Amsterdam to Bruges
April
01-08 Amsterdam-Bruges
May
06-13 Bruges-Amsterdam / May
13 - May 20 Amsterdam-Bruges
Day 1 - Amsterdam.
Transfer to the Vincent van Gogh, moored in Amsterdam and embark. Welcome pre-dinner drinks and briefing.
Day 2 - Amsterdam to Gouda.
We will slip our moorings at first light and navigate the complex network of canals into Southern Holland, arriving in the medieval town of Gouda after lunch. This is one of the loveliest Dutch old towns, best known for its cheese. On an optional guided walk see the charming town hall (1450) with its remarkable Gothic facade, the 15th century S Janskerk with some of the finest glass in all of Europe. Moor overnight.
Day 3 - The Hague & Delft.
We will spend the day in southern Holland, first driving to The Hague for an optional city tour and visit to the Mauritshuis. Here we can see a special exhibition of Holbein’s paintings and the Royal Art Collection including Vermeer’s ‘View of Delft’ and Rembrandt’s ‘The Anatomy Lesson of Doctor Tulp’. After lunch continue on to nearby Delft, where the historic centre has changed little from the paintings of the Dutch Masters. On an optional excursion see the Prinsenhof where William the Silent lived, and where he was assassinated in 1574. Return to the vessel, which will have repositioned to Willemstad. Moor overnight.
Day 4 - Antwerp.
Spend a relaxing morning on board as we navigate the complicated waterways into Belgium and the city of Antwerp, arriving after lunch. An optional afternoon excursion will include the great Gothic Cathedral which dominates the old town and includes two magnificent altarpieces by Rembrandt. Visit Ruben’s House. Moor overnight in Antwerp.
Day 5 - Antwerp to Terneuzen.
Spend a relaxing morning in Antwerp or join the optional excursion to the delightful Plantin-Moretus House where the original printing processes from type casting to hand press can be seen. Later, visit a diamond workshop before returning to the vessel for lunch. Sail along the Schelde and into the Westerschelde to the port of Terneuzen. Moor overnight.
Day 6 - Ghent to Bruges.
Morning optional visit to Ghent with its beautiful canal setting lined by Guildhouses to see St Bavon’s Cathedral, one of the most celebrated churches in Belgium with Jan van Eyck’s famous altarpiece ‘Adoration of the Mystic Lamb’. Rejoin the vessel at Evergem Lock, just outside Ghent and sail during lunch along the canal to Bruges. Enjoy an after dinner walk in this most magical of settings. Moor overnight in Bruges.
Day 7 - Bruges.
One of the largest and finest cities in Europe, the 15th century Belfry in Bruges still dominates the centre as it did then and the Town Hall, St John Hospital and the Begijnhof border the narrow canals. On an optional walking tour we will see some of the most important places and buildings which have survived from the Middle Ages including the Basilica of the Holy Blood, City Hall, the Begijnhof, Minnewater and the Belfry, and the Church of Our Lady. Afternoon free. Perhaps, visit the Groeninge Museum to see two marvellous art collections, the Old Masters and Memling Collection. Of course no trip to Bruges would be complete without sampling some of the best chocolate in the world. Farewell dinner on board.
Day 8 - Bruges
Disembark after breakfast.
