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TULIP TIME RIVER CRUISE
plus KUENKENHOF GARDENS and OPTIONAL FLORIADE 2012
April 14 - 22, 2012 - FULLY BOOKED
Travel Broker Tours invites you to join Denise Johnson, on a marvelous 8 Day Tulip Time River Cruise Vacation of Holland and Belgium!
Discover picturesque Holland and Belgium in the spring on this marvelous river cruise vacation! See the sights in Arnhem, Antwerp, and Ghent, as well as Middelburg and Rotterdam. Enjoy a canal cruise in Amsterdam, take photos of the charming windmills at Kinderdijk, and learn about Holland's complex flood controls at the fascinating Delta Works. We will explore the quaint fishing village of Volendam; drink in the colorful blooming beauty of famous Keukenhof Gardens, take an excursion to Floriade - a World Horticultural Expo staged once every ten years with the opportunity to enjoy the world's most exquisite and exceptional flowers, plants, trees and fruit and vegetables.
Our Program
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 Travel Broker Tours Cruise EscortDenise Johnson
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Highlights Include:
- 7 Nt Tulip Time River Cruise River of Holland and Belgium: River cruise on the Avalon Tranquility in an outside stateroom including portholes, all meals, sightseeing and excursion program as per itinerary.
- Guided Sightseeing - As per itinerary including visits to Antwerp, Middleburg and St. Baaf's Cathedral in Ghent. Daily port lectures, sightseeing and shore excursions (with personal headsets) with an expert local guide. Included sightseeing per itinerary.
- Excursions - Including an Amsterdam Canal Cruise, an excursion to Floriade 2012 or Maastricht, an excursion to the Delta Works, an orientation in Veere, a visit to Kuenkenhof Gardens and a stop to view picturesque windmills in Kinderdijk. Optional excursions may be available.
- Special Social Events - Enjoy a Welcome Reception on the day of embarkation and a Captain's 5 Course Farewell Dinner on the last night of the cruise.
Detailed Itinerary
SAT APR 14 - Depart HOME CITY
Departure on your international flight (not included in tour price) to Amsterdam, Holland. As a full service travel agency, we are happy to assist you to arrange your flight and transfer details from your home city to join this tour.
Day 1: SUN APR 15 - ARRIVE in AMSTERDAM (EMBARKATION)
Welcome to Amsterdam! Its name is derived from Amstelredamme, indicative of the city's origin: a dam in the river Amstel. Settled as a small fishing village in the late 12th century, Amsterdam became one of the most important ports in the world during the Dutch "Golden Age". Holland's capital is the financial and cultural centre of the Netherlands, sophisticated and modern with a rich and fascinating history. The works of famous Dutch Masters can be seen in world renowned museums such as the Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh. This afternoon we board our river cruise vessel and meet our crew at the Welcome Reception.
Meals: (D) Dinner Lodging: Avalon Tranquility
Day 2: MON APR 16 - AMSTERDAM
There is no better way to see Amsterdam than by canal boat, cruising through elegant grachten lined with stately homes dating back to Amsterdam's "Golden Age". The 17th-century canals located in the heart of Amsterdam, were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in July 2010. This afternoon, there is some time to explore Amsterdam's main attractions, including its historic canals, its world renowned museums (the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, Anne Frank House), its red-light district or perhaps join an optional excursion to a nearby picturesque small town before your ship sets sail. Meals: (BLD) Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Lodging: Avalon Tranquility
Day 3: TUE APR 17 - EXCURSION to FLORIADE or MAASTRICHT
Choose to visit the Floriade 2012, a World Horticultural Expo staged once every ten years in the Netherlands in the Venlo region. Floriade 2012 will feature five themed areas on a site of 66 hectares. Environment, Green Engine, Relax & Heal, Education & Innovation, World Show Stage and will feature a Cable Car of 1,100 meters. Alternatively, you may choose to join an excursion to Maastricht, located at the confines of Belgium and Germany. Later passengers will enjoy a diamond party on board. Meals: (BLD) Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: Avalon Tranquility
But Floriade 2012 offers much more. Each day features a cultural programme of music, dance, literature, theatre and visual art from all over the world. Sustainable, pioneering architectural eye catchers, as never seen before, will be shown for the first time at Floriade 2012. With countless exciting, innovative and educational attractions and activities, Floriade 2012 is a spectacular voyage of discovery for children. Various characteristic restaurants and friendly, welcoming cafes offer visitors a place to savour delicious local and international cuisine, naturally prepared with home grown ingredients. Or enjoy a picnic surrounded by flowers and trees, lounge on the banks of the water and delight in the countless shows and parades. Floriade 2012 lets you experience nature. Using the senses of sight, hearing, taste, touch and smell you can experience at first hand the influence horticulture has on the quality of our daily lives. |
