DAY 1, Thursday - Depart for the Netherlands
Depart for the Netherlands

DAY 2, Friday - Cruise Embarkation in Amsterdam
Arrive in Amsterdam and transfer to the port. Embarkation begins at 2 PM. After arrival formalities, time to relax on board. Tonight, meet your Cruise Director and enjoy a gala Welcome Dinner as it sets the mood for your delightful river cruise
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Dinner

DAY 3, Saturday - Panoramic Tour of Amsterdam
Awake this morning in Amsterdam, one of the greatest small cities in the world, with its world-famous museums and historical sites. Today's panoramic tour of 700-year-old Amsterdam introduces you to both the old and the new sections of this city. View the Royal Palace on Amsterdam's Dam Square, the King's official home-away-from-home. On to the Dutch National Monument dedicated by Queen Juliana as a memorial to the victims of WWII and to the unusual Skinny Bridge, once so narrow that pedestrians could not pass each other. Then, board a glass-top boat and cruise the winding canals for an up-close view of the stately historic homes, 16th-century warehouses and charming churches with striking bell towers. Rejoin the ship for lunch on board. In the afternoon, set sail to Antwerp
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 4, Sunday - Antwerp City Tour
Today you arrive in Antwerp, one of Europe's largest and most historic port cities, where more than half of the world's diamonds are traded. Evidence of the wealth produced from trade during the 16th century can be seen in the opulent homes that line the city streets. During the walking tour, view the unique market place, surrounded by the mighty Renaissance Town hall and numerous guild halls. Visit the Cathedral of our Lady, the highest Gothic building in the Low Countries. Rest of the day is at leisure in Antwerp, or return to the ship for a relaxing afternoon on board
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 5, Monday - Tour Ghent, the Historic Flanders Port
Discover the historic Flanders port of Ghent today, a showcase of Flemish wealth. Your tour of this medieval city includes views of the 7th century St. Bavo's Cathedral and the imposing Gravensteen Castle. At the town center, view the gigantic Belfry, a symbol of the city's independence and the Gothic-style Cloth Hall, glorifying the city's major industry. Alternatively, take the optional full day tour to Bruges, also known as the "Venice of the North" and home to some of Europe's best preserved medieval buildings. Here, view the Lake of Love (Minnewater), the Beguinage Convent and walk along the picturesque winding cobbled alleys and romantic canals
Optional: Full Day Bruges City Tour with Lunch (AM)
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 6, Tuesday - Willemstad, Afternoon Windmill Tour in Kinderdijk
Begin your exploration of charming Willemstad, located on Holland's Diep River. The town, named after King Willem of Orange, is best-known for its well-preserved fortifications. View some of the town's architectural landmarks; the Mauritshuis, De Koepelkerk Church, the first church built in the Netherlands specifically for Protestant worship, d'Orangemolen, a stately white windmill, and Old Town Hall. Alternatively, join the fascinating optional excursion to the Delta Works this morning. After the 1953 flood in the Netherlands, the Delta Plan was created to prevent a disaster from ever happening again. Taking 30 years to complete, the storm flood barrier, almost six miles long, stands as the final defense in the battle against the water and is considered a technical miracle. Afterward, rejoin the ship and continue cruising to Dordrecht. This afternoon, visit a windmill park in the small village of Kinderdijk on the north bank of the River Noord. The windmills, built in the 1700s, are still in use today and played a vital role in the development of the country. During this excursion, visit a windmill and learn more about the modern technology that is now replacing their existence
Optional: Delta Works Tour (AM)
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 7, Wednesday - Morning Tour of Enkhuizen
Embark on a morning tour of the charming city of Enkhuizen. Discover the city's historic landmarks and step into the Dutch Golden Age of the 17th century when you stroll through Enkhuizen's historic streets. Learn about the city's local culture and hear facts about the time when the Netherlands was a global trading power with Enkhuizen one of its main port cities. Conclude the tour with a visit to Zuiderzee Museum, that focuses in maritime history and cultural heritage of the Zuiderzee. Visit the exhibits and discover how people once lived in this area. Free time to explore on your own before returning to the ship. Set sail in the late afternoon.
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 8, Thursday - Morning in Keukenhof Gardens, Afternoon Zaandam
Depart this morning for beautiful Keukenhof Gardens, the largest and most spectacular flower gardens in the world, where a sea of multicolored tulips stretches out over the flat Dutch landscape as far as the eye can see. Return to the ship for lunch. Spend a relaxing afternoon on board or visit on your own the city of Zaandam that is steeped in history. During the Dutch Golden Age, the city had a large milling center with over 1000 windmills along the Zaan river. The area is considered one of the oldest industrial areas in the world. At tonight's dinner, share wonderful memories of your cruise and bid farewell to your Cruise Director
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 9, Friday - Depart the Netherlands
This morning, disembark and transfer to the airport for your departure flight. Disembarkation will end at 9:30 AM
Meals: Breakfast