Bruges, Medieval Flanders, Amsterdam and the Dutch Bulbfields River Cruise - MS Geoffrey Chaucer

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Bruges, Medieval Flanders, Amsterdam and the Dutch Bulbfields River Cruise - MS Geoffrey Chaucer

8 Days - River Cruises

Sail through Belgium and the Netherlands as we discover the floral displays of Keukenhof Gardens, visit poignant war sites, and explore the quaint streets of Amsterdam, Bruges, Ghent and more. Don't miss the opportunity to marvel at the awe-inspiring blooms of Keukenhof. The world's largest flower garden is only open for a few months of the year, and its kaleidoscope of vibrant displays decorating the meticulously landscaped grounds promise to leave you breathless. On our voyage, we'll explore some of the region's most charming cities, such as Antwerp and Ghent, and discover one of Europe’s finest ‘old world’ cities: the delightful Bruges. Take in the beauty of Amsterdam as you glide through its enchanting canals on a glass-topped canal boat. We'll also pay our respects at the battle HQ of the British 1st Airborne Division in Oosterbeek and visit the Commonwealth War Cemetery. Those with an interest in history can also choose to embark on a poignant excursion to Ypres and Tyne Cot Cemetery, reflecting the First World War’s staggering loss of life during an unforgettable trip back in time. This holiday is ideal for travellers with an interest in history and gardens.

Holiday Highlights

Explore Antwerp, visiting the Grote Markt, the Renaissance town hall and the opulent Brabo Fountain, and charming Bruges on guided tours
Experience a classic Amsterdam glass-topped canal cruise, viewing a variety of gabled buildings, bustling streets and historic bridges along the way
Visit the battle HQ of the British 1st Airborne Division at Oosterbeek and the Commonwealth War Cemetery
Marvel at the spectacular Keukenhof, the world's largest flower garden covering nearly eighty acres
Choose between a guided walking tour of picturesque Ghent or a poignant excursion to Ypres and Tyne Cot Cemetery

What's Included

Prices are per person, based on two people sharing a twin cabin with a limited number of sole occupancy cabins available, at the relevant supplement. The price includes:
Full board during your cruise from dinner on your day of arrival until breakfast on your final day (except lunch on day 6)
Free Superior drinks package
Complimentary on-board tea and coffee
Complimentary on-board Wi-Fi (connection speeds may vary)
All visits and excursions as mentioned
Return flights or Eurostar and Thalys
Coach travel as mentioned
Transfers from the airport/station to and from the port of embarkation
English-speaking expert guides
The services of a Riviera Travel Cruise Director and Concierge

Itinerary

Day 1

Your adventure begins in Amsterdam, as you board your five-star ship. The dedicated crew welcomes you aboard, ensuring you settle in to your extremely comfortable and well-appointed cabin. There’s time to familiarise yourself with your first-class floating hotel before experiencing the chef’s specially chosen menu for your first dinner on board.

Day 2

Keukenhof Breakfast is an on-board institution and you’re always assured of an enticing range of choices. Then we’ll visit Keukenhof, the heart of the glorious Dutch bulbfields. On arrival, nothing will prepare you for the dazzling spectrum of colours stretched out before you in the world’s largest flower garden, covering nearly 80 acres. The art of flower planting reaches breathtaking heights at Keukenhof, a gardener’s heaven created by more than seven million tulips, daffodils and other blooms set among a beautiful landscape of shimmering lakes, ancient trees, flowering shrubs and water gardens. Towards the end of our visit, you’ll have the choice of returning to the ship for lunch or staying longer in Keukenhof to explore further and returning to the ship later in the afternoon. Free afternoon in Amsterdam Returning to Amsterdam, you’re free to explore as you wish. Amsterdam is an art-lover’s dream. You could visit the Rijksmuseum, an architectural marvel itself, it holds a magnificent collection of works by Dutch masters such as Rembrandt and Vermeer. Or, if post-Impressionism interests you more, you might prefer the Van Gogh Museum, housing the world’s greatest collection of works by this genius of a man. For those with an interest in history, the Anne Frank Huis provides a poignant look at the war’s impact on real people’s lives. Anne’s record of the two years her family and friends spent in hiding is now a classic of Western literature, but the tiny, dark rooms put their experience into harrowing clarity. And the museum of the Dutch Resistance, the Verzetsmuseum, using personal stories, letters, artefacts, films and photographs to illuminate local resistance to end collaboration with the Nazis. After dinner, you can relax with a nightcap and enjoy the sounds of traditional Dutch music performed live on board.

