2019 NETHERLANDS WATERWAY CRUISE with tour hosts Henk and Thressa Witte Sailing no. 35
With Henk & Thressa Witte Your hosts are Henk Witte and his wife, Thressa. Henk, who emigrated from the Netherlands at age 12, is also the former Honorary Netherlands Counsel for West Michigan. Being an avid boater throughout his life, he and Thressa have hosted more than 15 Netherlands Waterway Cruises. Henk has visited nearly every city, town, and landmark included in this itinerary. He and Thressa look forward to exploring them further with you. You can be sure that the Wittes fun-loving spirit will enhance the tour experience for everyone. They welcome you aboard.
Welcome! From the tulips at Keukenhof, to the windmills at Kinderdijk, to the world-famous waterways, there is no better way to see the Netherlands. Nothing is more unforgettable than the Netherlands in the Spring. The colors and sights are vibrant and inviting. Everywhere you look the country is full of life. Discover what makes the country, also known as Holland, so memorable. Visit two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and cruise past tulip fields in North Holland where acres of reds, yellows and pinks brighten the landscape. Cruise through the IJsselmeer and other waterways past peaceful towns and charming countryside. Throughout the cruise, see many examples of windmills including a guided tour to the UNESCO site of Kinderdijk with its 19 working windmills. Relax onboard with family and friends as this seven-night cruise includes everything necessary for a great vacation.
THE SHIP The charming MPS Salvinia is your floating hotel. This ship was chosen to be your home away from home. It is smaller than some river cruise vessels, which allows it to access rivers, waterways and locks that larger ships cannot access, making your itinerary one-of-a-kind. Your floating hotel will take you through seven provinces and along rivers, canals, and seas. See the wide variety of waterways found in the Netherlands. The MPS Salvinia bridge is open to the public. Converse with the captain and watch the river pass by. The rest of the public areas are divided among the ship s three decks. The Observation Deck offers a lounge that opens onto the Sun Deck. The restaurant and lobby are on the Promenade Deck. The whirlpool and sauna can be found on the Main Deck. The decks are connected by an elevator and stairs. Between the four decks, the welcoming staff, complimentary WiFi, and newly renovated ship, you re sure to enjoy the comforts of your floating hotel. There is plenty of space to unwind and you ll enjoy uninterrupted views in all the public areas and cabins. Relax in style and comfort. Passenger cabins are located on the Main and Promenade Decks. All double cabins are furnished with two single beds, one of which converts to a sofa during the day. Rooms are also equipped with private facilities, a safe, flat-screen TV, and individually controlled air-conditioning. Promenade Deck cabin windows are larger than those on the Main Deck. The rooms are comparable in size. All windows open to let fresh air into the cabins. Throughout the cruise you will eat the traditional Dutch menu. Early morning risers can enjoy freshly brewed coffee in the lounge before breakfast. Breakfast and lunch are buffet-style meals. Choose from fresh breads, local cheeses, eggs and meats. Delicious three-course meals are served at dinner. Be prepared for the potato, a Dutch staple! Each day a new specialty will be served. Try croquettes, herring and other wonderful delicacies. Seating at meals is not pre-assigned use this time to move around and make new friends.
CRUISE ITINERARY DAY 1 FRIDAY Depart the U.S. With bags packed, it s time to head to the airport where you check in for the overnight flight to Amsterdam. DAY 2 SATURDAY Arrive, Oosterbeek, Arnhem, Doesburg Welcome to the Netherlands! After passport control and baggage claim, board the waiting motorcoaches. The morning program will be announced later. After time for an independent lunch, travel to Oosterbeek to visit the Allied Military Cemetery and the Airborne Museum. Next, drive to Arnhem where you board the M.P.S. Salvinia. After time to settle in, enjoy a welcome aboard dinner while you cruise to medieval Doesburg, the overnight stop. If you are not too tired, take a guided evening walk through this interesting town. (D) DAY 3 SUNDAY Zutphen, Kampen Cruise through Gelderland to Zutphen. Here you may wish to attend the morning worship service at the 13th-century St. Walburgskerk. You may not understand the sermon but you ll certainly enjoy hearing the wonderful organ. This afternoon cruise on the IJssel River, past Deventer and Zwolle, to Kampen. This city had a very prosperous herring trade in the Middle Ages. After dinner, you are invited to a private organ concert in the 14th-century Gothic Bovenkerk. Following the concert, join your guide for a short walking tour. (B,L,D) DAY 4 MONDAY Schagerbrug Cruise via the IJsselmeer and the Wadden Sea today. In Den Helder make a brief stop to pick up excursion passengers. Then cruise past many flower fields on the way to the overnight tie-up. (B,L,D) Optional Shore Excursion: