Holland & Belgium Springtime River Cruise- Hosted by WHP580’s RJ Harris

Included Features

• Free parking with roundtrip motorcoach transportation to/from the Philadelphia International Airport 
• Roundtrip airfare from Philadelphia to Amsterdam
• Transfers between airports, hotels and piers as required by group tour and cruise itinerary
• Pre-night hotel stay in Amsterdam at the Swissotel Amsterdam (or similar)
• Seven-night Holland and Belgium Springtime River Cruise aboard the MS Amadeus Brilliant in selected category based upon availability at the time of booking
• Sightseeing as stated in itinerary by luxury coach and river cruise ship
• Meals: 8 Breakfast, 6 Lunches, 7 Dinners
• Coffee or tea is included with meals: wine, beer and soft drinks are included with every dinner
• Services of a professional Member Choice Vacations Tour Manager
• Baggage handling (hotels and ship only-not including the airport)
• Hosted by WHP580's RJ Harris

Highlights

• Seven-night river cruise on the MS Amadeus Brilliant
• Amsterdam canal cruise
• Keukenhof Gardens
• Arnhem
• Middelburg
• Bruges, Belgium
• Antwerp, Belgium
• Kinderdijk Windmills 

Itinerary

Monday, April 21: Depart for Amsterdam, Holland 

Motorcoach from Central PA to the Philadelphia International Airport for an overnight flight to Amsterdam, Holland.

Tuesday, April 22: Arrive in Amsterdam

Welcome to Amsterdam, the 800-year old capital city of Holland! After arrival, transfer to the hotel. The day will be on your own with time to explore local museums and the city at your leisure . Hotel Swissotel Amsterdam 

Wednesday, April 23: Amsterdam - Board the MS Amadeus Brilliant

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before spending the morning at leisure. Today you will be transferred to the exquisite   MS Amadeus Brilliant, your home for the next seven nights. The beautiful vessel has all the modern amenities you need, plus a panoramic deck bar, outstanding service, along with delicious food and wine. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Thursday, April 24: Amsterdam - Keukenhof Gardens

See Amsterdam the way it's truly meant to be seen- by canal. Aboard your private boat , cruise under sloping bridges and pass by quintessential Dutch houses. This afternoon we will visit the world famous  Keukenhof Gardens, home to more than 7 million tulips and flowers. In the evening we depart Amsterdam for a 7-night sailing through Holland and Belgium! (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Friday, April 25: Arnhem, Holland

Today we will arrive in Arnhem, known as the favorite summer retreat for the royal Dutch family.  Enjoy a  full day to explore and wander through the city's parks or delve into the local history at a WWII museum. In the morning, you'll have the opportunity to join an optional tour to the Airborne Museum (not included in the price of the trip) to learn about the Battle of Arnhem. After lunch you may opt for a visit to the Kroller-Muller Museum (not included in the price of the trip) where you'll find the second largest Van Goh collection in the world. This evening enjoy the lovely Dutch scenery as our journey continues. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Saturday, April 26: Middelburg, Holland

Enjoy sailing along scenic Dutch waterways before spending an afternoon in Middelburg, the capital of the Dutch province of Zeeland. Walk through the twisting lanes and take in the city's relaxed atmosphere on your own. See how the local trading legacy remains in the architecture, passing by timeless brick houses, a gothic town hall, and medieval towers. Consider taking an optional excursion to the storm surge barrier and Flood Museum (not included in the price of the trip) to learn about Netherland's largest flood defense system. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Sunday, April 27: Bruges, Belgium 

Say hello to Belgium this morning. Enjoy a scenic cruise to the fairytale city of Bruges. This afternoon, explore the city on foot during a guided walking tour,* then board a scenic canal cruise featuring cozy town squares and medieval dwellings. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) 

* The Bruges walking tour includes standing for a longer period of time, walking on cobble stone streets, and cruising the canals in an uncovered boat. 