Day 3

Morning sailing One of the delights of river cruising is the enchanting experience of waking somewhere new, the water gently lapping as the ship glides almost imperceptibly along. We’re now deep in the heart of Holland, passing flower-bedecked houseboats, flocks of wildfowl and, of course, windmills! Arnhem We’ll soon arrive in Nijmegen and from here we visit Arnhem, synonymous with the ill-fated 1944 aerial assault depicted in the film A Bridge Too Far. We’ll visit the battle HQ of the British 1st Airborne Division at Oosterbeek, now an excellent museum, and the Commonwealth War Cemetery, the final resting place of so many. Back on board, we’ll continue our passage along the Dutch waterways, before enjoying another sumptuous dinner on board, as distant lights glint on the waterfront as we silently slip by.

Day 4

Morning sailing This morning there’s a chance to relax as we sail. Having crossed into Belgium now, sit back on one of the comfortable deck chairs on the Sun Deck and soak up the atmosphere of these magical waterways. Breathe in the clean air, listen to the rippling water and marvel at the captain’s skill as he calmly navigates the busy River Scheldt on our way to Antwerp. Antwerp We’ll arrive in the city after lunch for a tour led by a local guide taking in its numerous highlights and lesser-known features. The birthplace of the Baroque master Peter Paul Rubens was once part of the Spanish Empire. Antwerp grew wealthy during its 16th-century Golden Age, when it was Europe’s largest port north of the Alps, with profits invested in the city’s Flemish art and architectural heritage, and later it became the world’s diamond trading centre. At its heart is the captivating main square – the Grote Markt – dominated by ornately gabled guildhouses, the Renaissance town hall and opulent Brabo Fountain. The rest of the afternoon is free to explore as you wish, perhaps visiting Rubens’ extravagant former home and studio, the magnificent Gothic cathedral or even the painstakingly restored train station, of such architectural splendour it is often called the ‘Railway Cathedral’.

Day 5

Today, you’ll have the choice to enjoy a guided tour of Ghent, with the afternoon free to explore or join a full-day tour to Ypres and Tyne Cot Cemetery. Ghent This Belgian treasure is bisected by a network of historic canals. Today, we'll join a local guide for a guided walking tour of the city, wandering through its many cobbled towpaths. As well as soaking up the atmosphere and admiring the tall merchants’ houses and elegant bridges along the waterfront, we'll visit Saint Bavo Cathedral to see the van Eyck brothers' Adoration of the Mystic Lamb. The altarpiece, which features scenes from the Bible, is recognised as a work of art and people still flock to see the Flemish master's eye for detail and technical skill. After our tour, you’ll have the afternoon at leisure to explore Ghent further. Ypres Synonymous with the horrors of the Great War and now a place of reflection, Ypres was almost flattened during the First World War as Allied and German forces fought for control of this strategically important town. After a guided tour of Ypres, there’s time to visit Flanders Field Museum and enjoy lunch in one of the local cafés. The tour concludes with a visit to the world’s largest Commonwealth cemetery at Tyne Cot, its sea of 11,961 graves reflecting the First World War’s staggering loss of life. You cannot fail to be touched by the sights and sounds of this unforgettable trip back in time. We’ll return to the ship mid-afternoon, with the chance to explore Ghent before dinner. (Please note lunch is not provided when choosing this excursion.)

