For reservations call 1-800-788-7885
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Holland & Belgium in Spring - Southbound
2010 – 10 Days from $3,490
Revel in the vivid colors of spring in the Netherlands and Belgium
during a riverboat cruise through centuries-old inland waterways aboard ms Swiss Sapphire or ms Swiss Jewel.
View windmills standing sentinel over lush landscapes that stretch as
far as the eye can see; celebrate the season with a visit to
Keukenhof Gardens. Take a luncheon cruise through the Renaissance canals of Amsterdam, and experience the past at the Zuiderzee Museum. Taste Dutch
gin, learn how Belgian chocolate and Dutch cheese are made, and enjoy
an exclusive interactive culinary experience at the only terraced
castle in the Netherlands. Visit renowned art museums and World War II
sites, with city sightseeing in Amsterdam, Antwerp, and Maastricht on
this most interesting and colorful of Belgium and Holland cruises.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
2010 Itinerary
Southbound
Click here for Northbound itinerary.
• Indicates cruise day
• Day 1 - Welcome to Amsterdam and embark your riverboat
This most memorable of Belgium and Holland cruises begins at 4:00 PM in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Upon arrival, a transfer is included from Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport to the ms Swiss Sapphire or ms Swiss Jewel. After settling into your cabin, enjoy a Dutch Gin tasting followed by our welcome dinner this evening aboard the riverboat.
Meals: Dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat
• Day 2 - The blooms and art of Amsterdam
Journey to Keukenhof Gardens in Lisse this morning, where millions of blooming tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths create colorful carpets of flowers. Return to Amsterdam to take a luncheon cruise through the city's tree-lined 17th-century canals, then admire works by Rembrandt and other Dutch Masters at the world-famous Rijksmuseum. Later, your riverboat sets out from Amsterdam on your springtime cruise, bound for the historic port city of Hoorn.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat
• Day 3 - Historic villages & windmills
Your discovery of Holland cruises to Hoorn, a centuries-old town on the IJsselmeer featuring 16th- and 17th-century houses from its heyday as a prosperous seaport; it's now a center of Holland's agricultural region. Choose either a town walking tour, or a journey to the Alkmaar region for visits to the Schermer Museum Windmill and the Zeezicht cheese farm for a cheese-making demonstration. Cruise to the picturesque seafaring town of Enkhuizen to visit the Zuiderzee Museum, a reconstructed 19th-century fishing village featuring costumed guides. Your riverboat docks in Kampen this evening.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat
• Day 4 - WWII history in Arnhem or nature & van Gogh
The picturesque banks of the Lek and Rhine Rivers come alive through the commentary of your Tauck Director as this most enjoyable of Holland cruises continues to Zutphen; there, you'll disembark for a choice of two excursions. In Arnhem, scene of a massive World War II Allied airborne assault, you can tour the battlefields, view the "John Frost Bridge" and visit the nearby Airborne Museum. Alternatively, you can choose to explore De Hoge Veluwe National Park - the country's largest nature reserve - and then view hundreds of works by Vincent van Gogh at the Kröller-Müller Museum within the park. Back on the riverboat tonight, your cruise to Nijmegen is accompanied by classical music performed by La Strada.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat
• Day 5 - Maas River cruising & antiquities in Nijmegen
Your journey through Belgium and Holland cruises to Nijmegen, the Netherlands' oldest city. Explore the ancient ruins of the Valkhof, Charlemagne's 8th-century stronghold, and the artifact-filled Museum Het Valkhof. See Sint-Stevenskerk, a 14th-century church, and the well-preserved Grote Markt before resuming your cruise along the Maas River through the beautiful Dutch countryside.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat
• Day 6 - Magic of Maastricht
Nearly as ancient as Nijmegen, the Old Town of Maastricht invites your exploration with some 1,400 historic buildings and monuments; a walking tour includes the 16th-century Spanish Government House, tree-lined Vrijthof Square, and Helpoort, an entry through the medieval town wall built in 1229. Visit 1,000-year-old Sint-Servaasbasiliek (the Basilica of St. Servatius); one of the oldest churches in the Netherlands, it's the latest in a series of churches that have stood near the site of the grave of St. Servatius since the sixth century.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat
• Day 7 - Paying tribute to the past
Drive to Margraten to pay your respects at the Netherlands American Cemetery, final resting place of thousands of U.S. World War II soldiers. As a Tauck Exclusive, lunch today is a memorable interactive culinary experience at Château Neercanne, a castle whose terraced gardens are protected by UNESCO; you'll don a chef's hat, visit the kitchen where your meal is being prepared, and dig into an extraordinary lunch served in a Roman grotto within the castle. This afternoon, cruise the entire length of the Albert Canal from the Netherlands into Belgium, enjoying the views from the riverboat's sun deck or lounge. Arrive in the important port of Antwerp, and savor Belgian specialties at dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat
• Day 8 - A day in Antwerp
Antwerp is yours to discover on foot today, when you meet your local guide on the dock for a tour of sights including the grand 1905 Centraal Station, opera house, city park and Grote Markt, lined with centuries-old Guild houses. Visit the city's historic Jewish quarter, as well as the Rubenshuis (Peter Paul Rubens House) - a museum in the restored home of the renowned 17th-century artist, viewing his works and those of some of his contemporaries (may be subject to closure on some departures). Then discover the secrets of making Belgian chocolate - and sample this delectable handmade treat - at a local chocolatier. After some free time in the city, attend a farewell reception and Captain's dinner aboard the riverboat, marking the conclusion of this most remarkable of Belgium and Holland cruises.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat
Day 9 - Bruges and Brussels beckon
Disembark the riverboat in Antwerp and journey to medieval Bruges, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring many treasures from its heyday between the 12th and 15th centuries. View Bruges' celebrated architecture on a tour through cobbled lanes, along quaint canals and over arched bridges; have lunch on your own in this city renowned as the birthplace of Flemish painting. The final leg of your most delightful of Belgium and Holland cruises takes you to Brussels, where you'll enjoy dinner at a popular local restaurant tonight. Your five-star hotel is adjacent to Brussels' Grand Place, one of the most beautiful market squares in all of Europe.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: Hotel Amigo, Brussels, Belgium
Day 10 - Say goodbye to Brussels
Tour ends in Brussels, Belgium. A transfer is included from the Hotel Amigo to Brussels Airport. Allow 2 1/2 hours for departure flight check-in.