Floriade 2012 is a World Horticultural Expo staged once every ten years in the Netherlands. During the period from April until the middle of October 2012, the 6th edition of Floriade will be organised in Venlo. The participating countries, businesses & horticultural companies and public & semi-public bodies present visitors to Floriade 2012 with the opportunity to enjoy the world's most exquisite and exceptional flowers, plants, trees and fruit and vegetables.Day 4: WED APR 18 - ANTWERP
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 Markt (Main Square) with its beautiful city hall and the Church of Our Lady which began construction in the 14th century and finished in 1518. The church has four works of art by Rubens, "The Descent from the Cross", "The Elevation of the Cross", "The Resurrection of Christ" and "The Assumption". An optional excursion to nearby Brussels, Belgium’s capital and home of the European Union, is available. Meals: (BLD) Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Lodging: Avalon Tranquility
Day 5: THU APR 19 - 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. Ghent was the site of the signing of the Treaty of Ghent which formally ended the War of 1812 between Britain and the United States. An optional excursion to fascinating Bruges, with its criss-crossed canals and charming old patrician houses, is available. Meals: (BLD) Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Lodging: Avalon Tranquility
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The Delta Works is is one of the most impressive structures in the world, thus earning it the title 'The Eighth Wonder of the World'. This system of hydraulic engineering works protects Holland against storm surges and improves the water balance. A real technical tour de force! Day 6: FRI APR 20 - MIDDLEBURG (DELTA WORKS) - VEERE
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. Meals: (BLD) Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Lodging: Avalon Tranquility
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Keukenhof Gardens is unique and one of the most beautiful and famous spring gardens in the world. It has won numerous prizes as Europe's most valued attraction and is one of the most popular attractions in the Netherlands with forty-four million visitors visiting the gardens over the the last sixty years. The Keukenhof is the largest bulb flower park in the world with 4.5 million tulips in 100 different varieties covering an area of 32 hectare. The bulbs are supplied by 91 Royal Warrant Holderss and 7 million bulbs are planted by hand each year. The gardens also has 2,500 trees in 87 varieties and 15 kilometres of footpaths. Said to be the most photographed place in the world, Keukenhof Gardens is home to the largest sculpture park in the Netherlands and a "Walk of Fame" with tulips named after famous people.Day 7: SAT APR 21 - KINDERDIJK (KEUKENHOF GARDENS)
Today’s highlight are the gardens of Keukenhof near Lisse, which encompass over 70 acres of parkland with lakes, sculpture gardens, greenhouses, and a windmill to explore. On the initiative of the Lisse mayor and a number of leading flower bulb growers and exporters, an open air flower exhibition was organised here for the first time in 1949. This expanded to an annually recurring event with millions of flower bulbs grown and resulting in a spectacular display of blooms every year that draws great numbers of visitors from all over the world. Meals: (BLD) Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Lodging: Avalon Tranquility
Day 8: SUN APR 22 - DEPART AMSTERDAM for HOME CITY - DISEMBARKATION
Our tour ends with breakfast this morning. We disembark in Amsterdam, Netherlands filled with memories of Europe!
Meals: (B) Breakfast
INTERESTED in extending your holiday....
As a fully licensed travel agency we are happy to assist in arranging your flights or any other custom arrangements either before or after this program.
Pricing:
† CRUISE ONLY- April 14 to 22, 2012 Prices per person in Canadian Dollars (CAD) based on sharing cabin (2 Twin Beds or 1 Queen) |
In a Twin |
Port Taxes |
| EARLY BOOKING BONUS - Per Person (For deposits received by August 29, 2011) |
$500.00 |
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Category E - Deluxe Stateroom - 172 sq. ft. |
$2,193.00 |
$105.00 |
Category B - Deluxe Stateroom - 172 sq. ft. |
$2,729.00 |
$105.00 |
Category A - Deluxe Stateroom - 172 sq. ft. |
$2,778.00 |
$105.00 |
Category P - Deluxe Stateroom - 172 sq. ft. |
$2,875.00 |
$105.00 |
Category S - Deluxe Stateroom - 258 sq. ft. |
$3,460.00 |
$105.00 |
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River Ship Deck Plan:
River Ship Staterooms:
Cruise Inclusions:
- 7 Nt Tulip Time River Cruise River of Holland and Belgium: River cruise on the Avalon Tranquility in an outside stateroom including portholes, all meals, sightseeing and excursion program as per itinerary.