Staphorst, Giethoorn, Sneek and the Enclosure Dike $95 pp See the Staphorst Farm Museum and a traditional costume demonstration. Then take a punter boat ride through Giethoorn, a village where most of the homes are built on their own island. Next, visit Sneek to see the Water Gate. Drive along the Enclosure Dike to reboard the ship in Den Helder. (L) DAY 5 TUESDAY Alkmaar, Amsterdam This morning, continue southward along the picturesque North Holland Canal. Enjoy views of the flower fields on both sides of our ship. Be sure to have your cameras ready. Once in Alkmaar, our guided walking tour through this historic city will include views of the Cheese Museum, the Old Town and the historic Sint-Laurenskerk. Midafternoon, we cruise past interesting towns, villages, and windmills toward Zaandam, and from there to Amsterdam, our home for two nights. (B,L,D)
CRUISE DATES There are two sailings in 2019. Choose from the following: Register by may 15, 2018 to qualify for a $100 early-booking discount! Sailing 1 Sailing 2 April 12 20, 2019 April 19 27, 2019 Prices start at $ 3,245 pp double occupancy, from Grand Rapids DAY 6 WEDNESDAY Amsterdam After a sightseeing cruise through the canals of Amsterdam, the day is free to take the optional shore excursion or for shopping, museum visits, and exploration. After dinner, be entertained by a folklore group. (B,L,D) Optional Shore Excursion: Keukenhof Tulip Gardens and Haarlem $75 pp Head to the Keukenhof Tulip Gardens to see the national flower exhibition. Enjoy a picnic lunch before continuing to Haarlem. In Haarlem there is time for shopping and independent sightseeing. (L) DAY 7 THURSDAY Utrecht, Dordrecht Cruise south toward Utrecht. After lunch, a quick stop is made to let off the excursion passengers. Those staying onboard will go through many locks and will arrive in Dordrecht late afternoon. (B,L,D) Optional Shore Excursion: Haarzuilens and Utrecht $75 pp Start with a guided tour of Kasteel De Haar, a moated 14th-century castle. Then return to Utrecht for a tour of the Old City Center. Included in your tour will be a visit to National Museum of Mechanical Musical Instruments. Then head to Dordrecht to reboard the ship. DAY 8 FRIDAY Dordrecht, Kinderdijk, Rotterdam Take a walking tour of Dordrecht this morning. Midday you leave the city for Kinderdijk, to see the windmills. Here watch a short film in the Wisboom pump station before visiting some windmills. Midafternoon, sail into Rotterdam, one of the largest harbor cities in the world. On your harbor cruise, the captain will take you past the former headquarters of the Holland America Line. It was from here that many immigrants boarded their ships for the crossing to the New World. (B,L,D) Rotterdam DAY 9 SATURDAY Return All too soon, it s time to head for home! After saying tot ziens (goodbye) to the captain and crew of the Salvinia, take a bus to Schiphol Airport for our transatlantic flight to the U.S. (B) Schagerbrug Amsterdam Alkmaar Kinderdijk Utrecht Oosterbeek Kampen Zutphen Doesburg Arnhem Dordrecht
LONDON EXTENSION April 20 26, 2019 This extension follows sailing number 1 Prices start at $ 1,845 pp double occupancy Day 1 (April 20) London Disembark the Salvinia, saying goodbye to the staff and crew. From there head to Brussels by motorcoach to board your waiting train. Take the high-speed train under the English Channel as you travel to London. Once in London, meet your waiting motorcoach and tour manager. (B, D) Day 2 (April 21) St. Paul s Cathedral & City Tour Happy Easter! The day starts after breakfast for those interested in an Easter service at St. Paul s Cathedral. After an independent lunch, you ll enjoy an afternoon of sightseeing in London. (B, D) Day 3 (April 22) London Tower of London This morning head to the Tower of London, home of the crown jewels. After a tour of the Tower the day is free for you to explore the city. The options for your free afternoon and evening are endless: consider the British Museum, the Tower of London, the British Library, the National Portrait Gallery, the Globe Theater, The Tate, Buckingham Palace and Mall, Covent Gardens, the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Handel House, Kensington Palace, or the Queen s Mews. (B) Day 4 (April 23) Blenheim Palace Stratford upon Avon Leaving London, you head to Blenheim Palace. The home of the 11th Duke and Duchess of Marlborough, Blenheim Palace was built in the 18th century as a gift to the 1st Duke of Marlborough, John Churchill. This palace is also the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. The Baroque staterooms display the privilege and history of this notable family. From there you head to Stratford-Upon-Avon. This evening, provided there is something playing, you ll attend a show. (B, D) Stratford Cotswolds Bath Stonehenge Day 5 (April 24) Stratford Cotswolds Bath This morning tour Stratford-Upon-Avon, the hometown of the legendary poet, William Shakespeare! Our guided walking tour will include views of Holy Trinity Church, the Shakespeare Theatre, the River Avon, stunning 15th-century timber-framed buildings and much more. After lunch, you head through the Cotswolds to Cheltenham and Stroud. Your overnight will be in Bath. (B, D) Salisbury Day 6 (April 25) Stonehenge Salisbury Heathrow A drive through the Cotswalds will take us to Amsbury to see Stonehenge, the famous prehistoric standing stone circle. Then it s off for lunch and on to Salisbury. In Salisbury enjoy a tour of the cathedral. You will also visit the Magna Carta Exhibit to view an original copy of this historic London document. Then head toward London and check into a hotel near the airport. (B, D) Blenheim Palace Day 7 (April 26) Return Alas, our time together is over! Early morning hotel breakfast followed by trip to Heathrow Airport. (B)
