Spring Flowers of Amsterdam & Paris - 12-night River Cruise + Flights

Note: your itinerary will change depending upon the day of the week you depart.

DAY 1, Sunday - Depart for the Netherlands
Depart for the Netherlands

DAY 2, Monday - Arrive in Amsterdam
Welcome to Amsterdam, Holland's sophisticated and modern capital; transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free to discover the many cultural sites this delightful city has to offer. Tonight, a Welcome Drink and orientation meeting with your local host at the hotel at approximately 6pm, followed by a briefing about the journey. We recommend that you select flights which arrive in your destination no later than 4pm on Day 2 or earlier, if possible. 
Overnight: Amsterdam

DAY 3, Tuesday - Amsterdam City Tour
Awake this morning in Amsterdam, one of the greatest small cities in the world, with its world-famous museums and historical sites. Today's panoramic tour of 700-year-old Amsterdam introduces you to both the old and the new sections of this city. View the Royal Palace on Amsterdam's Dam Square, the Queen's official home-away-from-home. On to the Dutch National Monument dedicated by Queen Juliana as a memorial to the victims of WWII and to the unusual Skinny Bridge, once so narrow that pedestrians could not pass each other. Then, board a glass-top boat and cruise the winding canals for an up-close view of the stately historic homes, 16th-century warehouses and charming churches with striking bell towers. The rest of the day is on your own. Perhaps, visit the world-renowned Van Gogh Museum and explore the largest collection of his works in the world 
Overnight: Amsterdam 
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 4, Wednesday - Rijksmuseum Tour & Cruise Embarkation
This morning visit the world famous Rijksmuseum. On your guided tour you will explore the vast collection of works from some of the world's greatest artists including the Dutch masters Vermeer and Rembrandt. This afternoon transfer to the port for embarkation. After arrival formalities, rest and relax on board. This evening, meet your Cruise Director and enjoy a gala welcome dinner as it sets the mood for your delightful river cruise 
Overnight: River Cruise 
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 5, Thursday - Full Day in Amsterdam
Awake this morning in Amsterdam for a day at leisure to further discover Amsterdam on your own. Perhaps experience a taste of real Dutch life by renting a bike to discover the little alleyways, hidden courtyards, and canal-side treasures 
Overnight: River Cruise 
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 6, Friday - Tour Nijmegen, the Oldest Town in the Netherlands
The ship docks in Nijmegen, the oldest town in the Netherlands with its beautiful river landscapes and magnificent historic buildings. Uncover traces of the city’s past on a walking tour, before roaming the unique shops, outdoor cafes and cozy restaurants on your own. This afternoon, art lovers will not want to miss the optional tour to the Kroller-Muller Museum, home to the second-largest collection of Van Gogh paintings in the world, as well as artwork by Mondrian, Seurat, and Picasso. The ship sails this evening to Antwerp, Belgium 
Overnight: River Cruise 
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 7, Saturday - Antwerp City Tour
Today you arrive in Antwerp, one of Europe's largest and most historic port cities, where more than half of the world's diamonds are traded. Evidence of the wealth produced from trade during the 16th century can be seen in the opulent homes that line the city streets. The tour of the city begins at the Cathedral of our Lady, the highest Gothic building in the Low Countries and continues to the unique marketplace, surrounded by the mighty Renaissance Town hall and numerous guild halls. Rest of the day is at leisure in Antwerp, or return to the ship for a relaxing afternoon on board 
Overnight: River Cruise 
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 8, Sunday - Tour Ghent, the Historic Flanders Port
Discover the historic Flanders port of Ghent today, a showcase of Flemish wealth. Your tour of this medieval city includes views of the 7th century St. Bavo's Cathedral and the imposing Gravensteen Castle. At the town centre. View the gigantic Belfry, a symbol of the city’s independence and the Gothic-style Cloth Hall, glorifying the city’s major industry. Return to the ship or take the optional afternoon tour to Bruges, also known as the “Venice of the North” and home to some of Europe’s best preserved medieval buildings. Here, view the Lake of Love (Minnewater), the Beguinage Convent and walk along the picturesque winding cobbled alleys and romantic canals 
Overnight: River Cruise 
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 9, Monday - Excursion to the Delta Works
A fascinating excursion this morning to the Delta Works. After the 1953 flood in the Netherlands, where more than 1800 people drowned in one night, the Delta Plan was created to prevent a disaster of this magnitude from ever happening again. Taking 30 years to complete, the storm flood barrier, almost six miles long, stands as the final defence in the battle against the water and is considered a technical miracle. Rejoin the ship for lunch and continue cruising this afternoon towards Rotterdam where the ship will remain docked overnight.
Overnight: River Cruise 
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 10, Tuesday - Morning in Keukenhof Gardens, Afternoon Windmill Tour in Kinderdijk
Depart early this morning for beautiful Keukenhof Gardens, the largest and most spectacular flower gardens in the world, where a sea of multicoloured tulips stretches out over the flat Dutch landscape as far as the eye can see. Rejoin the ship in Rotterdam for lunch on board. This afternoon visit a windmill park in the small village of Kinderdijk on the north bank of the River Noord. The windmills, built in the 1700s, are still in use today and played a vital role in the development of the country. During this excursion, visit a windmill and learn more about the modern technology that is now replacing their existence. Later, rejoin the ship for tonight’s Farewell Dinner as you cruise to Amsterdam. Share wonderful memories of your cruise with your Tour Manager and new-found friends 
Overnight: River Cruise 
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 11, Wednesday - Tour Brussels
This morning, bid farewell to your Cruise Director and meet your local host as you disembark your ship and travel through the countryside to reach Brussels. In Belgium's capital city, view the gigantic Atomium, that still remains from the 1958 World Expo, the Palace of Justice and the Grand Place, a recreated 15th century town square with decorated guild houses. Stroll the city centre with the well-known Manneken Pis bronze sculpture before continuing to your journey to Paris. Upon arrival this evening, start the discovery of the "City of Lights", one of the world’s greatest cities with its endless treasures 
Overnight: Paris 
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 12, Thursday - Tour of Paris
Drive along the famous Champs Elysees to the Arc de Triomphe and the iconic Eiffel Tower, a symbol of Paris. On to the celebrated "Rive Gauche", the vivacious Left Bank where artists, philosophers, and writers in a long gone era flourished in the artistic community at Montparnasse. View the Latin Quarter, home to many of France’s higher education establishments, such as the Sorbonne. Spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure or join the optional tour to the remarkable Louvre Museum, one of the most famous landmarks in Paris. Of the many exhibitions found therein, you will see the medieval fortress, the modern pyramid, and the museum's most reputed masterpiece, Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa. After, remain at the Louvre or visit bustling Montmartre on your own 
Overnight: Paris 
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 13, Friday - Full Day in Paris
The day is yours to explore this exciting city independently. See spectacular views of the city, the Basilica of Sacre Coeur, and walk the winding streets to mingle with the street artists selling their wares at Place du Tertre. Don't miss the optional tour to magnificent Versailles to witness the grandeur of French classical architecture on the visit to the Palace and the extravagant State Apartments. This evening, perhaps stop at a bistro for dinner coupled with great wine 
Overnight: Paris 
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 14, Saturday - Depart France 
This morning, transfer to the airport for your departure flight 
Meals: Breakfast

