Marjorie II
Holland Cruise

BRUGE TO HAARLEM

Departing Sundays between March 29 and May 10, 2009

Sunday, DAY 1  Bruge
Transfer from your hotel in Bruges to the Marjorie II, moored nearby. Many consider it the best-preserved medieval city in Europe or a "museum town". It's best to start our visit on a small boat to explore the city, and continue on one of Bruges ' most memorable spots the Begijnhof, where Benedictine nuns stroll in traditional black-robe and white head-cloth. The Memling museum and Old Sint-Janshospitaal, founded in 1118, is one of the oldest hospitals in Europe .

Monday, DAY 2 Bruge to Ghent to Antwerp 
This morning we cruise to Ghent . A first and lasting impression of Ghent is of its marvelous medieval structures whose sturdy stone facades reflect well in canal waters. We visit the Castle of the Counts. This magnificent, almost unrivalled example of a feudal fortress of the Counts of Flanders has a massive medieval shape that rises from the reflective waters of its moat, it was built about 1180. Today we need to cruise on the Schelde River to Antwerp . This river has a tide difference of more than 20 feet and a strong current. 

Tuesday, DAY 3 Antwerp to Dordrecht
Antwerp, where the three "must-see" sights are baroque painter Pieter Paul Rubens' house, the Plantin-Moretus house, a printing plant and shop in service between 1555 and 1876, and of course Belgium's largest Gothic cathedral. This evening you should go to the "Grote Markt" to drink one of the more than 100 kinds of Belgian Beers. We cruise to Dordrecht in the evening.

Wednesday, DAY 4 Dordrecht to Rotterdam to Delft to Leiden
In the morning we cruise through Rotterdam the biggest port in the world.   Delft is a fascinating town, full of small canals and humpbacked bridges and best explored by bike or on foot. Many beautiful buildings illustrate the city's historic connection with the Dutch East India Company. The birthplace of Jan Vermeer, Delft is also famous for its tableware, and we visit a factory to learn how this world-famous porcelain is made. We cruise to Leiden . This is a very charming University town with the American Pilgrim museum how tells the stories of the founders of New England , the Pilgrims.

Thursday, DAY 4 Keukenhof Gardens
We cruise to Leiden . This afternoon marks a cruising highlight: a walk through the glorious Keukenhof Gardens , Holland 's best-known gardens park, with more than 70 acres filled with over 6 million flowering bulbs. We stroll through breathtaking waves of color on this unforgettable half -day excursion. 

Friday, DAY 6   Haarlem
After an early breakfast we take a trip to the Aalsmeer flower auction, where some 17 million cut flowers are auctioned every day. Returning to our boat, we cruise on to Haarlem . We can visit the Frans Hals Museum and its collection of Old Masters. Other highlights include St. Bavo's Cathedral on the main square where both Handel and Mozart played the magnificent Muller organ.
The day ends with this evening's Farewell Dinner.

Saturday, DAY 7  Amsterdam
After breakfast, depart to your hotel or airport.