NORTHERN GERMANY EXTENSION April 27 May 3, 2019 This extension follows sailing number 2 or can be combined to follow the London Extension. Prices start at $ 1,685 pp double occupancy Day 1 (April 27) Rotterdam, Bremen, Hamburg Disembark the Salvinia, saying goodbye to the staff and crew. This morning s trip takes you to Bremen, Germany s oldest maritime city. After time to explore this city, you continue to Hamburg, another city in the Hanseatic League. Once in the city, check into your hotel and enjoy a group dinner. (B, D) Day 2 (April 28) Hamburg Bright and early, start your day at the St. Pauli Fischmarkt. This weekly market has been operating since 1703. Here, you ll find fish, fruits, flowers, and clothing, but the lively atmosphere is what keeps tourists and locals entertained. Then, take a harbor cruise where you ll see the historic Speicherstadt warehouses and the modern Elbphilharmonie Hamburg concert house. After an independent lunch, visit the Ballinstadt Emigration Museum. Here you can trace the stories of some of the five million emigrants who left from this port. The rest of the day is at leisure. (B) Day 3 (April 29) Lübeck, Schwerin, Berlin Third in your German Hanseatic League city stops is the port town of Lübeck, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the Old Town and see the Holestentor Gate. Next, it s on to Schwerin, capital of the state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. The most notable thing to see here is the castle. Schwerin Castle has been called Neuschwanstein of the North and its fairytale golden towers and dome make this a sight to see. After that, continue to Berlin, where Hamburg you ll check in to the hotel and have a group dinner. (B, D) Bremen Lübeck Day 4 (April 30) Berlin Potsdam This morning a familiarization tour will orient you with the highlights of Berlin. See views of the Reichstag, the Brandenburg Gate, the famous street Unter Den Linden, Museum Island, and the Alexanderplatz the center of the eastern part of Berlin. While in this area, visit the Berlin Dom. After an independent lunch, you will head out to Potsdam to explore the gardens and Sanssouci Palace, a must-see UNESCO World Heritage Site. (B) Day 5 (May 1) Berlin Start the day s sightseeing with a visit to the Holocaust Memorial. Next, it s on to Checkpoint Charlie the official crossing point between former East and West Berlin. Nearby is the Prinz-Albrecht-Gelände. This was the Reich security and secret police center, grouping together the headquarters of the SS, the Gestapo, and the SD. Next, stop at Potsdamer Platz with its various construction projects. The remainder of the afternoon and evening are at leisure. (B) Day 6 (May 2) Lutherstadt Wittenberg, Berlin Travel south to Wittenberg, to become familiar with some of the Martin Luther sites. Your guided tour includes Luther s house, Parish Church, and the Castle Church on whose original doors Luther pinned up his famous 95 Articles. Return to Berlin for your last night and a farewell dinner. (B,D) Schwerin Day 7 (May 3) Return Alas, our time together is over! Early morning hotel breakfast is followed by a trip to the airport for the start of your return home. (B) Potsdam Berlin Wittenberg
CRUISE COSTS & OPTIONS CRUISE COSTS With departure from Grand Rapids, MI. Other departure cities are available. Please note desired departure city on the registration form. Register by may 15, 2018 to qualify for a $100 early-booking discount! Main Deck Cabin based on double occupancy... $3,245 Promenade Deck upper deck cabin based on double occupancy... $3,395 Single Supplement for either deck....$250 SHORE EXCURSIONS Staphorst, Giethoorn, Sneek, and the Enclosure Dike Day 4... $95 Keukenhof Tulip Gardens and Haarlem Day 6...$75 Haarzuilens and Utrecht Day 7...$75 EXTENSIONS London Extension April 20 26, 2019 based on double occupancy... $1,845 Single Supplement....$450 CONNECTION Northern Germany April 26 27, 2019 covers the transfer from your hotel to the train station, additional Eurostar train ride, transportation from Brussels to Rotterdam, and dinner and an overnight accommodation in Rotterdam. Based on double occupancy....$250 Northern Germany April 27 May 3, 2019 based on double occupancy....$1,685 Single Supplement....$325 All prices are per person. Register Online at netherlandswaterwaycruise.com or complete and return the printed registration form. 3250 28th Street SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49512 616.957.8113 800 GO WITTE groups@wittetravel.com www.netherlandswaterwaycruise.com www.wittetours.com