Holland & Belgium by Barge

Transcription

1 Holland & Belgium by Barge Amsterdam to Bruges Aboard Magnifique III September 28 October 6, 2018

2 CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS CRUISE aboard the new Magnifique III, an upscale Dutchstyle canal barge with 20 comfortable cabins DISCOVER the medieval Flemish town of Dendermonde, where Magnifique III docks overnight EXPERIENCE the Low Countries as the locals do, on optional cycling tours along gentle, even terrain GO behind the scenes in the charming town of Bruges, a UNESCO World Heritage Site PERUSE nine centuries of architecture, from the 12th-century Gravensteen Castle in Ghent to Zaha Hadid s futuristic Harbor House in Antwerp ADMIRE works by Rubens, Michelangelo, Anthony van Dyck, Hans Memling, the van Eyck brothers, and other masters

3 Dear National Trust Traveler, Please join us next fall on an enchanting cruise through the Netherlands and Belgium. From the intriguing Dutch capital to the tiny Belgian town of Bruges, follow meandering rivers and canals aboard an intimate barge chartered exclusively for us. Discover storybook villages, idyllic countryside, and outstanding art and architecture. You may also wish to take advantage of daily, optional cycling tours to experience the Low Countries as the locals do by bike. Begin in Amsterdam with a walking tour and a visit to the Rjiksmuseum before embarking the new Magnifique III, built in the traditional style of a Dutch canal barge. Taste iconic Dutch cheeses at the world-renowned Gouda market, and watch a master silversmith at work in Schoonhoven. Admire the perfectly aligned windmills of Kinderdijk on an up-close visit, and call at Antwerp to see Rubens powerful Descent from the Cross. Explore Ghent s iconic Gravensteen Castle, with its moat, turrets, and arrow slits (not to mention its torture instruments!). Conclude with a delightful day in Bruges, to discover a prized Michelangelo sculpture and enjoy some leisure time before disembarking. We hope you will join us to discover the best of the Netherlands and Belgium by foot, by barge, and by bike. Sincerely, Scott Gerloff Director, National Trust Tours Kinderdijk, photo by Tim Graham

4 Holland & Belgium by Barge Amsterdam to Bruges Aboard Magnifique III September 28 October 6, 2018 FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28: U.S. DEPARTURE Depart on an overnight flight to Amsterdam. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 29: AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND Arrive in Amsterdam for a walking tour and a visit to the Rijksmuseum, the State Treasury of Dutch paintings. Embark Magnifique III and enjoy a welcome dinner onboard as we cruise toward Vianen along the winding Vecht River. D SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 30: VIANEN / DORDRECHT, HOLLAND In the silver city of Schoonhoven on the Lek River, meet a master silversmith. Bikers can ride from Schoonhoven to Kinderdijk with a stop for lunch at a local farm. Spend the afternoon exploring picturesque Kinderdijk, a village famous for its impressive row of 19 large windmills, all UNESCO listed and a delight to see up close. Continue to Dordrecht, one of the Netherlands oldest cities, where the ship is docked overnight. MONDAY, OCTOBER 1: DORDRECHT / ANTWERP, BELGIUM After a short morning cycle around Dordrecht, transfer to Antwerp to view the restored Harbor House, designed by Zaha Hadid, and the newly-restored Central Station one of the most beautiful in Europe. Following lunch, visit the 17th-century Rubens House and the cathedral where the painter s famous Descent from the Cross is on display. In the evening, continue your exploration of the city with a guided walking tour. TUESDAY, OCTOBER 2: ANTWERP / SINT-AMANDS / SINT-NIKLAAS / DENDERMONDE, BELGIUM Sail to Sint-Amands during breakfast and then transfer to Sint-Niklaas for a visit to the Mercator Museum, dedicated to the 16th-century cartographer Gerardus Mercator and presenting a history of cartography from ancient to modern times. Cycle to Dendermonde, a city known for its magnificent Flemish buildings. Enjoy a private concert aboard ship tonight. Guild Hall, photo by Greg Fraher Guild Hall, Antwerp, photo by Erin Sorensen Amsterdam, photo by Greg Fraher

