Summer Dutch Delights

Welcome to Amsterdam! Your Summer Dutch Delights Cruise begins here in the Netherlands’ capital. This modern city with old world charm and historic significance provides the perfect starting place for your Teeming River Cruises European tour. After settling in your cabin, which will be your floating hotel room for the duration of the cruise, a mandatory Safety and Information Briefing will be at 6 PM.

Enkhuizen was once one of the wealthiest cities of Holland due to membership of the VOC – The Dutch East India Company in the 17^th Century.  Learn about its history by visiting the Zuiderzee Museum.  This beautiful town’s rich history is still evident today as you explore its picturesque lanes, canals, and harbor.  This characterful port of call is also full of great water sports facilities.

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. Poise 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”. Later, join us to raise a glass to toast our voyage at the Welcome Reception.

Schoonhoven is a charming 13th Century town that is easy to get around by foot. Known as the “Silver City”, Schoonhoven will delight you with its history of artisan gold and silversmiths. Also known for its clocks and variety of shops and boutiques. Visit the Dutch Silver Museum or explore the old city walls of this gorgeous port.

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 18^th 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.

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 buidings 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 Streetgolft in historic Delfshaven through treacherous cobblestones, old bridges, and narrow alleys.  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. As our Summer Dutch Delights cruise winds to end, join the crew for good-byes and a final farewell toast at the Farewell Reception, then dine like royalty at the Farewell Dinner.

As one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands, Nijmegen will be sure to delight! It was once a fortified city and is full of interesting historic buildings and museums such as the Valkhof Museum, a fascinating museum with Roman antiquities and famous art pieces and once the sit of a Roman camp. The war memorials commemorate the residents of Nijmegen who were killed during World War II. It is also home to the oldest shopping street in the Netherlands, the Lange Hezelstraat. Nijmegen is full of delights!

Your cruise comes to an end in the picturesque city of Amsterdam. Depart after breakfast, with freedom to explore this world-class city on your own. Like countless tourist before you, pose by or even climb on the iconic I amsterdam letters. Explore the 700-year-old city of Amsterdam with its maze of canals and teetering, gable-topped buildings dating back to the city’s 17^th century “Golden Age”. The centuries old Canal Ring Area of Amsterdam is not only iconic of this bustling city, but also a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. At your leisure, stroll the cobbled streets, soak up some culture at one of the world-class museums (such as the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum or the Stedelijk Museum of Modern Art), visit the Anne Frank House, take a canal cruise, experience a lively outdoor market or shop along the Nine Streets with their charming boutiques. While this is the end of your cruise, your memories will live on from your Summer Dutch Delights cruise. Thank you for cruising with Teeming River Cruises, where vacations come first and memories last.