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Sunday, Day 1 Haarlem

We meet you at the designated meeting point and transfer you to the barge moored at Haarlem. Once aboard enjoy a Champagne welcome and an introduction to your crew and ship. Dinner on board.

Monday, Day 2 Haarlem to Leiden

For those who enjoy an early start, we visit Aalsmeer flower auction, where some 17 million cut flowers are auctioned every day. Return to the barge for breakfast. After breakfast visit historic Haarlem dating back to the 13th Century. Home to the Frans Hals Museum and its collection of Old Masters, other highlights include St. Bavo's Cathedral on the main square, where both Handel and Mozart played the magnificent Muller organ. After lunch we cruise to Leiden. Leiden is the perfect town for those who like to cycle or walk. The city’s history dates back to Roman times and includes more recent sites such as the church, St. Pieterskerk, from which the pilgrims departed for America. History is best experienced by walking or cycling, occasionally stopping to look at the architecture. Dinner on board.

Tuesday, Day 3 Leiden to Delft

This morning marks a cruising highlight: a walk through the Keukenhof Gardens, Holland's best-known garden park, with more than 100 acres filled with over 7 million flowering bulbs. We stroll through breathtaking waves of color on this unforgettable half- day excursion. Return to the barge for lunch followed by our cruise to Delft, famous for the blue and white porcelain which bears its name. Dinner on board.

Wednesday, Day 4 Delft to Rotterdam to Dordrecht

This morning a tour of Delft, a fascinating town full of small canals and humpback bridges and is 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 Jan Vermeer, Delft is also famous for its Delft tableware, and we visit a factory, a 5 minute walk from the barge mooring, to learn how this world-famous porcelain is made. Return to the barge for a cruise to Rotterdam. An early lunch followed by a visit to the Ketel One distillery in Schiedam for our private 2pm tour. Ketel One Vodka is distilled from 100% wheat in copper pot stills, filtered over loose charcoal, and rests in tile lined tanks until ready. Cruise to Dordrecht followed by dinner ashore tonight at Le Blanc Restaurant in Bellevue.

Thursday, Day 5 Dordrecht to Gouda

After breakfast we leave the barge for a full day’s experience of the Floriade with lunch ashore. Held only once every 10 years, the Floriade is opening its gates again in 2012. A spectacular theatre of nature in a stunning park in Venlo. Floriade 2012 will host dazzling displays of the world's most exquisite flowers, plants, trees and fruit, as well as a whole array of innovative theatrical attractions - a truly fascinating experience! Return to the barge for dinner on board.

Friday, Day 6 Gouda to Haarlem

After breakfast, from our mooring at Gouda we walk right into town. Our 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. Private cheese tasting and tour. After lunch we cruise to Haarlem. Tonight enjoy the Captains Farewell Dinner on board.

Saturday, Day 7 Haarlem

After breakfast depart the barge and transfer to the designated drop off point.

On alternate weeks the cruise will be in the reverse direction. This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change.