Waterways, Lakes & Gardens of Holland
Join us as we explore our captain’s home country on this exclusive cruise itinerary, which takes you beyond the clichés of tulips, clogs and windmills to present the Netherlands in a whole new light. Starting in Nijmegen, the oldest city in the Netherlands, we follow rivers and canals to discover some of his favourite places, including the breathtaking Maasplassen with its series of lakes, the star shaped city of Heusden, the historic centre of Dordrecht and the cutting edge architecture of Rotterdam. There’s plenty of time to explore and Captain Wido will enlighten us on his love for each place, so that by the time we come to say farewell, you too will share his passion for this beautiful and unique country.
Day 1: UK – Arnhem
We travel to Arnhem and enjoy a relaxing evening onboard our ship.
Day 2: Nijmegen
We cast of this morning and sail to Nijmegen the oldest city in the Netherlands, which nestles on the banks of the Waal river. A walk through the old town takes you on a journey through time, starting with when the Romans first settled here. Alternatively, you can join our optional excursion to wander around the beautiful Appeltern Gardens. This evening we sail to Cujik.
Day 3: Roermond, the Dutch Lake District
This afternoon we reach Roermond, on the border with Belgium and Germany. You have plenty of time to explore this atmospheric town enjoys a unique location on the Maasplassen, an extensive chain of lakes set around idyllic green landscapes.
Day 4: Arcen – Grave
We cast off during breakfast and cruise to the village of Arcen for a short stop around midday. Here you can join our optional excursion to Arcen Castle, where we enjoy a tour of the 17th-century castle and the gardens which are said to be the most beautiful in the Netherlands. We meet our ship in the city of Grave, on the banks of the Maas river, and spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Day 5: Heusden
Spend the morning relaxing onboard our ship as we cruise to Heusden. This beautiful city, with its star-shaped city walls, is like an open air museum with over 130 listed buildings. From here you can join our optional excursion visiting Den Bosch, the largest walled city in the Netherlands with a stunning medieval centre. The rest of the day is then free to explore Heusden.
Day 6: Dordrecht
Another morning of cruising takes us to the city of Dordrecht, whose centre is beautifully preserved with 18th and 19th century buildings strung along a web of canals and harbours. There’s plenty of time to explore this historic city.
Day 7: Rotterdam
We sail to Rotterdam this morning, which is known as ‘Manhattan on the Meuse’ because of its impressive skyline, which showcases cutting-edge architecture. Join our optional excursion to enjoy some of the highlights: take a trip up the Euromast observation tower where you can see as far as Antwerp on a clear day.
Day 8: Rotterdam – UK
We bid farewell to our captain and crew after breakfast and set off on the return journey.
• Enjoy a Dutch cruise with a difference
• Get to know Captain Wido even more as we cruise around his home country and visit his favourite ports of call
• Cruise along the waters of the Waal and the Maas (Meuse) Rivers
• Enjoy the wide open countryside of the Netherlands
• Explore the oldest city in the Netherlands, Nijmegen, which celebrates around 2,000 years of history
• See the beautiful ‘Lake District’ of the Netherlands
• Visit the star shaped city of Heusden
• See one of the largest ports in the world at Rotterdam, the ‘Manhattan on the Meuse’
Ships
MPS Lady Anne
This floating home-from-home brings together an experienced and friendly crew whose aim is to ensure you have a relaxing and enjoyable break while cruising through great scenery.
Read more about MPS Lady AnneWe offer a number of flexible travel options for you to join your cruise, whether you want to travel to the port of departure or directly to the ship. Please see below: On many of our cruises you can take advantage of our convenient and FREE regional coach departures aboard our modern executive coaches from a town or city near you to the port of departure and onwards to meet the ship. When you travel by coach or car, you will join a ferry at Dover or Newcastle depending on your chosen cruise, and cross over to Europe. Our coach will then take you to meet our ship at the embarkation point as shown in the cruise itinerary. Newcastle and H1 route crossings take place overnight, adding 2 days to the cruise duration. Travel at your own pace, in the comfort of your own vehicle and stay overnight at Dover or Ashford, in accommodation close to the port of departure and be collected/returned by our coach. Prices start from £55 per night on a bed and breakfast basis and include parking for one vehicle for the duration of your cruise. Make your own travel arrangements at your convenience to join your selected cruise, simply board your cruise ship at the embarkation point.
Coach via Dover
Ferry crossing at Dover
Overnight hotel in Dover or Ashford
Join at Ship
Dates and pricing
The details below show the travel options, pricing and the available departure dates for this itinerary. If you have any questions about this cruise please do not hesitate to call our Holiday Advisors.Departures
Ship
| Departure | Travel options | Booking |
|---|---|---|
2020-05-13 13 May 2020for 0 days | Coach Enter postcode and click go to show pick ups closest to youJoin ship at Arnhem | from £889 |
2020-05-14 14 May 2020for 0 days | Coach Enter postcode and click go to show pick ups closest to youFerries Overnight hotel Join ship at Arnhem | from £689 |
2020-05-21 21 May 2020for 0 days | Coach Enter postcode and click go to show pick ups closest to youFerries Overnight hotel Join ship at Arnhem | from £689 |
Enhance your holiday experience with a range of optional and included excursions that allow you to discover the history of our ports of call, experience the tradition of local regions and explore further afield. They’re the perfect complement to your cruise itinerary, but they are subject to availability so we recommend you book early! £34 A walk through this 23-hectare park is an experience for all the senses. There is a free audio tour if you are interested in the story behind Appeltern and want an extra explanation about the gardens, or you can simply enjoy the quiet, the space and the nature. Whichever you choose, you’re almost certain to come away with some fantastic ideas for your own garden. £27 Visit the most beautiful gardens of the Netherlands and experience ancient times on a guided tour of the castle which dates from the 17th century. The garden is a delight to explore with areas that resemble Japan, Italy and Thailand. £27 Den Bosch is a great city to visit whilst in the Netherlands. We enjoy a boat trip along the Binnendieze River to Singelgracht, before continuing the tour within the city walls. £24 Paris has the Eiffel Tower, Brussels has the Atomium and Rotterdam has the Euromast! Take the superfast lift up to the viewing platform and enjoy the view – you can see as far as The Hague and Antwerp on a clear day. We also visit the curious cube houses, an architectural wonder in the heart of the city, one of which we have the chance to look around. £112 per person You can book our excursions individually or as a package, but they are subject to availability so we recommend you book early!
Appletern Gardens
Castle Arcen & Gardens
Medieval Den Bosch
Rotterdam Skyline
Package Price
At a glance
Length: 8 days
From: Arnhem
Ends: Rotterdam
Travel options available:
- Coach via Dover
- Ferry crossing at Dover
- Overnight hotel in Dover or Ashford
- Join at Ship
Included in the Price
- Seven nights’ cruise on a full board basis
- Welcome drink, Captain’s get-together and party night
- Entertainment on every night of your cruise
- Visits to Arnhem, Nijmegen, Roermond, Arcen, Grave, Heusden, Dordrecht and Rotterdam
- Morning tea/coffee and a late afternoon and late evening snack
- Services of a Cruise Manager
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