EXCURSIONS TERRESTRES

White and blue pottery is traditional to Holland, and today, you will have the opportunity to visit the factory where famous Delft Blue is made and spend time in the beautiful city of Delft.

Begin with a scenic drive through the Dutch countryside to Delft, where you’ll visit the Delft Porceleyne Fles, manufacturer of the world-famous Delft Blue ceramics. While touring the factory you'll have a chance to observe the production process.

A short drive takes you to the city center for a short guided walk, followed by nearly 2 hours of free time for lunch on your own and independent exploration or shopping.

Then, your tour continues with a panoramic drive through The Hague where you will see the Dutch government buildings, the spectacular Peace Palace, where the International Court of Justice is situated, and numerous other interesting buildings and sights.

A drive through the Dutch countryside takes you to the village of Zaandam. Here, your guide will lead you through the faithfully re-created town of Zaanse Schans. This carefully designed open air museum was built to authentically replicate the Zaan community of around 1700 and today is a very popular attraction. As you stroll through the cobbled streets watching craftsmen practicing the trades of yesterday, you'll get a glimpse of what Dutch life was once like.

Leave Ijmuiden behind and enjoy a drive through the beautiful countryside to the authentic Dutch village of Broek in Waterland. This charming village is well known for its classic wooden houses and farms. After a leisurely stroll through this fairy-like community, you'll continue your scenic drive to Beemster Polder, the oldest area of reclaimed land in the Netherlands. In 1999, this well-preserved and historic area was registered on UNESCO's World Heritage Site list. The highlight of your time here will be the visit to an original 17th century windmill where you will learn how the Dutch have managed to successfully live below sea level.

A scenic drive through the lush lowlands will bring you to Amsterdam and the center of the city. You’ll have approximately 1.5-hours of free time for a quick lunch on your own and a little exploration.

Visit the Jewish Historical Museum which was founded more than 70 years ago, but only found its definite home in the Ashkenazi Synagogue Complex in 1987. The museum gives a perfect impression of Jewish life in Amsterdam and the Netherlands.

Enjoy a guided walk through the historic Jewish area of Amsterdam. See the Hollandsche Schouwburg theater which is now a monument in memory of the 104,000 Jews who did not return to Amsterdam after World War II. During the war, only Jewish artists were allowed to perform in the Schouwburg.

You will also visit the Portuguese Synagogue, which was built in 1675 by Elias Bouman for the three congregations of Portuguese Jews who had fled to the Low Lands from persecution in their homeland.

Your tour begins with a drive through the distinctive Dutch countryside from Ijmuiden to the village of Marken. Enjoy a guided walk through this quaint fishing hamlet on the shores of the former Zuider Zee, an area that dates back to the 13th century when monks constructed dikes for protection from the sea. The characteristic green and white clapboard houses of Marken have remained unchanged for centuries and, many of the local residents still wear colorful ancestral costumes, adding to the special atmosphere of this beautiful place. Continue on to Volendam, where a guided tour will introduce you to some of the town's special treasures, some dating back to the 14th century. You'll find narrow canals, quaint drawbridges; and a charming little harbor.

This tour is geared toward those who like to explore a destination at their own pace and discretion.

Leaving the pier by coach with your escort, you will travel approximately 1-hour to reach the center of Amsterdam. Upon arrival, you will disembark your coach and have nearly 6-hours to discover all the delights of Amsterdam. Although this is a non-guided tour, your escort will be at your disposal for 1-hour after arrival to answer any questions you may have and provide you with a city map for your convenience.

Spend your day in this exciting city doing exactly what you like, how you like. Meals and entrance fees to any attractions are not included and local currency will be required in many places; therefore, it is suggested that you exchange your money on board the ship or at a local currency exchange in Amsterdam upon arrival.

At the appointed time and location, you will re-join your coach for the return transfer to the pier. Those who fail to be on time for the return transfer will be responsible for making their own way back to the ship, at their own expense.

Transfer to Museum Square where the famous Van Gogh Museum is located. The museum houses the world’s largest collection of the 19th century master's paintings and drawings. The collection is as unique as Van Gogh himself, who is as famous for lopping off his own earlobe as he is for his amazing, colorful, post-Impressionist renditions of sunflowers, potato-eaters and tortured self-portraits. Upon arrival, your guide will brief you before you enter and then you will have approximately 2-hours to explore the museum on your own, assisted by an audio guide. Experience the painter's life and strangely somber work as you browse among the numerous paintings and drawings on display.

Glide through the Venice of the North in a fitting manner, via glass-roofed canal boat. It’s an incomparable way to experience this cosmopolitan city that stretches over some 70 islands and boasts 60 miles of canals and 1,000 bridges. An obscure port mostly visited by fisherman back in the 13th century, Amsterdam steadily grew in trade importance – blossoming into one of the world’s most important ports as the Dutch Golden Age gained steam. On this relaxed waterway tour, you’ll traverse some of the four concentric canal rings that define the old city center while learning much of the history behind this watery network from your guide. Along the way, expect to pass countless variations on the signature gabled canal house design the city is so famous for. Just as colorful are the procession of houseboats and tiny skiffs tied up in organized randomness along the stone canal banks. The designated route brings you by such major monuments as the National Maritime Museum, magnificent Town Hall (once considered Europe’s largest administrative building).