Explore the architectural landmarks and world-class museums in Amsterdam and visit several historical districts in the nearby countryside, where you will discover more traditional ways of life.
NOTE: Due to implemented restrictions on tour coaches in the city center, there will be a short walk (0.4 miles) from your hotel to the bus staging area for your tours each day.
Day 1
After disembarking the ship begin with a half day tour to Haarlem, a lovely medieval city. While meadering through Haarlem’s historic downtown, you will past landmarks such as the city hall, Grand Market Square, and the Grote, a church also known as St. Bavo Kerk.
While browsing the church’s interior, you will see its famous organ, which has been played by some of the world’s most famous composers, including Mendelssohn, Händel and the 10-year-old Mozart.
The next church on the tour, Jopenkerk, has been converted into a brewery and a café where you may savor a local beer before returning to Amsterdam to check in to your hotel.
Please note that the official check in time at the hotel is 3:00pm. Should the group arrive earlier, it is not guaranteed that your room will be availalbe; however, luggage storage will be available at Reception for those who want to get out and continue exploring the city.
The remainder of the day is at your leisure with lunch and dinner on your own.
Day 2
Your day starts with breakfast at the hotel, followed by a short coach transfer to the Van Gogh Museum. This museum contains the largest collection of Van Gogh paintings in the world. With an audioguide at your disposal, you will explore the museum, which includes masterpieces such as Sunflowers and Self-Portrait with Straw Hat.
Afterwards, you will enjoy a short stroll to the canal boat pontoon, where a private saloon boat awaits you for a nearly two-hour cruise along Amsterdam’s canals.
After disembarking the boat, take a guided walk through the city center afterwhich you can spend the afternoon at your leisure, perhaps lingering over lunch, browsing the shops, or exploring museums such as the Rembrandt house, Rijksmuseum, Hermitage or the Jewish Historical Museum.
You will spend the evening at the Radisson Blu. Lunch and dinner are on your own.
Day 3
Following breakfast at the hotel, you will enjoy a scenic coach drive to an area north of Amsterdam. In contrast to the urban atmosphere in Amsterdam, you can expect a more natural environment.
The first stop will be Zaanse Schans, a re-creation of an 18th-century Zaan community. Here, you will see some of the Netherlands’ famed windmills, as well as people practicing traditional trades such as clog-making. When the guided tour ends, you will enjoy free time to explore further.
A leisurely drive will then bring you to Monnickendam, an historical harbor town founded in 1355 around the shipping industry. Following more free time here, during which you may shop or stop for lunch, you will visit a nearby farm known for cheese-making.
Then, it’s on to the idyllic village of Broek in Waterland for an enlightening walking tour before you return to the Radisson Blu hotel for the evening. Lunch and dinner are on your own.
Day 4
Depending on the departure time of your flight a private transfer will be arranged to bring you to Schiphol Airport.
Land Program Details Step by Step:
•Please note: The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. All program timings are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change.
•Itineraries with the most up to date details (at the time) will be issued when you are emailed your final cruise documents 21 days prior to sailing. Final itineraries with the most up to date details will be provided by the Destination Services Team once you board the ship. Please review your final itinerary carefully for any amendments.
•The hotels used for your land program will be the hotels listed in this document unless you have been advised otherwise in advance of the land program start date.
•A departure transfer is not included if guests leave before the last day of the program.
DAY 1
9:00am Drive to Haarlem.
9:45pm Guided walk in the city center including a visit to the Grote Kerk.
