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Saturday

We meet in central Amsterdam at 15:00 (3pm) this afternoon and transfer to the Charlemagne moored in Vreeswijk.  A welcome on board champagne reception and presentation of the crew before you are shown to your cabin.  We will have a delightful cruise this afternoon along the river Lek to Schoonoven, well known for its silver jewelry and traditional clock making since the 17^th c.  There will be time to stroll into this charming town after dinner on board.

Sunday

A morning cruise to Kinderdijk where we will visit the 19 windmills which are part of Unesco World Heritage, they were built in 1740 to drain the polders.  At lunchtime we will cruise along the Hollandse Ijsell river, passing by the skyline of Rotterdam , one of the world’s largest seaports.  Later in the afternoon, a walking tour of Gouda , famous for its cheese, pipes and candles.

Monday

After breakfast, a visit to see the remarkable stained glass windows in St John’s church dating from the 15^th c.  Afterwards we cruise to Oude Wetering on the Gouwe and Oude Wetering canals.  Poulders which are low lying lands reclaimed from the sea stretch out in every direction.  This afternoon, an excursion to the Keukenhof Gardens , famous throughout the world for their dazzling fields of tulips, daffodils and hyacinths.

Tuesday

An early morning visit to the worlds biggest flower auction in Aalsmeer where some 10 billion flowers are sold every year.  Later we cruise on the Ringvaart canal, skirting one of Holland ’s oldest polders.  In the afternoon, a tour of Haarlem , the center of the Dutch bulb trade followed by a cruise to Pumerend.

Wednesday

A very scenic cruise passing fields of blooming flowers to Alkmaar where we will have a guided visit of the town’s monuments: 17^th c fortifications, St Lawrence church with one of the finest ancient organs in Holland, the majestic 15^th c gothic Town Hall and many picturesque old houses.  There will be time for shopping.

Thursday

A morning cruise to Zaansche Schans, a reconstructed village of wooden houses and windmills, transporting us 300 years into the past.  Our cruise ends in the heart of Amsterdam where we will have a guided tour of the many monuments with time for shopping.  This evening is our farewell gala dinner.

Friday

After breakfast, depart the Charlemagne for onward travels