RICHARD THOMPSON,
TRACK DOGS & BROOM BEZZUMS RHINE RIVER CRUISE
14 - 21 JUNE 2022
Former Fairport Convention member Richard Thompson has been described as ‘the finest rock songwriter after Dylan and the best electric guitarist since Hendrix’. We don’t disagree, except to say that his work on acoustic guitar is also sensational.
His latest albums, Bloody Noses and13 Rivers, have garnered critical acclaim with many reviewers regarding them as Thompson’s best albums in recent years. His influence cannot be overstated. Everybody, from Robert Plant to Don Henley and from Elvis Costello to R.E.M. has covered his music.
On this magical Rhine river cruise, you will explore the one of the most attractive rivers in Europe aboard your luxurious floating boutique hotel, the Amadeus Queen. With only 150 guests on board, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity for fans to enjoy, ‘up close and personal’, the songs and music of Richard Thompson and his Special Guests.
If you're not ready to book but have further questions then please feel free to email us at info@harmonyvoyages.co.uk and we'll be happy to help
What’s Included
- Free-flowing red & white wines from Europe’s famous wine regions, beer & soft drinks with every lunch and dinner on board
- Gourmet dining every night
- Services of an experienced English-speaking onboard Cruise Director
- 24-hour coffee station
- 7 nights of programmed entertainment
- Bottled water in every stateroom
- Complimentary Wi-Fi onboard
- Complimentary use of onboard bicycles
- Complimentary state-of-the-art audio headsets for optional excursions
- All local taxes & port charges
- Optional Excursion Package available (please ask for details)
- Airport transfer to/from ship on 14 June and 21 June 2022
Richard Thompson will perform three shows on board during the week on the following days: Saturday 18 June, Sunday 19 June and Monday 20 June.
Providing evening entertainment for the remainder of the cruise is: Track Dogs, whose artistic name derives from the dark subterranean world of New York’s subway system. Amongst others, they will be presenting songs from their new album 'Fire on the Rails', a kicking album that grows on the work that has opened so many doors for the band. We are certain that you’ll find them as irresistible as we do and return home singing newly learned songs from their eclectic mix of genre defying music.
Joining them on board is multi award winning duo, Broom Bezzums, who match the quality of their song writing with skilful musicianship and spine-tingling vocals to deliver performances you will not forget.
All shows will take place in the Panorama Bar and commence after the dinner service in the Restaurant.
RICHARD THOMPSON
Richard Thompson has been described as “the finest rock songwriter after Dylan and the best electric guitarist since Hendrix”. We don’t disagree, except to say that his work on acoustic guitar is also sensational.
His latest album, 13 Rivers, has rapidly garnered critical acclaim. Many reviewers regarded it as one of Thompson’s best albums in recent years. His influence cannot be overstated. Everybody, from Robert Plant to Don Henley and from Elvis Costello to R.E.M., has covered his music. Of 13 Rivers, Thompson says: “I wrote the songs as a group to hang together…they belong together in some way and seem to possess a commonality since they were written in the same time and space”.
To capture this vision, he retreated to the famed Boulevard Recording Studio in Los Angeles. Known previously as “The Producer’s Workshop” and once owned by Liberace and his manager, the locale served as the site for seminal classics by Steely Dan, Fleetwood Mac, Ringo Starr and Joan Baez. It also hosted the mixing sessions for Pink Floyd’s The Wall. Notably, this marked the first time Thompson self produced in over a decade and he opted to record the basic tracks to analogue. Engineered by Clay Blair (The War on Drugs), Richard was joined by the usual suspects from his band tours, Michael Jerome [drums, percussion], Taras Prodaniuk [bass], and Bobby Eichorn [guitar].
Richard holds a coveted spot in Rolling Stone’s “Greatest Guitarists of All Time” and counts Lifetime Achievement Awards from both the Americana Music Association and the BBC among his many accolades. In 2011, he was awarded an OBE for services to music. We could not be happier that Richard is joining us on this cruise.
Richard Thompson will perform three shows on board during the week on the following days: Saturday 18 June, Sunday 19 June and Monday 20 June.