11:00am Enjoy a beer at Jopenkerk
11:30am Short walk back to the coach
11:45am Transfer to Amsterdam
12:30pm Short walk (0.4 miles) from the bus drop off area to your hotel
12:45pm Arrival at your hotel
Lunch and dinner are on your own
Overnight at the Radisson Blu or similar hotel
DAY 2
7:15am Breakfast at the hotel
8:15am Short walk with your guide (0.4 miles) to bus loading area
8:30am Drive to Van Gogh Museum
9:00am Visit to Van Gogh Museum (with audio guide)
10:30am Short walk to the canal boat pontoon
10:45am Canal cruise
12:30pm Guided walk
1:30pm End of guided walk back at the hotel
Lunch and dinner are on your own
Overnight at the Radisson Blu or similar hotel
DAY 3
7:45am Breakfast at the hotel
8:45am Short walk with your guide (0.4 miles) to bus loading area
9:00am Drive to Zaanse Schans
9:30am Guided tour of Zaanse Schans
10:15am Free time at Zaanse Schans
11:15am Scenic drive to Monnickendam
12:00pm Short guided walk in Monnickendam
12:30pm Free time in Monnickendam for lunch on own/shopping
2:30pm Transfer to a local cheese farm
2:45pm Visit to a local cheese farm
3:30pm Transfer to Broek in Waterland
3:45pm Guided walk in Broek in Waterland
4:30pm Transfer to Amsterdam
5:00pm Short walk from the bus drop off area to your hotel (0.4 miles)
5:15pm Arrival at your hotel
Dinner on own
Overnight at the Radisson Blu or similar hotel
DAY 4
AM Breakfast at your hotel
12:00pm Check out
Transfer from the hotel to Schiphol Airport based on your flight details
For guests with late flights, luggage storage is available at the hotel
Extra Nights: If you book extra nights through the cruise line, you will be transferred to the airport per the flight details provided. Check-out time is 12:00pm (subject to change). Meals other than breakfast are on your own after Day 4 of your program.
Transfers: All guests booking their flights independently are required to ensure the cruise line has their most up to date flight details so that transfers to the airport can be arranged. If flight details are not received 14 days before your cruise start date, transfers will not be arranged.
Should you book any extra nights on your own or your flight is not on the last day of the program, transfers are not included.
Should you have a late departing flight you may wish to book an extra night so that you have occupation of your room until your departure. You will be asked to vacate your room by 12:00pm. Day rooms can only be purchased directly through the hotel.
Expected Weather:
Temperatures in the fall months in the afternoon normally average 17°C (63° F) with overnight lows dipping to an average of 10°C (50° F)
August: average temperature 19° C (64°F)
September: average temperature 15° (59°F)
What to Bring:
Comfortable warm clothes and shoes, sun protection, umbrellas
Currency:
Euro
Electricity:
220 Volts. We recommend bringing your own travel converter if you have electric devices.
Documents and Visa Requirements:
Valid passport
Accommodation:
Radisson Blu Hotel
Rusland 17, 1012 CK Amsterdam, Netherlands
Phone: +31 20 623 1231
*We will only source different hotels in unforeseen situations. If similar hotels are required, they will be of equal ratings and standards guests will be notified in advance. If guests are not notified of changes before departure, then the hotel(s) listed in this program will be used
Program includes:
3 nights at the Radisson Blu or similar hotel (superior room).
English-speaking tour guide
All sightseeing per the program itinerary
Transfers
Breakfasts
Please Note: Guests booking their own flights (independent of the cruise line) are responsible for ensuring that the cruise line has the updated departure information, so your transfer can be arranged. If you book additional nights independently of the cruise line, a departure transfer is not provided. If we do not receive flight details a minimum of 14 days in advance, transfers will not be provided.
Program Excludes:
Personal expenses
Extras at the hotel including mini bar and room service
Meals and beverages where not specified
Porterage at hotels
Gratuities to the drivers and guides
Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include: inclines, cobblestones, sand, and gravel or natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation. Weather appropriate clothing; hats; sunglasses; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are generally recommended.
Please note: All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations. Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Land Programs must be purchased no later than 90 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 90 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty. There are no refunds for unused portions of any program.
Price: $2,199 per guest based on double occupancy.
Land program promotions are per person for guests 1 and 2 for one pre- or post-cruise program only, subject to terms.
