Dutch Springtime with Keukenhof Gardens

Day 1 UK - Amsterdam Titan’s VIP door-to-door travel service collects you from home for your journey to Dover, where we take a break before boarding our coaches, for the Channel crossing to Calais and onward journey to Amsterdam. Upon arrival, embark MS Bellejour (4T), where light refreshments are available before a welcome cocktail and Captain’s gala dinner this evening. Day 2 Amsterdam - Utrecht This morning we enjoy a tour of Amsterdam, including a scenic cruise along the 17th century canals, lined with merchants’ town houses and city attractions. An optional tour this afternoon takes you to Utrecht, with its medieval Old Town and canals. The Domtoren, an iconic 14th century bell tower, offers magnificent panoramic views. Day 3 Dordrecht We arrive this morning in the historic city of Dordrecht, where you are free to make your own discoveries. Perhaps visit the medieval Grote Kerk (Great Church) and the 13th century Augustine monastery, ‘Het Hof’, where the Dutch States declared their independence from Spain in 1572. Also highly recommended is the renowned collection of paintings of the Dordrecht Museum and the gorgeous interior of the old mayor’s house ‘Huis van Gijn’. Day 4 Veere This morning, perhaps join an optional excursion to the nearby famous Delta Works, one of the world’s greatest engineering marvels, named as one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. This imposing project shows how the Dutch deal with water, including the Eastern Scheldt Storm Surge Barrier, a unique flood defence of eight kilometres in length that can shut off the entire Eastern Scheldt in 75 minutes. Returning to the ship, you will still have time to explore the small, pretty town of Veere. This old fishing town has preserved elements of old fortifications; some elegant, eye-catching buildings like the Town Hall; and its own Grote Kerk, used as a military hospital by Napoleon’s soldiers. Day 5 Veere - Rotterdam - Kinderdijk An included visit to the Royal Delft Factory this morning, introduces you to the last remaining earthenware factory from the 17th century. Here the renowned Delft Blue is still entirely hand painted according to centuries-old tradition. Our cruise then continues to the pretty village of Kinderdijk, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its 18th century windmills, which we visit on an included excursion. This unique collection of beautifully preserved windmills played a major part in keeping the land drained for settlement and agriculture. Day 6 Enkhuizen (Keukenhof) Enjoy a full day’s visit to Keukenhof Gardens, a 32-acre showcase of seven million flowers, set within sweeping gardens. The endless beds of vibrant tulips, daffodils and hyacinths create the world’s most magnificent spring gardens, and the Historical Garden shows the origin of the iconic tulip. Day 7 Amsterdam Returning to the characterful Dutch capital this morning, you have the day free to explore Amsterdam. Perhaps make a visit to the world-famous Rijksmuseum with over 8,000 objects of art and history on display, including masterpieces by Rembrandt, Frans Hals and Johannes Vermeer. This evening, enjoy the Captain’s farewell gala dinner as we spend our final evening on board. Day 8 Amsterdam - UK After breakfast we board our waiting coaches for the return journey to Calais and Channel crossing. Upon arrival in Dover, your Titan vehicle will be waiting for the journey home.