TRACK DOGS
Track Dogs comprises 2 Irishmen, 1 Englishman and 1 American. The band came together in 2011 to make their unique brand of acoustic music.
Featuring a veritable 4x4 of voices and instruments, their style is a dynamic fusion of folk, Latino, Americana & bluegrass.
Since their blistering Costa del Folk debut in 2018, Track Dogs have been barnstorming the UK. This includes some major festival appearances and collaborations as well as surprising music lovers with “sun-shiny songs thriving on dark themes behind irresistible rhythms”. 2019 was a pivotal year, including playing to a heaving, rocking Trafalgar Square. It was also the year and the surprise on-stage participation of Steve Knightley and Seth Lakeman at Shrewsbury Folk Festival.
Well-established in Spain, where they are based, the four international “madrileños” (Garrett Wall, Dave Mooney, Howard Brown & Robbie K. Jones) derive their band name from the dark subterranean world of New York’s subway system. Their new album, Fire On The Rails produced by Germàn Gutiérrez, has managed to make Track Dogs pack even more punch. They have achieved grandeur in the sound that they’ve been cultivating over more than 100 songs in their recording career.
“Fire on The Rails sparks kinetic energy, just as the title promises, reeling out ten high-octane tracks with slick production and a sizzling pulse.” - Bryony Hegarty, R2 Magazine
“One of the great strengths of Track Dog’s music is the eclectic mix of genres they so successfully blend… It’s far easier to identify it as the “Track Dogs sound” than it is to tease apart individual elements” - Johnny Whalley, Folkradio.co.uk
“We’ve had many bands and artists come through our doors over the years, but Track Dogs are right up there with the very best of them, that much is certain! The connection they make with the audience is something special - smiles are the currency that they deal in with their mesmeric and ridiculously addictive sound. Destined to be huge festival favourites!”- Ken Brown, Square Roots Promotions
BROOM BEZZUMS
“From the moment I first saw and heard Broom Bezzums I recognised they’ve got it – instinctively. And their playing is a delightful reminder of the beauty of simplicity.”
Andy Kershaw
Day 1 BASEL
Our journey begins in Basel, the third-largest city in Switzerland. After embarking explore the ship, meet your fellow sailors and enjoy a drink in the Panorama bar after a delicious dinner. Depart Basel – 17:00 Please Note: the last transfer time from Basel Airport will be 15:00
Day 2 STRASBOURG
Leaving Switzerland behind we follow the Rhine into the Alsace region in the south of France. During breakfast, arriving in Strasbourg – a city known not only for its romantic old town, but also for the numerous important European institutions housed there. Here you have the option to explore the city independently, or as part of an organised tour. A detour to the countryside is highly recommended, particularly along the famous wine route, where the quaint wine-growing villages will delight wine-lovers. Arrive Strasbourg – 09:00 Depart 23:00
Day 3 SPEYER - MANNHEIM
Before breakfast, arrive in the Rhineland-Palatinate town of Speyer, which played an important role in the Holy Roman Empire during the Middle Ages. We remain here until lunchtime, offering time to explore this historic destination. Continuing for roughly 25 kilometres towards Mannheim, which is our next stop along the picturesque Rhine for the remainder of the day. This young city is best explored with an extended walk, or alternatively you can take a trip to the nearby city of Heidelberg, which boasts a beautiful Baroque old town. Arrive Speyer - 07:00 Depart midday Arrive Mannheim – 14:00
Day 4 MANNHEIM - RUDESHEIM - KOBLENZ
Two charming stops await you today. In the morning, arrive in Rüdesheim, a town well known for its winemaking, especially Riesling wines. Nearby, Siegried's Mechanical Music Cabinet with its historic automated musical instruments is a delight. Departing at lunchtime, we cruise to the most beautiful section of the river – the legendary Upper Middle Rhine Valley. The view from the sun deck, of the myth-enshrouded Lorelei, is sure to be a highlight of your cruise. Arriving in Koblenz, one of Germany’s oldest and most beautiful towns late afternoon, where you can end the day with a leisurely stroll through the city. Depart Manheim - 01:00 Arrive Rudesheim – 07:00 Depart - midday Arrive Koblenz – 15:30
Day 5 KOBLENZ - COCHEM
We depart Koblenz in the early hours, and makes a detour along the Mosel River to the most romantic part of the valley and the little town of Cochem. The magnificent Reichsburg castle is situated high above the town, dominating the landscape. Down below, the village with its narrow streets, half timbered houses, and numerous restaurants are an ideal setting to taste the wines of the region. Back on board dinner is served as our journey continues to Cologne. Depart Koblenz – 06:00 Arrive Cochem – 13:30 Depart 18:00
