BELGIUM & HOLLAND IN SPRING
Old windmills, lush farmland, serene canals – an idyllic scene you’ll see over and over again as you cruise through the Dutch countryside
1. ARRIVE BRUSSELS Tour begins: 7:00 PM, Hotel Amigo. A transfer is included from Brussels Airport, Centraal Station or Brussels Midi Station to the elegantly stylish Hotel Amigo, ideally located in the heart of the city. Meet your fellow cruisers this evening at our welcome cocktail reception followed by dinner. Meals D
2. BRUSSELS & MORE / EMBARK RIVERBOAT Morning guided sightseeing in Brussels, Belgium’s capital and a key center of European trade and culture since the 13th century, takes in the Atomium, a 338-foot-tall structure resembling atoms, built for the 1958 World’s Fair; Grand-Place, one of Europe’s loveliest city squares, boasting a Gothic town hall surrounded by Renaissance-era guildhalls; and the famous bronze fountain sculpture and symbol of Brussels known as the Manneken Pis; his wardrobe, consisting of hundreds of costumes, is changed several times a week. Depart Brussels and head to Maastricht in Holland for a Tauck Exclusive lunch – a memorable culinary experience at the 17th-century Château Neercanne, a unique terraced castle where you’ll enjoy an extraordinary meal – chef’s hat on – served in its Roman grottoes. After lunch go directly to your riverboat and settle in or make an optional visit to Margraten’s moving Netherlands American Cemetery, the only World War II cemetery for fallen U.S. troops in Holland. Tonight, onboard your riverboat enjoy the distinctive taste of “Lambic” beer, followed by a traditional Belgian dinner in the ship’s dining room. Meals BLD
Call your travel agent or Tauck at 800-468-2825 877-519-1035
3. MAASTRICHT / ALONG THE ALBERT CANAL One of the Netherlands’ oldest cities, Maastricht is said to contain more than 1,400 historic buildings and monuments dating back to the 13th century. An Old Town walking tour with your local guide this morning includes the remains of the city’s medieval fortifications and Helpoort, a steep-roofed gateway built in 1229. On beautiful cobblestoned Vrijthof Square, visit the Museum aan het Vrijthof (closed Mondays), set within the 16th-century Spanish Government House; focusing on the arts and crafts that have flourished in this city of artisans for 500 years, the museum’s collection includes Maastricht paintings, silver, pistols and timepieces. Reboard the riverboat and attend a talk and other onboard activities as you set off on a cruise along the Albert Canal, bound for Antwerp, Belgium. This evening enjoy the Captain’s welcome dinner. Meals BLD
4. A TASTE OF ANTWERP
After arriving overnight in the major port city of Antwerp, a day in the capital of the Belgian province of Flanders includes an orientation tour of the city, and a guided walk through the historic center featuring Grote Markt (the old market square); the Cathedral of Our Lady, and numerous restored merchants’ houses, harkening back to the days of the 16th-century “Age of Exploration” when Antwerp, at the time a powerful center of international commerce, was the richest city in Europe. Enjoy tastings of locally produced “bier” and fries at a well-known specialty beer pub. On your visit to the newly opened Red Star
www.tauck.com/river-cruises 83
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