Hidden Treasures of the Netherlands
A cruise exploring the lesser known landscapes of Northern Holland including Lake Ijsselmeer & Friesland with Guest Speaker Hendrika Foster aboard the MS Royal Crown
- 3 September 2020
Join the MS Royal Crown in Haarlem and discover the rural tranquillity of The Netherland’s northernmost provinces. Along our route we will explore the rich history and unique flora and fauna of this peaceful and unspoilt area, visit its picturesque towns and villages and encounter highlights of the region’s glorious maritime past, and present. This is true Holland as the native Dutch would describe it.
Our journey begins in delightful Haarlem which today still retains much of its Medieval character of gabled houses and cobbled streets. We then cruise north to discover the shores of the Zuiderzee, sailing across the Ijsselmeer, the largest freshwater lake in The Netherlands. We will spend some time in the ancient seaport of Harlingen, with its age-old merchant houses, canals and atmospheric inner harbours, from where we can visit nearby Leeuwarden, famous as the birthplace of the World War I spy, Mata Hari. Also included are visits to the Afsluitdijk, Europe’s longest dam, the Woudagemaal Steam Pumping Station and Batavia Shipyard, all great testaments to the immense engineering and building achievements of the Dutch nation. Fittingly, our cruise ends in Amsterdam, city of the ‘Golden Age’ with its artistic and historic treasures.
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Royal Crown
This elegant vessel combines the nostalgic charm of the 1930s with the comfort and service of a four-star vessel. No expense has been spared to create not only a vessel that is beautiful to look at, but also a great joy to travel on. Spacious teak decks, elegant public rooms and staterooms with mahogany, rosewood and marble, together with rich fabrics and specially designed furniture, all blend together to create a unique river vessel. Built in 1996, the 90 passenger MS Royal Crown was designed for the rivers flowing through the heart of Europe. Exquisite furniture, expensive materials and accessories give the vessel its unique atmosphere. Facilities onboard include a library, boutique, fitness area, lounge with panoramic views and a restaurant with open seating. Outside there is a large sun deck, lido bar, a putting green and large scale chessboard. Onboard the efficient air-conditioning system ensures a comfortable temperature. Two powerful engines propel the vessel up to a speed of 12 knots.
Itinerary
Day 1 London / Bristol or Glasgow to Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Fly by scheduled flight or travel by Eurostar train via Brussels. On arrival into Amsterdam transfer to the MS Royal Crown in Haarlem and embark. Moor overnight in Haarlem.
Day 2 Haarlem.
After breakfast, depart for a morning walking tour of Haarlem, including the Windmill de Adriaan (outside view), and the 17th century Church of St. Bavo, immortalised in the artwork of Dutch painters Pieter Saenredam and Gerrit Berckheyde. Our tour concludes with a visit to the Frans Hals Museum, home to a spectacular display of 16th and 17th century portraits, still lifes and landscapes. Return to the MS Royal Crown for lunch followed by an afternoon at leisure to explore the city’s pretty streets. Early this evening we will sail towards Hoorn and tonight join your fellow travellers for the welcome drink and dinner on board.
Day 3 Hoorn.
Arrive this morning in the attractive 16th century town of Hoorn. We will set off on a gentle walking tour, and see the bustling harbour, cheese warehouses and modern marinas, as well as monumental facades which tell of the history of this former Dutch East India Company town. Return to the ship for lunch and enjoy an afternoon at leisure. Moor overnight in Hoorn.
Day 4 Edam & Marken.
This morning we will experience two unique communities of the Zuiderzee. Our first call will be at Edam, a tranquil little town with drawbridges across canals and charming historic houses with lovely facades. We continue on to the fascinating village of Marken which was separated from the mainland after a storm surge in the 13th century. Here the houses and the traditional costumes are reminiscent of the past when the island was flooded regularly and for this reason, houses were built on stilts and on mounds. Return to the ship for lunch and this afternoon we sail on to Enkhuizen.