2020 Departures - Air & Land Pricing - Book by 12 September 2019 to SAVE!

• 22 March - WAS $7,389 pp NOW from $6,199 pp twin share

Price based on Cabin E - Lower-deck Cabin with Window + Sydney air departure. Upgrades available for cabins located on higher decks with a french Balcony, starting from $290 pp twin share.

Alternative departures from 18 March to 22 April 2020. Please call our friendly travel team on freecall 1300 414 198 for availability and pricing.

5 nights in 4 star hotel accommodation & 7 nights on-board 4.5 - 5 star River Cruise Ship.

The ship will be determined by the departure date booked. The 3 ships used in this itinerary are the Deluxe Monarch Empress,First Class Monarch Countess or Monarch Duchess.

All three ships have a bar-Lounge, restaurant, aft lounge, sundeck, fitness centre, basic wi-fi throughout ship and a 24/7 coffee and tea station.

Is This Trip Right for You?

This moderately active trip covers a fair amount of ground each day. Expect from three to four hours walking every touring day. The pace is moderate, however you will encounter some uneven surfaces, stairs, steps and significant slopes. Tulip viewing depends upon local and ever-changing weather conditions. Your Keukenhoff visit will last approximately two hours, adequate time to enjoy the floral varieties in bloom and spectacular sculptures. 

High & Low Water

While most of the time river cruises operate exactly as planned, weather conditions may result in high or low water levels which impact a ship's itinerary and, on occasion, render a ship unable to sail at all. On very rare occasions, other events such as heavy fog, a damaged lock, or an incapacitated vessel blocking the river, may impact a sailing. These events typically occur with little or no notice. In the event that a cruise is partially or completely impacted, the itinerary will be operated by deluxe motor coach, accompanied by a Tour Manager, with overnights in hotels. The itinerary will include as many of the originally scheduled sightseeing features as possible, considering the travel time and distances required, as well as meals. While it is not possible to recreate the more leisurely comforts of sailings, we will endeavour to provide a comparable itinerary.

Trip Preparation

A little pre-planning can make your trip go a lot smoother. Several weeks before your trip, make a list of what you will need to take with you. Make sure your personal documents (passports, visas, driver’s license) are in order. Make sure also that you have enough prescription medications to last through the trip.