Night 1: Hotel Amigo Brussels, Belgium The historic and luxurious Hotel Amigo enjoys an ideal location in the center of Brussels adjacent to the Grand Place. Judged one of the best hotels in the world by the readers of Travel + Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler, this stylish hotel retains its character and charm while embracing the 21st Century with every modern comfort and convenience, including a new fitness center equipped with the latest exercise machines. The accommodating staff provides a high standard of service sure to please.
Nights 2 – 8: Aboard MS Swiss Emerald or MS Swiss Sapphire Cruising Europe's inland waterways exclusively for Tauck, the new-for-2008 MS Swiss Sapphire and the MS Swiss Emerald (launched in 2006) represent the epitome of luxurious river cruising. At cocktail time, the gracious Lido Bar in the stern has a 180° glass wall that opens for an indoor / outdoor cocktail hour. The spacious Panorama Lounge in the bow, with its bar, dance floor and entertainment, is a delightful gathering spot in the evenings. The Restaurant offers both an elegant dining venue and a fine dining experience. The cabins, which range from 150 to 183 sq. ft., provide plush accommodations with plasma TV, terry bathrobes, fine L'Occitane toiletries, large windows and much more. In addition to their spacious, well-appointed cabins, both ships offer 14 beautiful 300 sq. ft. suites equipped with floor-to-ceiling windows, marble baths, flat-screen televisions and walk-in closets. Crews of 29 attentively serve just 118 guests. The Swiss Emerald and Swiss Sapphire are definitely “top-of-the-line.”
Night 9: Hotel Pulitzer, A Luxury Collection Hotel Amsterdam, Netherlands Overlooking two of the city's most picturesque canals, Prinsengracht and Keizersgracht, Hotel Pulitzer, A Luxury Collection Hotel is ideally located in the middle of the old city center of Amsterdam. This unique hotel is comprised of 25 restored 17th- and 18th-century canal homes. Although rich in historical splendor, the hotel offers all the modern facilities that today’s sophisticated travelers expect. Guestrooms combine authentic Dutch ambiance with today’s most sought-after features and amenities. Pulitzer’s Gym, with its state-of-the-art equipment, is available to all guests.