Holland to Belgium Cruise (La Nouvelle Etoile)

Description

The Netherlands are famous, of course, for tulips, but as a land with a rich artistic and cultural history, it has a lot more besides. The western provinces of this land of water are populated by windmills which sit above the polders and along the very river that gave its name to Amsterdam, whilst cities such as Haarlem and Delft are meccas for lovers of pottery and art. Our barging holidays here uncover some of the country’s hidden gems and are the perfect way to experience the best the country has to offer.

From the colours of the bulb fields to the magnificence of the formal gardens such as the world-renowned Keukenhof Gardens and the buzz of the world’s largest flower auction, tourists are entranced by the unique horticultural expertise of the Dutch. And those who stop off at cities along the way, marvel at the architecture and the engineering feats of the people to beat the sea.

Lovers of culture come from far and wide to tour the renowned Dutch museums. Amsterdam, Leiden and Haarlem will charm you, just as they did the great artists, while other attractions such as the Royal Delft potteries, Aalsmeer flower market and the picturesque harbour town of Enkhuizen are equally memorable.

The 8 passenger La Nouvelle Etoile offer Holland barge cruises in the spring, when the flowers are in full bloom. This is without a doubt the best time to visit this country, and our Holland river cruises are carefully planned to allow you to experience all that the country has to offer.

Trip Name

Holland to Belgium Cruise (La Nouvelle Etoile)

Days

Overview

Vessel Type: Hotel Barge / River Boat Length: 129 feet / 39.31 meters Passenger Capacity: 8 La Nouvelle Etoile has been designed to offer a very high level of comfort and convenience, to provide an on board blend of traditional elegance and modern-day facilities. The spacious, air conditioned saloon with its attractive cocktail bar, piano and elegant furnishings provides a truly sophisticated setting, while other amenities include an exercise room and a lift. Each of the four generous 200 sq ft cabin suites is lavishly equipped and the en suite bathrooms feature double hand-basins and oversized showers. On deck there is a large sun deck with comfortable loungers and a hot tub, as well as bicycles for you to pedal along the nearby towpath. This cruise on the luxurious La Nouvelle Etoile is a journey back in time through a picturesque landscape along two delightful canals, including France’s oldest, the Canal de Briare. She also cruises in Alsace, Champagne, Holland, Belgium, Picardy, Germany and Luxembourg in Spring and Autumn.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Day 1 Haarlem to Cruquius

Guests are met in Amsterdam** and transferred to the hotel barge moored in the quaint town of Haarlem where there will be a champagne welcome. There will be time to relax and then take a short walking tour of Haarlem. Upon return, La Nouvelle Etoile will set off for a short cocktail cruise through Haarlem and moor for the night near Cruquius. Tonight will be your first, of many, gourmet meals on board.

Day 2 - Day 2 Cruquius to Delft

After an early breakfast, we drive to the colourful flower auction in Aalsmeer and then return back for morning cruise along the canals to Lisse where you will be taken after lunch to visit the Keukenhof Gardens, the largest display of flowers in the world. Here you will see hundreds of varieties of tulips, hyacinths and other bulbs. Meanwhile, La Nouvelle Etoile has continued cruising to Delft and before returning to the hotel barge we visit the Delft Pottery Works, where the world famous pottery is still handmade and painted. Dinner on board.

Day 3 - Day 3 Delft to Willemstad

We leave Delft and cruise to Rotterdam. During the morning you will have time to visit the ancient distillery of Ketel One, where one of the most prestigious vodkas in the world is made. Upon returning to the barge, we continue our cruise through the busy port of Rotterdam and across the Hollandsch Diep, part of the Dutch estuaries, to the charming old fortress town of Willemstad. Dinner on board.

Day 4 - Day 4 Willemstad to Antwerp

Today, we will leave Holland and cross the border into Belgium and cruise to Antwerp. Antwerp is the city of Rubens. After lunch, we tour Rubens’ home and take a stroll in the old quarter of this beautiful Flemish city. Dinner on board.

Day 5 - Day 5 Antwerp to Ghent

After breakfast, we can catch the flood tide up the winding “Sea Schelde”, which takes us to the town of Ghent. Here you can look at the “The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb”, the famous painting by the Van Eyck brothers, or take a walk through this wonderful town in the afternoon. Dinner on board.

Day 6 - Day 6 Ghent to Bruges

This morning we will cruise to the beautiful little town of Bruges, known as the “Venice of the North”. You’ll have ample time to explore the many museums and maybe buy some of the handmade lace or take a boat trip on the small canals which meander through this picturesque town. Tonight is the Farewell Captain’s Dinner on board.

Day 7 - Day 7 Bruges

After breakfast, disembark La Nouvelle Etoile and transfer to the drop off point in Bruges.

Day 8 - Please Note:

This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change.

Trip Dates

Start	End	Price From	Room Type

Inclusions

Tour Keukenhof Gardens
Visit fascinating Zaanse Schans
Visit the Royal Delft pottery