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Travel Haarlem to Haarlem on the Dutch waterways
In the afternoon, you will be met at the designated meeting point by La Nouvelle Etoile crew. From here, relax as you are chauffeured to the barge, moored in Haarlem. You are welcomed onboard with a champagne reception. Cruise this afternoon to Zaandam before your first gourmet dinner on board.
This morning's excursion is to the reconstructed historic village of Zaanse Schans with its working windmills, clog makers, cheese farm, and mustard mill. Everything the Dutch are known for can be found in this quaint village. Your Tour Guide returns you to the barge for an afternoon cruise through the heart of Amsterdam. Enjoy a bicycle ride along the canal side path, or laze on deck and admire the lovely scenery drifting by. Cocktail hour precedes tonight's gourmet dinner.
This morning, a languid cruise provides the perfect opportunity to take a bicycle ride on the side of the canal, laze on the hot tub, or just socialize on deck. In the afternoon, your Tour Guide escorts you to a local cheese farm for a tasting of freshly produced cheeses. Later, explore Gouda’s gorgeous architecture, excellent shopping, and admire some of the most beautiful stained glass windows in Holland at St. John's church. Return to La Nouvelle Etoile for cocktails and canapes. Chef presents another gourmet dinner.
This morning, cruise to the enchanting town of Delft. In the afternoon, your Tour Guide presents the main sights, including the Nieuwe Kerk, a Protestant church dating from 1496, and the Royal Delft factory. The last surviving “pottery” of more than 30 that once existed, your tour reveals both the history and future of this beloved artisan icon. Watch the artists carefully and passionately paint the ceramics in the famous cobalt blue, and tour the factory to see the potters creating each piece by hand. Return to the barge and relax on deck before Chef serves another gourmet dinner.
A morning cruise is the perfect time to relax on deck or take a dip in the hot tub. This afternoon's visit is to the Keukenhof, known as the “Garden of Europe”, and is one of the world's largest flower gardens. Approximately 7 million flower bulbs are planted annually, covering 72 acres. This vibrantly colorful and aromatic experience allows visitors to admire tulips, along with hyacinths, daffodils, and other spring bulbs, all in an elaborate display. Your Tour Guide returns you to the barge where cocktails hour precedes another gourmet dinner.
An early morning visit brings you to the worlds largest flower auction in Aalsmeer, where some 10 billion flowers are sold every year. Return to La Nouvelle for a morning cruise to Haarlem with an optional visit to the Cruquius Museum along the way. This afternoon, visit the Frans Hals Museum in the picturesque town of Haarlem, which boasts a celebrated collection of Old Masters and other artworks representative of the Dutch Golden Age. Return to the barge and freshen up before Chef presents the Captain's Dinner aboard.
This will be your last wonderful breakfast on board and then you will be taken to either your hotel or the airport depending on your travel plans.
Please note: this is a sample itinerary which may be subject to change depending on local conditions.
Your group will be met at 2:30pm in the lobby of your Amsterdam hotel and chauffeured to the barge at anchor in Haarlem. Haarlem is a gorgeous town, very wonderful to walk in. Peek in the famed St. Bavo Church, browse the square, follow the riverside road. Tonight is the first of many gourmet dinners on board.
Flowers are center stage today; After all, you ARE in Holland! Right after breakfast is an early visit to the amazing Aaalsmeer flower auction, from which millions of flowers are priced and shipped daily. Return to cruise to the town of Lisse, from where you will be taken after lunch to Keukenhof, renowned showcase of the Dutch flower industry.(You can arrange for the purchase and shipment of bulbs here.)While you visit Keukenhof, the barge will cruise to Delft, an enchanting town criss-crossed by canals and bridges. There may be time to visit the Delft Pottery Works. Delft was the home of artist Johannes Vermeer. Stroll after dinner to discover scenes straight out of Dutch masterpiece paintings.
This morning’s visit is to the Ketel One Distillery, where this prestigious vodka is made. Return to the barge and an amazing cruise through Rotterdam, a city destroyed in WWII and now entirely rebuilt. The harbor is huge and pulses with energy. Tonight’s mooring is the charming fortress town of Willemstad.
This morning, we cruise from Holland to Belgium, arriving to Antwerp after lunch. Excursion choices include the Cathedral of Our Lady, a masterpiece of Gothic design begun in 1352 and the studio of artist Peter Paul Rubens. (Major works by Rubens can be seen in the Cathedral.) A walk around the old quarter will end your day in a romantic manner.
We’ll float on the flood tide on the “Sea Schelde,” which takes La Nouvelle Etoile to Ghent.A very important trading center in the Middle Ages, Ghent is known for its extant Medieval core. Do not miss Saint Bravo Cathedral with its famed “Adoration of the Mystic Lamb” painted in 1432 by Jan and Hubert Van Eyck – as well as many other works of art, including many in the crypt. Cross Saint Michael’s bridge for the best panoramic view, including well preserved Medieval houses.
Cruise to Bruges, a marvelous port in which to end your journey. Often called the “ Venice of the North,” Bruges is criss-crossed by canals and offers many museums but a stroll through the tiny Medieval streets is most enchanting. Shop for lace and souvenirs, too. Tonight, Jan and Diana join you for the Captain’s Dinner.
You’ll depart at 9:00am and taken to your hotel in Bruges. We hope to see you on La Nouvelle Etoile again!
Are you ready to float along the charming
canals of Holland?