Day 6 COLOGNE
The morning is dedicated to the fascinating city of Cologne, where you can expect to find a young, vibrant metropolis with a rich cultural history and many world-famous sights, in particular the famous Cologne Cathedral. A city tour here is a must for everyone with a cultural bent. Alternatively, join to visit to the Chocolate Museum nearby. The afternoon is spent on board the ship as we depart Cologne onwards to Amsterdam. Arrive Cologne – 07:00 Depart 14:30
Day 7 AMSTERDAM
By breakfast time we arrive in the capital city of the Netherlands. Explore the city with a guided tour or visit the nearby city of Haarlem. In the afternoon you have the choice of two optional excursions: Discover the picturesque village of Volendam by an overland trip to the north of Holland or visit the Floriade, an international exhibition and garden festival, held every 10 years in the Netherlands. Arrive Amsterdam – 08:00 Overnight Amsterdam
Day 8 AMSTERDAM
After breakfast we bid you farewell and a safe onward journey Transfers to the airport will commence after breakfast. For those, leaving later in the day you will be permitted to leave your luggage onboard whilst you explore the city. Or if you are planning a day or two in Amsterdam, taxis can be arranged by the crew for you to your chosen hotel.
Prices are per person and do not include flights. Please contact us if you require assistance with your travel arrangements.
Please note: a deposit of £200pp is required to secure your booking.
Q: Are flights included?
A: No, you are responsible for your own travel arrangements to and from the ship. However, we are happy to assist with booking flights on your behalf. Please contact us for details if you require assistance.
Q: Can I book airport hotels & parking with you?
A: Yes, please see the link to our supplier partner Holiday Extras who provide airport hotels, parking, fast track, lounges as well as comprehensive holiday insurance: https://www.holidayextras.com/harmonyvoyages/parking.html
Q: Which airport do I need to fly into / home from?
A: Your airport of arrival is Basel, returning from Amsterdam
Q: Are airport transfers included?
A: Transfers are included from Basel Airport to the ship on 14 June and from the ship to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport on 21 June. If you are spending time in Basel pre-cruise or Amsterdam post cruise your transfer will be a chargeable extra if required. The crew will be happy to assist with taxis from the ship to your Hotel on disembarkation day if required.
Q: What time can I board the ship on Embarkation day?
A: You can normally board from 1pm but your stateroom may not be available until after 3pm. You will be able to enjoy the ship’s facilities until your room is ready to be occupied.
Q: What time is disembarkation from?
A: As the ship has a quick turnaround, you will be required to vacate your cabin after breakfast on the day of departure. If you have a late flight or transfer you may be able to store your luggage on board until later in the day, depending on the ship’s itinerary. The crew on board will be happy to assist.
Q: Is there WiFi on board?
A: Yes, WiFi is provided in all public areas of the ship. However, during the trip the signal may be weaker in certain sections of the route.
Q: Is there an elevator on board?
A: All AMADEUS ships have a guest elevator, which operates between the Mozart and Haydn decks. The sun deck is not accessible by elevator.
Q: What is the dress code on board?
A: We want to you feel comfortable on board, the dress code is casual during the day and in the evening smart casual. Think what would I wear for a meal out in a restaurant at home?
Q: What is the electrical current on board?
A: The voltage in hotels and onboard ship is 230V, European standard. To use any electrical product that is not dual voltage (e.g. from the US, Canada, Australia or the UK), you will need a plug adaptor and some devices will require an electrical converter. Many electronic devices have built-in electrical converters, however, please check the manufacturer’s specifications for details. A two-pole adaptor is also available at reception. Mooring and Docking Local river authorities allocate docking space around ship arrivals and departures in port. Occasionally port conditions require ships to tie up alongside each other, in which case guests may be required to walk through another ship to access their own ship. This is part of the river cruise experience and is perfectly normal and beyond our control. Guests may experience obstructed views from staterooms when the ship is docked.