Meals: Breakfast
Note: Cruise of Apr 17 will not visit the Peter Paul Rubens House in Antwerp due to weekly closures; cruise of Apr 27 will not visit the Airborne Museum or Kröller-Müller Museum in Arnhem.
Celebrate spring in the land of tulips and windmills with Tauck - book this most colorful of Belgium and Holland cruises today!
Prices10 Day Land/Cruise prices aboard ms Swiss Sapphire from $3,490 plus airfare
| Cat. 1 |
Cat. 2 | Cat. 3 | Cat. 4 | Cat. 5 | Cat. 6 |
||||||||
| Date | Dbl | Sgl | Dbl | Sgl | Dbl | Sgl | Dbl | Sgl | Dbl | Sgl | Dbl | Sgl | Tpl |
| 3/26/2010* | $3490 | $4886 | $3775 | $5285 | $4460 | $6244 | $4800 | $7680 | $5485 | $9325 | $6285 | $10,685 | $5655 |
| 4/4/2010 | $3490 | $3886 | $3775 | $5285 | $4460 | $5244 | $4800 | $7680 | $5485 | $9325 | $6285 | $10,685 | $5655 |
| 4/11/2010* | $3990 | $5586 | $4275 | $5985 | $4960 | $6944 | $5300 | $8480 | $5985 | $10,175 | $6785 | $11,535 | $6105 |
| 4/20/2010 |
$3990 | $4586 | $4275 | $5985 | $4960 | $5944 | $5300 | $8480 | $5985 | $10,175 | $6785 | $11,535 | $6105 |
| 4/27/2010* | $3890 | $4446 | $4175 | $5845 | $4860 | $5804 | $5200 | $8320 | $5885 | $10,005 | $6685 | $11,365 | $6015 |
10 Day Land/Cruise prices aboard ms Swiss Jewel from $3590 plus airfare
| Cat. 1 |
Cat. 2 | Cat. 3 | Cat. 4 | Cat. 5 | Cat. 6 |
||||||||
| Date | Dbl | Sgl | Dbl | Sgl | Dbl | Sgl | Dbl | Sgl | Dbl | Sgl | Dbl | Sgl | Tpl |
| 4/10/2010 | $3590 | $5026 | $3875 | $5425 | $4560 | $6384 | $4900 | $7840 | $5585 | $9495 | $6385 | $10,855 | $5745 |
| 4/17/2010* | $3890 | $5446 | $4175 | $5845 | $4860 | $6804 | $5200 | $8320 | $5885 | $10,005 | $6685 | $11,365 | $6015 |
View deck plans for Tauck's European Riverboat Fleet
*Indicates Brussels to Amsterdam itinerary.
10-day Land / Cruise tour includes 25 meals.
Special Singles Savings – $1000 per cabin – on Apr 4, 20 and 27 departures. Certain restrictions apply; ask at time of booking.
Land / cruise price per person includes cruise fare, most meals, port charges, wine with dinner aboard ship, shore excursions, applicable fuel surcharges and gratuities to Tauck Directors, Tauck Cruise Director, ship staff, local guides & drivers, as well as on all included meals.
International Airfare is additional. Call Tauck for special rates on international air, in coach or business, for travel originating in the U.S. (subject to availability).
Itinerary Changes – Although not expected, Tauck reserves the right to alter the sequence of ports or omit or substitute scheduled ports or attractions at any time without prior notice. North and south itineraries are similar. Museums and attractions may be subject to closure due to state, local or religious holidays. This cruise includes a fair amount of walking in each city.
Please ask at time of booking about additional hotel nights before or after your cruise, or about our Cruise Protection Plan.
Note: Cruise of Apr 17 will not visit the Peter Paul Rubens House in Antwerp due to weekly closures.
Cruise of Apr 27 will not visit the Airborne Museum or Kröller-Müller in Arnhem.
Need to Know
Inclusive Prices
Tour prices are per person in U.S. dollars. All hotel and riverboat accommodations, riverboat transportation, motor coach transportation, port charges, sightseeing, admissions, land excursions, luggage handling, wine with dinner aboard the riverboat, and the services of the Tauck Directors, the Tauck Cruise Director, hotel and ship staff, local guides and drivers are included. A representative of Tauck will meet you at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport and provide transportation to the Renaissance Amsterdam Hotel, regardless of the date and time of your arrival, provided you have furnished us with accurate fight arrival information at least two weeks prior to the start of your tour. Tauck will also provide you with transportation from the Hotel Amigo to Brussels Airport whenever you choose to depart.
Hotel and Riverboat Accommodations – The tour price includes all hotel and riverboat accommodations. The Tauck standard is to provide the best available hotel accommodations without sacrificing value. Although the quality of one hotel may differ slightly from another, our commitment to your comfort is unwavering. Two-bedded rooms are reserved in most hotels.
The MS Swiss Emerald and the MS Swiss Sapphire accommodate only 118 guests. Your well-appointed, outside-facing cabin is equipped with a plasma television, mini-bar, radio, international direct-dial telephone, safe and hair dryer. Your cabin also features adjustable air-conditioning and a private bathroom with shower. Most cabins have two twin beds which do slide together. Triple accommodations are only available in Category 6 on this tour.
Other onboard facilities include a lounge with a panoramic bar and dance floor, a spacious restaurant that can accommodate all guests in one seating, a large sun deck with deck chairs and a whirlpool, a sauna, a solarium, a library, a fitness center and a small boutique.
Meals – Most meals are included as specified in the itinerary.
