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Amsterdam – Your holiday and adventure begin with your journey to Amsterdam by air or rail where you will you be met and transferred to the MS Serenade I in the afternoon. Amsterdam is one of the Jewels of Europe so no wonder the bustling Dutch capital is among the most popular destinations in the World with travellers of all ages. It has a unique mix of historic sites, cultural diversity, freedom and tradition and after dinner you may wish to join our optional excursion exploring the historical heart of the city. This gives you a fascinating perspective of the real Amsterdam from a local waterbus tour along the city’s incredible network of canals. Alternatively you are welcome to stay on board and enjoy the evening’s entertainment or go ashore and explore for yourself. |
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Kinderdijk – Dordrecht – We leave Amsterdam early this morning and sail to the famous site of Kinderdijk. Here, right next to the river, you will find 19 windmills that date from the 17th century and are still in operation today – have your camera ready. We continue on to historic Dordrecht, the oldest City in Holland where the centre of the town lies hidden away between the many monuments that determine a facade that originates from over 1,000 years ago. To explore the area more fully why not join our optional excursion to explore Zeeland, a province famous for its ever continuing battle with the sea, consisting of mainly islands connected and protected from the salt waters by the most high tech dams in the world. Dinner is on board this evening as we cruise on. |
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Brussels – After cruising gently through the night we reach the Belgian capital of Brussels early this morning. It’s a great city and easy to enjoy from street level so you may well wish to join our optional city walking tour. This unique city can be best described as a mosaic of cultures and languages where you will discover many surprises as you wander around the quaint streets including beautiful gardens, lively terraces, beautiful architecture and the Mannequin Pis. In the centre the famous ‘Grand Place’ is among the most beautiful main squares in Europe. It’s worth a stop here for a coffee (or, perhaps more famously, a Belgian beer) to watch the world go by. Also don’t forget to try the world famous Belgian chocolates. |
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Antwerp – This morning we moor in Antwerp, the largest city in Flanders and famous for its fashion, cuisine, and of course Pieter Paul Rubens – Belgium’s most influential painter. Besides all this, Antwerp is also known as the diamond capital of the world, and many exclusive diamond establishments can be found in the centre – this is truly a city that will bring a ‘sparkle’ to a lady’s eyes! Feel free to wander round and explore for yourself. Alternatively our optional walking tour will show you all the sights and your guide will make sure that you learn the history and culture of this spectacular place. You’ll also be encouraged to at least taste one of Antwerp’s other jewels – the famous de Koninck Beer served in the typical Bolleke glass. |
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Ghent – Another overnight voyage brings the Ms Serenade 1 to Ghent, the former capital of Flanders. It’s a city which boasts more monuments of any other in Belgium with over 400 to admire and photograph – in particular look out for churches, museums, abbeys and even a medieval castle . Ghent is a lovely place to wander around but you also have the opportunity to join our optional excursion to the UNESCO World Heritage city of Bruges. This is a medieval delight, full of character, narrow alleys, enchanting canals and historic charm. Whatever you choose to do this will be a day to remember. |
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Rotterdam – In the morning we reach one of the largest ports in the world, Rotterdam. It’s worth being up and about for our arrival as docking in Rotterdam the ship makes a cruise through the commercial port, where you can see the impressive mechanics and ships from close up. Away from the extensive waterfront Rotterdam is also famous for its modern architecture and the Ms Serenade will dock close to the impressive Erasmus Bridge and many other architectural highlights. Feel free to explore the city itself but really we’ve docked here because it’s the ideal point to take our optional excursion to the imposing and grand Royal City of The Hague, and the famous pottery city of Delft. Make sure you have enough space in your bag to take home some of the world famous blue and white china. |
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Amsterdam – Early in the morning we will reach the final destination of this cruise and our initial departure point of Amsterdam. There are various possibilities to explore this wonderful city by foot or by bicycle to make sure you don’t miss the chance to see more of Amsterdam’s treasures at your own pace. The recently re- opened ‘Rijksmuseum’ is a real must and hosts one of the country’s most famous paintings – Rembrandt’s ‘Nightwatch’. You may also wish to join our optional excursion to the typical fishing villages of Volendam and Marken to learn about traditional Dutch life and history. Tonight will be your final dinner on board. |
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Amsterdam – After breakfast, it is time to say goodbye to the MS Serenade I and disembark for your return flight or rail journey to the UK. |
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