Q: What is the currency on board the ship?
A: The currency on board all AMADEUS ships is EURO. However, you may also settle your account in (GBP) Sterling or (USD) American Dollars.
Q: What about gratuities?
A: Gratuities for the ship’s staff and crew are not included in your cruise price. Whilst gratuities are a matter of personal choice, we are often asked what the suggested amount would be - EUR 11.00 per person per day.
Alternately you may wish to tip onboard in cash or add a gratuity to your onboard account.
Gratuities for drivers and guides for optional excursions are not included in the excursion price. A suggested amount is 1-2 EUR per person for half day excursion & 2-3 EUR per person for the full day excursion given directly to the guide and driver.
What to pack: The following items are essential for any destination: sunglasses, sunscreen, hat, and maybe an umbrella. It is recommended that you bring duplicates of prescription eyewear, copies of prescriptions for any medications (generic equivalents are usually easier to obtain), copies of credit card information, and copies of your passport information pages. An adaptor/transformer may be necessary (the on-board power supply is 230V AC/50 Hz) if you bring any electronic devices with you.
Clothing: Comfortable, casual clothing is appropriate both onshore and onboard and we suggest lightweight clothing that can be layered. Shorts are appropriate for most tours; however long pants may be required for inside visits on some excursions. Your cruise manager will advise when and if this is required. You may find a significant amount of walking over uneven terrain during your time ashore. We recommend comfortable walking shoes with good ankle support. Sturdy sandals are another good option. Don’t forget to pack a lightweight, waterproof jacket (preferably hooded) or even a heavier-weight wind-breaker for cooler temperatures. Also, keep in mind that the ship, coaches and other venues visited on our itinerary are air conditioned and may be quite cool. We recommend you that you pack a lightweight sweater or long sleeve shirts and carry them with you on excursions.
On all our excursions you’ll be provided with a wireless AMADEUS listening device. The receiver can be worn quite comfortably around the neck or carried in a bag. The comfortable headphones allow you to hear your experienced tour guide’s explanations with the very best acoustic quality. Enjoy complete freedom of movement, without missing any of the interesting commentary.
- Important Information:
- All excursions can be booked in advance or aboard. (For organisational reasons, some excursions can only be booked aboard).
- Minimum participation for excursions by bus: 20 people.
- Minimum participation for excursions on foot: 12 people.
- The schedule of individual excursions can vary; this is partly due to the volume of traffic in the cities and the opening hours of facilities.
- Please remember to wear sturdy shoes as well as comfortable, waterproof clothing when attending the excursions.
- When exploring on your own, please remember to return to the vessel in time for its departure. If you miss the departure, you have to travel to the next port at your own expense. You will find the all aboard time in the daily programme.
- Itineraries and prices are subject to alterations.
Walking Grade:
Some excursions involve a fair amount of walking, sometimes over uneven surfaces. The following coding system has been used to assist with identifying which excursions are appropriate for you. Please ask your cruise director for additional information as required.- LEVEL 1: Minimum walking; excursion by bus with short photo stops.
- LEVEL 2: The excursion by bus is followed by a moderate walking tour. You may need to climb some stairs.
- LEVEL 3: The excursion by bus is followed by a longer walk. You may need to climb several stairs.
- LEVEL 4: Moderate walking tour. You may need to climb some stairs.
- LEVEL 5: Considerable walk with longer distances. This may include uneven surfaces and some stairs.
Choose from a carefully curated selection of immersive and inspiring excursions. Select a package offered at a discounted rate when purchased in advance, or book individual shore excursions at regular rates on board your cruise. UNLIMITED EXCURSION PACKAGE - £312pp Enjoy the flexibility to choose any shore excursion from the ones listed below, at a discounted rate when purchased in advance. Create your personalised shore excursion programme by choosing your favourite tours from the available options in each port. Save up to £162pp
INTRODUCTORY EXCURSION PACKAGE - £217pp
Introductory package of the following 6 pre-selected tours offered at a discounted rate when booked in advance and save £38 per person.