An ample cold and hot buffet breakfast is served in the spacious restaurant. At lunch, you are presented with a choice of entrée with several courses, or a delicious buffet. Dinner’s choice of entrée is accompanied with an international selection of wines. Please let us know about your special dietary requirements when booking your cruise; vegetarian and special diets are available, however kosher meals cannot be accommodated. We will be pleased to meet your special dietary requirements whenever possible.
The legal drinking age aboard the riverboat is 18 year old.
Tauck Director – Holland & Belgium in Spring has one Tauck Director for every 40 guests and one Tauck Cruise Director who will remain with the group throughout the tour. Your Tauck Directors are professional, fully trained employees of Tauck.
Gratuities Included – All customary gratuities for the hotel and ship staff, local guides, drivers, Tauck Directors and Tauck Cruise Director are included.
No Options Sold - Your Tauck Directors will assist you with information on free-time activities based on honest opinion and guidance, but they will not sell you anything. This means better value and a more relaxed and pleasant experience for you.
Hotel and Riverboat Accommodations – The tour price includes all hotel and riverboat accommodations. The Tauck standard is to provide the best available hotel accommodations without sacrificing value. Although the quality of one hotel may differ slightly from another, our commitment to your comfort is unwavering. Two-bedded rooms are reserved in most hotels.
The MS Swiss Emerald and the MS Swiss Sapphire accommodate only 118 guests. Your well-appointed, outside-facing cabin is equipped with a plasma television, mini-bar, radio, international direct-dial telephone, safe and hair dryer. Your cabin also features adjustable air-conditioning and a private bathroom with shower. Most cabins have two twin beds which do slide together. Triple accommodations are only available in Category 6 on this tour.
Other onboard facilities include a lounge with a panoramic bar and dance floor, a spacious restaurant that can accommodate all guests in one seating, a large sun deck with deck chairs and a whirlpool, a sauna, a solarium, a library, a fitness center and a small boutique.
Meals – Most meals are included as specified in the itinerary.
An ample cold and hot buffet breakfast is served in the spacious restaurant. At lunch, you are presented with a choice of entrée with several courses, or a delicious buffet. Dinner’s choice of entrée is accompanied with an international selection of wines. Please let us know about your special dietary requirements when booking your cruise; vegetarian and special diets are available, however kosher meals cannot be accommodated. We will be pleased to meet your special dietary requirements whenever possible.
The legal drinking age aboard the riverboat is 18 year old.
Tauck Director – Holland & Belgium in Spring has one Tauck Director for every 40 guests and one Tauck Cruise Director who will remain with the group throughout the tour. Your Tauck Directors are professional, fully trained employees of Tauck.
Gratuities Included – All customary gratuities for the hotel and ship staff, local guides, drivers, Tauck Directors and Tauck Cruise Director are included.
No Options Sold - Your Tauck Directors will assist you with information on free-time activities based on honest opinion and guidance, but they will not sell you anything. This means better value and a more relaxed and pleasant experience for you.
Not Included
Airfare to the tour departure point and from the tour ending point is not included. Airfare may be purchased from Tauck for travel originating in the United States.
Hotel Rooms Before and After Tours – To avoid jet lag and possible flight delays, you may wish to make hotel arrangements for the nights preceding or following your tour. As a service, Tauck will book additional nights for you on a space-available basis using special rates only available through Tauck. Hotel room charges will be added to the tour cost. If you wish to spend additional nights, please consult the Extend This Journey section on this website and discuss it with the reservations agent when you book your tour.
Luggage Responsibility – Although every effort is made to handle your luggage carefully, we cannot be responsible, assume liability or accept claims for loss or damage to luggage and personal effects due to breakage, theft, or fair wear and tear through hotel, airline and group carrier handling. It is important for your own self-interest and protection that you make certain you have adequate insurance to cover these eventualities. Please refer to the Tauck Protection Plan for more information.
Personal Expenses - Phone calls, alcoholic and bar beverages not included with meals, laundry and dry cleaning, airline excess luggage charges, vaccinations, transfers to and from railway stations, visa fees, airport and departure taxes, and other optional or incidental extras are not included and may be significant.
Additional Information
Airline Security Measures ― In the U.S., you must provide identification in the form of a passport at the time of airport check-in for travel to international destinations. Your passport name must match the name on your tour reservation and airline ticket or you may be denied boarding.
If you are traveling from an airport outside the jurisdiction of the U.S, you will need to determine what travel documentation and identification is required for that particular airport.
Due to heightened security regulations, certain items such as a metal nail file, pocketknife, cigarette lighter, or tweezers, and some liquid, gel, or aerosol items may not be permitted in your carry-on luggage. Please call your airline prior to departure to obtain current information on non-permissible carry-on items, and recommended airport check-in times.
You may also visit the U.S. Transportation Security Administration Internet website to obtain more information on acceptable identity documentation and prohibited luggage items by clicking here.
Air Services – Airfare may be purchased through Tauck for travel originating in the United States. By using Tauck's air services, you agree that Tauck, in purchasing, selling or otherwise arranging air transportation, is acting only as your agent and is not liable or responsible for any accident, death, personal injury, illness, property damage, delay or other loss or expense of any nature whatsoever arising directly or indirectly out of any act of God, or any actions or omissions (including any failure to provide services) or default of, any carrier. All carriers are independent contractors and are not owned, managed, controlled or operated by Tauck. Your airline ticket constitutes a contract between yourself and the airline (and not Tauck), even if purchased through Tauck. Tauck is not liable for, and does not assume responsibility or accept claims with regard to, seat assignments, schedule changes, flight changes, cancellations, claims for a refund or reimbursement of airline ticket fees, or any other loss incurred by you for any reason whatsoever (including, without limitation to, bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or similar relief from creditors). Tauck must handle ticketing for Tauck's special fares, which are subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed until reserved. Special fares cannot be combined with any other promotional offer. Tauck's air services can only be purchased in conjunction with a Tauck tour. Tickets or e-ticket numbers will be mailed with final documents. If you cancel or change your air before or after departure, all airline cancellation and change fees will apply.
