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Accommodations M.V. HEIDELBERG Launched in 2004 and lauded as the best European river ship, the five-star M.V. Heidelberg is one of the finest river vessels in Europe, distinguished by a combination of refined elegance and modern facilities. Providing an intimate and luxurious cruise experience, the M.V. Heidelberg is reminiscent of a deluxe "boutique" European hotel with rich wood paneling, the artful use of fabrics and original artwork placed throughout the ship. The 56 deluxe cabins are a generous 190 square feet with two twin beds or one queen bed, and each is beautifully furnished with private bathroom facilities and shower, a built-in closet, desk, telephone, television and radio. Hair dryers and terry robes are also available upon request. Each stateroom offers a private view of the legendary scenery. Each meal - breakfast, morning bouillon, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner and midnight snack - is served in a single seating in the ship's elegantly-appointed dining room. The acclaimed international cuisine is prepared fresh daily with local produce and ingredients. Guest facilities and services include a lounge, bar, beauty salon, boutique, laundry facilities, library, sun deck and fitness center with massage, sauna and steam room. The experienced international staff maintains the highest levels of excellence in service and hospitality. This ship meets the highest international safety and environmental standards. |
Waterways of Holland & Belgium
April 10 - 18, 2009
Celebrate the spirit and beauty of springtime in the Low Countries on this spectacular journey along the waterways of Holland and Belgium aboard the deluxe M.V. Heidelberg, one of the finest river ships in Europe. On this exclusive River Life itinerary, cruise past centuries-old windmills and charming canal-lined villages as Holland's tulips burst into full spring bloom. Discover picturesque Old Dutch towns like Volendam, Middelburg and Delft; explore the exceptionally well-preserved medieval Flemish cities of Bruges and Antwerp; and visit Holland's most famous windmills at Kinderdijk. Also included is a visit to the home of the great Flemish Master, Peter Paul Rubens, a private canal cruise in Amsterdam, and a tour of the extraordinary gardens of Keukenhof, where millions of tulips, daffodils and other flowers bloom each spring. Throughout the program enjoy specially arranged educational programs and cultural activities, including private beer and chocolate tastings in Belgium.
DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY INCLUDED FEATURES
EXCLUSIVE GOHAGAN TRAVEL SERVICES
AMSTERDAM PRE-PROGRAM OPTION
This comprehensive itinerary is an exclusive offering from Gohagan & Company, who has been operating exceptionally successful cruise programs in Holland & Belgium for more than 20 years. Gain unique insight and a personal look into life in Holland & Belgium during our specially arranged Village Forum with local residents. Enjoy the best value on the market with travel aboard the exclusively charted five-star M.V. Heidelberg, the finest ship cruising the Dutch waterways.
Cost Special Tulane pricing is from approximately $2495 per person, plus airfare and based on double occupancy. Booking For booking information please contact Thomas P. Gohagan at 800-922-3088, or Tulane Alumni Travel at 877-488-5263. Specific trip details (itinerary, meals, sightseeing & accommodations) will be published in the brochure.
DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY DAY 1
Depart from your gateway city.
DAY 2
Arrive in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Enjoy a private canal cruise through the city. Embark the five-star M.V. Heidelberg. Depart Amsterdam late this evening.
DAY 3
Excursion: Set out on a walking tour of Delft. Continue to the windmills of Kinderdijk.
Exclusive Enrichment: Observe a private demonstration of how the famous "Delft Blue" porcelain is made at the 17th-century Porceleyne Fles. Join the Captain for a special River Life welcome toast.
DAY 4
Excursion: Visit the Delta Works and enjoy free time in Middelburg to explore the Market Square.
DAY 5
Excursion: See beautifully preserved medieval Bruges on a walking tour and private canal cruise.
Exclusive Enrichment: Visit a chocolatier and sample Belgium's world-famous handmade chocolate.
DAY 6
Excursion: Tour of Antwerp, center of Belgian commerce, featuring guided visits to the Rubenshuis and the Cathedral of Our Lady.
Exclusive Enrichment: Meet local residents during the specially arranged Village Forum, followed by a private tasting of Belgium's famous beers.
DAY 7
Excursion: Enjoy a walking tour of the fishing town of Volendam. Special River Life farewell toast.
DAY 8
Excursion: Spend the morning in the spectacular Keukenhof Gardens, one of the world's greatest floral exhibitions. DAY 9
Disembark the ship and transfer to the airport for your return flight.
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INCLUDED FEATURES
- Seven-night round trip cruise from Amsterdam aboard the deluxe M.V. Heidelberg, with calls at Rotterdam (Delft), Dordrecht (Kinderdijk), Middelburg, Ghent (Bruges), Antwerp and Volendam.
- Spacious, deluxe accommodations in an outside cabin with private bathroom facilities.
- All meals served at a single seating - breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner and late-night snack - featuring international cuisine.
- Special welcome and farewell toasts and dinners.
- Nightly live entertainment.
All tours and excursions listed in the itinerary, led by expert local guides:
- Private Amsterdam canal cruise.
- Walking tour of historic Delft.
- Tour of the legendary Kinderdijk.
- Excursion to the Delta Works and time at leisure in Middelburg.
- Excursion to the World Heritage site of Bruges, featuring a private canal cruise.
- Antwerp city tour, featuring a visit to the Cathedral of our Lady.
- Tour of charming Volendam, featuring its famous Golden Age houses.
- Visit to Keukenhof Gardens, one of the world's greatest floral exhibitions.
Plus a full program of educational and cultural enrichment including:
- Specially arranged tour of Porceleyne Fles and a demonstration of porcelain creation in Delft.
- Exclusive Village Forum featuring local citizens who will discuss the culture, politics, history and social issues in Holland and Belgium.
- A visit to a Belgian chocolatier in Bruges for a demonstration of the chocolate-making process and a sampling of Belgium's world-renowned chocolates.
- A private tasting of specially selected Belgian beers.
- Guided tour of Peter Paul Ruben's home and studios at the Rubenshuis in Antwerp.
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MADRID PRE-PROGRAM OPTION
Before embarking M.S. Le Diamant, view the architectural and artistic treasures of Madrid and step back into the Middle Ages in Toledo, one of the best preserved cities in Spain, on this optional three-night stay in Spain's dynamic capital. Enjoy the city orientation tour featuring visits to the 18th-century Royal Palace and the Prado Museum, one of the world's great art galleries, housing works by Doménikos Theotokopoulos (El Greco), Diego Velázquez and Francisco Goya. The excursion to the historic city of Toledo includes visits to the Gothic Cathedral, the Church of Santo Tomé to view El Greco's masterpiece, The Burial of the Count of Ordaz, and the 14th-century Transito Synagogue. Complete details will be provided with your reservation confirmation. GRANADA AND SEVILLE POST-PROGRAM OPTION Upon disembarkation in Málaga, extend your program with and optional three-night stay consisting of one night in Granada and two nights in Seville, where Spain's medieval Moorish legacy survives to the present day. Walk through Granada's magnificent Geralife Gardens and admire the grace and beauty of the Alhambra, a former royal palace; visit Córdoba's incomparable Mezquita, a mosque converted into a cathedral; and see the proud monuments of Seville's past - the Cathedral, the Alcazar and the Giralda Tower. Complete details will be provided with your reservation confirmation.
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