Day 6

Bruges After breakfast we’ll drive to Bruges for a guided walking tour to discover the highlights of this alluring city. We’ll begin in its medieval heart, the Markt, which has served as the main market square since the 10th century. Towering 272 feet over the colourful gabled buildings framing the square is the Belfry and its 47-bell carillon. You’ll have the opportunity to climb the 366 steps to the top, the reward being a breathtaking view of Bruges and the Flanders countryside extending beyond. We’ll also visit two other notable buildings in the Burg, the city’s second main square – the elegant Gothic Stadhuis (Town Hall) and the 18th-century law courts – plus the Basilica of the Holy Blood. Another must-see is the Church of Our Lady, which houses Michelangelo’s beautiful white marble sculpture, Madonna and Child. Free afternoon in Bruges After lunch at leisure, the remainder of the day is free for you to explore. The Groeningemuseum and Sint-Janshospitaal are home to sublime works of art and you can find museums dedicated to Belgium’s holy trinity of beer, chocolate and frites. You can take a boat tour of the canals so you can see the city from a waterside perspective or find a café and enjoy watching the world go by. (Please note, lunch is not provided today) Tonight, the chef will prepare superb dishes for you to enjoy at the Chef's Dinner.

Day 7

Morning sailing Early risers discover the ship making effortless progress along the delightful waterways and you experience the somewhat surreal effect of cruising above the surrounding reclaimed polders – it’s almost like flying! After breakfast, you could watch as the riverbank glides by on the Sun Deck, relax with a coffee in the panoramic lounge or pamper yourself with a treatment in the onboard spa. Amsterdam canal cruise During lunch we’ll arrive back in Amsterdam. There’s no better way to explore this delightful city than taking a classic glass-topped boat tour through the network of canals that infuse every aspect of life here. The tour brings a real insight into the history and everyday life of Amsterdam, a maritime, financial and cultural powerhouse uniquely located facing both the sea and the heartlands of Europe. As we glide over the calm canal waters, you’ll see a fascinating variety of typically Dutch narrow gabled buildings, bustling streets and historic bridges immortalised by the great artists, and learn about its famous canalside residents, from the tragic Anne Frank, who wrote her diaries hidden in a merchant’s house, to Rembrandt, the Dutch Old Master. Afterwards, you’re free to explore as you wish. Maybe relax in a pavement café and watch the crowds of Amsterdammers crisscrossing through the city on bikes. Looking for something a little stronger? Perhaps a tall, frothy beer from a local brewery. The city has a vibrant craft and speciality beer scene with many bars, tasting houses and breweries to choose from. The Dutch are known for their chich, yet practical design, so why not browse the city's many shops in search of fun furniture, fashion and gadgets? The city is also home to many museums and galleries – the perfect place to while away the rest of the afternoon. Or you could also stay on board to catch up on some reading - the choice is yours. After dinner tonight retire to the lounge to enjoy some well-known melodies during a guitar performance.

Day 8

It’s time to say goodbye to your crew and start the journey home.

After years of painstaking research to create the most perfect vessels afloat, a new era in river cruising dawns as we introduce our brand new, state of the art, ‘all suite’ ships. Swiss operated and truly world-class, we are absolutely delighted to present the five-star MS Geoffrey Chaucer.

It is extremely difficult to convey just how extraordinary this outstanding ship really is and exactly what distinguishes it from similar vessels. It would be very easy to just say ‘luxurious’ but it’s much more than that; we have deliberately avoided the current trend for a minimalist style where you could be anywhere in the world, creating instead a unique yet exquisite blend of understated taste, style and elegance at the highest level. Immediately striking is just how exceptionally spacious this new vessel is as you enter a gleaming, richly coloured marble-floored lobby flooded with natural light from a stunning atrium above. Moving inside, exceptional creativity from Europe’s finest design studio has produced a superbly balanced masterpiece of onboard style, utilising sustainable rich hardwoods, gleaming brass and polished copper, sparkling glass and intricate wrought iron. The ship is beautifully illuminated throughout – including the exterior and imaginatively furnished with harmonious colour schemes, all designed to create the serene atmosphere reflective of the golden age of cruising which time after time you tell us you adore.

The restaurant rivals the finest on shore establishments taking fine dining to another level complemented by delicate European porcelain, gleaming glassware and the intuitive service in which the Swiss excel. This superb vessel carries 44 in-house trained crew members serving just 167 guests (similar size vessels may carry well over 190 passengers) giving the ratio which our experience proves is concurrent with our first class service levels.

Furthermore your suite will easily exceed your expectations for not only will you enjoy the most discerning décor, so too the ship’s dimensions afford the ultimate in space and comfort - a minimum 17 square metres (183 square feet), with upgrades available to ‘Superior’ and ‘Deluxe’ accommodation.

See this ship on a Romania river cruise.

Deck Plan

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