Cruise Regulations – International maritime security guidelines require that your passport information be provided to the cruise line prior to your embarkation. You need to provide this information to Tauck as soon as you book your cruise or boarding may be denied.
Holiday and Museum Closures – Museum visits and personal shopping time may be disrupted due to unforeseen circumstances or the many religious, state and local holidays locally observed.
Itinerary Changes and Price Flexibility – Tauck pledges to make every effort to operate your tour as advertised. Tauck reserves the right to alter or curtail the itinerary, or substitute sightseeing, hotels, and/or conveyances as deemed necessary. Any savings realized by these changes will be refunded to you. Any resultant added expense will be covered by Tauck. Although not expected, prices on this website may be modified due to unexpected significant external factors not forecast at the time of printing.
Journey Start and End Times are provided at the time of booking. The tour begins at 6:00 PM at the Renaissance Amsterdam Hotel. You or your booking agent will be advised of any change to this schedule. When making flight arrangements, allow sufficient time to claim luggage and clear customs in order to join the tour on time. The tour ends when you check out of the Hotel Amigo on the last day of the tour. We suggest that you allow at least 2½ hours for flight check in.
Membership will be granted to all persons. Tauck reserves the right to terminate the tour of any persons who are abusive of others or whose behavior disrupts the tour.
Photography on Tour – Occasionally, Tauck will use photographs taken by fellow guests or your Tauck Director on your tour for promotional purposes. If you prefer that your photo not be used in any marketing activities, please notify your Tauck Director at the start of your tour.
Preparing to Go
Air Conditioning – The hotels, riverboat and motor coaches are air conditioned for your comfort. Several restaurants we use on our itinerary are not air conditioned because of the historic significance of the buildings.
ATM and Credit Cards - We recommend that you contact your bank in advance of departing on your journey to determine whether you will be able to use your ATM and credit cards while traveling. When contacting your bank, notify them of your travel dates so that they will anticipate charges being made outside of your hometown and do not suspend your cards for what may appear to them to be “suspicious” charges. We also recommend that you make a photocopy of the front and back of your ATM and credit cards to leave behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your cards are misplaced, lost or stolen.
Clothing and Packing – Dress for comfort and convenience with a wardrobe that is flexible and allows for layering. Casual, cotton clothing is recommended. Lightweight jackets and sweaters are recommended during springtime when daily high temperatures are still about 60 °F (16 °C). Evenings are very cool as the temperatures fall into the 30’s and 40’s °F overnight (single digits in Celsius). Pack comfortable yet sturdy walking shoes that have already been broken-in, as many of the sites visited were built centuries ago and have uneven surfaces, some steep inclines and many steps. For the welcome reception and the farewell dinner you may wish to dress up a bit – jacket and tie for men, casually-elegant attire for ladies.
Bathrobes, slippers and hairdryers are provided in each cabin.
The hotels provide valet laundry and dry cleaning services. The riverboat provides limited valet laundry services and no dry cleaning; ironing facilities are available.
We recommend that you pack an adequate supply of your prescription medication in its original container to last through your entire journey, together with a copy of your doctor’s prescription, or a letter from your health-care provider on office stationery explaining that the medication has been prescribed for you, your travel documents and a change of clothing in your carry-on bag to avoid any inconvenience in the event that your flight or luggage is delayed.
We recommend that you pack the following items for your cruise on the waterways of Holland and Belgium:
- Flat, rubber-soled walking shoes for shipboard
- Sturdy but comfortable walking shoes that have already been broken-in for onshore
- Jacket and tie for men
- Casually-elegant attire for ladies
- Short and long-sleeved cotton shirts
- Shorts, slacks and jeans
- Tee shirts
- Socks
- Lightweight sweaters
- Lightweight jackets
- Raincoat and rain hat
- Lightweight gloves
- Collapsible umbrella
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Sun hat
- Insect repellent
- Camera, lenses, batteries and plenty of film
- Binoculars
- Daypack for camera equipment
- Travel alarm clock
- Copies of your travel documents that should be secured in the safe in your cabin while traveling
Elevation - The maximum elevation on this tour is 190 ft (58 m) in Brussels.
Health – While a cruise from Amsterdam to Brussels is very relaxing and the pace leisurely, to enjoy all the tour has to offer, you should be in good health and able to walk reasonable distances, as some of the most memorable sightseeing can only be accomplished on foot. There is a moderate to significant amount of walking during our excursions, often along cobblestone streets. For the most part, however, the amount of walking you do is at your discretion.
Your riverboat has four decks: Diamond, Ruby, Emerald, and Sun. The elevator travels between the Diamond and Ruby decks only and does not go up to the Emerald or Sun decks. There is no chair lift between any of the decks.
Because you will be cruising on a river and not on the open sea, you are never far from land and, therefore, there is no doctor on board. In case of emergency, we can easily dock the boat and call for an ambulance or medical assistance.
We regret that we cannot accommodate wheelchairs on this cruise. We also cannot provide you with individual assistance for walking, dining or other personal needs. If you need such assistance, you must be accompanied by an able companion who will assist you.
On board the riverboat, smoking is permitted in a limited area of the Sun deck. Smoking is not permitted in any cabin, the restaurant, the lounge or any other interior space.
Your riverboat is registered in Basel, Switzerland. Please check with your health insurance provider to determine whether you are covered while traveling. If you will not be covered under your current policy, we strongly suggest that you arrange for adequate coverage while on tour. You may also purchase the Tauck Protection Plan.
If you have a medical condition that might limit your participation in activities, please consult your physician for pre-departure health advice and inform us at time of booking.
If you are a U.S citizen, no vaccinations are currently required for travel to Holland or Belgium. For complete vaccination and inoculation information, contact your physician, the public health service in your area, or the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia. The Travelers' Health Section of the CDC operates a 24-hour, prerecorded "Travelers' Health Hotline" at 877-394-8747 (toll-free in the U.S.). You may also log on to the CDC Internet website by clicking here.
