FIND A CONSULTANT:
Search Our Site
Tulip Time Cruise
Avalon Waterways
March 31 – April 8, 2012Gail Rodenhauser, MCC
Independent Travel Consultant
Phone: 256-533-3328
Toll free: 877-891-2195
Join Gail Rodenhauser who will escort a group on a fabulous river cruise at the height of “tulip season” in 2012. Avalon Waterways offers a deluxe inclusive cruise from Amsterdam to Amsterdam, and with early sign up you can save $500 per person. This cruise includes an excursion to Floriade, Holland for the 2012 World Horticultural Expo . This event is staged once every ten years with participating countries, businesses and horticultural companies presenting the world’s most exquisite and exceptional flowers, plants, trees and vegetables. Also included on the river cruise is an excursion to Keukenhof Gardens and much, much more.
Our ship, the Avalon Affinity, was built in 2009 and is state of the art with excellent amenities. There are 65 staterooms and 4 suites which have comfort collection bedding, flat screen televisions, large bathrooms, 3 door closets, wi-fi access, robes and slippers, and the majority of the staterooms have French balconies. Three meals are served daily on the ship, and excellent wines are served at the dinner meal. It is highly recommended by Conde Nast and Travel and Leisure. You unpack one time; it is truly the perfect vacation.
If you have not experienced this part of the world at this time of the year, or if you have not experienced a river cruise, now is the time!!! Sign up before Aug. 30 for the best pricing.
ITINERARY
Day 1 (March 31): Depart on your international flight, arriving in Amsterdam early the next day.
Day 2 (April 1): Arrive in Amsterdam, Holland (Embarkation)
Welcome to Amsterdam! Holland’s capital is sophisticated and modern, with a rich and fascinating history. We will transfer from the airport to the ship and have the afternoon to discover this delightful 700-year-old city with its elegant and classic architecture, cafés, restaurants, and lively marketplace. You may want to go to the Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh. Around 4:00 P.M. we will go back to the ship where we will meet your crew at a welcome reception. (Dinner)
Day 2 (April 2) Amsterdam
Canal Cruise where we will see the distinct architecture of Amsterdam. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 3 (April 3)
Choose to visit the Floridale World Horticultual Expo. Or you may choose an excursion to Maastrich, located on the confines of Belgium and Germany. Later there is an onboard diamond party. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 4 (April 4) Antwerp, Belgium
Antwerp is Belgium’s second-largest city and one of the world’s most important ancient seaports. Included sightseeing shows you its superb architecture, and the Grote Market with its beautiful city hall and the Church of Our Lady make this city well worth a visit. An optional excursion to nearby Brussels, Belgium’s capital and home of the European Union, is available. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 5: (April 5) Ghent
In a unique way, Ghent, the “diamond” of Flanders, has managed to preserve its medieval charm and power while keeping up with the times. A Local Guide will proudly point out that the city center alone is a showcase of medieval Flemish wealth and commercial success, and will take you into ST. BAAF’S CATHEDRAL. From here, an optional excursion to fascinating Bruges, with its criss-crossed canals and charming old patrician houses, is available. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 6: ( April 6) Middelburg, Holland–Veere–Delta Works
It is certain that Middelburg was originally built as a stronghold to protect the population of Zeeland from the water and from enemies. Later, it became a prosperous merchant city that spent great wealth on the construction of important buildings such as the town hall. The eye-catching high tower of the town hall dominates the charming town of Veere, which was once an important wool-trading center. Take your photos before continuing to one of the world ’s most complex engineering projects, the DELTA WORKS, located nearby. After the flood of 1953, during which more than 1,800 people drowned in one night, the Delta Plan was born to prevent another disaster of this magnitude. The final defense in the battle against the water is the storm flood barrier, almost six miles long and considered a technical miracle. The project took 30 years to complete. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 7: (April 7) Kinderdijk. Excursion to Keukenhof Gardens
We will visit the picturesque windmills in Kinderdijk. Today’s highlight: the gardens of KEUKENHOF near Lisse, which encompass over 70 acres of parkland with lakes, sculpture gardens, greenhouses, and a windmill to explore. Millions of flower bulbs are grown here that present a spectacular display of blooms every year. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 8: (April 8) Amsterdam
Amsterdam (Disembarkation). Today we say good-bye to the crew and transfer to the airport for our flight back to the United States. We will bring great memories of the Netherlands at Tulip Time. (Breakfast)
River Cruise Pricing – Based on double occupancy.
For single supplement, please call Gail for pricing.
Cat. E
172 sq. feet
Window
$2,029 + taxes of $105
Cat. B
172 sq. feet
French Balcony
$2,578 + taxes of $105
Cat. A
172 sq. feet
French Balcony
$2,628 + taxes of $105
Cat. P
172 sq. feet
French Balcony
$2,728 + taxes of $105
If you book cabin and air by August 30, you will receive a $500 discount on the above pricing.
Avalon has very good air pricing – please call me for an air quote.Gail: 256-533-3328 or toll free 877-891-2195
Deposit $500.00 per person
Final payment due Dec. 28, 2012
Highlights:
- Floridale World Horticultural Exposition
- Keukenhof Gardens
- Fine gourmet cuisine emphasizing local ingredients with wine at dinner
- State of the art staterooms
- Grand panorama views from the ship
- Daily entertainment onboard
- Local shore excursions with excellent guides
- Special highlights including lectures and theme dinners
- Internet Access in each room
- Delight itinerary encompassing history, architecture, art, and flowers
