The Netherlands at its most beautiful

Friday May 15: Arnhem - Deventer

Boarding for this holiday takes place in Arnhem. As soon as everyone is on board we’ll leave Arnhem and set sail for Deventer. This Hanseatic city on the River IJssel used to be part of one of the most famous trading cities of Europe. In the centre, you’ll still find plenty of beautiful monuments that recall this period.

Saturday May 16: Deventer - Sneek

At Lemmer we will sail into Friesian waters via the IJsselmeer. Our destination for today is Sneek. The compact town centre with canals and the Waterpoort gate give the town centre a snug and intimate character. Various waterways connect Sneek to the many lakes and the rest of Friesland. That's why the town is also popular with people who love water sports.

Sunday May 17: Sneek - Harlingen

We’ll leave Sneek early in the morning. On the way to Harlingen we will sail past beautiful nature reserves, villages and towns. We’ll dock in Harlingen in the course of the afternoon. Here you can take part in a tour(*) of the canals of Harlingen.

Monday May 18: Harlingen - Oudeschild (Texel)

We will leave Harlingen behind and cross over to the Wadden island of Texel. From the harbour of Oudeschild you can explore the island on a coach tour(*).

Tuesday May 19: Oudeschild (Texel) - Medemblik

Medemblik is the oldest town in West Friesland. You will discover the loveliest spots left over from the Golden Age during a walking tour of the town. At the entrance to the harbour is Castle Radboud which dates from the end of the 13th century. The most delicious treats are baked using traditional skills in the Bakery Museum, and you will learn all about the development of steam engines at the steam pumping station. Plenty of choice for spending the afternoon here.

Wednesday May 20: Medemblik - Enkhuizen - Hoorn

We set sail early along the coast of the IJsselmeer. The first port of call today is Enkhuizen. In days gone by Enkhuizen was famous for its herring fishing. You can find out more about its history and about life beside the Zuiderzee by visiting the Zuiderzee Museum. We will sail on to Hoorn early in the afternoon. The maritime atmosphere from the past is still evident. The Hoofdtoren tower, with narrow houses with step and clock gables in the background, makes a wonderful panorama and reflects the attractive and intimate character of the town.

Thursday May 21: Hoorn - Schoonhoven

We will reach Schoonhoven via the Amsterdam-Rhine Canal. The silversmith craft remains important in this small town on the River Lek. The evidence of this is in the many monumental silver workshops and silversmith houses, as well as the country’s only vocational school for gold and silver smiths.

Friday May 22: Schoonhoven - Willemstad

We will sail towards Willemstad via the harbours of Rotterdam and the Spui. First we’ll pass the impressive skyline of Rotterdam, followed by many shipyards, docks and container ships. After lunch we will dock in Willemstad. During a walking tour(*) you will view the beautifully preserved city walls and numerous other monuments that the city has to offer.

Saturday May 23: Willemstad - Gorinchem - Nijmegen

Gorinchem, once part of the Dutch Waterline, is one of the few remaining cities with original ramparts. Loevestein Castle nearby also played an important role in history as a medieval toll and defensive castle. During lunch, we’ll continue our journey to Nijmegen. On the last evening, the traditional Captain’s Dinner will be served, and following this a musical performance will ensure a pleasant evening.

Sunday May 24: Nijmegen - Arnhem

This magnificent journey through the Netherlands is almost at an end. We will arrive in Arnhem at 11:00 after a delicious brunch, where we will bid each other farewell.