Trip Type: Cultural Connection
AAUM Representative(s): Dr. David C. Michener
Physical Activity Level: Moderately Active
Highlights:
- Cruise in comfort aboard the deluxe M.S. Amalyra
- Unpack once to tour the magnificent Low Countries.
- Visit Floriade 2012 which is held only once every 10 years
- Enjoy guided tours of the Van Gogh and the Rijksmuseum
- Interact with locals during an exclusive Village Forum
- Pedal through the streets of small towns on bikes provided free of charge to guests aboard the M.S. Amalyra
Day 1: U.S.
Depart from the U.S.
Day 2: Amsterdam, The Netherlands
On arrival, transfer into Amsterdam and enjoy a private cruise along Amsterdam’s canals, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site and lined with 16th- and 17th-century row houses. See the city’s most noteworthy landmarks and experience firsthand the integral role waterways and canals have played in the life of this city for centuries. Then, transfer to the deluxe M.S. Amalyra for embarkation. This evening, attend the Captain’s welcome toast and dinner.
Day 3: Amsterdam/Volendam
Ringed by concentric canals lined with centuries-old merchant houses, charming houseboats and world-renowned museums, Amsterdam is brimming with history and artistic wealth. Visit the Rijksmuseum to view its prestigious collection of the Dutch masters’ works.
Cruise to Volendam, where 18th-century row houses, sleepy canals and a picturesque waterfront evoke the glory days of the Zuiderzee and typify the beauty and charm of this Dutch fishing port. Here, many residents still don the traditional dress of the region. Built along the top of a dike, the village’s primary thoroughfare is lined with colorful cafés and purveyors of fresh fish, handmade cheeses and a myriad of traditional Dutch crafts.
During the Village Forum later today, local residents discuss contemporary cultural and political issues.
Day 4: Arnhem/Venlo (Floriade)/Nijmegen
From the port of Arnhem, enjoy the scenic drive to Venlo for Floriade 2012: Living Nature, the world’s largest horticultural festival. Held only once every 10 years, this dazzling international exhibition features flora from around the world, with Holland’s gorgeous tulip fields as the inspiration and centerpiece. Explore the colorful exhibits, where experts and interactive displays illuminate the expo’s core themes of sustainability, wellbeing and quality of life.
Reboard the ship in Nijmegen this evening.
Day 5: Antwerp, Belgium
Repository of the 17th-century Baroque masterpieces of the city’s native son, Peter Paul Rubens, Antwerp preserves its Flemish charm in its Old Town. Stroll through a labyrinth of squares and narrow passages that lead into its spectacular Grote Markt, where beautifully preserved guildhalls once bustled with Antwerp’s 17th-century merchants and tradesmen.
Explore the Cathedral of Our Lady, the pride of Belgium with its remarkable 47-bell carillon and soaring 404-foot, delicately ornamented spire.See Rubens’ masterpieces, Resurrection and Assumption.
Day 6: Ghent (Bruges)
From the Market Square to the Chapel of the Holy Blood, Bruges exudes the timeless atmosphere of Europe on the eve of the Renaissance. One of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage site, Bruges was built around a double ring of picturesque canals and is connected by arched foot bridges. The magnificent façades of opulent cathedrals and deftly crafted stone guildhalls, where merchants conducted business, stand as reminders of the incredible wealth and power Bruges once possessed. See Bruges’ treasured architecture, virtually untouched since the 15th century, from the very best perspective aboard our private canal cruise. Visit the lively Grand Place Market, the center of life in Bruges, and historic Burg Square.
Day 7: Willemstad/Kinderdijk
Enjoy a walking tour of charming Willemstad and its fortified old harbor before cruising to Kinderdijk. Designated a national monument and a UNESCO World Heritage site, Holland’s greatest concentration of old windmills provides an opportunity to see firsthand the internal workings of a windmill. Here, little has changed since the mid-18th century, when 19 tall, wooden windmills were erected side by side at Kinderdijk to drain the Alblasserwaard, one of many regions in The Netherlands below sea level. Though no longer used to monitor water levels, the windmills are still one of Holland’s most picturesque sights and represent exceptional examples of the advanced achievements of 18th-century Dutch engineering.
Cultural Enrichment: Meet with a local molenaar (miller) and learn about his trade.
Day 8:Utrecht/Aalsmeer/Amsterdam
This morning, visit the renowned Aalsmeer Daily Flower Auction to observe the nearly 19 million flowers and plants that are sold and shipped around the world each day.
Continue to the world-famous Keukenhof Gardens. These beautiful gardens are only open a few months each year, with more than 90 bulb-growing companies participating. Explore on your own, or join a guided walk through them.
Arrive in Amsterdam late this afternoon, with time at leisure for independent pursuits.
Day 9: Amsterdam/U.S.
Transfer to the airport and return to the U.S., arriving later today.
