La Nouvelle Etoile

In the afternoon, you will be met at the designated meeting point by Renaissance 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 Rotterdam, stopping for a tasting at the Ketel One vodka distillery en route. This afternoon's visit to the Royal Delft factory, the last surviving “pottery” of more than 30 that once existed, 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 where the potters work, 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.