[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”no” hundred_percent_height=”no” hundred_percent_height_scroll=”no” hundred_percent_height_center_content=”yes” equal_height_columns=”no” menu_anchor=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” status=”published” publish_date=”” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”center center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” fade=”no” background_parallax=”none” enable_mobile=”no” parallax_speed=”0.3″ video_mp4=”” video_webm=”” video_ogv=”” video_url=”” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_loop=”yes” video_mute=”yes” video_preview_image=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=””][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ layout=”1_1″ spacing=”” center_content=”no” link=”” target=”_self” min_height=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_image_id=”” background_position=”left top” background_repeat=”no-repeat” hover_type=”none” border_size=”0″ border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” last=”no”][fusion_tabs design=”classic” layout=”horizontal” justified=”yes” backgroundcolor=”#ffffff” inactivecolor=”#e2f1ff” bordercolor=”” icon=”” icon_position=”” icon_size=”14″ hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”cruise-program”][fusion_tab title=”Highlights” icon=””]

Weather Conditions:

Read full article Know Before You Go – River & Small Ship Cruising to learn more.

Included Highlights:

• Arrival and departure transfers-(included if airfare purchased through us)*
• Accommodations for 7 nights in a river-view cabin category of your choice
• 1 night at a first class hotel (Novotel, Holiday Inn, Renaissance or similar) with buffet breakfast
• 21 meals: 8 buffet breakfasts, 6 lunches and 7 dinners
• FREE 2 glasses of wine/beer/soda/water/coffee/tea with dinner daily
• Captain’s Welcome cocktail, Farewell dinner and Farewell cocktail
• Total of 8 included sightseeing excursions including transportation, entrance fees, and local English speaking guides
• All on board activities, themed dinners, and special services including early-riser breakfast, 24/7 coffee, afternoon cake and late night snacks
• Professional English-speaking Cruise manager and local guides throughout

Not Included:

• International airfare (may be purchased separately)
• Arrival/departure transfers (if purchased air on own)*
• Optional sightseeing as outlined, meals other than specified, etc.
• Personal expenses including telephone, liquor, souvenirs, and similar
• Tips to crew and ground personnel – suggested amounts will be advised
• Wi-Fi available for a fee
• Travel Insurance – strongly recommended

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Day 1 AMSTERDAM, Netherlands  (O)

Welcome to the Netherlands!  On arrival, transfer to your first class hotel.  The rest of the day is at leisure.  Amsterdam offers plenty of opportunities to explore and dine on your own.  NOVOTEL (or similar)

Day 2 AMSTERDAM: Keukenhof Gardens, Embark after 4pm (B, D)

After breakfast, check-out and depart on your half day tour of the magnificent Keukenhof Gardens, home to more than seven million tulips, daffodils and hyacinths spread out over 79 acres.  After a break for lunch (on own) transfer back to the port to board your superior river cruise ship.  Check in to your cabin and explore your floating hotel prior to an information briefing followed by dinner.

Day 3 AMSTERDAM: Windmills, Set Sail 23:00 (B, L, D)

After breakfast, depart on your included excursion to the village of Zaanse Schans, the famous open-air museum featuring 6 windmills and more than 30 houses built in 16th-17th centuries, all of which invite you to discover the country-side life of Medieval Holland.  The village has preserved old Dutch traditions of house building, clog making and old fashioned cheese production-which you will have a chance to see and sample as well.  Return to your ship for lunch.  In afternoon, depart on your walking tour of the city center which will introduce you to all the major highlights including Dam Square, Anne Frank’s House (outside)*, the Flower market and other major attractions!  Tonight a welcome cocktail and crew introduction will precede dinner.  *(Under renovation)

Day 4 ROTTERDAM, Holland 06:00 – 20:00 (B, L, D)

This morning explore one the largest harbors and commercial ports in the world! Your walking tour will include the harbor front, the whimsical architecture including the hanging Cubic town houses and the steamship “Rotterdam” once the flagship of Holland America Line.  The afternoon is free for optional pursuits.

Day 5 GHENT, Belgium 09:00– 20:00 (B, L, D)

Today delight in exploring Ghent, Belgium’s hidden treasure! Exuding a unique mix of ancient cultures and traditions combined with a lively modern student scene, bustling shops and gastronomic restaurants Ghent is will impress you with its winding canals, the famous 3 tower row featuring the Belfry, St. Bravo’s Cathedral and St Nicholas Church, its art and architecture! The balance of the day is free to explore on your own or take the optional excursion that may be offered by the ship (Bruges or similar)

Day 6 BRUSSELS, Belgium 08:00-19:00 (B, L , D)

Your guided city bus and walking tour of Belgium’s capital will highlight all the major attractions including St. Michael’s Cathedral, the Chinese Pavilion, Japanese Tower, King’s Square, Royal Palace and of course, the Imposing offices of the European Parliament building. You will end the tour with a walk through the beautiful Grote market. The balance of the day is free.

