|
|
Expand [+]
|
|
Experience Amsterdam with your private driver before you discover the vivid splendor of the tulip gardens of Holland in the springtime on this luxurious river barge cruise. Your captain will navigate the quaint canals and rivers, bringing you alongside small traditional Dutch communes, as well as lively cities with centuries of history. Visit bustling markets, and the colourful spring tulips as you make your way between Haarlem, Leiden, Delft, Rotterdam, Schoonhoven and Gouda- renowned worldwide for its cheese. See and taste the region as each six-night cruise includes all meals, selected domaine and chateau wines, an open bar, daily escorted excursions, local transfers and the use of all barge facilities such as bicycles and spa pools.
2013: departs weekly on Sundays from Mar 24 - May 5.
|
|
| Day |
Activities |
Hotel |
Day 1
Amsterdam
|
- Amsterdam: Transfer - Private - Airport from Hotel - Vehicle/Driver
|
NH Amsterdam Center (4*) (B)
|
Day 2
Amsterdam
|
- Private - 1/2 d Marken & Volendan (4hrs) - Vehicle/Driver
- Lunch (not included)
|
NH Amsterdam Center (4*) (B)
|
Day 3
Holland River Cruise
|
- Transfer - Amsterdam - Haarlem (0.5 hrs)
- Haarlem: Embarkation & Champagne Welcome
- Dinner on Board.
|
Panache Barge (BLD) (B,L,D)
|
Day 4
Holland River Cruise
|
- Cruise: Haarlem to Leiden
- Breakfast on Board
- Lunch on Board
- Dinner on Board.
|
Panache Barge (BLD) (B,L,D)
|
Day 5
Holland River Cruise
|
- Leiden: Cruise: Leiden to Delft
- Breakfast on Board
- Lunch on Board
- Dinner on Board.
|
Panache Barge (BLD) (B,L,D)
|
Day 6
Holland River Cruise
|
- Rotterdam: Cruise: Delft to Rotterdam to Schoonhoven
- Breakfast on Board
- Lunch on Board
- Dinner on Board.
|
Panache Barge (BLD) (B,L,D)
|
Day 7
Holland River Cruise
|
- Schoonhoven: Cruise: Schoonhoven to Gouda
- Breakfast on Board
- Lunch on Board
- Dinner on Board.
|
Panache Barge (BLD) (B,L,D)
|
Day 8
Holland River Cruise
|
- Gouda: Cruise: Gouda to Haarlem
- Breakfast on Board
- Lunch on Board
- Dinner on Board.
|
Panache Barge (BLD) (B,L,D)
|
Day 9
Amsterdam
|
- Breakfast on Board
- Haarlem: Disembarkation
- Transfer - Haarlem - Amsterdam (0.5 hrs)
|
NH Amsterdam Center (4*) (B)
|
Day 10
Amsterdam
|
- Amsterdam: Transfer - Private - Airport from Hotel - Vehicle/Driver
|
Depart
|
| B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, 1/2d = Half Day, Al = All Inclusive |
|
|
|
|
Trip Options
All of our itineraries may be customized as you wish, add extra days, change a hotel, see different sights. Contact one of our expert consultants for your free, no-obligation vacation plan. You may charter the whole boat on request.
|
Itinerary
|
Day 1
Amsterdam Amsterdam is the capital and largest city of the Netherlands, and the epicentre of the country's finance and culture. Amsterdam's attractions, including its historic canals, the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, Anne Frank House, and its red-light district, draw 4.2 million tourists annually. This city fans out south from the Amsterdam Central railway station, which is serviced regularly from the airport. Amsterdam's rich architectural legacies make a stroll through the downtown, or a canal tour, a memorable experience. It is a city of bicycles, families, tidy streets and courteous manners. Quite opposite to the reputation, it's the peace and tranquility that lingers in your memory after departing this city. Meet your driver for a private airport transfer from hotel. The NH Amsterdam Centre (4*) is conveniently located at lively Leidse Square. The Lounge 'L in the lobby of the hotel is the perfect place to plan your day or unwind after seeing the sights. Relax with a hot or cold drink, and if you're hungry enjoy lunch or dinner while people-watching over bustling Stadhouderskade and Leidse Squarehot. Overnight at NH Amsterdam Center (4*). |
Amsterdam |
NL Amsterdam Center Exterior |
|
|
|
Day 2
Amsterdam Meet your private driver for a half day tour. Drive through a typical Dutch scenery and the picturesque town of Monnickendam to Volendam, a traditional old dutch fisherman's village situated on the shores of the former Zuiderzee. Carrying on by boat visit Marken, an island linked to the mainland by a dike. Some of the inhabitants still wear the traditional Dutch costumes. Overnight at NH Amsterdam Center (4*). |
Marken |
|
|
|
Day 3
Holland River Cruise Cruise the magnificent Dutch canals and rivers, taking you alongside quaint communes, bustling cities and miraculous gardens, as you navigate and experience the renowned tulip region of Holland aboard an exquisite riverboat. You'll be picked up at your hotel and transferred to Haarlem where your moored barge awaits you. Once aboard, enjoy a Champagne welcome and an introduction to your crew and ship. Afterward, take some time to get settled in to your stateroom.
