Savoir
Faire
The Etoile de Champagne with its 3 decks, includes a large sundeck, a main deck with a panoramic lounge, a bar area and a dining room finished in mahogany, teak and brass. For evening entertainment, there is an upright piano, game table, stereo, CD player and library. There are 6 twin cabins.
Bruges to Amsterdam
Sunday, Day 1 Bruges
Transfer upon arrival at Bruxelles
airport to the Etoile de Champagne, which is moored in the world famous city of
Bruges (1.5 hour drive by minivan). After an introduction to your ship and the
opportunity to settle into your cabins you can enjoy a "welcome"
champagne and a chat with your hosts before lunch. This afternoon your guide
will escort you through what many consider to be the best-preserved medieval
city in Europe. Bruges is the perfect example of a "museum town" and
is often referred to as the "Venice of the North".
Monday, Day 2 Bruges to Ghent
After an early start we cruise
east to Ghent. A first and lasting impression of Ghent is of its marvellous
medieval structures whose sturdy stone facades reflect well in canal waters. We
visit the Castle of the Counts. This magnificent, almost unrivalled example of a
feudal fortress of the Counts of Flounders has a massive medieval structure that
rises from the reflective waters of its moat. It was built about 1180.
Tuesday, Day 3 Ghent to Antwerp
We start cruising at the crack
of dawn today to catch the flood tide down the winding "Sea Schelde"
which takes us to the city of Antwerp. This river has a tidal difference of more
than 20 feet and a strong current. Once in this busy city, the three
"must-see" sights are; baroque painter Pieter Paul Rubens' house; the
Plantin-Moretus house, a printing plant and shop in service between 1555 and
1876; and of course Belgium's largest Gothic cathedral.
Wednesday, Day 4 Antwerp to Willemstad
Today we leave Belgium and cross
the border into Holland and travel to the charming old fortress town of
Willemstad. This town is preserved in its original state, with windmills and
dykes, an old church and a 15th century arsenal. There will be an OPTIONAL visit
made available to the famous Delta Project, which is one of the greatest feats
of water engineering in the world involving damming the great estuaries.
Thursday, Day 5 Willemstad
to Delft
Today we cruise through
Rotterdam, the largest port in the World and on to Delft, a fascinating town
full of small canals and humpbacked bridges and 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 tableware. Your tour guide has arranged a visit to one of the
Delft factories to learn how this world-famous porcelain is made.
Friday, Day 6 Delft to Haarlem (moored in Haarlem overnight)
Saturday, Day 7
Amsterdam
After a great breakfast on board you
disembark.
Note : The route is run
in reverse on alternate weeks and excursion days and mooring places may change