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Waterways and Canals of Holland & Belgium

April 27-May 5, 2008

Explore the spectacular waterways of the Netherlands and Belgium! Cruise the scenic ring of canals in Amsterdam, Netherlands, and admire beautiful arrangements of Dutch tulips and other flowers at the renowned Keukenhof Gardens. Sail to Kampen, and continue to the quaint stone buildings and cathedral of Deventer. From Arnhem, journey to The Hague, site of the royal residence and the Mauritshuis Museum, and Delft, famous for its blue porcelain. After rejoining the ship, cruise past iconic windmills at Kinderdijk, and stop in Willemstad. Travel along the Zeeland coast from Veere, and learn about the Delta Works’ complex Storm Surge Barriers on Neeltje Jans Island. Then, discover Bruges, Belgium, with its Burg Square and charming cobbled streets. Finally, experience the diamond capital of the world, Antwerp.

Day 1
Depart your gateway city for Amsterdam, Netherlands. (Flight provided for Air-Inclusive participants only.)

Day 2
Upon arrival, transfer to the pier to embark the MS Switzerland II. (Transfer provided for Air-Inclusive participants only.)
Educational Focus:  Contemporary Holland.
This evening, enjoy a cruise through Amsterdam’s scenic ring of canals.

Day 3
Excursion: Keukenhof Gardens.  This morning, journey through the Dutch flower fields to the renowned Keukenhof Gardens, a 70-acre paradise of tulips and other flowers, complete with Europe's largest fountain and an amazing 700-tree labyrinth.
Independent Exploration:  Enjoy some time at leisure in Amsterdam this afternoon before the ship sails on to Kampen, where it will dock overnight.
Gather with fellow travelers for a Welcome Reception and Dinner.

Day 4
This morning, enjoy some time at leisure in Kampen before sailing towards Deventer.
Educational Focus: The Dutch Masters. 
Excursion: Deventer.  Enjoy a walking tour of this historic town that features the cathedral, church towers and many other quaint stone buildings.
Educational Focus: The Hanseatic League. 
Sail to Arnhem, where you will overnight.

Day 5
Excursion: Historic Cities of The Hague and Delft.  Discover two historic cities: The Hague, site of the royal residence and world-class museums, and Delft, the home of Vermeer, ceramics and lovely canal houses. Enjoy a tour of the renowned Mauritshuis, which houses a number of Rembrandt’s and Vermeer’s finest works. Visit Delft, and delight in a tour of a famous Delftware porcelain factory. Rejoin the ship in Schoonhoven, and sail past the iconic windmills of Kinderdijk. You’ll overnight in Willemstad.

Day 6
Educational Focus and Excursion: The Delta Project: Holland’s Battle against the Sea.  Enjoy the morning sailing towards Veere. After lunch, travel along the Zeeland coast to the Delta Expo on Neeltje Jans Island. Learn about the Delta Works, the massive dam and flood barriers called storm surge barriers, which took 20 years to build. These 65 enormous gates can be slammed shut on the North Sea when powerful storms strike—an engineering masterpiece that now protects the quarter of Holland’s land mass below sea level.
Independent Exploration:  Enjoy free time in Veere.
The ship overnights in Middleburg.

Day 7
This morning, relax aboard the MS Switzerland II as you depart Holland and cruise to Terneuzen, Belgium.
Educational Focus and Excursion: Bruges.  Once nicknamed the Venice of the North, Bruges is a picturesque labyrinth of ivy-clad canals and cobbled streets. Discover charming medieval buildings and impressive art collections. See the colorful shops and cafés of the Markt and Burg Central Square. Rejoin the ship in Antwerp, where it will overnight.

Day 8
Educational Focus:  Belgium—Yesterday and Today. 
Excursion: Antwerp.  This morning, stroll through Antwerp, one of Europe’s leading art centers, at a leisurely pace. Home of painter Peter Paul Rubens and the School of the Southern Netherlands, this diamond capital of the world dates back to the 13th century and features a wealth of medieval architecture.
Independent Exploration:  The afternoon is at your leisure to pursue independent interests.
Tonight, gather for your Graduation Ceremony and Farewell Reception and Dinner.

Day 9
Transfer to the Brussels airport for the return flight to your gateway city. (Transfer and flight provided for Air-Inclusive participants only.)

From approximately $1,895 per person, plus airfare and V.A.T., based on double occupancy.