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Holland Tulip Cruises, between Amsterdam and Bruges (or reverse),
available March 30 through May 24 2008
Sunday
Transfer from your hotel in Amsterdam to the Marjorie II, moored at Haarlem. After a drink to welcome us on board, we can visit the Frans Hals Museum and its collection of Old Masters. Other highlights include St. Bavo's Cathedral on the main square where both Handel and Mozart played the magnificent Muller organ.
Monday
After an early breakfast we take a trip to the Aalsmeer flower auction, where some 17 million cut flowers are auctioned every day. Returning to our boat, we cruise on to Leiden. This is a very charming University town with the American Pilgrim museum how tells the stories of the founders of New England, the Pilgrims.
Tuesday
This morning marks a cruising highlight: a walk through the glorious Keukenhof Gardens, Holland's best-known gardens park, with more than 70 acres filled with over 6 million flowering bulbs. We stroll through breathtaking waves of color on this unforgettable half -day excursion. Back on board, we cruise through beautiful landscapes to Delft.
Wednesday
Delft is a fascinating town, full of small canals and humpbacked bridges and best explored by bike or on foot. Many beautiful buildings illustrate the city's historic connection with the Dutch East India Company. The birthplace of Jan Vermeer, Delft is also famous for its tableware, and we visit a factory to learn how this world-famous porcelain is made. Then, back on the barge, we cruise through Rotterdam, the largest port in the World direction Antwerp.
Thursday
Antwerp, where the three "must-see" sights are baroque painter Pieter Paul Rubens' house, the Plantin-Moretus house, a printing plant and shop in service between 1555 and 1876, and of course Belgium's largest Gothic cathedral. This evening you should go to the "Grote Markt" to drink one of the more than 100 kinds of Belgian Beers.
Today we need to cruise on the Schelde River to Gent. This river has a tide difference of more than 20 feet and a strong current.
Friday
A first and lasting impression of Ghent is of its marvelous medieval structures whose sturdy stone facades reflect well in canal waters. We visit the Castle of the Counts. This magnificent, almost unrivalled example of a feudal fortress of the Counts of Flanders has a massive medieval shape that rises from the reflective waters of its moat, it was built about 1180. We cruise to our final mooring, Bruges. The day ends with this evening's Farewell Dinner.
Saturday
After breakfast, disembark to your hotel or airport.
Please note these are sample itineraries and excursions or other details may change without notice. Cruises run in reverse direction on alternate weeks. Children under 14 are welcome on charters only. Departures are guaranteed with a minimum of 4 passengers.
Burgundy Cruises, between Moret-sur-Loing and Vermenton (or reverse)
available June 01 thru October 25 2008
Sunday
We meet in Paris at Le Parc Sofitel Demeure and transfer to the 'Marjorie II' moored at the picturesque village of Moret-sur-Loing made famous in the paintings of Alfred Sisley. After a champagne welcome and introduction of the boat by the crew there's time for an early evening stroll before our first dinner on board.
Monday
Our first excursion brings us to the Chateau Vaux-le-Vicomte and its fabulous gardens by Le Notre (of Versailles fame). Some 20,000 workmen were employed in the construction of this magnificent 17th -century masterpiece, designed by Le Vau and decorated by Le Brun. In the afternoon we cruise on the Seine to Sens.
Tuesday
Sens is dominated by the Cathedral of St. Etienne which was the first Cathedral built in the Gothic style (circa 1140). Thomas a Becket spent time here in exile from England and the Cathedral is justly famous for its stained glass windows. It’s also a nice town for shopping. An afternoon cruise brings us to the picturesque town of Joigny built on the slope of the Cote St. Jacques on the verge of the Orthe forest.
Wednesday
This morning is our wine tasting at Chablis home of the famous dry white wines of Petite Chablis, Chablis, Premier Cru and Grand Cru. We visit several excellent wine houses. A short cruise brings us to Auxerre.
Thursday
This morning we visit Auxerre, historical capital of Lower Burgundy and one of the loveliest towns in France. Renaissance canal.
Friday
Today we do a long excursion to visit the village of Vezelay with her Roman Basilica of St. Mary Magdalene, one of the finest examples of Romanesque architecture in Europe, situated in the heart of the Morvan national park. This village has barely changed since Richard the Lion Heart set off for the third crusade in the 12th Century. Our last cruise brings us to Vermenton.
Tonight we celebrate with a special farewell dinner.
Saturday
After breakfast, we disembark and transfer you back to your hotel in Paris where your tour ends.
Please note these are sample itineraries and excursions or other details may change without notice. Cruises run in reverse direction on alternate weeks. Children under 14 are welcome on charters only. Departures are guaranteed with a minimum of 4 passengers.
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