If you are a citizen of another country, please contact an embassy or consulate of The Netherlands and of Belgium to determine whether vaccinations are required for your travel.
Luggage Restrictions —
Checked Luggage ― General
While it is common for airlines to allow passengers to check more than one piece of luggage per person, space constraints during your Tauck journey make it difficult to accommodate extra luggage. We request that you limit your checked luggage to one average size suitcase per person.
In addition, airlines have adopted more strict policies in enforcing number, size and weight limits. Luggage exceeding maximum restrictions may require expensive overage fees, frustrating and hurried re-packing at the ticket counter, or even risk being left behind.
Many carriers require checked luggage not exceed a weight of 50 lbs (22.7 kg) per piece. Airlines revise luggage policies frequently and often without notice; therefore, Tauck cannot be held liable to the weight limit listed above. We urge you to check with your airline before traveling to determine current number, weight and size restrictions. It is also important to note that restrictions for luggage number, weight and size may vary with the same airline based on the class of service you select. First and Business Class ticket holders may have different restrictions than Coach Class travelers.
Tauck World Discovery cannot be held liable for additional fees or inconveniences imposed by the airline due to luggage number, weight and size policies.
Carry-on Luggage ― General
Health – While a cruise from Amsterdam to Brussels is very relaxing and the pace leisurely, to enjoy all the tour has to offer, you should be in good health and able to walk reasonable distances, as some of the most memorable sightseeing can only be accomplished on foot. There is a moderate to significant amount of walking during our excursions, often along cobblestone streets. For the most part, however, the amount of walking you do is at your discretion.
Your riverboat has four decks: Diamond, Ruby, Emerald, and Sun. The elevator travels between the Diamond and Ruby decks only and does not go up to the Emerald or Sun decks. There is no chair lift between any of the decks.
Because you will be cruising on a river and not on the open sea, you are never far from land and, therefore, there is no doctor on board. In case of emergency, we can easily dock the boat and call for an ambulance or medical assistance.
We regret that we cannot accommodate wheelchairs on this cruise. We also cannot provide you with individual assistance for walking, dining or other personal needs. If you need such assistance, you must be accompanied by an able companion who will assist you.
On board the riverboat, smoking is permitted in a limited area of the Sun deck. Smoking is not permitted in any cabin, the restaurant, the lounge or any other interior space.
Your riverboat is registered in Basel, Switzerland. Please check with your health insurance provider to determine whether you are covered while traveling. If you will not be covered under your current policy, we strongly suggest that you arrange for adequate coverage while on tour. You may also purchase the Tauck Protection Plan.
If you have a medical condition that might limit your participation in activities, please consult your physician for pre-departure health advice and inform us at time of booking.
If you are a U.S citizen, no vaccinations are currently required for travel to Holland or Belgium. For complete vaccination and inoculation information, contact your physician, the public health service in your area, or the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia. The Travelers' Health Section of the CDC operates a 24-hour, prerecorded "Travelers' Health Hotline" at 877-394-8747 (toll-free in the U.S.). You may also log on to the CDC Internet website by clicking here.
If you are a citizen of another country, please contact an embassy or consulate of The Netherlands and of Belgium to determine whether vaccinations are required for your travel.
Luggage Restrictions —
Checked Luggage ― General
While it is common for airlines to allow passengers to check more than one piece of luggage per person, space constraints during your Tauck journey make it difficult to accommodate extra luggage. We request that you limit your checked luggage to one average size suitcase per person.
In addition, airlines have adopted more strict policies in enforcing number, size and weight limits. Luggage exceeding maximum restrictions may require expensive overage fees, frustrating and hurried re-packing at the ticket counter, or even risk being left behind.
Many carriers require checked luggage not exceed a weight of 50 lbs (22.7 kg) per piece. Airlines revise luggage policies frequently and often without notice; therefore, Tauck cannot be held liable to the weight limit listed above. We urge you to check with your airline before traveling to determine current number, weight and size restrictions. It is also important to note that restrictions for luggage number, weight and size may vary with the same airline based on the class of service you select. First and Business Class ticket holders may have different restrictions than Coach Class travelers.
Tauck World Discovery cannot be held liable for additional fees or inconveniences imposed by the airline due to luggage number, weight and size policies.
Carry-on Luggage ― General
Although oversize bags and wheeled, carry-on luggage are popular for airline travel, they are often not convenient or appropriate for motor coach travel or for many on-tour flights. Most modern sightseeing motor coaches offer limited space for numerous or larger items. Space under seats or in the overhead rack is typically small, and designed to accommodate items like coats, hats, purses, and small camera bags, etc.
For your day-to-day travel while on tour, we recommend that you limit your hand luggage to a small, soft-sided carry-on piece, and only those items you need handy during the day such as purses, make-up, medications, cameras, film, etc. Items too large to fit under the motor coach seat or in the overhead rack must be stored in the luggage bays beneath the motor coach, and may not allow for access during daytime travel.
Please be sure to attach your Tauck luggage tag to your suitcase before leaving home!
Travel Document Requirements – You will need a valid passport or similar acceptable travel document to enter The Netherlands and Belgium.
If you are a U.S. citizen, you are not required to obtain a visa to enter either country for the short duration of this tour. Please note that longer stays abroad for any purpose may require additional travel documentation.
If you are a citizen of another country, you should contact an embassy or consulate of The Netherlands and of Belgium to determine what travel documentation is required.
We strongly recommend that your passport be valid for six months beyond the completion of your tour. In addition, we recommend that you make at least two photocopies of all the travel documents that you bring with you. Include copies of the photo page of your passport that contains the date of issuance, the date of expiration and your citizenship, as well as both sides of your driver’s license. Secure one set of copies in the safe in your cabin while traveling and leave one set behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your documents or cards are misplaced, lost or stolen.