5 North Sea THE NETHERLANDS Amsterdam Harbor House, Antwerp Schoonhoven Vianen Kinderdijk Dordrecht Bruges Ghent Dendermonde Sint- Niklaas Antwerp Brussels BELGIUM WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3: DENDERMONDE / GHENT, BELGIUM In Dendermonde, visit the Church of Our Lady, home to two Van Dyck paintings and a 12th-century baptismal font of Tournai stone, and admire the former Cloth Hall on Market Square. Visit a charming medieval beguinage (home for lay religious women), then drive or cycle to Ghent. Visit Ghent s City Hall, followed by a guided walking tour through its medieval center, including the magnificent Cathedral of St. Bavo. THURSDAY, OCTOBER 4: GHENT / BRUGES, BELGIUM Visit the Museum of Fine Arts in Ghent for a special back door tour and talk by restoration specialists, then explore the medieval Gravensteen Castle. Rejoin the ship in Bruges, where she remains docked overnight. Bikers may opt to cycle from Lovendegem to Bruges. Join an evening stroll to see the medieval architecture illuminated. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 5: BRUGES Today explore Bruges, a medieval gem laced with canals and gardens, with a behindthe-scenes look at some of its hidden treasures. Visit the cathedral with its celebrated Madonna and Child by Michelangelo, and view the collections at the Hans Memling Museum, housed in the Hospice of St. John. An optional afternoon visit to the Groeninge Museum is offered, or enjoy free time in this enchanting town. Gather this evening for a festive farewell dinner. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 6: BRUGES / U.S. RETURN Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the Brussels Airport for return flights home. B This itinerary is subject to change at the discretion of National Trust Tours and Arrangements Abroad. For complete details, please carefully read the terms and conditions at www. arrangementsabroad.com/terms. Biking from Lovendegem to Bruges, photo by Greg Fraher Descent from the Cross by Peter Paul Rubens, Antwerp

6 MAGNIFIQUE III TOP DECK POOL SUN DECK STORE LOWER DECK CREW CREW Upper Deck Suite Balcony Magnifique III Built in the style of Holland s traditional river barges, Magnifique III will make her premier voyage in the spring of 2018 sailing under the Dutch flag. All of her 20 cabins and suites feature individually regulated air conditioning and flat-screen satellite TV. The upper deck has a spacious salon that combines a restaurant, bar, and lounge. Large windows open onto the partially covered sun deck. The top deck features a whirlpool/jacuzzi and deck chairs for relaxing. n CRUISE RATES (Per Person) Cabins Decks Double Rates Single Rates 21 Lower Deck $6,999 Single cabin. One twin bed with portholes 5, 7 to 20 Lower Deck $4,999 $7,999 Twin beds with portholes 1 to 4, 6 Upper Deck $6,999 Inquire Suites, twin beds, small sitting area, large windows RATES INCLUDE n Seven nights cabin accommodations aboard Magnifique III n All meals as indicated in the itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner); bottled water and coffee/tea with all meals, thoughtfully selected wines and beers with dinners n Airport/pier/airport group transfers for all participants on suggested flights n Enrichment program of lectures and special events n Escorted sightseeing (including optional bike tours with vehicles provided), transportation, and entrance fees for all included visits n Taxes and service charges; gratuities to guides and drivers n Customary shipboard gratuities NOT INCLUDED IN RATES International airfare; passport fees; meals not specified; alcoholic beverages other than as noted in inclusions; personal items and expenses; bike helmets; airport transfers other than for those on suggested flights; baggage in excess of one suitcase; trip insurance; any other items not specifically mentioned as included. Front cover: Kinderdijk. Back cover: Ghent

7 RESERVATION INFORMATION To secure your cabin, please call National Trust Tours at A deposit of $1,000 per person (of which $500 is non-refundable for administrative fees) is required. A Note on Biking On most days, guests on this journey may choose an optional bike tour (average distance 15 miles). Cyclists, joined by two biking guides, will have daily briefings before they set out on the ride. Routes are primarily over flat paths and mostly all of these trips are suitable for all bicyclists, from recreational cyclists to experienced riders. However, we cannot control the direction of the wind, which can make some routes more challenging. Participants need to be in good health and able to keep pace with an active group. Weather can adversely affect cycling in September and October, so we recommend that travelers bring a waterproof jacket or windbreaker. Bicycles The bicycles on Magnifique III are mostly unisex touring bicycles with normal mount (ladies model), seven gears, hand and pedal brake, and a pannier bag. There are also a limited selection of E-Bikes, helpful for powering up hills and available upon request. These innovative battery-powered bikes have seven gears, three support levels, and hand breaks. It is required all riders wear bike helmets, which are available on board for the taking. Or, you are welcome to bring your own helmet. Rubens House, Antwerp, photo by Angela Morton Bikes on a bridge in Amsterdam Bruges, photo by Greg Fraher Central Station, photo by Daniel Mennerich

8 th Street, NW, Suite 300 Washington, D.C (888) or (202) B_18MG3AMS0928_NTT Holland & Belgium by Barge Amsterdam to Bruges Aboard Magnifique III September 28 October 6, 2018 PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID SAN JOSE, CA PERMIT #222