Holland Tulip Cruise by River Barge
9 Days
from
$5,799 pp*
Highlights:
Netherlands
(Amsterdam)
,
Europe & Baltic Cruises
(Holland River Cruise)
Trip Start/End:
Amsterdam
/
Amsterdam
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.
Trip Itinerary
Amsterdam
NH Amsterdam Centre
Day 1: Amsterdam
Meet your driver for a private airport transfer.
Accommodation: NH Amsterdam Centre (4*) The luxurious NH Amsterdam Centre Hotel (4*) is conveniently located in the heart of Amsterdam. It is right across from the lively Leidse Square in the fashion and museum district, an area brimming with entertainment, dining, and nightlife options. Amsterdam’s characteristic canals and the city’s top museums are just a short stroll from the hotel, as is the exclusive “PC Hooft” shopping street and the Vondelpark, a sprawling urban green space.
Marken
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.
Accommodation: NH Amsterdam Centre (4*) 
Holland River Cruise
Panache Barge
Day 3: Amsterdam - Haarlem - Holland River Cruise
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.
Accommodation: Panache Barge (BLD)
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.
Canal of Leiden
Day 4: Haarlem - 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.
Accommodation: Panache Barge (BLD) 
Keukenhof Gardens
Day 5: Leiden - 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.
Accommodation: Panache Barge (BLD) 
Rotterdam
Day 6: Rotterdam - 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.
Accommodation: Panache Barge (BLD) 
Floriade
Day 7: Schoonhoven - 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!
Accommodation: Panache Barge (BLD) 
Haarlem
Day 8: Gouda - 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.
Accommodation: Panache Barge (BLD) Day 9: Haarlem - Amsterdam
After breakfast you'll disembark from your barge, and receive a 30 minute transfer to your hotel in Amsterdam.
Meet your driver for a private airport transfer.
Accommodation: Depart (Int`l Airport)
Accommodations
- NH Amsterdam Centre
NH Amsterdam Centre (4*) - Amsterdam
The luxurious NH Amsterdam Centre Hotel (4*) is conveniently located in the heart of Amsterdam. It is right across from the lively Leidse Square in the fashion and museum district, an area brimming with entertainment, dining, and nightlife options. Amsterdam’s characteristic canals and the city’s top museums are just a short stroll from the hotel, as is the exclusive “PC Hooft” shopping street and the Vondelpark, a sprawling urban green space.
- Panache Barge
Stateroom
Panache Barge (BLD) - Holland River Cruise
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.
Travel Info
Travel tips of Netherlands
VISA/PASSPORT
The Netherlands is a party to the Schengen Agreement. As such, U.S. and Canadian citizens may enter for up to 90 days for tourist or business purposes without a visa. The passport should be valid for at least three months beyond the period of stay.
Citizens of other countries may require a visa. Please ask your Sales Advisor. These requirements change often and therefore it is best that you check with the Embassy of Netherlands for the most up to date visa information.
HEALTH
Health insurance is recommended. Medical facilities are good quality. We recommend that you see a health-care provider who specializes in Travel Medicine. The doctor or health-care provider will determine what vaccinations and medication you will need, depending on factors such as your health and immunization history, areas of the country you will be visiting, and planned activities. For more information on travel requirements, visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/netherlands.aspx
COUNTRY INFO
Capital: Amsterdam.
Government: Constitutional monarchy since 1848.
Language: Dutch is the official language. English, German and French are widely spoken.
Religion: 31% Roman Catholic, 13% Dutch Reformed Church, 7% Calvinist, 5.5% Muslim, 43.5% other religions or none.
Time: GMT + 1 (GMT + 2 from last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October).
Electricity: 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Two-pin European-style plugs are in use.
Telephone: Country code +31 (followed by 20 for Amsterdam, 10 for Rotterdam and 70 for The Hague).
Mobile Telephone: Roaming agreements exist with most international mobile phone companies. Coverage is universal.
Internet: There are many Internet cafes and some Internet access centers.
What's Included:
- Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, and Fees as mentioned in the itinerary, Meals if specified - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services
What's not Included:
- 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 (30% of program price). The balance is due 120 days prior to departure.
- Cancellations of confirmed 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). 101-120 days will be subject to loss of 40% of program price. 100 days or less will be subject to loss of 100% of program price.
- We accept payment via credit card, certified check, wire transfer or money order.
- 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.
- 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.
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