The 12 passenger Panache is of classic Dutch design. It is traditionally furnished in an old ship style with brass and mahogany, creating a comfortable and charming ambience. The saloon and dining room feature comfortable sofas, books and music, and an always open inclusive bar. The sun deck is spacious and has a heated spa pool, a perfect place to watch the sun set after dinner. Panache's highly professional crew of five is comprised of Master Chef, Deck Hand, Tour guide and Housekeeper, led by a knowledgeable and experienced Captain who will ensure your cruise is memorable and more. Their knowledge of the region, combined with fascinating chauffeur driven private excursions and the 12 bikes we provide will allow you to explore the areas you cruise through in as much detail as you desire.
Overnight at Panache Barge (BLD). |
Holland River Cruise |
Champagne Welcome |
Panache Barge |
|
|
|
Day 4
Holland River Cruise Early breakfast followed by a trip to the Aalsmeer flower auction, where some 17 million cut flowers are auctioned every day. Returning to your boat, you'll cruise on to Leiden. Leiden is the perfect town for those who like to cycle or walk. The city’s history dates back to Roman times and includes more recent sites such as the church, St. Pieterskerk, from which the pilgrims departed for America. History is best experienced by walking or cycling, occasionally stopping to look at the impressive architecture. Overnight at Panache Barge (BLD). |
Canal of Leiden |
|
|
|
Day 5
Holland River Cruise This morning marks a cruising highlight: a walk through the Keukenhof Gardens, Holland's best-known garden park, with more than 100 acres filled with over 7 million flowering bulbs. You'll stroll through breathtaking waves of color on this unforgettable half-day excursion. Return to the barge for lunch followed by a cruise to Delft, famous for the blue and white porcelain which bears its name. Overnight at Panache Barge (BLD). |
Keukenhof Gardens |
|
|
|
Day 6
Holland River Cruise This morning enjoy a tour of Delft, a fascinating town full of small canals and humpback bridges, best explored by bike or on foot. Many beautiful buildings illustrate the city's historic connection with the Dutch East India Company. The birthplace of Jan Vermeer, Delft is also famous for its Delft tableware, and you'll visit a factory to learn how this world-famous porcelain is made. After lunch you cruise through Rotterdam, largest port in the world, to Schoonhoven. On route you can visit Ketel One distillery in Schiedam. Ketel One Vodka is distilled from 100% wheat in copper pot stills, filtered over loose charcoal, and rests in tile lined tanks until ready. Overnight at Panache Barge (BLD). |
Rotterdam |
|
|
|
Day 7
Holland River Cruise After breakfast you leave the barge for a full day’s experience of the Floriade with lunch ashore. Held only once every 10 years, the Floriade is opening its gates again in 2012. A spectacular theatre of nature in a stunning park in Venlo. Floriade 2012 will host dazzling displays of the world's most exquisite flowers, plants, trees and fruit, as well as a whole array of innovative theatrical attractions - a truly fascinating experience! Overnight at Panache Barge (BLD). |
Floriade |
|
|
|
Day 8
Holland River Cruise Morning cruise to your mooring in Haarlem. After lunch you'll visit historic Haarlem dating back to the 13th century. Home to the Frans Hals Museum and its collection of Old Masters, other highlights include St. Bavo's Cathedral on the main square, where both Handel and Mozart played the magnificent Muller organ. Tonight enjoy the Captains Farewell Dinner on board. Overnight at Panache Barge (BLD). |
Haarlem |
|
|
|
Day 9
Amsterdam After breakfast you'll disembark from your barge, and receive a 30 minute transfer to your hotel in Amsterdam. Overnight at NH Amsterdam Center (4*). |
|
|
Day 10
Amsterdam Meet your driver for a private airport transfer from hotel. End of itinerary. Overnight at Depart . |
|
|
|
|
Trip Includes
Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services
Trip Excludes
Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance
Trip Terms & Conditions
- Your deposit is due immediately on booking. Deposit 35% of program price, includes min $500 per person non-refundable administration fee, balance due 120 days prior to departure. Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
- Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
- Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
- Cancellations of confirmed Individual Bookings: 121 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $500 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 120-91 days will be subject to full loss of deposit. 90 days or less will be subject to 100% of program price.
- Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.kensingtontours.com/terms-and-conditions
- Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.
|
'98.33 Client Satisfaction Rating'