- Strasbourg with canal boat tour
- Heidelberg with visit to the castle
- Koblenz walking tour with Ehrenbreitschein Fortress
- Cochem walking tour with visit to the Reichsburg
- Cologne – historic capital of the Rhineland with Kölsch tasting
- Amsterdam with canal trip and flower market
- Additional excursions can be purchased on board at the following prices:
| Excursion Package - Basel to Amsterdam | ||||
| Excursion | Price | |||
| Strasbourg with canal boat tour | £56 | |||
| The romantic landscape of the Alsace & its wines | £57 | |||
| Speyer walking tour with visit to the Imperial Dome | £22 | |||
| Heidelberg with visit to the castle | £48 | |||
| Rüdesheim walking tour with Music Cabinet Museum | £24 | |||
| Or visit to a vineyard with tasting & Drosselgasse in Rüdesheim | £37 | |||
| Koblenz walking tour with Ehrenbreitschein Fortress | £38 | |||
| Cochem walking tour with visit to the Reichsburg | £32 | |||
| Cologne – historic capital of the Rhineland with Kölsch tasting | £31 | |||
| Visit to the Chocolate Museum (Cologne) | £24 | |||
| Amsterdam with canal trip and flower market | £50 | |||
| OR Haarlem - art, history and Dutch lifestyle | £33 | |||
| Holland waterland with Volendam, Edam and cheese tasting | £42 | |||
| Or Visit to the Floriade Garden show | £79 | |||
Strasbourg with Canal Boat Tour
Enjoy a tour of discovery through the beautiful city of Strasbourg. After a short coach trip through the city, the tour continues with a walk through the lovely, historic old part of the town and includes a visit to the famous cathedral Straßburger Münster (not possible on Sundays and public holidays). During a boat cruise on the river, discover the famous quarter, “Petite France”. This former mill and tanner district still preserves its medieval charm. Some of the beautiful, half-timbered houses on the banks of the river Ill are up to 500 years old. You will enjoy Strasbourg’s half-timbered houses, the Ponts Couverts, the Palais de Rohan, the Council of Europe.
The romantic landscape of the Alsace & its wines
Drive through the picturesque landscape with romantic wine villages following parts of this famous wine route. Visit a local winery for a tasting of the local wines followed by a visit to the medieval village of Obernai. During a stroll through this idyllic Alsatian town, steeped in rich history, you will learn from your expert guide about the charm of its traditional, half-timbered houses, its Belfry and its town centre. Duration: approx. 4 hours Walking grade: LEVEL 2: The excursion by bus is followed by a moderate walking tour. You may need to climb some stairs.
Speyer walking tour with visit to the Imperial Dome
Speyer, the time-honoured imperial city on the Rhine, looks back on a rich and eventful past. Historic testimonies of ecclesiastical architecture, impressive facades of different building epochs, winding alleys and romantic squares characterize the face of the city today. During the city tour, enjoy a short guided visit to the Romanesque Imperial cathedral with its striking twin-towered portal and visit the beautiful baroque Church of the Holy Spirit. Pass by the Old Gate of Speyer and visit the medieval Judenhof, one of the most important Jewish medieval sites in Germany. View the remains of the Jewish courtyard, which was the central area of the Jewish quarter and consisted of the synagogues, and a ritual bath (Mikveh). Duration: approx. 2.5 hours Walking grade: LEVEL 4: Moderate walking tour. You may need to climb some stairs.
Heidelberg with visit to the castle
A comfortable coach will take you to Heidelberg, the world-famous University City on the Neckar River. The town is one of the few German cities with a widely preserved baroque Old Town. Heidelberg was discovered quite early by romantics to use for diverse literature, songs and paintings. The tour through Heidelberg begins with a visit to the castle. The formerly splendid residence made of red sandstone is now a ruin, maybe the most beautiful ruin in all of Germany. The castle tour leads also into the castle garden. From the Grand Terrace enjoy a wonderful view of the city and the Neckar River. The tour continues with a stroll through the enchanting old town, to the Karl-Theodor Bridge, the late-gothic Church of the Holy Spirit and the town hall. Duration: approx. 4.5 hours Walking grade: LEVEL 3: The excursion by bus is followed by a longer walk. You may need to climb several stairs.
