Spring Flowers & the Golden Age of Dutch Art
A cruise exploring the art treasures & horticultural highlights of The Netherlands aboard the MS Royal Crown
- 15 April 2021
- 25 April 2021
Spring is the perfect time of year to immerse yourself in the cultural and horticultural splendours of the Netherlands. During our voyage aboard the wonderfully comfortable MS Royal Crown, we will explore the countryside in some depth, visiting the magnificent flower displays of the Keukenhof, the historic Castle and Gardens of Middachten, the picturesque towns of the Zuider Zee, the Hortus Botanicus, the oldest botanical garden in the Netherlands and of course the art treasures of Amsterdam and The Hague.
April and May are the ideal months for such a journey, the bulbs will be at their best and the landscape touched by the arrival of spring. The itinerary we have designed is, we believe, a perfect mix of horticulture, history, art and Dutch lifestyle and makes for a colourful and endlessly interesting cruise.
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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 Edinburgh 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 and embark. Moor overnight.
Day 2 Keukenhof Gardens.
After breakfast we will drive from Amsterdam to the Keukenhof Gardens for a morning in this extraordinary horticultural heaven. With 32 hectares of flowers, more than seven million bulbs in bloom and 800 varieties of tulips, this is a truly unique and unforgettable experience. We will return to the MS Royal Crown for a late lunch followed by an afternoon at leisure in Amsterdam. Moor overnight in Amsterdam.
Day 3 Naarden & Amsterdam.
After breakfast we will depart for the ancient fortified town of Naarden, one of the best-preserved in Europe with a fascinating history. A military work of art, it has the shape of a 12-pointed star and a double ring of moats. On arrival enjoy a walking tour, followed by some free time. After lunch on board, the afternoon is at leisure to either explore independently or join the included tour to the Rijksmuseum. 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.
Day 4 Haarlem.
After breakfast, depart for a morning walking tour of Haarlem, including the Windmill de Adriaan. 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 and enjoy an afternoon at leisure to explore the city’s pretty streets and café culture. Sail in the early evening towards Hoorn.
Day 5 Hoorn, Edam & Marken.
This morning we will take a walking tour of the beautiful 16th century town of Hoorn and after lunch on board we will visit two unique communities of the Zuider Zee. Our first call will be at Edam, a tranquil little town with drawbridges across canals and charming historic houses with lovely facades. 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 quite regularly and, the reason why the houses were built on stilts and mounds. Sail in the early evening towards Arnhem.
Day 6 Arnhem.
Arrive this morning into Arnhem. After breakfast on board join an excursion to visit the memorable Airborne Museum ‘Hartenstein’; this renovated building houses the world’s largest collection of militaria from Operation Market Garden. Alternatively, you may like to visit the private art collection at the Kroller Muller Museum with its late 19th and 20th century paintings. Return to the MS Royal Crown for lunch and enjoy a leisurely afternoon in Arnhem or you may like to join the included visit to the unique Middachten Castle & Gardens. Middachten has never been sold but has always passed from one generation to another. As a result, the interior of the castle still has many of the original household effects, including a large collection of portraits. The gardens, as they are now, came into being around 1900 when the garden architect, Hugo Poortman, brought back elements of the former Baroque style into the landscaped gardens, keeping trees in his “neo” Baroque garden. Sail in the evening towards Dordrecht.
Day 7 Dordrecht & Kinderdijk.
Enjoy a relaxing morning cruise as we head towards Dordrecht. After lunch on board there will be an excursion to see the nearby marvellous Windmills of Kinderdijk, of which there are 19 in total, dating from 1740. The remainder of the day is free to explore Dordrecht with its old-world atmosphere and quaint shops, cottages and canals. Sail on towards Veere this evening.
Day 8 Veere & Middelburg.
Today we explore Southern Zeeland, starting in the 13th century town of Veere. Formerly a seaport but now within a lake due to the Delta works carried out in the 1960s, it is a charming place with well-preserved houses and a marina. Enjoy free time here to explore at your own pace. Return to the ship and sail on to the lovingly restored Medieval town of Middelburg whose 12th century abbey is one of the oldest in the Netherlands. Join an afternoon guided walking tour on arrival. Sail this evening to Rotterdam.
