BRUGES, MEDIEVAL FLANDERS, AMSTERDAM AND THE DUTCH BULBFIELDS ITINERARY
Day 1 – You will fly to Amsterdam today, where a coach takes you to your cruise ship.
Day 2 –Keukenhof & Amsterdam
We’ll visit Keukenhof the heart of the bulbfields, returning to Amsterdam, you’re free to explore as you wish this captivating city. The art of flower planting reaches breathtaking heights at Keukenhof, a gardener’s heaven created by more than seven million tulips, daffodils and other blooms set among a beautiful landscape of shimmering lakes, ancient trees, flowering shrubs and water gardens. Towards the end of our visit, you’ll have the choice of returning to the ship for lunch or staying longer in Keukenhof to explore further and returning to the ship later in the afternoon.
Day 3 – Arnhem
In this city greatly impacted by World War II, we visit historical and memorable sites. We’ll soon arrive in Nijmegen and from here we visit Arnhem, synonymous with the ill-fated 1944 aerial assault depicted in the film A Bridge Too Far. We’ll visit the battle HQ of the British 1st Airborne Division at Oosterbeek, now an excellent museum, and the Commonwealth War Cemetery, the final resting place of so many.
Day 4 – Antwerp
Admire the passing landscapes as we cruise into Belgium, we take a tour led by a local guide taking in the city’s numerous highlights, like the Brabo Fountain, and lesser-known features. The rest of the afternoon is free to explore as you wish, perhaps visiting Ruben’s extravagant former home and studio, the magnificent Gothic cathedral or even the painstakingly restored train station, of such architectural splendour it is often called the ‘Railway Cathedral’.
Day 5 – Ghent & Ypres
You’ll have the choice to enjoy a guided tour of elegant Ghent, with the afternoon free to explore or join a full-day tour to Ypres and Tyne Cot Cemetery.
Day 6 – Bruges
We’ll walk around the city, taking in the multitude of historical and breath taking sights and monuments. After lunch time, the reminder of the day is free for you to explore. The Groeninge museum and Sint-Janshospitaal are home to sublime works of art and you can find museums dedicated to Belgium’s holy trinity of beer, chocolate and frites. You can take a boat tour of the canals so you can see the city from a waterside perspective or find a café and enjoy watching the world go by. (Please note, lunch is not provided)
Day 7 – Amsterdam
There’s no better way to explore this delightful city than taking a classic glass-topped boat tour through the network of canals that infuse every aspect of life here. The Dutch are known for their chich, yet practical design, so why not browse the city’s many shops in search of fun furniture, fashion and gadgets? The city is also home to many museums and galleries – the perfect place to while away the rest of the afternoon. Or you could also stay on board to catch up on some reading – the choice is yours.
Day 8 – Transfer to airport for flight home
After breakfast, your friendly crew bid you farewell, then we transfer to the railway station or airport for our return journey.
