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10 Day Tulips & Windmills
Uniworld River Cruise starting in Amsterdam and finishing in Antwerp
Countries Visited: Holland  Belgium 
Tour Type: River Cruise
Tour Duration: 10 Days (9 Nights)
From: Amsterdam to Antwerp
Tour Code: UNITAW
Operator: Uniworld
from AU $2,945 pp
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River Cruise Description

All the things that come to mind when you think of the Netherlands and Belgium - colourful canals, whimsical windmills, vibrant tulips, rich maritime history, the art of Rubens and Rembrandt - are yours to experience in all their real-life glory. This perfectly paced springtime cruise takes you to the historic windmills of Kinderdijk, the Belgian treasure of Bruges, the 70-acre Keukenhof Gardens with more than seven million flowers, and museums rich in art by the famed Dutch Masters. While visiting Enkhuizen and Hoorn, you'll discover the impressive maritime history of days gone by. Stroll through cosmopolitan Amsterdam and trendy Antwerp, and learn about Dutch art, WWII history, and the Netherlands' struggle against the sea on three guided museum visits. Along the way, you'll indulge in the famous treats of the region. Sample delicate, handmade Belgian chocolates that are among the finest confections in the world. Feast on warm waffles with berries and cream. Taste delicious cheeses along with hearty beer - all while savouring the storybook atmosphere of some of Europe's most charming towns.

Included Features

  • 9-night cruise in a riverview stateroom on the newly remodeled, imperial River Duchess or the regal River Queen
  • All meals onboard, prepared using the finest and freshest ingredients
  • 9 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 9 dinners
  • Captain’s Welcome Gala and Farewell Dinners
  • Complimentary fine wines, choice of beer, and soft drinks during lunch and dinner onboard; replenished bottled water daily in your stateroom; and 24-hour specialty coffee and tea bar
  • Included choice of excursion to Venlo for Floriade 2012—the International Horticultural Expo held only once every 10 years
  • 13 excursions, including 4 “Choice Is Yours” options, fully hosted by English-speaking local guides
  • An experienced Cruise Manager and attentive, all English-speaking staff
  • State-of-the-art Quietvox portable audio headset system on all shore excursions
  • Use of bicycles and Nordic walking sticks throughout your cruise
  • Captivating onboard local entertainment
  • Signature Lecture: “Life and Art in the Golden Age”
  • All transfers on arrival and departure days