Travel with Children
Age Recommendations ― Children 5 years of age or older at the time of travel are welcome on this Tauck journey. Based upon our experience with family travelers, for each itinerary we have a minimum recommended age to encourage comfort and enjoyment for all of our guests. All children must be accompanied on activities by a parent or guardian. At least one guest in the traveling party must be 21 years of age or older in order to make a reservation.
Babysitting ― Tauck journeys are designed for adults and children to share the wonder of discovery together. However, our guests have occasionally inquired about babysitting services. If you are interested, your Tauck Director will put you in contact with the appropriate hotel staff with whom you may make babysitting arrangements, to ensure your precise needs are met. There is usually an additional fee for these services. Many hotels do offer babysitting services that may be arranged on site; however, babysitting services are not guaranteed at all of our hotels. Please note that our Tauck Directors are not responsible for providing babysitting services.
Safety and Welfare Responsibility ― We welcome the participation of child travelers on our exciting excursions. If you are traveling with a child on a Tauck journey, you have the sole responsibility for ensuring that that the child with whom you are traveling follows all rules of safety throughout the tour. By traveling with Tauck, you release Tauck, Inc. and our partners of all liability for any risks and/or injuries to the child with whom you are traveling.
Special Travel Documentation for Children
For your day-to-day travel while on tour, we recommend that you limit your hand luggage to a small, soft-sided carry-on piece, and only those items you need handy during the day such as purses, make-up, medications, cameras, film, etc. Items too large to fit under the motor coach seat or in the overhead rack must be stored in the luggage bays beneath the motor coach, and may not allow for access during daytime travel.
Please be sure to attach your Tauck luggage tag to your suitcase before leaving home!
Travel Document Requirements – You will need a valid passport or similar acceptable travel document to enter The Netherlands and Belgium.
If you are a U.S. citizen, you are not required to obtain a visa to enter either country for the short duration of this tour. Please note that longer stays abroad for any purpose may require additional travel documentation.
If you are a citizen of another country, you should contact an embassy or consulate of The Netherlands and of Belgium to determine what travel documentation is required.
We strongly recommend that your passport be valid for six months beyond the completion of your tour. In addition, we recommend that you make at least two photocopies of all the travel documents that you bring with you. Include copies of the photo page of your passport that contains the date of issuance, the date of expiration and your citizenship, as well as both sides of your driver’s license. Secure one set of copies in the safe in your cabin while traveling and leave one set behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your documents or cards are misplaced, lost or stolen.
Travel with Children
Age Recommendations ― Children 5 years of age or older at the time of travel are welcome on this Tauck journey. Based upon our experience with family travelers, for each itinerary we have a minimum recommended age to encourage comfort and enjoyment for all of our guests. All children must be accompanied on activities by a parent or guardian. At least one guest in the traveling party must be 21 years of age or older in order to make a reservation.
Babysitting ― Tauck journeys are designed for adults and children to share the wonder of discovery together. However, our guests have occasionally inquired about babysitting services. If you are interested, your Tauck Director will put you in contact with the appropriate hotel staff with whom you may make babysitting arrangements, to ensure your precise needs are met. There is usually an additional fee for these services. Many hotels do offer babysitting services that may be arranged on site; however, babysitting services are not guaranteed at all of our hotels. Please note that our Tauck Directors are not responsible for providing babysitting services.
Safety and Welfare Responsibility ― We welcome the participation of child travelers on our exciting excursions. If you are traveling with a child on a Tauck journey, you have the sole responsibility for ensuring that that the child with whom you are traveling follows all rules of safety throughout the tour. By traveling with Tauck, you release Tauck, Inc. and our partners of all liability for any risks and/or injuries to the child with whom you are traveling.
Special Travel Documentation for Children
Authorization for Travel
If you travel into or out of the U.S. with children under the age of 18, you should be aware of the following: because of increasing incidents of child abductions in disputed custody cases and because children are at risk as possible victims of child pornography, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) strongly recommends that unless the child is accompanied by both parents, you should have a note from the child's other parent (or, in the case of a child traveling with grandparents, uncles or aunts, sisters or brothers, or friends, a note signed by both parents) stating that the parent(s) not traveling acknowledge that the parent(s), family members, etc. who are traveling into or out of the U.S. with the child have permission to do so.
If you travel into or out of the U.S. with children under the age of 18, you should be aware of the following: because of increasing incidents of child abductions in disputed custody cases and because children are at risk as possible victims of child pornography, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) strongly recommends that unless the child is accompanied by both parents, you should have a note from the child's other parent (or, in the case of a child traveling with grandparents, uncles or aunts, sisters or brothers, or friends, a note signed by both parents) stating that the parent(s) not traveling acknowledge that the parent(s), family members, etc. who are traveling into or out of the U.S. with the child have permission to do so.
CBP also suggests that this note be notarized. While CBP may not ask to see this documentation, if they do ask, and you do not have it, you may be detained until the circumstances of the child traveling without both parents can be fully assessed.
If there is no second parent with legal claims to the child (deceased, sole custody, etc.) any other relevant paperwork, such as a court decision, birth certificate naming only one parent, death certificate, etc., will be useful.
All children who are U.S. citizens should also have a certified copy of their birth certificate or baptism record for ID. Children over the age of 14 are also required to have a photo ID.
Many other countries also share this concern for children who travel without both parents. To ensure smooth travel, Tauck requires all guests to comply with the travel regulations of each country visited. This information is available from each country’s consulate.
Authorization for Emergency Medical Treatment
In the unlikely event of a medical emergency, a medical facility will require permission from the child’s parents to provide treatment. Therefore, we strongly suggest that you bring along a letter from both parents authorizing emergency medical treatment for their child.
If there is no second parent with legal claims to the child (deceased, sole custody, etc.) any other relevant paperwork, such as a court decision, birth certificate naming only one parent, death certificate, etc., will be useful.
