Monday, April 21 – Amsterdam, Holland – Tour Begins
Our springtime Dutch & Belgian vacation begins in the wonderfully walkable city of Amsterdam, the capital of Holland, also called The Netherlands. Meander along the canals, stroll over bridges and take in the sights and sounds of this picturesque city. This afternoon, join your fellow travelers for an Amazing Journeys Welcome Event, followed by a walking tour of the Jewish Quarter where we will explore Dutch Jewry before, during and after World War II, including a visit to the beautiful Portuguese Synagogue. Enjoy our first group dinner together in Amsterdam (D).
Tuesday, April 22 – Amsterdam, Holland – Board Ship
Depart at 10 pm – This morning, set out on a walking tour to discover more of the city around Binnenstad, one of the impressive canal neighborhoods. We continue to Dam Square and the Begijnhof Courtyard to discover traditional 18th century living. Spend time at Anne Frank’s House, a moving and integral part of any visit to Amsterdam, where you will learn how the Frank family hid in their annex for two years from the Nazis. Enjoy some free time to explore De 9 Straatjes (Nine Streets) area. We will visit a working flower farm and learn all about tulips from the farmer. This afternoon, we will board our home away from home for the next week, the Amadeus Riva. After a welcome cocktail and dinner, we will get to enjoy a performance on board by a traditional Dutch Shanty Choir, setting the mood for the days to come. (B, D)
Wednesday, April 23 – Arnhem, Holland
Arrive at 8 am, depart at 6:30 pm – In the morning, we will arrive in Arnhem, one of Europe’s most unique cities. Voted “Greenest City in Europe”, Arnhem rebuilt itself after the famed 1944 battle immortalized in the film “A Bridge Too Far” and is now a thriving fashion town with fine museums and beautiful parks. Delve deeper into the history this region during World War II as you spend time exploring the Hartenstein Airbourne Museum.
Situated in a beautiful National Park, visit the Kröller-Müller Museum which houses the second-largest collection of Van Gogh paintings in the world, among other fine artists, as well as an extensive outdoor sculpture garden. Take a stroll through the grounds or pick up one of the bikes on the property to enjoy the paths through the large park. Relax on board in the evening, enjoying a delicious dinner as our vessel cruises onward to the next destination. (B, D)
Thursday, April 24 – Middleburg, Holland
Arrive at 11 am, depart at 6 pm – Just before lunchtime, our cruise ship will dock in Middelburg. As one of the centers where the Dutch East India Company flourished in the seventeenth century, this lovely city features historic merchant houses and storefronts lining its canals.
Visit the Netherland’s “modern wonder of the world,” the Delta Works, which protects the southwest of the Netherlands from the sea. See this feat of engineering and the modern windmills which dot the countryside and coastline of this region. Visit the delightful, historic village of Veere which dates back to the 1300s, once a fishing village whose marina is now used for leisure yachts. Back onboard the ship, enjoy a group dinner and evening entertainment. (B, L, D)
Friday, April 25 – Ghent & Bruges, Belgium
Arrive at 2 am, depart at 7:30 pm – During the night, our vessel will dock in beautiful Ghent. Thanks to its importance as a medieval city-state in the late Middle Ages, Ghent boasts a wealth of well-preserved medieval architecture including Gravensteen Castle, the residence of the Counts of Flanders until 1353.
We will venture to Brugges, the capital of the province of West Flanders, home to one of the most charming city centers in Belgium. Filled with cobblestone streets, medieval buildings and – of course – many canals, Brugges was an important center for fishing and trade. Visit the historic center with the Belfry of Brugges, Market Square and other historic sites with beautifully charming facades. This evening we will celebrate Shabbat together as a community. (B, D)
Saturday, April 26 – Antwerp & Brussels, Belgium
Arrive at 5 am, depart at 8 pm – Antwerp, the second-largest city in Belgium, welcomes you. Today, visit the politically and culturally significant city of Brussels which is situated nearby. Spend time in the city’s historic Old Town, taking in the massive Grand-Place, and sneaking a peek at the Manneken Pis. Visit the Great Synagogue of Europe, a synagogue that has been in use for nearly 150 years, designed in the Romanesque-Byzantine style. Continue to explore modern Brussels, a bustling city with brilliant architecture and a busy business district.
