Join Frank Ferragine, aka “Frankie Flowers,” one of Canada’s most beloved and trusted gardening experts, for an unforgettable VIP river cruise along the Rhine River, winding through the scenic Dutch and Belgian waterways.
“I’m thrilled to be hosting this unforgettable journey with AmaWaterways and Shine Travel and to share Tulip Time with you".
Be among a select group of travelers where you will have multiple opportunities to interact with, and learn from Frankie so that you can return from your vacation with a wealth of knowledge and inspiration for your gardening projects.
This VIP experience includes:
- A private VIP/exclusive to our group, “Tulip/Garden Inspired” Welcome Cocktail Reception on day of embarkation.
- Enjoy the included daily excursions, on our group's private tour bus.
- An afternoon at the World-Famous Keukenhof Gardens with it'sscenic walking paths and tranquil ponds. Explore indoor pavilions showcasing special exhibitions, rare plants and exotic flowers.
- An exclusive presentation by Frankie Flowers with a chance for photos and Q&A
- Enjoy a second presentation, which will be open to the whole cruise.
- Have fun on a gardening-themed trivia night where you can WIN an exclusive prize !
- Other special surprises (we can't tell you everything !!)
To learn more about Frankie, visit frankieflowers.com
And now, the River Cruise !
Sailing aboard the AmaLucia (AmaWaterways) which launched in 2021. The AmaLucia is the newest in the European fleet (the 26th). This warm, inviting ship offers the luxury of space in which guests can peacefully unwind.
From comfortable staterooms with twin balconies that keep guests well-connected via Entertainment-On-Demand, free high-speed Internet access and Wi-Fi, to the sunny Main Lounge, where delicious tapas are served throughout the day, guests have everything they need to enjoy their time spent on board.
If an active mood strikes, the sun-deck walking track, pool with swim-up bar, fitness room and complimentary fleet of bikes are available. Or you can take an invigorating class led by the professionally trained onboard Wellness Host.
And, of course, the exquisite cuisine AND award-winning dining served in the Main Restaurant and at The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant will satisfy your every craving aboard AmaLucia.
Here is a 5 minute video, prepared for us by our Business Development Manager in Canada for AmaWaterways, Neil Dudley. Enjoy his amazing presentation.
What's Included:
*PORT CHARGES OF $305CAD/PP
*ALL GRATUITIES
*SPACIOUS STATEROOMS
- 7 nights luxury accommodation in an outside stateroom
- Entertainment-On-Demand in all staterooms featuring free high-speed internet access, movies, a music library and English language TV stations
- Mini-fridge, desk and sitting area
- Bottled water replenished daily
- AND you can bring wine on board back to your cabin to enjoy
*AN ARRAY OF AMENITIES
- Wellness Activities with a dedicated Wellness Host leading various exercise classes as well as discussions on healthy eating and relaxation techniques, both on board and on shore.
- Personalized service from a highly trained Cruise Manager during both cruise and land packages
- Internet and Wi-Fi access
- Sun Deck pool with swim-up bar and walking track
- Fitness room, massage services and hair salon
- Main Lounge with panoramic views and bar
- Daily entertainment including cultural performances
*AWARD-WINNING DINING
- All onboard dining in a variety of venues
- Regionally inspired cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients
- The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant (a private dinner will be planned for our VIP Group)
- Welcome Cocktail, Welcome Dinner, La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Dinner, Captain's Cocktail and Gala Dinner
- La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs exclusive dining experience
- Unlimited fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
- Unlimited sparkling wine and fresh juice with breakfast
- Sip & Sail Cocktail Hour with complimentary wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks (NOT to be missed !)
- Tapas, snacks and refreshments served daily in the Main Lounge
*A WORLD OF EXPLORATION
- Immersive tours in every destination
- Gentle, regular, active and late-riser tour options
- Bike tours and hikes
- Special interest tours
- Knowledgeable guides
- Our own VIP Group bus for tours
- Personal headset for easy exploration
What's NOT Included:
- Airport Transfers (but can be arranged)
- Flights (but we can help you with that)
- Insurance (we can help with that, too !)
- Pre Cruise Hotel (if required)
- Pre Cruise Group Dinner charges (to be planned)
PAYMENT TERMS:
Final payment at time of booking
We have 6 cabins remaining (BUT, can request or waitlist other categories)
First column is OUR Group VIP Pricing (vs. Online Pricing)
Pricing is in CAD, and rates below are based on double occupancy/pp (solo rates available upon request)
If you're interested in joining us for this unforgettable experience, please reach out to Pauline Blacoe at shine@shinetravel.ca as soon as possible to secure a cabin, as they’re expected to fill up quickly.
Luxurious Staterooms
Category SS - Suite Violin Deck (French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 350 sqft.)