Rüdesheim walking tour incl. music cabinet museum
The unique Winzerexpress train takes you from the dock of the ship to the “Siegfried Mechanical Music Cabinet” for a musical adventure with historical self-playing instruments. Thereafter, a guided tour leads you through the picturesque town. Explore the heart of the old town of Rüdesheim – the Drosselgasse – where wine houses and garden taverns invite you to linger. Immerse yourself in the history of the city and visit the Eagle Tower, a part of the city wall, and the fortifications from the 15th century.
Duration: approx. 2 hrs / Walking Grade: 4
Visit to a vineyard with tasting & Drosselgasse in Rüdesheim
Enjoy an unforgettable train ride on the "Winzerexpress" through the vineyards of Rüdesheim and discover the beauty of the Rhine Valley. Visit a typical winery and taste the different wines of the region. Afterwards, stroll along the famous 'Drosselgasse', which is a narrow cobblestone street, first mentioned in the 15th century as an alley used by the Rhine boatmen to reach their homes. Here you can still find numerous half-timbered wine houses, restaurants and shops. Immerse yourself in the history of the village before returning to the ship on the "Winzerexpress". Duration: approx. 2 hours Walking grade: LEVEL 4: Moderate walking tour. You may need to climb some stairs.
Koblenz walking tour with Ehrenbreitschein Fortress
Discover Koblenz, one of the most beautiful and oldest cities in Germany with more than 2,000 years of history. During a walking tour in the romantic side streets between the Basilica of St. Kastor and the Church of Our Lady, view the most important sights of Koblenz. Continue your excursion by cable car, built for the International Garden Show, high above the Rhine to the impressively situated Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. Ehrenbreitstein Fortress is the second largest preserved fortress in Europe. The fortress dates back to 1000 AD and evolved to its present form between 1817 and 1828. Today, the fortress houses the Koblenz State Museum with its diverse exhibitions including the history of the fortress, the Army Memorial and a youth hostel. Duration: approx. 3 hours Walking grade: LEVEL 5: Considerable walk with longer distances. This may include uneven surfaces and some stairs.
Cochem walking tour with visit to the Reichsburg
Located along the beautiful Moselle wine valley, the harmonious triad of unique Moselle landscape, millennia-old wine culture and history makes Cochem a popular destination. Discover the town with its narrow, winding streets during a city tour. Next visit the Reichsburg castle with its imposing complex which dominates the area landscape due to its size and its location on a rugged rock high above the town. Enjoy the impressive view from the castle of the Moselle valley with its dreamy mixed forests and vineyards, as well as the old town. Inside the castle you will find a collection of Renaissance and Baroque furniture, as well as other treasures, carefully collected by the Ravené family who owned the castle until 1978, when it was turned over to the town of Cochem, for all to enjoy. Duration: approx. 3 hours Walking grade: LEVEL 4: Moderate walking tour. You may need to climb some stairs.
Cologne – historic capital of the Rhineland with Kölsch tasting
The cathedral city’s full history dates back over 2,000 years, traces of which can be seen everywhere in the Rhine region. During the walking tour, explore the area around the cathedral all the way to the old town. As you travel through the narrow, cobbled streets, and the lively squares such as the Alter Markt or the Heumarkt, you really get a feel for life in Cologne from yesterday and today. Since its completion in 1880, the Cologne Cathedral with its two 515ft high towers has been the city's landmark, as well as the most famous architectural monument and most frequently visited sight in Germany. As your excursion concludes, we invite you to enjoy a glass of typical Kölsch (beer), which is the number one beer in Cologne and large parts of the Rhineland. Duration: approx. 2.5 hours Walking grade: LEVEL 4: Moderate walking tour. You may need to climb some stairs.