Spend time in Antwerp, a city famous for its diamond trade which boasts many cultural highlights such as the towering Cathedral of Our Lady with paintings by the famous Baroque artist Peter Paul Rubens. In the evening, enjoy dinner with your fellow travelers, while our vessel travels back to the Netherlands. (B, D)
Sunday, April 27 – Rotterdam, Holland
Arrive at 6 am, depart at 8 pm – In the early morning, our ship will arrive in Rotterdam, the second largest city in the Netherlands. After breakfast onboard, we visit Kinderdijk, home of the most unique windmill complex in the world. Built to drain water from the soil, these windmills are now protected by UNESCO and are one of the Netherlands’ most wonderful sites. Today will be a highlight as we explore the world-famous Keukenhof Gardens where 7 million flower bulbs are planted annually. Tulips, hyacinths, daffodils and others bloom in waves throughout the spring, creating blankets of color and waves of flowers throughout the gardens. This evening, join together for dinner and show off your beautiful pictures from the day. (B, L, D)
Monday, April 28 – Amsterdam, Holland
Arrive at 5 am – Visit the region of Waterland in North Holland where you will visit a working farm on the outskirts of Edam, the perfect spot to learn how cheese is made in this region. See how the traditional Dutch wooden clogs are made. Spend time in the charming fishing village of Volendam where the harbor greets visitors where you can enjoy a stroll and perhaps a Dutch beer or a stroopwafel.
After lunch, see the city in a different way as you take an iconic canal cruise through the lovely, verdant canals of Amsterdam, while learning more about the city’s history and significance. This evening, join together with our friends for our Amazing Journeys Farewell Event and festive Captain’s Farewell which will provide a fitting finish to the trip. (B, L, D)
Tuesday, April 29 – Amsterdam, Holland
Depart ship in the morning – This morning, we disembark the ship with a group transfer to the airport, heading back home with memories of our Amazing Journey through the waterways of Holland and Belgium. (B)
Itinerary at a Glance
April 21 Grand Hotel Amrath, Amsterdam
April 22-29 Amadeus Riva
Please note:
1. Alternate hotel or ship may be used
2. The order of the tour may be changed
3. Some activities are weather-dependent
Rates (thru 8/15/24)
|
Twin* |
Single |
Drop-Down Panoramic Window Stateroom – Middle Deck (view cabin)
|
$5499 |
$7199 |
Drop-Down Panoramic Window Stateroom – Upper Deck (view cabin)
|
$5899 |
$7999 |
Suite with Balcony Stateroom (view cabin)
|
$6499 |
$10599 |
After August 15, 2024, prices increase $100. A deposit of $850 is due with your reservation.
Final payment is due on December 2, 2024. Rates listed are for final payments made by check. After the initial deposit, all payments made by credit card will have a 3.5% credit card fee.
* Amazing Journeys does not offer roommate matching but we may be able to help! If you would like to be connected with others who are looking for a roommate, please send an email to info@amazingjourneys.net. We can put you in touch with others who may have expressed interest so that you can discuss amongst yourselves. Please note – Amazing Journeys takes no responsibility for roommate matching and is unable to step in to settle disputes or disagreements that may arise. When signing up for twin occupancy, should one of the roommates cancel their reservation before the trip, the remaining traveling roommate will assume the cost of a single supplement. Standard cancellation terms apply to any cancellation. Please understand the list of those looking for a roommate may be very limited.
Stateroom options:
- Drop-Down Panoramic Window stateroom – Middle Deck is approximately 188 square feet of living space with a wall of floor-to-ceiling windows that allows you to open the large, panoramic window to turn your window into a Juliet balcony. Located on the Middle (Strauss) Deck.
- Drop-Down Panoramic Window stateroom – Upper Deck is approximately 188 square feet of living space with a wall of floor-to-ceiling windows that allows you to open the large, panoramic window to turn your window into a Juliet balcony. Located on the Upper (Mozart) Deck.
