PAST CRUISES 2018 Royal Tulips & Windmills

Welcome to Amsterdam! Your Royal Tulips & Windmills Cruise begins here in the Netherlands’ capital. If your arrival schedule permits, take a Canal Ring (a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site) tour on the charming waterways lined with 16^th and 17^th century merchants’ homes and warehouses, visit one of the renowned city museums (e.g. Amsterdam Rijksmuseum. Van Gogh Museum, and Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam), tour the Anne Frank House (note: online tickets are made available on their website two months in advance, please plan accordingly), or simply stroll through the lively streets. This modern city with old world charm and historic significance provides the perfect starting place for your Teeming River Cruises’ tour. After settling in your cabin, which will be your floating hotel room for the duration of the cruise, please join us to raise a glass to toast our voyage at the Captain’s Welcome Reception.

Meals: Dinner
Lodging: Aboard Royal Crown

Safety and Information Briefing 6:00 pm

Teeming City Guided Walk App Complimentary

City Walk App Available- 21 Walks to choose from $5

Tourism Website Link

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Explore the historic maritime city of Hoorn, lined with gable brick row houses and stylish shops. This seaport town was one of the trading cities that joined forces to create the Dutch East India Company, explaining Hoorn’s prominence as a center of trade during Holland’s Golden Age. Stroll the Rode Steen, the picturesque main square overlooked by the striking façade of the Westfries Museum and former cheese warehouses. Wander through the lively harbor area, still studded with sailing boats and centuries-old warehouses. Admire the imposing Hoofdtoren defensive tower, dating to the 16^th century. Completely restored in the 1900s, this prominent landmark now houses a restaurant. Pose beside the three bronze cabin boys (representing heroes of the children’s books by Johan Fabricius) on the quay wall and listen with them to “the voice of the sea, which entices and intoxicates”. Return to ship for lunch and sail on.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, 5-Course Welcome Aboard Reception (6:30 pm) and Dinner (7:00 pm)
Lodging: Aboard Royal Crown

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The capital of the province Flevoland, Lelystad was founded in 1967 and named after Cornelis Lely. Looking around Lelystad a majority of its landscape is water because at the beginning of the Second World War the land was being reclaimed by the sea. In an effort to preserve their maritime history, the Batavia Yard is a shipyard reconstructing ships from the Golden Age. However, due to the first inhabitants residing in 1967, today there are more modern attractions.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Welcome Aboard Reception (6:30 pm) and 5-Course Dinner (7:00 pm)
Lodging: Aboard Royal Crown

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Arrive early to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kinderdijk, a charming village renowned for having the largest concentration of old-style windmills in the Netherlands. At one time, windmills were used to help control flooding in the Netherlands, pumping massive amounts of water out of the lowlands and creating arable land known as polders. Although most windmills have since been replaced by newer technology, a group of 19 impressive 18th-century windmills still function in Kinderdijk. Ascend the steep stairs of a mill and look out over fields which would be nonexistent if it weren’t for this impressive Dutch ingenuity.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: Aboard Royal Crown

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During the afternoon, you can visit the major port city of Rotterdam. As you cruise to the port with its impressive skyline, you will understand why it’s often referred to as the “Manhattan on the Meuse”. Although the city dates back to 1340, the city center was almost completely destroyed in World War II. The reconstructed cosmopolitan city is now known for its modern, unique architecture. Some of these architectural highlights are the Cube houses, Erasmus Bridge, Euromast, Van Nelle factory, and Kop van Zuid. For something more quaint head to Delfshaven, one of the most pleasant districts in Rotterdam. Since this area was spared during the WW II bombings, it is filled with historic buildings and exudes the charm of pre-war Rotterdam. Discover the Pilgrim Fathers’ Church where the pilgrims gathered before setting sail for America. Visit the city brewery (i.e. De Pelgrim) and a replica of an 18th-century warship (i.e. De Delft). If you’re up for something a little quirky try Rotterdam street golf in historic Delfshaven through treacherous cobblestones, old bridges, and narrow alleys. http://rotterdamstreetgolf.nl/docs/meedoen.htm Alternatively, you could head to the delightful nearby Dutch town of Delft (12 minutes by train), home to the famous Delft porcelain factory and painter Johannes Vermeer.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: Aboard Royal Crown

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The tiny village of Veere is rich in both history and nature with its surrounding forest. This quaint Dutch gem provides the perfect setting for a Sunday morning walk. Explore its historic old houses on the Markt, the eye-catching Town Hall with its 48-bell carillon, the 15^th century Scottish House, the Campveerse Toren and the Grote Kerk (literally “Big Church”). On the edge of Veere, you will discover the picturesque windmill De Koe used for corn milling. After a morning of exploration, return to the ship to set sail to Middelburg.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: Aboard Royal Crown

