Floriade & the Dutch Rhine Cruise 2012 

We leave St Pancras International by Eurostar, travelling in Standard Premier Class to Brussels. A light meal and drinks are served on board. In Brussels we change trains for the journey through Germany to Cologne. From here we board a private coach which takes us to Düsseldorf, where our ship for the next seven nights, TC Bellevue, is moored. Tonight we enjoy our first meal on board together as we begin our cruise along the Rhine. (E,D)

We cruise into Amsterdam as we enjoy breakfast on board the ship. Our optional excursion this morning takes us on a fascinating tour of the city, exploring the hidden gems of Holland's capital. Admire the gabled buildings, merchant houses and quaint bridges on our guided tour before we return to the ship for lunch. This afternoon you are free to continue exploring Amsterdam at leisure. In the evening we have the opportunity to enjoy a wonderful canal cruise through the city - a great way to see Amsterdam from a different perspective, with many of the sights wonderfully illuminated at night. (B,L,D)

This morning passengers can enjoy a stroll through the beautiful town of Hoorn to discover the sights of this lovely city set on the shores of the Ijsselmeer. During the optional guided walk we also discover some traditional culinary delights, tasting local herring, an incredibly popular dish in Holland, as well as "Hoornse Broeder" (Friar's Pancake). We also enjoy a tasting of local Genever (juniper-flavoured spirit). Over lunch we cruise across the Ijsselmeer towards Volendam. Nestled alongside the picturesque Markermeer, this historic port town was once a vitally important home base for the Dutch East India Company. We have time to explore Volendam before continuing our cruise over dinner. (B,L,D)

We spend the morning on board the ship as we cruise across the Westerschelde towards Ghent. This city, with its cobbled lanes and picturesque canals is the highlight of Flanders and has retained its medieval charm. This afternoon why not join an excursion to Bruges, one of Europe's most perfectly preserved medieval cities? Having prospered originally as a port, much of Bruges' beautiful architecture remains in superb condition; the city's historic centre was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000. (B,L,D)

This morning we arrive in the city of Antwerp, one of the world's most important ancient seaports. Here we can enjoy a guided tour, taking in the many fascinating sights, including the Grote Markt, which is home to Antwerp's imposing City Hall and a beautiful collection of 16th century guild houses. The magnificent Cathedral of Our Lady is also a highlight. (B,L,D)

Fantastic Floriade is the World Horticultural Expo, which takes place every 10 years and will be held in the Dutch town of Venlo in 2012. Floriade is a feast of the most exceptional, exciting and exquisite flowers, plants and trees. Gardens and displays from all over the planet feature at the world's biggest and most celebrated horticultural exhibition. Why not take an optional excursion to the show in the morning before enjoying an optional excursion in the afternoon to Maastricht, one of two towns which claim to be the oldest in Netherlands? (B,L,D)

This morning we arrive in the town of Nijmegen, where we spend the final day of our cruise. An optional excursion this morning visits Nijmegen Castle and Park Het Loo - the lavish palace and extensive manicured gardens which were the home of the Dutch Royal Family for over 300 years. This afternoon you have the chance to explore Nijmegen, the other town claiming to be the oldest in the Netherlands, on a walking tour. (B,L,D)

The TC Bellevue arrives into Düsseldorf this morning. After breakfast on board we disembark the ship and transfer by coach to Cologne. From here we travel by train to Brussels, where we board the Eurostar to London. A light meal and drinks are served on board. (B,E)

B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
These meals, where shown, are included in the price of your holiday