All children who are U.S. citizens should also have a certified copy of their birth certificate or baptism record for ID. Children over the age of 14 are also required to have a photo ID.
Many other countries also share this concern for children who travel without both parents. To ensure smooth travel, Tauck requires all guests to comply with the travel regulations of each country visited. This information is available from each country’s consulate.
Authorization for Emergency Medical Treatment
In the unlikely event of a medical emergency, a medical facility will require permission from the child’s parents to provide treatment. Therefore, we strongly suggest that you bring along a letter from both parents authorizing emergency medical treatment for their child.
Tauck is not responsible for the disruption of travel caused by improper documentation for any travelers, including children traveling without both parents. While there is no definitive format or standard for these letters, click here to view a sample letter for guardians or one parent traveling with a child.
Destination Information
Cell Phones - We understand and appreciate the value of instant communication when we travel; it keeps us in touch with friends and family, and it's a reassurance in the event of an emergency. However, the use of cell phones can be disruptive to a tour and to other guests who are enjoying their vacation. As a courtesy to others, we ask that you refrain from using your cell phone during motor coach travel, group functions, when sightseeing and when the Tauck Director is addressing the group as a whole. There are usually many opportunities to make or receive calls at times when it does not affect others.
Please contact your cell phone carrier to determine whether your cell phone service extends to Holland and Belgium.
Currency and Exchange Rates - Although it is not necessary for you to exchange money prior to your trip, it may be useful to have a small amount of local currency with you when sightseeing. If upon arrival you require local currency, you may visit one of the many currency exchange facilities at the airport or use an ATM. Currency can be exchanged at the hotels in Amsterdam and Brussels. The riverboat does not exchange currency, but does accept Euro, American Express, MasterCard and Visa as methods of settling shipboard accounts.
In The Netherlands and Belgium, the official currency is the Euro. Major credit cards and travelers’ checks are widely accepted, although fees may be charged, and ATMs are found at most tourist sites.
To obtain the most current exchange rate, you may want to check your local newspaper or log on to the Internet website, oanda.com, by clicking here.
Customs and Tax-Free Shopping – You should familiarize yourself with Holland and Belgium’s specific required customs declarations before you travel. In general, you are not permitted to bring live plants, fresh fruits and other produce items into most countries.
the Netherlands – VisaHQ.com
Belgium – VisaHQ.com
If you are a U.S resident who will be returning to the U.S. at the end of the tour, current regulations permit bringing back $800 worth of items duty-free, as long as you physically bring them with you. There are limits to the amount of alcohol that can be a part of this exemption. Certain restrictions apply to unaccompanied goods mailed from abroad to the United States. Please call your local customs office or consult the U.S. government's customs regulations as contained in their publication entitled Know Before You Go.
If you are a resident of another country, please refer to your own country’s rules and regulations regarding customs and duty-free shopping to ensure compliance upon your return.
If you are a resident of another country, please refer to your own country’s rules and regulations regarding customs and duty-free shopping to ensure compliance upon your return.
The current Value Added Tax (VAT) levied by each country on this itinerary is:
- the Netherlands 19%
- Belgium 21%
The tax rate may be higher for luxury items and lower for basic goods. As a rule, if you are not a resident of the country (or of the country’s intergovernmental economic community, e.g., the European Union) in which the purchase is made, you may be entitled to a Value Added Tax (VAT) refund and should inquire about the refund policy where you shop.
Electrical Current – The electrical current at the hotels in Amsterdam and Brussels and on board your riverboat is 220 V, 50 Hz, AC, which accommodates standard European plugs with two round prongs. However, shipboard cabins are also equipped with a 110 V outlet for shavers. If you bring an electrical device that is not compatible with this system, you should bring the appropriate adapters and converters.
Internet Access is available as indicated below:
Renaissance Amsterdam Hotel - High-speed access in rooms and Business Center for a fee
Hotel Amigo - High-speed access in rooms; complimentary access in public areas
Riverboats - Free Wi-Fi access is available all over the ship; a stationary computer is located in the lido bar. Please be advised that the accessibility is through cellular service and maybe spotty at times due to the ship’s location on the river. Internet connectivity recommendations and sign-up sheets for the stationary computer are available on board. You may bring your own laptop aboard the riverboats but you should be aware of the challenges with internet access on the rivers.
Time Zones – The Netherlands and Belgium are 1 hour ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (or Greenwich Mean Time). From late March through October, these locations switch to Daylight Savings Time and are 2 hours ahead.
To determine current time in major cities around the world, we suggest you log on to the Internet website, timeanddate.com, by clicking here.
Weather – The climate in The Netherlands and Belgium in spring is temperate. In April and May the average high temperatures range from 55 to 67 °F (13 to 19 °C) and the average low temperatures range from 38 to 46 °F (3 to 8 °C). Rainfall amounts in this region remain fairly constant throughout the year at 2 to 3 in (51 to 76 mm) per month.
Internet Access is available as indicated below:
Renaissance Amsterdam Hotel - High-speed access in rooms and Business Center for a fee
Hotel Amigo - High-speed access in rooms; complimentary access in public areas
Riverboats - Free Wi-Fi access is available all over the ship; a stationary computer is located in the lido bar. Please be advised that the accessibility is through cellular service and maybe spotty at times due to the ship’s location on the river. Internet connectivity recommendations and sign-up sheets for the stationary computer are available on board. You may bring your own laptop aboard the riverboats but you should be aware of the challenges with internet access on the rivers.
Time Zones – The Netherlands and Belgium are 1 hour ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (or Greenwich Mean Time). From late March through October, these locations switch to Daylight Savings Time and are 2 hours ahead.
To determine current time in major cities around the world, we suggest you log on to the Internet website, timeanddate.com, by clicking here.