- Stateroom Features: Hotel-stye beds, premium bedding and and large private bathroom featuring full shower with glass door, hairdryer & premium bath amenities. All staterooms are appointed with bedside tables with reading lamps and alarm clock, a vanity and writing desk, spacious 3-door closets, easy luggage storage, In-room safe, individual climate control, flat-screen satellite TV w/movie channels, Wi-Fi access, direct-dial telephone, well-stocked minibar, complimentary bottled water, bathrobes & slippers and continental breakfast & beverage room service available.
- All Meals on River Cruise: Supurb dining with all meals on river cruise including early riser coffee, full breakfast buffet, full lunch buffet, afternoon tea, sit-down four-course dinner (served in a single sitting) and night fare at approximately 1030pm.
- Enhanced Breakfast: Enjoy an extended daily full buffet breakfast including complimentary sparkling wine (Mimosa's) and a made-to-order egg station.
- Four - Course Dinners: With choice of appetizers, soups, salads, entrees & desserts and cheese.
- Regional Wine, Beer and Soft Drinks at Dinner: Quality regional wines, beer and soft drinks served with all onboard dinners.
- Coffee, Tea and Premium Coffee Station: Coffee, tea, cappuccino, latte and espresso served all day at the self-serve beverage station.
- Special Social Events - Enjoy a Welcome Reception on the day of embarkation and a Captain's 5 Course Farewell Dinner on the last night of the cruise.
- Guided Sightseeing - As per itinerary including visits to Antwerp, Middleburg and St. Baaf's Cathedral in Ghent. Daily port lectures, sightseeing and shore excursions (with personal headsets) with an expert local guide. Included sightseeing per itinerary.
- Excursions - Including an Amsterdam Canal Cruise, an excursion to Floriade 2012 or Maastricht, an excursion to the Delta Works, an orientation in Veere, a visit to Kuenkenhof Gardens and a stop to view picturesque windmills in Kinderdijk. Optional excursions may be available.
- Lectures, Guided Sightseeing and Shore excursions: Daily port lectures, sightseeing and shore excursions (with personal headsets) with an expert local guide and VIP access into key destinations, no waiting in lines.
- Shipboard Ammenities and Features: Dining room, bar and main lounge, outside viewing deck, sky deck and shade system w/ premium lounge chairs, fitness centre, hair salon, internet corner w/ Wi-Fi access.
- Tour Escort and Cruise Director: Denise Johnson a Travel Broker Tour Escort will travel from Canada with the group. Services of a professional Cruise Director while onboard cruise.
- Taxes: Local taxes on all included ground transportation, cruise services, hotel accommodation and meals
Cruise Exclusions:
- †International flights to Amsterdam are not included in the above pricing but can be arranged with Travel Broker Tours - A division of The Travel Broker and Cruise Centre.
- Airport Transfers
- Personal Insurances (travel, baggage, cancellation, etc.)
- Passport & Visa Fees and Immunizations.
- All alcoholic beverages and bar beverages (soft drinks, juice, sparkling water, etc.) not mentioned in the inclusions above.
- Personal Charges (excess baggage fees, laundry, souvenirs, personal hotel or cruise charges, etc.)
- All optional excursions or deviations from the itinerary.
- Any item not mentioned in the itinerary or in the inclusions above.
- Tips or gratuities to your tour escort, local host, tour drivers, local city guides, hotel staff (hotel porters, chambermaids and dining staff) and cruise ship staff (cruise stewards and servers).
Deposits and Final Payments:
- Deposits: At time of booking CA$500.00 per person + insurance premium if applicable.
- Final Payment: Final payment due on Jan 12, 2012. Payments may be made by personal cheque, Visa, Mastercard and Amex.
Cancellation Charges:
- Once a deposit has been paid the following scale of cancellation charges will apply:
(Note that insurance premiums, once paid, are non-refundable) - Cancellation notice received more than 149 - 90 days prior to departure - 100% of Deposit
- Cancellation notice received more than 89 - 60 days prior to departure - 35% penalty
- Cancellation notice received 59 - 30 days prior to departure - 50% penalty
- Cancellation notice received 29 – 1 day prior to departure - 100% penalty
Cruise Notes:
- In the event of water level problems on stretches of any river, it may be necessary to operate part of the itinerary by motor coach.
- Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility of obtaining visa(s) rests with the traveller.
- Included features, visits, excursions, sightseeing and itinerary details are subject to change; if a change becomes necessary, a substitute will be offered.
For more information or to register for this tour please contact Denise Johnson at:
Travel Broker Tours
A division of The Travel Broker & Cruise Centre
1758 Bath Road Kingston, ON Canada
Telephone: 613-389-7914 or 1-800-387-7678
Email: denise@thetravelbroker.ca
