Tulip Time Cruise 2012

Day 1 Amsterdam. Travel to Amsterdam where you will be met and transferred to your cruise ship for seven nights. This afternoon, meet your crew at a welcome reception.

Day 2 Amsterdam. Holland’s capital is sophisticated and modern, with a rich and fascinating history. This delightful 700 year old city with its elegant and classic architecture, cafés and restaurants, and lively marketplace has a distinct ambience. There is no better way to see the city than by canal boat, cruising along elegant grachten lined by stately homes dating back to Amsterdam’s 'Golden Age'. Afterwards, your river cruise ship sets sail for the Venlo Region.

Day 3 Excursion to Floriade or Maastricht. After breakfast this morning the choice is yours: an excursion takes you to the Venlo Region to visit the Floriade World Horticultural Expo, an international exhibition of flowers and gardening that is held every 10 years in the Netherlands. First staged in 1851, these international exhibitions were originally held all over the world, often leaving behind legacies such as the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the Atomium in Brussels, and the Euromast in Rotterdam. Alternatively, you may wish to join an excursion to Maastricht. Located at the borders of Belgium and Germany, today it is a bustling cosmopolitan capital and a province of Limburg. Enjoy a guided sightseeing tour through this vibrant university town.

Day 4 Antwerp. Antwerp is Belgium’s second largest city and was once one of the world’s most important seaports. Included sightseeing shows you its superb architecture, the Grote Markt with its beautiful city hall, and the Church of Our Lady. An optional excursion to nearby Brussels, Belgium's capital and home of the European Union, is available.

Day 5 Ghent. In a unique way, Ghent, the ‘diamond’ of Flanders, has beautifully preserved its medieval charm and power whilst also keeping up with the times. A Local Guide will show you the city centre, a showcase of medieval Flemish wealth and commercial success and take you into St Baaf’s Cathedral. From here, an optional excursion to Bruges, with its criss-crossed canals and charming old patrician houses, is available.

Day 6 Middelburg – Veere – Delta Works. Middelburg was originally built as a stronghold to protect the population of Zeeland from the water and enemies. Later, it became a prosperous merchant city that spent great wealth on the construction of important buildings such as its impressive Town Hall. Next, head to one of Europe's most complex engineering projects, the Delta Works, located nearby. After the flood of 1953, in which more than 1,800 people drowned in one night, the Delta Plan was developed to prevent another disaster of that magnitude. The final defence in the battle against the water is the storm flood barrier, almost six miles long and considered a technical masterpiece. Later, visit the charming town of Veere, once an important wool-trading centre, to admire the distinctive high tower of the Town Hall before returning to your ship.

Day 7 Kinderdijk. Excursion to Keukenhof Gardens - Schoonhoven. This morning, visit Kinderdijk to admire its picturesque row of windmills before enjoying today’s highlight - a visit to the world-renowned Keukenhof Gardens, near Lisse, which encompasses over 70 acres of parkland dotted with lakes, glorious sculpted gardens, greenhouses and a windmill. Millions of flower bulbs are grown here annually and are presented in bright and spectacularly colourful displays throughout the year. Rejoin your ship in Schoonhoven, nicknamed 'Zilverstad' and renowned for its silver.

Day 8 Amsterdam. Transfer to the airport or station for your journey to the UK.