- Suite with Balcony stateroom is approximately 284 square feet of living space plus a small walk-out exterior balcony and is located on the Upper (Mozart) Deck.
Prices are subject to change based on availability. Cabins are assigned at time of registration. Those who sign up first receive priority cabin location.
Pre-Night Stays: We have a limited number of rooms for pre-tour overnights in Amsterdam. Rates are per night and include breakfast and taxes. There will be no planned Amazing Journeys activities on pre-night stays.
Amsterdam (April 19, 20):
Twin – $260*
Single – $480
Please note – This is a group exclusive vacation package. We are unable to make any of our package components available to anyone who is not part of our Amazing Journeys group.
Items listed on this website are subject to change at any time. By providing payment you agree to the terms and conditions as outlined on this website. All staterooms are non-smoking.
Cancellation Policy: From the time of deposit until September 3, 2024, there is a $150 penalty for cancellation. From September 4 – December 2, 2023, the cancellation penalty is $850, the amount of the deposit. From December 3, 2024 – January 15, 2025 the cancellation penalty is 50% of the cost of the complete tour package including any additional pre-nights. From January 16, 2025 – February 18, 2025 the cancellation penalty is 85% of the cost of the complete tour package including any additional pre-nights. From February 19, 2025 until the day of travel, the cancellation penalty is 100% of the cost of the complete tour package including any additional pre-nights. Cancellations made on the day of departure and “no-shows” will receive no refund. There is no refund in the event of interruption or cancellation by the passenger after the start of the journey. Your decision not to participate on the tour due to State Department advisories, fear of travel, illness, or any other reason will be deemed a cancellation.
Travel Protection: Travel protection is highly recommended for participation in this program. Information will be included in your confirmation letter.
Passport & Visa Requirements: A passport is necessary to travel on this itinerary. It must be valid for six months beyond the last day of the trip. If you are arriving from the US, Canada, Australia or the UK, no visas are necessary at this time. Please note that visa requirements can change at any time and it is up to the traveler to be aware of visa requirements. Beginning sometime in 2025, travelers will likely need an ETIAS waiver to travel to Europe. More information will be shared when it is available.
This trip is for you if: You’re excited to explore new areas and walking and standing for 1-2 hours isn’t a big deal. You can navigate some hills, steps, cobblestones and wet or uneven ground. You can expect some longer days balanced with free time to recharge or set out on your own.
Vaccines: At this time there are no specific vaccinations required for international travelers. We recommend you visit a travel clinic or see your health professional to be sure you are up to date on vaccinations needed for international travel. Requirements can change at any time. You can get more information at the following web sites: Center for Disease Control or Travelers Vaccines.
Taxes, Fees & Gratuities: Taxes, surcharges, and government fees are included in the price and are subject to change. Gratuities have been included on this tour and include tips for our local guides, drivers, luggage porters and included meals. Gratuities are not included for housekeeping staff in the hotels and tipping is at your discretion.
Air & Transfers: For your flights, it is important that you not purchase airfare until you receive a confirmation letter from Amazing Journeys which will contain specific flight parameters. This tour begins and ends in Amsterdam (AMS). Transfers to the Amsterdam hotel are not included.
Twin Accommodations: Twin accommodations are available if you and a friend are traveling together. When signing up for twin occupancy, should one of the roommates cancel, the remaining traveling roommate will assume the cost of a single supplement. Standard cancellation terms apply to any cancellation.
Credit Card Payments: Rates listed are for final payments made by check. After the initial deposit, all payments made by credit card will have a 3.5% credit card fee.
Fuel Surcharge: Should oil costs go above $65 a barrel and our tour operators adjust the rate of the cruise or tours cost accordingly, we reserve the right to adjust the cost of the cruise/tour.
Exchange Rate: In the case of currency fluctuations greater than 3%, we reserve the right to adjust our pricing according in order that we may be able to operate the cruise and tours effectively.
This cruise is operated by Amadeus River Cruises.
