, your floating hotel for the next week. A welcome reception and briefing is followed by dinner. MS Switzerland River Cruiser. (D)

Day 3: Keukenhof Gardens/Dordrecht. After your overnight sail to the Dutch countryside, disembark your river cruiser this morning for an excursion to the Keukenhof Gardens, world-renowned for the dazzling fields of tulips, daffodils and hyacinths. View the lakes, sculpture gardens, greenhouses, and open windmill. Later, rejoin the ship in Utrecht and sail to Dordrecht, one of the Netherlands oldest and most charming towns that inspired many painters in the 17th and 18th centuries. A guided walking tour is included before dinner onboard. (B,L,D)

Day 4: Rotterdam/Veere. Disembark for a guided shore excursion of the lovely port city of Rotterdam, situated on the mighty Maas River. This delightful and lively city is renowned for its unique modern architecture and rich culture. This afternoon set sail and arrive in the picturesque village of Veere where the town hall’s high tower dominates the skyline. (B,L,D)

Day 5: Delta Works/Ghent (Belgium). On today’s guided shore excursion view and learn about one of the world’s most complex engineering projects, the Delta Works. Over many centuries, the Dutch struggled endlessly against the flood damage caused by rising sea tides. After the devastating flood of 1953, the Delta Plan was conceived and took 30 years to complete. Finally, this amazing engineering project that you’ll explore today, was able to greatly control the flood damage. Continue sailing towards neighboring Belgium and arrive in medieval Ghent, the capital and largest city of the East Flanders province. (B,L,D)

Day 6: Ghent/optional Bruges Excursion. This morning enjoy an included guided walking tour of lovely Ghent, featuring a wealth of contrasting architectural styles including Romanesque, Rococo, High-tech and Timber Frame. View the Castle of the Counts and the unfinished Church of St. Nicholas. Continue to the Cathedral of St. Bavon to view the celebrated 12-paneled Adoration of the Lamb, painted by the Van Eyck brothers. The afternoon is at leisure in Ghent. You may join an optional tour (approx. $60) to charming canal-laced Bruges where you’ll view the Lake of Love (Minnewater) and the Beguinage convent and enjoy a walking tour including Our Lady's Church, with the famous Madonna statue by Michelangelo, the Market Square and the Town Hall Square. (B,L,D)

Day 7: Antwerp. Today’s port of call is Antwerp, Belgium where you’ll delight in a guided tour of this important historical seaport. View Rubens' House, where the great Flemish painter lived and worked. Visit the Grote Market with its beautiful Town Hall and one of the finest gothic structures in Europe: the Cathedral of Our Lady graced with Rubens painted masterpieces. The afternoon is free to explore Antwerp’s well-preserved old town or join an optional tour to nearby Brussels. (B,L,D)

Day 8: Antwerp/Amsterdam. Savor the pleasant scenery of the Dutch countryside as you sail back to vibrant Amsterdam. The afternoon is free for independent exploration. You may join a leisurely glass-top boat cruise or stroll along the charming canals, visit the fascinating Van Gogh or Rijksmuseum to view famous Dutch Golden Age paintings and relax in an outdoor cafe. A lavish farewell dinner onboard is included tonight to celebrate the conclusion of your journey. (B,L,D)

Day 9: Amsterdam/USA. Board your return flight. Your fascinating voyage ends as you arrive New York later today. (B)

YOUR TOUR INCLUDES:

Round-trip airfare from New York (JFK) via Delta Airlines scheduled flight
Airline fuel surcharge
7-night cruise aboard the First Class MS Switzerland River Cruiser in a category C outside facing cabin with private bath
20 meals: 7 buffet breakfasts (B), 6 lunches (L), 7 dinners (D)
Comprehensive sightseeing tours and shore excursions
English-speaking cruise director and tour guides throughout

ABOUT YOUR RIVER BOAT

The MS Switzerland is a lovely first class vessel that was fully renovated in 2003. All 60 cabins are river facing with large panoramic windows. Cabins are well appointed with two lower beds and a private bath with a shower. Public areas include a spacious restaurant serving delicious cuisine, an elegant lounge, a bar, a small sauna and solarium and a panoramic sun-deck. The vessel is Swiss owned and has an experienced international crew. Join us on this cruise-tour for a thoroughly enjoyable experience!

For more information and reservations please call

1-800-337-7773

smarTours • 1-800-337-7773 • 501 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1402, New York, NY 10017