Rhineland and Dutch Christmas (port-to-port cruise)

Rhineland and Dutch Christmas

Included in tour package<ul><li>Cologne</li><li>Volendam and Zaanse Schans</li><li>Amsterdam and its diamond merchants</li></ul>

We&rsquo;ll leave by coach for a guided tour of the city. Amsterdam is one of the most unique and extraordinary cities in the world. From its romantic canals to its world-renowned museums and historical significance, it&rsquo;s a city that never ceases to surprise. Our first stop will be the De Gooyer Windmill, the tallest wooden mill in the Netherlands at 26.6 meters high. It is the last of a large group of corn mills built between the 17th and the end of the 19th centuries on the bastions of the walls of Amsterdam.&nbsp;The location of the mills was at that time very favourable as the outskirts of town provided ample wind. Afterwards, we&rsquo;ll head to the Diamond District to observe how the talented cutters facet the raw diamonds into the jewels we buy. Our guide will explain in detail how a diamond is valued. After our tour, you&rsquo;ll be able to spend some time browsing the shop. Our coach will then take us to the Bloemenmarkt, the famous floating flower market. One of the most fragrant places in Amsterdam in any seasons thanks to its thousands of flowers and multitude of varieties, this unique market will make your head spin! At the end of our visit, we&rsquo;ll return to the ship by coach.

PLEASE NOTE 

<ul>
	<li>The order of the visits can change.</li>
	<li>Times are approximate.</li>
</ul>

Amsterdam and its Diamonds merchants

Departure on foot for downtown K&ouml;ln. You will discover the city in the company of your guide. Crossroads of Europe since the Middle Ages, K&ouml;ln has kept its importance as a vibrant commercial and industrial city as well as a cultural and religious center. You will be able to admire the exterior fa&ccedil;ades of the huge Gothic K&ouml;ln Cathedral which took five centuries to complete. Indeed, although construction started in 1247, it was interrupted due to a lack of financing in 1560 and only started again in 1842 upon request of Emperor Frederick Wilhelm IV, who had fallen in love with the building. Construction was finally completed in 1863 and the Gothic Cathedral was the highest building in the world from 1880 to 1884. Around the Cathedral, 12 other Romanesque style churches are set in a circle, representing the 12 holy apostles. We&#39;ll then move on to the Old Town and stop to admire the outside of the neo-Gothic building, home of the famous &quot;Eau de Cologne&quot;. 
Before returning on board, we will have some free time to stroll through the streets of K&ouml;ln or try the famous local beer, the K&ouml;lsch. You will be able to make your way back to the boat on foot at your own pace.

PLEASE NOTE 

<ul>
	<li>The order of the visits can change.</li>
	<li>Times are approximate.</li>
	<li>Good walking shoes are recommended.</li>
</ul>

Guided walking tour of K&ouml;ln

We&#39;ll leave by coach for Volendam, a charming village that has preserved its character for over six centuries thanks to the tough vitality of its fishermen. Enjoy some free time on your own after we discover the city through a short film. Volendam is well known for its Dutch seafood specialties, especially for smoked eel. We&#39;ll then visit a cheese factory in the area to discover how the famous Gouda cheese is made. We&#39;ll enjoy tasting the different flavors and ages available. We&#39;ll then head for Zaanse Schans, an open air museum with wooden windmills, barns, and houses. Don&#39;t miss the small but impressive clog museum that features one of the largest and most attractive collections of wooden shoes in the Netherlands: painted, carved, ice clogs with iron trimmings, horse clogs, and decorative clogs. Take advantage of some free time to indulge in authentic Dutch traditions. We&#39;ll return to our ship in Amsterdam by coach.

PLEASE NOTE

<ul>
	<li>The order of the visits can change.</li>
	<li>Times are approximate.</li>
	<li>Good walking shoes are recommended.</li>
</ul>

Excursion to Volendam and Zaanse-Schans

Departure with our hostess for a visit of Old Strasbourg. At this time of year, the entire city is covered in garlands and Christmas decorations, especially the streets and shops. Discover the Christmas Markets on the Place Broglie and in front of the cathedral. Once the sun sets, we&#39;ll set out to admire the Christmas lights around the city near the cathedral, the Place Kl&eacute;ber, Carr&eacute; d&#39;Or and Place Gutenburg. Afterwards, we&#39;ll return to the ship.

PLEASE NOTE 

<ul>
	<li>Wear comfortable, sturdy walking shoes.</li>
	<li>Times are approximate.</li>
	<li>The order of the visits can change.</li>
</ul>

Old Strasbourg and Christmas markets

CLASSIC EXCURSIONS PACKAGE

Included in tour package Cologne Volendam and Zaanse Schans Amsterdam and its diamond merchants

CLASSIC EXCURSIONS PACKAGE

CLASSIC EXCURSIONS PACKAGE

Cruises

Rhineland and Dutch Christmas (port-to-port cruise)

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