Day 7 ANTWERP Belgium 03:00 – 19:00 (B, L, D)

This morning enjoy a tour of Belgium’s second largest city, home to famous painter Peter Paul Rubens. The tour will include the cities medieval heart with cobblestone lanes and cafes lining the streets, a riverside fortress and the impressive Cathedral of our Lady featuring original paintings of Antwerp’s famous “son.”

Day 8 DORDRECHT, Holland 03:00-13:30 Arrive Amsterdam 21:00 (B, L, D)

Located on an island surrounded by wide rivers, Dordrecht was the country’s earliest trading post.  Your guided walking tour will include views of beautiful inner city harbors, quaint canals, wooden bridges and typical Dutch houses. Back on board enjoy a farewell cocktail followed by the Captain’s Farewell dinner!

Day 9 AMSTERDAM- HOME Disembarkation 09:00 (B)

As all good things must come to an end, after breakfast, bid your crew goodbye and disembark with a suitcase full of memories!

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Amsterdam Pre/Post Hotel Stays

$96 to $149 per person/per night in a twin room, depending on season. Enhance your cruise experience with 1 or more nights in amazing Amsterdam! Prices based on first class hotels (Novotel or similar) and vary depending on time of year. Please inquire when booking your cruise.

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Optional Excursions

DISCLAIMER: All optional excursions are shown for information and planning purposes. They are subject to change do to holidays, attraction black-out dates or other reasons. Some, if not all optional excursions may require a minimum number of participants to operate. Prices are quoted in Euros. Final list of availability and costs will be confirmed upon arrival to your vessels at the initial information meeting.[/fusion_tab][fusion_tab title=”Pricing and Departures” icon=””][/fusion_tab][fusion_tab title=”Cruise Ships” icon=””]

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Download the detailed list of Tips on Tulip and Rhine Cruises.

[toggle title=”Will I need to obtain a visa for the Timeless Tulips Cruise?”] No. Visas are not required for US citizens traveling on this program.[/toggle] [toggle title=”Are transfers included?”]If you have purchased your air tickets through us, your transfers will be included. However, transfers are still available for those who would like to arrange their own airfare, for a fee. For more information about transfer rates for this program, please call our office at (714) 556-8258 or toll free (800) 795-1633.[/toggle] [toggle title=”Which ship will be used for the 2020 Timeless Tulips cruise?”]M/S Crucevita. This elegant, luxurious, boutique style vessel, the M/S Crucevita was designed in an old world grand yacht style. Superb public areas, accented in oak and leather, include a panorama restaurant, cozy bar and lounge, a fire-place, a gym, sauna, library, and sun deck! The cabins area spacious 14 sq m (150 sq ft) and are fitted with beds that are stowed away during the day to create extra space to relax. All cabins include air-conditioning/heating that can be regulated individually, a multi-channel satellite TV with remote control, a mini safety deposit box, a telephone and a hair dryer. The luxury bathroom contains a toilet, enclosed shower, and a stylish wash basin. Cabins on Main deck have panorama windows while cabins on the upper Promenade deck will have new French balconies (renovation scheduled for 2018 winter-season) The decks are interconnected by a regular elevator suitable to carry up to 4 persons. The Sun Deck is accessible from the Promenade Deck by an outside chair lift. Maximum capacity 110 passengers serviced by a young and vivacious crew of 36. Non-smoking interiors. Currency: Euro[/toggle] [toggle title=”Will I be able to make phone calls and check emails while aboard the ship?”]There are no telephone lines for outgoing calls on our vessels. Communication from ship to shore can only be done through the Captain’s radio. However, you may bring your US cell phone to use – just please make sure it is “unlocked” by your US provider in order to use it. Wi-Fi is available for a fee and computers are provided near the bar. The level of signal may vary depending on sailing itinerary and location of ports.[/toggle] [toggle title=”What is the currency should I be prepared to use?”]While most of Western Europe has adopted the EURO, some of the Eastern European countries still use their own (Hungary-Forint, Serbia – Dinar, Bulgaria-Lev, Romania-Lei). For the rate of exchange to the US dollar, please check online a few days prior to your departure as some of these currencies fluctuate daily. Due to varying foreign currency laws, our ships do NOT have exchange offices on board. Therefore, we highly recommend that you BRING A SUFFICIENT QUANTITY OF EUROS OR DOLLARS in CASH prior to your departure. You will then have ample opportunity to change either Euro/dollar to local currencies.[/toggle] [toggle title=”What methods of payment are accepted on board and on shore?”]While on board the ship, all costs are quoted in Euros. Direct payments are accepted in cash (Euros) or signed to your cabin and paid at the end of the navigation by cash or credit card (Visa or MasterCard only). However, a service may be applied to credit card transactions. Please check in advance and remember – cash is still “king” in most Eastern European countries. Personal and Traveler Checks are not accepted.