Monday, April 28: Antwerp, Belgium

Join a local expert in Antwerp for a city tour that explores its rich history and gothic and baroque architecture. Enjoy a free afternoon to prepare for the elegant Captain's Gala Dinner, immediately followed by an evening of dancing. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) 

Tuesday, April 29: Kinderdijk - Rotterdam, Netherlands  

Stop in Kinderdijk, a  UNESCO  World Heritage Site and village, to experience Holland's iconic 18th-century windmills, seeing how the country's heritage blends into modern day society. This afternoon, it's your choice! Discover the charming canals, medieval architecture, and rich history of Delft on a walking tour, and afterwards enjoy free time to explore on your own - OR- take a walking tour of the Hague and see the historic Binnenhof, the Peace Palace, and more before enjoying free time in this unique city. Aboard the ship, toast to the end of your journey at a farewell dinner. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Wednesday, April 30: Amsterdam, Travel Back to Central, PA

Your river cruise through Amsterdam and Belgium comes to a close with wonderful memories of your serene vacation. Transfer to the Amsterdam International Airport for your flight and transportation back to Central PA. (Breakfast)

*Please note: gratuities for cabin stewards, dining room staff and waitstaff on board the ship are not included and are at your discretion. 

**Hotels and itinerary are subject to change at any time without notification and/or compensation

***Cabin categories are on a first come first serve basis and are not guaranteed until confirmed at the time of booking. The rates listed on this brochure are only valid until August 23, 2024 and will increase if booked after this date. 

Activity Level: 3
This tour includes Moderate Physical activity. The itinerary blends some longer days with shorter days and more leisure time. Walking tours, as well as walking slightly longer distances, up stairs or on uneven walking surfaces should be expected. 

General Information

Travel Documents

An original signed passport valid for 6 months beyond stay, and with at least one blank visa page for visa stamp(s) is required for this trip. As of the printing of this brochure all guests are required to obtain an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) travel  authorization to travel to Europe's Schengen Zone (not included in the price of the trip) Please see your AAA travel professional for more information. 

As travel polices are rapidly changing as a result of COVID-19, final requirements will be communicated prior to departure. Please see your travel advisor for additional information.

Payment

A deposit of $898 per person will confirm your reservation. Final Payment is due to AAA by December 9, 2024

Cancellation/Penalties

Deposit date of departure $25 per persona, plus...
From August 24, 2024 to January 20,2025-               $898.00 per person, plus additional suppliers' fees 
From January 21, 2025 to February 19, 2025-           50% per person, plus additional suppliers' fees 
From February 20, 2025 to March 21, 2025-             85%  per person, plus additional suppliers' fees 
After March 21, 2025-                                               100% NON-REFUNABLE
* Airfare is non-refundable after final payment.

Flight

Air arrangements are handled by the tour operator. Seat assignments cannot be confirmed until the tour operator releases names to the airline(s) 30 days prior to departure. Specific seat requests cannot be guaranteed. Some flights may contain code share agreements.

Insurance

For your protection AAA recommends travel insurance. Pre-existing medial conditions may be waived with proper coverage if travel insurance is purchased within 14 days of initial deposit only. Other conditions may apply; ask your travel agent. AAA recommends Allianz.

Clothing/Climate

Pack for a variety of temperatures. During the day average temperatures in Amsterdam warm up to the mid 50's dropping in the upper 30's at night. The average temperatures in Belgium are in the upper 50's during the day and dropping to the low 40's.  Smart casual wear is recommended throughout the trip. For the welcome and farewell dinners, a dinner dress for ladies and jacket and tie for gentleman is recommended. Comfortable walking shoes and a small umbrella are recommended throughout the tour. 

Baggage

One suitcase per person will be allowed. You may also bring a carry-on bag small enough to fit under your seat. Baggage fees are not included in the price of the trip. Baggage fees and other charges may be directly assessed by airlines or airport. 

Travel Assistance

For personal comfort, group participants who need assistance are required to have a traveling companion who is capable of and totally responsible for providing the needed assistance.

GRP2825

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