Holland and Belgium created their canals as repositories for seawater pumped from their low-lying shores—and in so doing, not only reclaimed land but built a far-ranging system of transportation still popular today. Waterways are one of the best ways to explore these charming northern neighbors: rivers and canals provide a scenic look at big, busy cities and green rural districts alike.

Holland and Belgium share more than water-highways too. Both countries are rich in medieval architecture, craft workshops and Old Master art. A walk through the center of any historic town or village is a rich experience…especially when it ends at a coffeehouse or cake shop.

'Marjorie' and her sister vessel 'Marjorie II' carry their passengers in comfort and style - and their small size offers a high level of personal service. Both vessels cruise through Holland during the glorious spring garden and tulip season, on itineraries including Aalsmeer, site of the world's largest flower auction.

'Marjorie' - Holland (2005 / 7 Days)


Monday.
We meet at 2:00 pm at the Hotel de l’Europe in Amsterdam and are whisked by motorcoach to 'Marjorie,' moored nearby. After a drink to welcome us, our first cruise takes us down the River Vecht — which is to Holland what the Loire is to France. We cruise this beautiful river, whose banks are lined with 17th-century mansions dating from the Dutch “Golden Age,” through the very heart of Holland to our overnight mooring at a cheese farm.

Tuesday.
After breakfast we visit Aalsmeer flower auction, where some 17 million cut flowers are auctioned every day. Returning to our boat, we cruise on to Montfoort.

Wednesday.
This morning’s route takes us along the Hollendse IJssel toward Gouda on a canal so narrow that we can nearly touch the banks, where lambs graze at this time of the year.

Thursday.
From our mooring at Gouda we walk right into town, where sightseeing includes St. John’s Church, famous for its 70 magnificent stained-glass windows, and St. Catherine’s Hospice, decorated with paintings from the School of The Hague. Our last stop is the Town Square, home to the Stadhuis, Gouda’s town hall, and Waag, where cheese is weighed. After lunch we cruise through Rotterdam, largest port in the world, en route to Delft, famous for the blue-and-white porcelain that bears its name.

Friday.
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 artist Jan Vermeer, Delft is also famous for its tableware, and we visit a factory to learn how this world-famous porcelain is made. Then, back on the barge, a scenic cruise brings us to Haarlem.

Saturday.
This morning marks a cruising highlight: a walk through the glorious Keukenhof Gardens, Holland’s best-known garden park, with more than 100 acres filled with over seven million flowering bulbs. We stroll through breathtaking waves of color on this unforgettable half-day excursion. Then spend the afternoon in historic Haarlem, home to the Frans Hals Museum and its collection of Old Masters. Another highlight is St. Bavo’s Cathedral on the main square, where both Handel and Mozart played the magnificent Muller organ. We return to the vessel for a late afternoon cruise to Amsterdam, where the day ends with this evening’s farewell dinner.

Sunday.
After breakfast we disembark to return by motorcoach to Hotel de l’Europe, where our tour ends.

Note: Passengers may be assigned interchangeably between ‘Marjorie’ and 'Marjorie II.'

8 Passengers with rates from $3,450 per person. Charter from $25,000

We offer discounts on all sailings.

For Larger Groups:
‘Marjorie’ and ‘Marjorie II’ can travel in tandem to accommodate a total of 20 charter passengers.

 

Most French barge cruises in Burgundy include transfer from and to Paris in their price.  Barges in the South Of France do not include transfers from Paris. In Ireland, Scotland, England, Holland, Belgium, Germany, and Italy, prices include transfers from and to the major gateway airport or hotel or train station.

Value season is typically early April and end of October. Regular season is all the remaining months.

Call 1-800-640-4899 or e-mail mike@riverdiscounts.com for detailed itinerary.