Due to strict foreign currency laws, here are important notes regarding on shore expenses:
Cash: is accepted and preferred. (Euros & USD)
Credit Cards: are accepted, VISA OR MASTERCARD ONLY! (Limited use outside of urban areas.)
*Credit Card Note: As of May 2014, European credit card processors require credit cards with chips and a 4-digit PIN code. Your USA magnetic strip cards may NOT work at local ATM’s requiring a PIN. Ask your bank for a chip card and/or bring along a debit card with your PIN (or enough cash to cover your expenses!)[/toggle] [toggle title=”If cash is still “king,” any recommendation of how much I should bring?”]Although everyone is different, we suggest that you set aside at least 700 Euros/$1000 USD per person – to cover your optional tours and shopping expenses. If you are planning on purchasing more expensive items you may want to bring more.[/toggle] [toggle title=”Are optional tours offered in this program?”]Yes, a number of optional excursions will be offered for sale during your cruise. These optional services are priced in Euros. They may be signed to your cabin and paid at the end of the cruise with cash or via Visa or Matercard.[/toggle] [toggle title=”How does tipping work in Eastern Europe? Is it accepted and/or required?”]Tipping today has become commonplace in all former Eastern Bloc countries. Due to the volatile nature of these new economies, salaries for regular folk are pitiful compared to the rising costs and inflation – let alone if we compare them to western standards. For the majority of the people working in the service industries (hotels, ships, restaurants, travel), tips and gratuities have become large sources of their income. Therefore, your gracious generosity will be appreciated throughout your trip. However, tips in the “East” are still left to your discretion. Therefore, no service – no tip! We generally recommend that each person set aside $250 to cover all tipping needs for the total duration of the program – but this is merely a suggested amount. You may leave as little or as much as you feel comfortable with. If you endear yourself to any particular crew member and wish to award them directly – please feel free to do so!

For more information about tipping, including Individual vs. Pooled Tipping, please take a look at our detailed Tips on Tulip and Rhine Cruises.[/toggle] [toggle title=”What if I have special dietary needs or food allergies?”]Special meal requests are possible. If you have any food allergies or special dietary needs, please be sure to notify our office at least 90 days prior to your departure. We and the restaurant staff will make every effort to arrange for special meals, however, if you have strict dietary restrictions, you may want to bring some non-perishable snacks, crackers, dried fruits, dietary sweeteners, or other items that will compliment the limited variety of special meals.[/toggle] [toggle title=”Anything else I should make sure to pack?”]For a complete list of suggested items to bring, please read our detailed Tips on Tulip and Rhine Cruises. But here are a few important items that often get overlooked!

Electrical current in hotels and on the ship is 220 volts/50MHZ. In order to use appliances, including shavers, hair-dryers, chargers for movie cameras, etc., you will need to bring:
1) Universal Transformer: to convert from US 110 Volts to 220. (Note: recent electronic equipment such as laptops and cameras MAY automatically convert. Please check your individual item.)
2) Universal Adapter Plugs: Round pins for sockets that are different than at home. Since there are no supplies of converters/ adapters, we recommend you purchase a transformer/ adapter plug set at any electronics or appliance store before you leave.

PLEASE DO NOT FORGET: Medications which are vital to your health. A letter should accompany these from your doctor (signed and dated), certifying that such medications are vital to your health. Dosage should be indicated. Always pack any personal medications in your carry-on luggage, not in your checked baggage. Additionally, those passengers with lighter physical disabilities must report them to us at the time of booking.[/toggle][/fusion_tab][/fusion_tabs][fusion_text columns=”” column_min_width=”” column_spacing=”” rule_style=”default” rule_size=”” rule_color=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=””] [/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]