Day 9 Delft & The Hague.
From Rotterdam we depart for a full day tour. Our first stop will be Delft, birthplace of Vermeer. Here we enjoy a walking tour of the pretty town, followed by lunch and a visit to the Delft Blue Pottery. Afterwards, we continue to The Hague for a visit to the beautiful Mauritshuis Museum with its marvellous collection of Dutch Golden Age paintings. Moor overnight in Rotterdam.
Day 10 Leiden.
After breakfast we depart for the vibrant city of Leiden, a treasure trove of narrow streets and canals, lined with beautiful 17th century buildings, including ancient alms houses. On our walking tour we will see the old harbour, Beestenmarkt square and the charming Weddesteeg, where the world-famous painter Rembrandt was born. We continue with a visit to the Hortus Botanicus, the oldest botanical garden in the Netherlands. Return to the ship for a late lunch and sail towards Amsterdam. This evening join your fellow travellers for the farewell drinks and dinner.
Day 11 Amsterdam to London/Bristol or Edinburgh.
Disembark after breakfast and return to the UK by scheduled flight or travel by Eurostar to London St Pancras.
Dates and Prices
15 to 25 April 2021 • 25 April to 5 May 2021 | ||
---|---|---|
Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
Junior Suite | £3295 | £3095 |
Superior Suite | £3395 | £3195 |
Deluxe Suite | £3695 | £3495 |
Premium Suite | £4195 | £3995 |
Royal Suite | £4695 | £4495 |
Deluxe Suite For sole use | £4595 | £4395 |
Tour Reference Code: RCRC250420
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel or train travel • 10 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.
Video Library
Travelling with You
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Lydia Bauman
Lydia Bauman is a Polish born artist and art historian. Educated at the University of Newcastle upon Tyne (BA in Fine Art) and Courtauld Institute of Art, London (MA in Art History, Distinction) she is now herself a passionate educator whose teaching is informed by her own understanding of the artists craft. She has acquired wide experience of teaching through her engagement with numerous and varied adult education groups and through her work at the Tate Gallery, National Portrait Gallery and the National Gallery. She is the author of the forthcoming book “Great Themes in Art” Lydia’s approach to teaching is clear, jargon-free, well informed and entertaining.
Lydia Bauman will be on the following tour dates: 15 to 25 April 2021 -
Dr Sophie Oosterwijk
Dr Sophie Oosterwijk was born in Gouda and studied English at Leiden and Medieval Studies at York before obtaining two doctorates in Art History (Leicester) and English Literature (Leiden). She is a recognised specialist in Early Netherlandish, Flemish and Dutch art and previously taught Art History at the Universities of Leicester, Manchester and St Andrews before returning to the Netherlands to take up a research post at Utrecht University.
Sophie is currently a freelance researcher and a regular guest lecturer for the University of Cambridge, NADFAS (now The Arts Society), and other organisations. She is also co-editor of the international journal Church Monuments published annually by The Church Monuments Society, and she has published widely, especially on death, the danse macabre and commemorative art. Her publications include the co-edited volumes Monumental Industry. The Production of Tomb Sculpture in England and Wales in the Long Fourteenth Century (2010) and Mixed Metaphors. The Danse Macabre in Medieval and Early Modern Europe (2011). Sophie is a lively and entertaining speaker who specialises in discussing art in its historical and cultural context.
Dr Sophie Oosterwijk will be on the following tour dates: 25 April to 5 May 2021
Also of Interest
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A journey from Basle to Budapest aboard the MS Royal Crown with Guest Speaker The Right Reverend Graham James
Royal Crown
Royal Crown
Itinerary at a glance
- Basle / Strasbourg / Mannheim / Miltenberg / Wurzburg / Bamberg / Nuremberg / Regensburg / Passau / Melk / Durnstein / Wachau Valley / Vienna / Bratislava / Budapest
The Enchanting East
A river journey between Budapest & Bucharest aboard the MS Royal Crown
Royal Crown
Royal Crown
Itinerary at a glance
- Budapest / Kalocsa / Belgrade / Donji Milanovac / Iron Gates / Belogradchik / Vidin / Veliko Tarnovo / Giurgiu / Bucharest
Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000