Visit to the Chocolate Museum (Cologne)
Prepare to be transported on a journey through the 5000-year cultural history of chocolate. This impressive 43,000 square foot museum features the most comprehensive display of the history of cocoa and chocolate in the world. During the tour, you will learn everything about the long journey of the cultivation and harvesting of the cocoa beans in the plantations of the tropics, to the finished chocolate product. In the cultural history section "Brown Gold - Sweet Seduction", explore the cult drink of the Mayans and Aztecs in ancient America, through the luxury drink of the aristocracy in the Baroque era, to the sweet rich drink we enjoy today. In a small tasting session, sample how the taste of cocoa develops on its way to becoming a chocolate bar. Duration: approx. 2 hours Walking grade:LEVEL 4: Moderate walking tour. You may need to climb some stairs.
Amsterdam with canal trip and flower market
Founded 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 as a result of its innovative developments in trade. Today, the city has one of the largest historic centres in Europe, with about 7,500 registered historic buildings. The street pattern is largely unchanged since the 19th century and the centre consists of 90 islands, linked by 400 bridges. On the city tour through the Dutch metropolis, you will see the Royal Palace, numerous canals and the Museum Quarter. The tour is by coach, with a stop to stroll along the flower market. As there is no better way to see the city than cruising on the water, the tour will end by a canal cruise boat trip. Duration: approx. 4 hours Walking grade:LEVEL 3: The excursion by bus is followed by a longer walk. You may need to climb several stairs.
Haarlem - Art, history and Dutch lifestyle
Haarlem is just a short drive outside Amsterdam. Once a major North Sea trading port surrounded by defensive walls, it retains its medieval character with picturesque cobblestone streets and gabled houses. With spectacular monuments dating back nearly 800 years, it's no wonder so many great artists of the Golden Age wanted to capture its beauty and atmosphere. Not only is it home to some of the best museums and world-famous artwork in the Netherlands, but it is also regularly voted one of the best shopping cities in the country. Walk with your guide through the old historic center of Haarlem with its beautiful "hofjes" (almshouses built around leafy courtyards). Visit the Cathedral of St. Bavo, located on the Great Market in the middle of Haarlem. The church was built by Catholics in 1245 and still dominates the Haarlem skyline. The main eye-catcher in the church is the impressive organ by Christian Müller of Lower Saxony. The organ dates back to 1738 and is the most reproduced instrument in the world. After visiting the church, you can enjoy some free time to explore the centre on your own before returning to Amsterdam. Duration: approx. 4 hours Walking grade: LEVEL 4: Moderate walking tour. You may need to climb some stairs
Holland Waterland with Volendam, Edam and cheese tasting
Take a drive through the Dutch Polder landscape to the old fishing village of Volendam, built on the shore of the former Zuiderzee. The Volendam houses are built very close together, forming the typical neighbourhoods of Volendam. Take a stroll through the old village and see people still dressed in traditional costumes. Board your coach and drive out of Volendam and into the countryside to visit a local cheese farm. Here, you will learn how Dutch cheese is made and sample the local product. On your way back to your ship, you will enjoy a short walk through the quaint village of Edam, famous for its cheese. Given its narrow streets, continue through the village on foot and see the Carillon tower, once part of a church that was destroyed in the 19th century. Walk to the cheese weighing house and the Dam with its 18th century town hall. Duration: approx. 4.5 hours Walking grade: LEVEL 3: The excursion by bus is followed by a longer walk. You may need to climb several stairs.
Visit to the Floriade Garden show
Starting April 14, 2022, Almere will host the World Horticultural Expo Floriade Expo 2022 for six months. The Floriade Park will be an experience of green and sustainable technology. New green technologies for food, energy and health will be researched and applied in this living laboratory. Inspiring gardens, workshops and exhibitions alternate with impressive attractions, surprising tastings, art and culture. Floriade Expo 2022 will inspire you to live a greener, healthier life. A visit to Floriade is more than about enjoying beauty and greenery, it provides the platform for Dutch horticulture - in collaboration with over 400 national and international participants - to showcase creative green solutions that make our cities more fun, liveable and sustainable: 'Growing Green Cities'. Duration: approx. 4.5 hours Walking grade: LEVEL 5: Considerable walk with longer distances. This may include uneven surfaces and some stairs.