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Day
1
Amsterdam
Arrive at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport where you’ll be transferred to the ship. (D)
Day
2
Amsterdam
Featured Excursions: Amsterdam city tour, including canal cruise, and Choice of Rijksmuseum OR Van Gogh Museum.
Spend your first full day in the Netherlands’ largest city, Amsterdam, which boasts history, art, architecture, bridges, canals, cobblestone streets, museums, bicycles, and narrow alleys. See Amsterdam’s unique appeal from a different perspective while touring aboard a canal boat. Then, choose to visit one of the most prestigious museums in the world—the Rijksmuseum—which offers the world’s largest collection of Dutch and Flemish art and artifacts, including Rembrandt’s The Night Watch and Vermeer’s The Kitchen Maid. Or visit the Van Gogh Museum—home to the largest collection of his paintings in the world, along with the works of other 19th-century painters. (BB/L/Captain’s Welcome Gala)
Day
3
Amsterdam, Volendam
Featured Excursions: Choice of Keukenhof Gardens OR Zaanse Schans and Keukenhof Gardens.
Spend all day at the Keukenhof Gardens, one of the most impressive public gardens in the world, with more than seven million bulbs planted on a 70-acre site. Or split your day between the Keukenhof and Zaanse Schans, an exquisitely crafted open-air museum where you can observe life as it used to be lived. Authentic windmills, houses, and shops, were relocated to this picturesque area, creating a typical 17th- to 18th- century village where you can watch the cobbler carve out a wooden shoe or the cheesemaker press a round of Gouda. (BB/L/D)
Day
4
Hoorn, Enkhuizen
Featured Excursions: Hoorn walking tour and Zuiderzee Outdoor Museum visit.
Enjoy a walking tour through Hoorn, where you’ll uncover a rich seafaring history, evident in the town’s old harbor and admiralty buildings. Your guide will point out and explain the markings on Medieval buildings noting the former inhabitants’ trades. Your next port of call is Enkhuizen, a lively trading center since the 17th century, where you will visit the fascinating Zuiderzee outdoor museum, a reconstructed village from before the Ljsselmeer Dam was built in 1932 that gives you a vivid idea of life in a Dutch fishing village. (BB/L/D)
Day
5
Nijmegen (Groesbeek or Venlo, Floriade)
Featured Excursions: Choice of Liberation Museum OR Venlo for Floriade 2012.
Awaken in Nijmegen, considered the oldest city in the Netherlands. From here, you can choose to head to the Liberation Museum situated in nearby Groesbeek. During your guided visit, get a firsthand account of WWII by experiencing the occupation, celebrating the liberation, and witnessing the rebuilding of the Netherlands and Europe after the war. Or take an excursion to Floriade in Venlo for a full day of music, art, and cultural events celebrating the botanical world. This International Horticultural Expo is held just once every 10 years in the Netherlands, where it covers over 160 acres, with themes exploring green energy, healing, and innovation. Venlo is the perfect setting for a multi-sensory celebration of the natural world, as it was named Europe’s “Greenest City” just a few years ago. Note: Lunch is not included with Floriade 2012. March 23 and March 26 departures will not have the choice of visiting Floriade, as it opens April 5, 2012. (BB/L/D)
Day
6
Kinderdijk, Rotterdam
Featured Excursion: Kinderdijk windmills.
Awaken in Rotterdam and cruise through its harbor, the world’s third largest. Enjoy leisure time while in Rotterdam. Then sail to Kinderdijk, where you’ll discover 19 astonishingly well-preserved, UNESCO World Heritage-designated windmills dating back to the 1500s. Your guide will provide a detailed explanation of why windmills are so important to this region. They are also an iconic emblem of the Netherlands; at one point, there were more than 10,000 in the country. Were it not for the mighty windmill, this region would have surrendered to water a long time ago. In the evening, sail to Dordrecht. (BB/L/D)
Day
7
Veere
Featured Excursion: Delta Works.
Enjoy a morning visit to the engineering marvel known as the Delta Works, where you’ll learn about the Netherlands’ 2,000-year history of fighting back the sea. Learn how technology has evolved, and witness the striking modern methods employed today. Spend the early afternoon in charming Veere before cruising the picturesque Zeeland area. (BB/L/D)
Day
8
Terneuzen (Bruges)
Featured Excursions: Choice of full-day Bruges with canal cruise and walking tour OR three quarter-day Ghent with canal cruise.
Visit Bruges, one of the best-preserved Medieval cities in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy its intimate cobblestone streets and bucolic public gardens. The Belfry Tower (Belfort) located in Market Square features a stunning octagonal tower and the lovely music of a carillon. Then see the town from aboard a canal boat and discover why Bruges is often called the “Venice of the North.” Or visit Ghent, one of the oldest cities in Belgium, with a history dating back to the Stone Age. The beautifully restored Medieval city center is made for strolling or biking. Its museums house works by artists from Hieronymus Bosch to Joseph Beuys. The Saint Bavo Cathedral holds the Ghent Altarpiece, one of the world’s historical art treasures, painted by the brothers Hubert and Jan van Eyck in the 1400s. A canal cruise gives you close-up view of the impressive 14th- and 15th-century textile warehouses that line the canals. (BB/D)
Day
9
Antwerp
Featured Excursions: Antwerp walking tour and Cathedral of Our Lady visit.
Spend a full day in the exciting diamond capital of the world, Antwerp. You’ll be guided to the Cathedral of Our Lady, which houses four masterpieces by Peter Paul Rubens, who was born in Antwerp. You’ll visit Market Square, where you’ll see the Brabo Fountain, and you’ll discover charming hidden side streets with delectable chocolate shops. (BB/L/Captain’s Farewell Dinner)
Day
10
Depart Antwerp 
Disembark from the ship in Antwerp and transfer to Brussels airport for your flight home. (CB or BB)
Uniworld Brochure This itinerary is based on 2012 departures. Click on the icon if you would like to view an electronic version of the brochure online. There may be some amendments to this itinerary on 2013 departures. To view the preview 2013 brochure click here.

River Cruise Prices

Cruise prices are per person. Please request a quote for tour availability.

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General Information

The information below relates to this itinerary only.

Cruise Operator: Uniworld

Uniworld presents an unrivalled river cruise program with unique itineraries and superb five-star inclusions. Travel onboard intimate, luxurious ships with a maximum of 134 guests - fewer guests than any other river cruise company in Europe. With one highly trained staff member for every three guests and expert onboard hotel management, Uniworld are able to deliver a guest satisfaction rate of 98%.




Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find the deck plans, cabin types and more ship information?

We have a dedicated section on our website providing more detailed information on Uniworld including FAQ's on what you need to know before, during and after your travel; as well fleet information, deck plans, and a comprehensive search facility to enable you to easily find more of their cruises. Read more> (Note: This link will take you away from this tour itinerary page).

Which direction of the cruise should I book? Is one better than the other?

It does not matter which direction you choose, as each direction contains the same included features. Timings of activities may, of course, vary a little due to cruising times up- or downstream, but you will not see or do more in one direction than in the other.

What is the dress code onboard?

During the day, comfortable, casual attire is appropriate. The weather in Europe can be very changeable, so take a sweater or windproof jacket and an umbrella. Comfortable walking shoes are also recommended for excursions. Evenings are a little dressier. Gentlemen may wish to wear a jacket to the Captain's dinner. You'll find average temperatures listed on each of the cruises on our website.

How large are the ships?

