Marjorie II
Holland Cruise

AMSTERDAM TO AMSTERDAM

Departing every Sunday between April 02 and May 7  from Amsterdam

Sunday, DAY 1  Amsterdam
After meeting at l' Hotel de l' Europe in Amsterdam, we are whisked to 'Marjorie or Marjorie II', moored nearby. After a drink to welcome us aboard we start cruising. The River Vecht is to Holland what the Loire is to France, whose banks are lined with 17 Century mansions dating from the Dutch " Golden Age ", we cruise through the very heart of Holland to our overnight mooring at a cheese farm.

Monday, DAY 2 Montfoort 
After breakfast we take a trip to the Aalsmeer flower auction, where some 17 million cut flowers are auctioned every day. Returning to our boat, we cruise on to Montfoort. 

Tuesday, DAY 3 Montfoort to Gouda
This morning's route takes us along the Hollandse IJssel towards Gouda, on a canal so narrow that we can nearly touch the banks where lambs graze at this time of the year.

Wednesday, DAY 4 Gouda to Delft
We cruise during breakfast and then leave from one of the locks for a number of sightseeing possibilities.
From our mooring at Gouda we walk right into town, where 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. After lunch we cruise through Rotterdam, largest port in the World, en route to Delft, famous for the blue- and white porcelain which bears its name. 

Thursday, DAY 4 Delft to Haarlem
Delft is 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 to learn how this world-famous porcelain is made. Then, back on the barge, a scenic cruise brings us to Haarlem. 

Friday, DAY 6   Haarlem to Amsterdam
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 (wheelchairs can be booked in advance if needed) on this unforgettable half- day excursion. lunch we 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. Afternoon cruise to our mooring in Amsterdam.

Saturday, DAY 7  Amsterdam
After breakfast, return to Amsterdam.