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Spend the remainder of the day exploring the ancient town of Middelburg, the capital of the province of Zeeland and another former trading city of the Dutch East India company. This fortified town was founded in the 9^th Viking raids. The original was built in 844 and replaced in 1125 with a new one, the Abdij (abbey). This vast enclosed complex includes the imposing Lange Jan tower, three churches, and Zeeuws Museum. Wander in the Markt (town square) dominated by the Oude Stadhuis (old city hall), a captivating display of a Late Gothic architectural masterpiece. In addition to these sites, Middelburg also boasts several windmills, such as De Hoop (The Hope). For a unique perspective, opt for exploring the city on a canal tour.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: Aboard Royal Crown

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Today you will have ample opportunity to immerse yourself in a charming Belgium town. In fact, you can choose between two. Discover the picturesque port city of Ghent known for its medieval architecture. Feast your eyes on the 12th-century Gravensteen castle, the majestic Cathedral of St. Bavo, the Old Market (Groentenmarkt), and the Graslei (i.e. a row of guildhalls along the Graslei Canal). Or you could travel to the captivating Medieval city of Bruges. Not only the capital of West Flanders, this fairy-tale marvel has also earned the distinction of being a UNESCO World Heritage City. Step into Bruges and back in time, strolling the cobblestone lanes and dreamy canals. In fact, due to the wealth of canals in Bruges, it is often referred to as “the Venice of the North”.  Enchanting market squares are lined with architectural masterpieces. Taste the old-world charm of the Historic Centre of Bruges, tour the De Halve Brewery, meander through the Markt, or explore the Groeninge Museum. Prepare to lose your heart in this captivating Belgium jewel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: Aboard Royal Crown

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Welcome to Antwerp, renowned for being the “world’s leading diamond city” (more than 70% of all diamonds are traded here). But diamonds aren’t the only thing that makes Antwerp such an exquisite gem. The Old Town preserves its rich Flemish culture with its labyrinth of cobbled lanes weaving between charming squares. Discover the Grote Markt (i.e. Grand Place), the very heart of the Old Town with its imposing Town Hall, famous Brabo Fountain, and wonderfully preserved guild houses. Feast your eyes on the UNESCO-designated Cathedral of Our Lady, Belgium’s largest Gothic church which boasts soaring spires and a 47-bell carillon; plus, it houses some of the city’s native son, Rubens, most famous paintings. You can even visit Rubens’ House. If you are starting to have your fill of historical sites and art masterpieces, slow down and enjoy some of the city’s culinary delights such as Belgium chocolate, beer, or waffles.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Cocktail Hour (6:30 pm) and 5-Course Farewell Dinner (7:30 pm)
Lodging: Aboard Royal Crown

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Today you will have a full day to explore the history-rich city of Arnhem. Admire Arnhem’s famous bridge over the Rhine, immortalized in the film A Bridge Too Far, where British paratroopers held fast for four days against overwhelming odds. In honor of the commander of the paratroopers, the bridge was renamed the John Frost Bridge. Arnhem features numerous museums and cultural attractions. Top of the list would be the incredible Netherlands Open Air Museum – the Netherlands’ first and best open-air folk museum spread across 82 wonderful wooded acres. You’ll relish this huge park of windmills, old farmhouses and other traditional buildings (gathered from throughout the Netherlands then reassembled here), time-honored craft demonstrations, and a pleasant education-by-immersion in Dutch culture. Alternatively, you might opt to step back in time by traveling to nearby (less than 15 minutes by train) Nijmegen, widely regarded as the oldest city in the Netherlands with a settlement as early as the first century B.C. As our Royal Tulips & Windmills Tour winds down, join the crew for good-byes and a final farewell toast at the Captain’s Farewell Reception, then dine like royalty at the Farewell Dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: Aboard Royal Crown

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Your cruise comes to an end back in the incredible city of Amsterdam. As we complete our tour, our hope is that your journey has been a delight to the senses as you have tasted of the cultural enjoyments, rich history, and breathtaking beauty of the Netherlands and Belgium.

Depart after breakfast to explore this world-class city on your own. If you’re staying on in Amsterdam, today would be a perfect day to round out your Royal Tulips and Windmills Tour with a trip to the nearby Keukenhof Gardens abloom with tulips and/or Zaanse Schans Windmill Village.

While this is the end of your cruise, your memories will live on from your Royal Tulips and Windmills Tour. Thank you for cruising with Teeming River Cruises, where vacations come first and memories last.

Meals: Breakfast

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