Hamilton Tours Ltd. with Collette Vacations presents...

Wednesday, April 13 to Thursday, April 21, 2011
Springtime Tulip River Cruise featuring Dutch & Belgian Waterways

Highlights … Amsterdam, 7 night River Cruise, Volendam, Arnhem, Middelburg, Ghent, Bruges, Antwerp, Kinderdijk Windmills & Keukenhof Gardens

Day 1: Wed., April 13 -Overnight Flight - Savour springtime in Holland and Belgium with a cruise that is sure to leave truly memorable impressions. Admire the colourful glory of the blooming Dutch tulip fields and be astonished by the number of windmills. Winding waterways lead you to such well known Belgian cities as Ghent and Antwerp. Your tulip time cruise begins with an overnight flight to Amsterdam, a city filled with classic architecture, cafes, restaurants and canals.
Day 2: Thurs., April 14 - Amsterdam, Netherlands - Board Ship - Tour Begins - Your tour begins today in Amsterdam, the 800-year-old thriving capital of Holland. All aboard as you unpack once for a relaxing 7-night river cruise aboard the MS Amadeus Elegant. This beautiful vessel offers the newest technology, panoramic deck, panorama bar, fitness centre, excellent cuisine including regional wines with every dinner, and outstanding service. Tonight, a cocktail is served in the Panorama Bar offering you a chance to meet your fellow travellers before a lovely welcome dinner. Enjoy an overnight stay on the ship in Amsterdam. Today dinner will be included.
Day 3: Fri., April 15 - Amsterdam - Volendam - After breakfast, absorb some of Amsterdam’s most important sights and diverse architecture on a morning city tour. You will also get to see the city from the water during a delightful canal crusie. Mid-day you travel to the little fishing town of Volendam where you can still find fishermen dressed in traditional caps and baggy-legged trousers. A visit to a local cheese farm illustrates the process of how cheese from the area is made and also allows you the opportunity to sample some of the delicious results! During dinner, the ship resumes its cruise to the Ijssel Sea. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included.
Day 4: Sat., April 16 - Arnhem - Late this morning you arrive in Arnhem, location of the favourite summer retreat of the Dutch royal family. An optional excursion provides an opportunity to see the town and follow the course of the battle that took place here in September 1944, one of the major tragedies of World War II. Also, in the open-air museum, gain insight into the daily life of Arnhem’s people from 1700 to 1970. This afternoon your journey continues through the lovely Dutch scenery. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included.
Day 5: Sun., April 17 - Middelburg - Cruising - Today your ship docks in Middelburg, the capital of the Dutch province Zeeland. The city is known as “monumental city” because over 1,100 monuments dot its landscape. This afternoon you may choose to take an optional excursion to the Deltaworks Project located at Neeltje Jans. This is an amazing example of how the Dutch have truly tamed the environment in which they live. After the Deltaworks, you will stop at the lovely town of Veere, a prosperous trading port in the Middle Ages due to the wool trade with Scotland and today, a favourite spot for visitors. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included.
Day 6: Mon, April 18 - Ghent, Belgium - Bruges -This morning you arrive in the Imperial city of Ghent. Lined with typical patrician houses in its city centre, Ghent conveys the splendour of by-gone days. Perhaps you will join an optional sightseeing tour that includes St. Bavo Cathedral with its world-famous painting of the altar of the citizens of Ghent and the "Belfried" with its bell tower. This afternoon, allow yourself to be transported back into medieval times with a leisurely-paced walking tour of Bruges, one of Europe’s most perfectly preserved medieval cities. Today breakfast, lunch & dinner are included.
Day 7: Tues., April 19 - Antwerp - Today the ship docks in Antwerp, Belgium’s second-largest city, boasting beautiful Gothic and Baroque architecture and lively cafes. Antwerp is best known for its diamonds and also as the city of Peter Paul Rubens, who spent much of his life here. Join a local expert exploring Antwerp’s historical sights including the "Liebfrauenkirche," Belgium’s largest Gothic church; the legendary "Brabo" fountains; and Rubens’ house. The afternoon is at leisure for shopping, independent exploration or an optional excursion to the Belgian capital of Brussels. Tonight, the captain welcomes you to the elegant Captain’s Gala Dinner, immediately followed by an evening of dancing. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included.
Day 8: Wed., April 20 - Kinderdijk - Utrecht - Amsterdam - A morning stop in Kinderdijk, a UNESCO World Heritage site, allows you to experience Holland’s largest concentration of windmills, many still operating, and get a revealing glimpse into Holland’s age-old battle with the sea. After lunch, visit the world-famous Keukenhof Gardens, spanning more than 70 acres within a beautiful park of tranquil ponds and tree-shaded paths. With more than seven million tulips and other flowers on exhibit, Keukenhof is a kaleidoscope of colour in bloom. Your day concludes with a farewell dinner and a typical Dutch folklore show celebrating the end of an unforgettable river cruise through Holland and Belgium. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included.
Day 9: Thurs., April 21 - Amsterdam - Tour Ends - Your tour ends today, leaving you with many pleasant memories of a wonderful vacation. Today breakfast will be included.

Tour includes: door to door pick-up and transfer to airport from Barrie, Bradford & Newmarket areas, return flight from Pearson International, (price of flights are subject to increase until paid in full), Departure Taxes & Fuel Surcharges of $160.00, 9 day tour including 20 meals- 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners and a 7 night cruise on the MS Amadeus elegant cruise ship, Hamilton Tours Director, admissions as outlined, gratuity for Collette Tour Manager & Collette Drivers. HST EXEMPT.
Cost per person:
Twin $3985.00
Single $5185.00

A deposit of $400.00 is required at time of booking and the balance is due 2 months prior to departure.

Please note: Ship gratuities are not included and are at you discretion

Contact the office if you would like to receive a complete itinerary.

RBC Travel Insurance is available through our office at the time of booking at an additional charge.