Amsterdam to the Rhine

Amsterdam to the Rhine

There really isn't a better way to see the beauty and sights of Europe than on a river cruise. From the moment you arrive in Amsterdam you will experience the nation's celebration of the Queen's birthday. From here our journey begins as we meander through the waterways of Holland passing traditional Dutch landscapes, towns and ports and venture on to the majestic German Rhine. A wonderful opportunity to relax, enjoy the scenic sights and sample the delights of Holland and Germany in just one visit.

8 days from only £649

Holiday highlights
• Queen’s Birthday Celebrations, Amsterdam
• Cruise past Kinderdijk’s windmills
• Explore the cultural city of Dusseldorf
• Germany’s fourth oldest city Cologne

Optional excursions
• Amsterdam city tour
• Amsterdam canal cruise
• Tour of Dusseldorf
• Tour of Cologne

Holiday Itinerary by Coach
Day 1 UK to Northern France - We travel to Dover and take the ferry to Calais. We travel on to our overnight hotel in Northern France.
Day 2 Northern France to Amsterdam - We continue to Amsterdam where we join our ship in time for lunch. You can relax on board or take time to explore Amsterdam and partake in the festivities as the nation celebrates the Queen’s birthday.
Day 3 Amsterdam to Schoonhaven - This morning we embark on our cruise to Schoonhaven, the silver city. Schoonhaven has a long tradition of clock and silver making. There is time to explore the city and visit the Dutch Gold, Silver and Clock Museum.
Day 4 Schoonhaven - Kinderdijk - Arnhem - Our first port of call today is Kinderdijk, famous for its windmills. Nowhere in the world will you find as many windmills as near the Dutch village. In 1740 no less than 19 sturdy mills were built here and in 1997 the mills of Kinderdijk were put on the World Heritage List of UNESCO. We continue our journey this afternoon to Arnhem, one of the largest cities in the Netherlands.
Day 5 Arnhem to Dusseldorf - Today we sail and join the majestic German Rhine until we reach the city of Dusseldorf. This lifestyle metropolis on the Rhine is waiting to be explored. Join us for an afternoon optional excursion of the Old Town, Königsallee and the Media Harbour.
Day 6 Dusseldorf to Cologne - We make the final part of our journey along the beautiful Rhine with time to relax and enjoy the scenery as we slowly sail to Cologne. Our final port of call on this journey of two countries is Cologne. Germany’s fourth oldest city, steeped in history with it’s wonderful old town and gothic cathedral. This afternoon an optional excursion is offered to show you the sights of Cologne. This evening enjoy the farewell dinner on board.
Day 7 Cologne to Northern France - We travel by coach to our overnight hotel in Northern France.
Day 8 Northern France to UK - On to Calais, Dover, then home

Holiday Itinerary by Rail
Day 1 London St Pancras to Amsterdam - We meet at St Pancras station and join the Eurostar train to Brussels. Change on to the Thalys service and continue on to Amsterdam. From Amsterdam Centraal Station we make the short jouney to join our ship.
Days 2 to 5 Cruising - See Holiday itinerary by Coach days 3 to 6
Day 6 Cologne to London St Pancras  - Transfer to Cologne station and join the Thalys service to Brussels. At Brussels we change on to the Eurostar service to London St Pancras.

Travel by Rail is based on standard class travel. Upgrades to leisure select on Eurostar and onwards in First Class on the Thalys, upgrade from £90 per person one way.

Holiday Itinerary by Air
Day 1 UK to Amsterdam - Flight to Amsterdam where you will be met by a representative and transferred to the MPS Rotterdam. Time to explore Amsterdam and join in the celebrations.
Days 2 to 5 Cruising - See Holiday itinerary by Coach days 3 to 6
Day 6 Cologne to UK - Transfer to the airport for the flight back to the UK.

Flight departures. Gatwick, Heathrow, Stansted, Birmingham, East Midlands, Liverpool, Manchester, Edinburgh, Luton, Glasgow, Norwich, Cardiff, Bristol, Aberdeen, Leeds Bradford, Newcastle

By coach - whats included
• 5 nights full board cruise
• 2 nights hotel, dinner bed & breakfast on/post route
• Grand Tourer coach travel
• Shearings cruise representative

By rail - whats included
• 5 nights full board cruise
• Return Eurostar standard ticket, London to Brussels & onwards Thalys standard ticket
• Shearings rail & cruise representative

By air - whats included
• 5 nights full board cruise
• Return flights & resort transfers
• Shearings cruise representative