Weather – The climate in The Netherlands and Belgium in spring is temperate. In April and May the average high temperatures range from 55 to 67 °F (13 to 19 °C) and the average low temperatures range from 38 to 46 °F (3 to 8 °C). Rainfall amounts in this region remain fairly constant throughout the year at 2 to 3 in (51 to 76 mm) per month.
|
Average Temperature
|
||||
|
|
Amsterdam, Netherlands
|
Maastricht, Netherlands
|
||
|
Month
|
Hi/Lo ºF
|
Hi/Lo ºC
|
Hi/Lo ºF
|
Hi/Lo ºC
|
|
January
|
40 / 31
|
4 / -1
|
40 / 32
|
4 / 0
|
|
February
|
42 / 31
|
6 / -1
|
42 / 33
|
6 / 1
|
|
March
|
48 / 34
|
9 / 1
|
50 / 38
|
10 / 3
|
|
April
|
55 / 38
|
13 / 3
|
56 / 41
|
13 / 5
|
|
May
|
63 / 45
|
17 / 7
|
64 / 48
|
18 / 9
|
|
June
|
68 / 50
|
20 / 10
|
69 / 53
|
21 / 12
|
|
July
|
71 / 53
|
22 / 12
|
73 / 57
|
23 / 14
|
|
August
|
71 / 53
|
22 / 12
|
73 / 56
|
23 / 13
|
|
September
|
66 / 49
|
19 / 9
|
66 / 52
|
19 / 11
|
|
October
|
58 / 44
|
14 / 7
|
58 / 46
|
14 / 8
|
|
November
|
48 / 37
|
9 / 3
|
48 / 39
|
9 / 4
|
|
December
|
42 / 33
|
6 / 1
|
42 / 35
|
6 / 2
|
|
|
|
|||
|
|
Antwerp, Belgium
|
Brussels, Belgium
|
||
|
Month
|
Hi/Lo ºF
|
Hi/Lo ºC
|
Hi/Lo ºF
|
Hi/Lo ºC
|
|
January
|
41 / 31
|
5 / -1
|
41 / 31
|
5 / -1
|
|
February
|
43 / 32
|
6 / 0
|
43 / 32
|
6 / 0
|
|
March
|
48 / 35
|
9 / 2
|
48 / 35
|
9 / 2
|
|
April
|
54 / 40
|
12 / 4
|
54 / 40
|
12 / 4
|
|
May
|
63 / 46
|
17 / 8
|
63 / 46
|
17 / 8
|
|
June
|
67 / 51
|
19 / 11
|
67 / 51
|
19 / 11
|
|
July
|
71 / 54
|
22 / 12
|
71 / 54
|
22 / 12
|
|
August
|
71 / 54
|
22 / 12
|
71 / 54
|
22 / 12
|
|
September
|
66 / 50
|
19 / 10
|
66 / 50
|
19 / 10
|
|
October
|
57 / 45
|
14 / 7
|
57 / 45
|
14 / 7
|
|
November
|
48 / 37
|
9 / 3
|
48 / 37
|
9 / 3
|
|
December
|
42 / 33
|
6 / 1
|
42 / 33
|
6 / 1
|
|
|
Average Rainfall
|
|||
|
|
Amsterdam, Netherlands
|
Maastrich, Netherlands
|
||
|
Month
|
Inches
|
Millimeters
|
Inches
|
Millimeters
|
|
January
|
2.7
|
69
|
2.3
|
58
|
|
February
|
1.9
|
48
|
2.1
|
53
|
|
March
|
2.6
|
66
|
2.5
|
64
|
|
April
|
2.1
|
53
|
2.1
|
53
|
|
May
|
2.4
|
61
|
2.5
|
64
|
|
June
|
2.8
|
71
|
2.9
|
74
|
|
July
|
3.0
|
76
|
2.8
|
71
|
|
August
|
2.8
|
71
|
2.9
|
74
|
|
September
|
2.6
|
66
|
2.2
|
56
|
|
October
|
2.9
|
74
|
2.4
|
61
|
|
November
|
3.2
|
81
|
2.7
|
69
|
|
December
|
3.3
|
84
|
2.9
|
74
|
|
|
|
|||
|
|
Antwerp Belgium
|
Brussels, Belgium
|
||
|
Month
|
Inches
|
Millimeters
|
Inches
|
Millimeters
|
|
January
|
2.6
|
66
|
2.6
|
66
|
|
February
|
2.1
|
53
|
2.1
|
53
|
|
March
|
2.9
|
74
|
2.9
|
74
|
|
April
|
2.3
|
58
|
2.3
|
58
|
|
May
|
2.8
|
71
|
2.8
|
71
|
|
June
|
3.1
|
79
|
3.1
|
79
|
|
July
|
3.0
|
76
|
3.0
|
76
|
|
August
|
2.5
|
64
|
2.5
|
64
|
|
September
|
2.3
|
58
|
2.3
|
58
|
|
October
|
2.8
|
71
|
2.8
|
71
|
|
November
|
3.1
|
79
|
3.1
|
79
|
|
December
|
3.0
|
76
|
3.0
|
76
|
To read about current weather conditions, we suggest you log on to the Internet website weather.com by clicking here.
If You Have to Cancel
Cancellation Fees – Regardless of reason, cancellations of confirmed bookings result in Tauck incurring costly penalties and cancellation fees from our travel and hotel providers. Therefore, if you have to cancel a confirmed booking, Tauck will charge you a cancellation fee according to when your cancellation notice is received in its Norwalk, CT office. To help limit your liability, Tauck offers a Tauck Protection Plan.
If you choose to purchase Tauck’s Guest Protection or Cancellation Fee Waiver, you will have your cancellation penalties reduced. Click here for more details.
If you choose not to purchase Tauck’s Guest Protection or Cancellation Fee Waiver, you will incur cancellation penalties per person as follows:
60 days or more before departure
$600 per person (the amount of the deposit)
59-30 days before departure
50% of the cost of the tour per person
29-1 days before departure
100% of the cost of the tour per person
$600 per person (the amount of the deposit)
59-30 days before departure
50% of the cost of the tour per person
29-1 days before departure
100% of the cost of the tour per person