Day 1: Depart for Paris

Depart for Paris

Day 2: Paris

Arrive in Paris, the "City of Lights"; transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to begin your discovery of one of the world's greatest cities with its endless treasures. Tonight, enjoy a Welcome Drink and orientation meeting with your local host at the hotel.

Day 3: Paris

Drive along the famous Champs Elysees to the Arc de Triomphe and the iconic Eiffel Tower, symbol of Paris. On to the celebrated "Rive Gauche", the vivacious Left Bank where artists, philosophers and writers in a long gone era flourished in the artistic community at Montparnasse. View the Latin Quarter, home to many of France's higher education establishments, such as the Sorbonne. Spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure or join the optional tour to magnificent Versailles to witness the grandeur of French classical architecture on the visit to the Palace and the extravagant State Apartments. Breakfast included.

Day 4: Paris

The day is yours to explore this exciting city independently. Visit bustling Montmartre on your own to see spectacular views of the city, and the Basilica of Sacre Coeur, or walk the winding streets to mingle with the street artists selling their wares at Place du Tertre. Perhaps tonight stop at a bistro for dinner coupled with great wine. Breakfast included.

Day 5: Brussels, River Cruise Embarkation in Amsterdam

Travel through French countryside to reach Brussels. In Belgium's capital city, view the gigantic Atomium, that still remains from the 1958 World Expo, the Palace of Justice and the Grand Place, a re-created 15th century town square with decorated guild houses. Stroll the city center with the well-known Manneken Pis bronze sculpture before continuing to the port in Amsterdam. After arrival formalities, rest and relax on board. This evening, meet your Cruise Director and enjoy a gala Welcome Dinner as it sets the mood for your delightful river cruise. Breakfast and dinner included.

Day 6: Antwerp

Today you arrive in Antwerp, one of Europe's largest and most historic port cities, where more than half of the world's diamonds are traded. Evidence of the wealth produced from trade during the 16th century can be seen in the opulent homes that line the city streets. During the walking tour, view the unique market place, surrounded by the mighty Renaissance Town hall and numerous guild halls. Visit the Cathedral of our Lady, the highest Gothic building in the Low Countries. Rest of the day is at leisure in Antwerp, or return to the ship for a relaxing afternoon on board. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 7: Ghent, the Historic Flanders Port

Discover the historic Flanders port of Ghent today, a showcase of Flemish wealth. Your tour of this medieval city includes views of the 7th century St. Bavo's Cathedral and the imposing Gravensteen Castle. At the town center, view the gigantic Belfry, a symbol of the city's independence and the Gothic-style Cloth Hall, glorifying the city's major industry. Alternatively, take the optional full day tour to Bruges, also known as the "Venice of the North" and home to some of Europe's best preserved medieval buildings. Here, view the Lake of Love (Minnewater), the Beguinage Convent and walk along the picturesque winding cobbled alleys and romantic canals. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 8: Willemstad, Afternoon Windmill Tour in Kinderdijk

Begin your exploration of charming Willemstad, located on Holland's Diep River. The town, named after King Willem of Orange, is best-known for its well-preserved fortifications. View some of the town's architectural landmarks; the Mauritshuis, De Koepelkerk Church, the first church built in the Netherlands specifically for Protestant worship, d'Orangemolen, a stately white windmill, and Old Town Hall. Alternatively, join the fascinating optional excursion to the Delta Works this morning. After the 1953 flood in the Netherlands, the Delta Plan was created to prevent a disaster from ever happening again. Taking 30 years to complete, the storm flood barrier, almost six miles long, stands as the final defense in the battle against the water and is considered a technical miracle. Afterward, rejoin the ship and continue cruising to Dordrecht. This afternoon, visit a windmill park in the small village of Kinderdijk on the north bank of the River Noord. The windmills, built in the 1700s, are still in use today and played a vital role in the development of the country. During this excursion, visit a windmill and learn more about the modern technology that is now replacing their existence. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 9: Morning Tour of Enkhuizen

Embark on a morning tour of the charming city of Enkhuizen. Discover the city's historic landmarks and step into the Dutch Golden Age of the 17th century when you stroll through Enkhuizen's historic streets. Learn about the city's local culture and hear facts about the time when the Netherlands was a global trading power with Enkhuizen one of its main port cities. Conclude the tour with a visit to Zuiderzee Museum, that focuses in maritime history and cultural heritage of the Zuiderzee. Visit the exhibits and discover how people once lived in this area. Free time to explore on your own before returning to the ship. Set sail in the late afternoon. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 10: Morning in Keukenhof Gardens, Afternoon Tour of Zaandam

Depart this morning for beautiful Keukenhof Gardens, the largest and most spectacular flower gardens in the world, where a sea of multicolored tulips stretches out over the flat Dutch landscape as far as the eye can see. Return to the ship for lunch on board. This afternoon, visit the city of Zaandam that is steeped in history. During the Dutch Golden Age, the city had a large milling center with over 1000 windmills along the Zaan river. The area is considered one of the oldest industrial areas in the world. Explore the typical Dutch landscape with its flat meadows and numerous windmills. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 11: Amsterdam

Awake this morning in Amsterdam, one of the greatest small cities in the world, with its world-famous museums and historical sites. Today's panoramic tour of 700-year-old Amsterdam introduces you to both the old and the new sections of this city. View the Royal Palace on Amsterdam's Dam Square, the King's official home-away-from-home. On to the Dutch National Monument dedicated by Queen Juliana as a memorial to the victims of WWII and to the unusual Skinny Bridge, once so narrow that pedestrians could not pass each other. Then, board a glass-top boat and cruise the winding canals for an up-close view of the stately historic homes, 16th-century warehouses and charming churches with striking bell towers. Rejoin the ship for lunch on board, and spend a leisurely afternoon in Amsterdam. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included. At tonight's Farewell Dinner, share wonderful memories of your cruise.

Day 12: Depart Amsterdam

Disembark and transfer to the airport for your departure flight. Breakfast included.