Our ships accommodate between 100 and 138 guests. They are generally 360 feet long (110 meters), and 37.5 feet wide (11.4 meters). The draft is approximately 4 feet (1.2 meters). There are typically 34 crew members aboard. We have a dedicated section on our website providing more detailed information each ship. Read more> (Note: This link will take you away from this tour itinerary page).

Do your ships have any exclusive features?

Magnetic key cards have been introduced on the River Empress, River Countess and River Duchess. The magnetic card functions as your cabin key, your onboard charge card, and your ID card for boarding. Passengers swipe the cards as they disembark and embark, enabling our staff to keep track of everyone onboard. Our ships were the first - and are still the only - river cruise ships to offer this convenience. The River Empress, River Countess and River Duchess offer guests the convenience of checking and sending e-mails. On the River Princess, River Queen, River Empress, River Duchess and River Countess, each guest is provided with a terry cloth robe in their cabin. Our ships have one of the largest fitness centres aboard any river cruise ship. There is also a sauna and a steam room on the River Princess, River Queen, River Empress, River Duchess and River Countess.

Are meals included onboard?

Sumptuous buffets at breakfast and lunch offer an extensive array of hot and cold selections. Breakfast features crispy Belgian waffles topped with whipped cream and warm maple syrup, a dozen or more homemade breads and jams, an omelette station, and hand-cut seasonal fresh fruit.

Lunch offers a delectable feast with salads, soups, carved-to-order roasts, and more. Evenings provide exquisite ambience with relaxed open seating. Each dish is flawlessly prepared using the finest ingredients—local meats and seafood along with tasty side dishes. Always included with dinner onboard are European fine wines and a selection of beer and soft drinks served by an attentive, caring staff. Of course, every meal concludes with a wide range of freshly prepared, decadent desserts that look every bit as delicious as they taste.

Uniworld also provides a variety of dining experiences including: al fresco “under the stars” and light-lunch dining—both on the sun deck; Captain's Welcome Gala and Farewell Dinner; early-riser breakfast; and afternoon tea. Plus, Uniworld gives you the choice of dining on lighter cuisine with our Traveling Lite menu.

What are your handicapped facilities like?

The ships are not handicapped or wheelchair accessible. There are elevators on the River Princess, River Queen, River Countess, River Duchess, and River Empress. On the River Queen, the elevator does not reach all decks. Additionally, most shore excursions involve some walking. Some excursions are walking cruises only, and several occur on cobblestone streets.

Are tips/gratuities included in our tour price?

Tips & gratuities including the customary end-of-trip gratuity/tip for the cruise/tour manager, crew onboard and local guides for the included shore excursions are included in the price of your trip (excluding Optional Excursions). Europe & Russia cruises only.

How do I pay for purchases and services onboard?

Magnetic key cards have been introduced on the River Countess, River Duchess, and River Empress. The magnetic card functions as your cabin key, your onboard charge card, and your ID card for boarding. Passengers swipe the cards as they disembark and embark, enabling our staff to keep track of everyone onboard. Our ships were the first - and are still the only - river cruise ships to offer this convenience.

On other ships all purchases and paid services on board are billed with a guest check and added to your shipboard account. At the end of the cruise, you will receive a total, which can be paid with cash or credit card. The ships do not accept payments made by Diners Club cards. The onboard currency is the Euro. View individual ships here.

Do we always dock in the heart of the city?

It depends; in many places you will dock within walking distance to the city center, but there are places where the river only touches the outskirts of a town (i.e. Bamberg or Nuremberg), and thus a motorcoach transfer is necessary.


Arrival & Departure Information

Transfers

Transfers to/from airports will be provided only for flights arriving/departing on the start/finish day of the cruise (and for extensions/extra nights). There may be a waiting period of up to 2 hours or more unless private car transfers have been purchased. The following time limits apply:

  Arrival Departure
Europe 7am - 3pm 7am - 5pm
Extensions 24 hours 24 hours 
Extra Nights 24 hours 24 hours

Passenger flight details must be given to Global Journeys 45 days prior to departure. If your flight arrangements arrive/depart outside of the above you may purchase a private car transfer from Uniworld or make your own transfer arrangements. Uniworld will not be responsible for late arrivals or missed transfers due to delayed or cancelled flights, for missed cruise/trip days or for extra costs resulting from the foregoing.

Boarding Time

On turnaround day, the entire ship must be cleaned in preparation for your arrival. The facilities of the ship, including your cabin, will not be available before 4pm. We appreciate your understanding on this matter. Should you arrive early, you may leave your bags in the Reception area and take a walk into the city, or relax in the lounge.


Terms & Conditions:

Yep, all the boring small print! We still recommend you read it all though, as no one likes surprises. Click here to read them now - they will open in a new window, or print them off to read over later with a cup of coffee!

 

Georgie Walpole

Your Tour Consultant Will Be:

Georgie Walpole
Tour Consultant
Email: georgie@globaljourneys.com
Expertise: International Coach Touring & River Cruising
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