Spring Awakening

Experience the awakening of spring on a varied river cruise from/to Cologne through the most beautiful cities of the Netherlands and Belgium. Look forward to canal romance in Amsterdam, modern architecture in Rotterdam, and the historical charm of Antwerp and Nijmegen.

Day 1 | Arrival in Cologne – Embarkation

Departure in the morning and drive to Cologne. In the Rhine metropolis, you will have some free time before embarking in the afternoon. In the evening, look forward to a welcome dinner on board as the ship sets course for Amsterdam.

Day 2 | Amsterdam

In the morning, you will arrive in Amsterdam. The city is built on over 90 islands connected by 400 bridges. During your tour of the Dutch metropolis, you will of course see the Maritime Museum, the numerous canals, and the Museum Quarter. Since a canal cruise is the best way to explore Amsterdam, this is also included in the program.

Day 3 | Rotterdam with Keukenhof

This morning, you will experience Europe’s largest flower garden: Keukenhof. With art, royal flair, and a creative variety of colors, the park welcomes more than a million visitors each year. A colorful carpet of tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths forms the landscape. In several pavilions, changing exhibitions, known as parades, bloom. Additionally, numerous sculptures are hidden among the flower beds, as the harmony between art and nature is of great importance to the park.

Day 4 | Antwerp with Brussels

After breakfast, you will take a bus to Brussels, the capital of Belgium. The excursion begins in the green district of Laeken, where attractions such as the Heysel Stadium, the Notre Dame of Laeken, the Atomium, and the Royal Residence are located. Then, you will briefly stroll through the architecturally impressive Cinquantenaire Park with its magnificent triumphal arch. In the city center, you will see the Royal Palace, the city park, and the Palace of Justice. To conclude, you will walk through the oldest shopping galleries in Europe before the bus takes you back to your ship. The afternoon is free for you in Antwerp.

Day 5 | Nijmegen

Nijmegen, of Roman origin, celebrated its 2000th anniversary in 2005. Thus, Nijmegen is the oldest city in the Netherlands. Nijmegen has a historic center that still bears many traces of its Roman history. Heavily damaged during the fighting in World War II, much of the city was rebuilt according to a new plan. On your walk, you will see the old center of Nijmegen with its 15th-century town hall and the St. Stevens Church from the 13th century. You can enjoy the last evening with a festive captain's gala dinner.

Day 6 | Cologne – Return Journey

After breakfast, it will be time to say goodbye. Disembarkation and bus ride to the Botanical Garden in Cologne. About 12,000 plant species grow here. It is a microcosm where tropical trees coexist with arctic dwarf shrubs. After an appropriate stay, you will begin your journey home.

(All time specifications are provisional and always subject to changes due to high or low water, altered lock times, and other unforeseen events.)

• Transfer rides in a modern coach
• Cruise as described
• 5x overnight stays in the booked
  cabin category
• 5x full board: breakfast buffet,
  lunch, afternoon tea/coffee/
  cake, dinner, midnight snack (starts with dinner on day 1 until
  breakfast on the last day)
• Coffee or tea after lunch and dinner
• Welcome cocktail
• Welcome and gala dinner
• German-speaking onboard tour guide
• Use of all onboard facilities
• All port, passenger, and
  lock fees
• Luggage transport from ship dock to cabin and back
• Modern "Quietvox" audio system on
  all shore excursions

Drink package                                 170,– € per person.

Cabin for single use on request

The beverage package applies to lunch and dinner, including a selection of non-alcoholic drinks, quality wine, and draft beer.

• Amsterdam with Canal Cruise
• Visit Keukenhof
• Brussels – Splendor and Politics
• City Tour Nijmegen
• Guided Tour of the Botanical Garden Cologne

The detailed ship description can be found on page 11.