Day 5 Enkhuizen.
After breakfast we will visit the fascinating Zuiderzee Museum which is dedicated to preserving the cultural heritage and maritime history from the old Zuiderzee region. Return to the MS Royal Crown for lunch and enjoy a leisurely afternoon to explore Enkhuizen with its well-preserved buildings dating back to the 15th to 17th century, and one of the largest marinas in the Netherlands. Moor overnight.
Day 6 Alkmaar.
This morning we will depart for an excursion to Alkmaar. This engaging city holds a special place in Dutch hearts as the first town in 1573 to repel occupying Spanish troops; locals opened the locks and flooded the area with sea water, forcing the invaders to retreat. On arrival we will visit the beautiful old centre with its historic monuments, including the St. Laurenskerk, the oldest church in the city. Our tour will end with a visit to a cheese specialist for a tasting. There will be some free time to explore at leisure before we return to the ship for lunch and sail towards Harlingen. As we sail, make your way to the ship’s lounge for a tasting of delicious local cheese and potent Boomsma Beerenburger, a drink traditionally drunk neat from a shot glass. Arrive this evening into Harlingen and moor overnight.
Day 7 Harlingen & Friesland.
This morning we will explore Harlingen which is located in the Wadden region and is one of the oldest seaports of the Netherlands. On a walking tour we will discover this city full of merchant houses, inner harbours, bridges and canals and visit The Hannemahuis Museum, one of the oldest merchant houses in Harlingen and now a museum dedicated to the history of the city. Return to the ship for lunch and this afternoon there will be a choice of included excursions. Choose from a boat trip to nearby Vlieland, the smallest inhabited of the Dutch Wadden Islands with its tiny and beautiful village of Oost-Vlieland. Alternatively join a tour to the Stud Farm “Het Swarte Paert” to see the Frisian Horse. This majestic breed of horse is a joy to behold and has been highly valued since Roman times. During the visit we will learn about the history, breeding and culture of this distinctive purebred. Moor overnight in Harlingen.
Day 8 Franeker & Leeuwarden.
After breakfast today we will depart for a morning tour to see the longest dam in Europe, The Afsluitdijk (the Ijsselmeer Dam). This 32-kilometre long dam was built in 1932 and is still considered an architectural wonder of the world. Afterwards drive to nearby Franeker for a visit to the Eise Eisinga Planetarium, the oldest active planetarium in the world. See the extensive collection of historical astronomical instruments and visit the impressive interactive exposition ‘Space’. Return to the ship for lunch followed by an afternoon at leisure in Harlingen. Alternatively you may choose to join the included tour to Leeuwarden, birthplace of the infamous World War 1 spy and exotic dancer, Margaretha Geertruida Zelle (Mata Hari). On arrival we will have a walking tour of the town, followed by some free time before returning to the ship. Moor overnight in Harlingen.
Day 9 Lemmer & De Weerribben-Wieden National Park.
Enjoy a relaxing morning on board as we cruise to the port of Lemmer, arriving in the early afternoon. After lunch on board we set off for nearby Woudagemaal to see the Steam Pumping Station. It is exceptional as the largest and most powerful steam-driven installation for hydraulic purposes ever built and is a masterpiece of the work of Dutch hydraulic engineers and architects. Alternatively, for those who prefer nature, there will be an excursion to the nearby De Weerribben-Wieden National Park. On arrival enjoy a guided boat trip of this beautiful wetland region. Shaped by peat extraction from the 15th century, today the area covers 6000 hectares of nature, including reed beds, meadows and dense swamp forests. Return to the ship and moor overnight.
Day 10 Lelystad.
Enjoy a morning cruising through this delightful area of Friesland, arriving into Lelystad around midday. After lunch on board we will depart for a visit to the extraordinary Batavia Shipyard, which transports us back to the Golden Age of shipbuilding. The first show-stopping reconstruction was of the 17th century VOC ship the Batavia – ten years in the making, it was completed in 1995. The Batavia was originally built in 1628 and destined to sail to and from the East Indies, but in June 1629 it was shipwrecked off the coast of Western Australia. Work is now underway on the reconstruction of De Zeven Provincien, a 17th-century battleship once captained by Michiel de Ruyter. Return to the MS Royal Crown and sail on to Amsterdam for an overnight mooring.
Day 11 Amsterdam.
After breakfast depart for a visit to the Rijksmuseum, arguably Amsterdam's most important art venue. Housing some of the greatest examples of Western European painting and decorative arts, it boasts works by Vermeer, Goya, and Rubens. Here, Rembrandt's famous ‘The Night Watch’ hangs in the Hall of Honour. Return to the ship for lunch followed by an afternoon at leisure. Alternatively, you may wish to join the excursion to the imposing Muiden Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The castle was built around 1285 by Count Floris V, an ally of the French Court and later of the British King Edward.
Day 12 Amsterdam.
This morning there will be a choice of included tours. Visit the extraordinary Maritime Museum, which offers a unique array of stimulating and interactive exhibits showcasing how the sea has shaped Dutch culture. Alternatively, depart for a canal cruise, one of the most enjoyable ways to see this unique city. Return to your ship for lunch and this afternoon is free to sightsee, shop or relax in one of the many vibrant city cafes. This evening gather for the farewell drink and dinner.
Day 13 Amsterdam to London / Bristol or Glasgow.
Disembark this morning and return to your chosen UK airport by scheduled flight or by train to London St Pancras.
Dates and Prices
3 to 15 September 2020 | ||
---|---|---|
Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
Junior Suite | £3795 | £3595 |
Superior Suite | £3895 | £3695 |
Deluxe Suite | £4195 | £3995 |
Premium Suite | £4695 | £4495 |
Royal Suite | £5195 | £4995 |
Deluxe Suite For sole use | £5245 | £5045 |
Tour Reference Code: RCRC030920
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel or train travel • 12 nights aboard the MS Royal Crown on a full board basis • House wine, beer & soft drinks with lunch & dinner • Shore excursions • Noble Caledonia onboard team including Guest speaker • Gratuities • Transfers • Port & airport taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
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Deckplan
Royal Crown
This elegant vessel combines the nostalgic charm of the 1930s with the comfort and service of a four-star vessel. No expense has been spared to create not only a vessel that is beautiful to look at, but also a great joy to travel on. Spacious teak decks, elegant public rooms and staterooms with mahogany, rosewood and marble, together with rich fabrics and specially designed furniture, all blend together to create a unique river vessel. Built in 1996, the 90 passenger MS Royal Crown was designed for the rivers flowing through the heart of Europe. Exquisite furniture, expensive materials and accessories give the vessel its unique atmosphere. Facilities onboard include a library, boutique, fitness area, lounge with panoramic views and a restaurant with open seating. Outside there is a large sun deck, lido bar, a putting green and large scale chessboard. Onboard the efficient air-conditioning system ensures a comfortable temperature. Two powerful engines propel the vessel up to a speed of 12 knots.
Travelling with You
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Hendrika Foster
Hendrika was born in Yorkshire, of AngloDutch parentage, and now lives in Hampshire. Her first career in medical rehabilitation was followed by a BA Hons with the Open University – just for pleasure; then after a move to Somerset, by an MA at the University of Bristol. Whilst lecturing for the university in their Lifelong Learning department she also worked freelance organising and tutoring study tours to The Netherlands. With a Dutch father, the Netherlands, its art and history, have long held a special fascination for Hendrika and her family can be traced to the end of the 16th century in and around Dordrecht. Hendrika loves driving through the Dutch countryside, where so much of the landscape was known and loved by Ruisdael, and has changed very little.
Hendrika Foster will be on the following tour dates: 3 to 15 September 2020
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Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000