Category AB - Cello Deck (French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 235 sqft.)
Category BA - Violin Deck (French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 210 sqft.)
Category BB - Cello Deck (French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 210 sqft.)
Category CA - Violin/Cello Deck (French Balcony, 170 sqft.
Category D - Piano Deck (Fixed Window, 160 sqft.)
Click here to view more pictures of all staterooms online
DECK PLAN
ITINERARY
Day 1
AMSTERDAM – EMBARKATION
Embark your ship in Amsterdam for your 7-night cruise. (D)
Day 2
AMSTERDAM – KAMPEN
Enjoy a scenic cruise through the IJsselmeer to Kampen. Venture to the charming, canal-laden village of Giethoorn, nicknamed the “Dutch Venice.” Capture wonderful photos of the picturesque thatched-roof farmhouses, which are seemingly lifted straight from the pages of a fairytale. In the afternoon, go for a guided bike ride through the Dutch countryside or visit Flevoland's vibrant tulip fields. (B,L,D)
Day 3
BRUINISSE
After enjoying a scenic cruise through the Delta, join a guided tour to the medieval harbor town of Zierikzee, brimming with delights, from its 16th-century stone-built Gravesteen to its lovely harborside shops and cafes. This excursion includes a photo stop at the Oosterschelde Kering, the largest storm surge barrier of the Delta Works. Alternatively, focus your tour on the history of the Delta Works at the Flood Museum. More than half of the Netherlands lies below sea level and the Delta Works were built to prevent a recurrence of the 1953 flood disaster. Prefer discovering Bruinisse on two wheels? Join our guide for an exhilarating bike tour. (B,L,D)
Day 4
GHENT – BRUGES, BELGIUM
Admire Ghent’s canal-side architecture and some of its famous sights, including the Castle of the Counts and St. Bavo’s Cathedral and its Adoration of the Mystic Lamb. Those with a sweet tooth can visit a chocolate maker's shop. After being greeted with a glass of champagne, a master chocolatier will brief you on the history of chocolate. You will also have the opportunity to taste different types of pralines - and try your hand at making your own. Alternatively, take a full-day tour of Bruges, one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stroll through Grote Markt and Burg Square, visit the centuries-old Church of Our Lady with its prominent spire, and, if you choose, sample some of the local specialties, from Belgian fries to waffles to chocolate, before returning to the ship. (B,L,D)
Day 5
ANTWERP
Explore this trendy city on a walking tour where you’ll see Antwerp’s Steen Castle, Grote Market and Brabo Fountain, along with the UNESCO-designated Cathedral of Our Lady. For a more active exploration of the area, join a guided bike tour. Later in the afternoon, you have a choice of two excursions. Foodies will want to go on a culinary tour to indulge in chocolate, waffles and beer. Flower lovers and gardeners can roam through the Floralia, an annual spring flower show featuring approximately one million bulbs that are hand-planted each year by the castle staff. (B,L,D)
Day 6
ROTTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS – KINDERDIJK
During the morning, you can go on a walking tour of Rotterdam, nicknamed the "Gateway to Europe,” and taste local specialties. Alternatively, go on an excursion to Delft, known as the home of the painter Johannes Vermeer, Delft Blue earthenware and the Royal House. While here, you’ll visit the Royal Delft Porcelain Factory and Museum. If you prefer a more active adventure, then go on a bike ride through Rotterdam and past some of its famous landmarks and architecture. In the afternoon, venture to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kinderdijk, a lovely village renowned for having the country’s greatest concentration of windmills, all dating from the 18th century. Visit a private windmill via electric boat. You may also pedal past the windmills from the seat of a bike. Or, if you wish to explore the history of US immigration, join us on an excursion that visits Delfshaven, where, on August 1, 1620, the Pilgrim fathers departed on their epic journey aboard the Speedwell, plus tour the FENIX Museum of Migration, a former harbor warehouse currently being transformed into this unique educational experience. (B,L,D)
Day 7
AMSTERDAM
Enjoy a morning of scenic cruising before venturing out in the afternoon on a smaller boat specially designed to glide beneath the many bridges of Amsterdam. Admire the city’s historic harbor and canals, where you’ll see beautiful homes lining the water and the fabled Skinny Bridge. Alternatively, marvel at one of the most impressive public gardens in the world, Keukenhof, which presents a spectacular display of millions of flowering tulips spread out over 70 acres. Spend time ambling through this legendary garden, open only nine weeks a year and sometimes referred to as the "Garden of Europe." (B,L,D)
Day 8
DISEMBARKATION – DEPART AMSTERDAM
Disembark the ship and prepare for your flight home. (B)
If you're interested in joining us for this unforgettable experience, please reach out to Pauline Blacoe at shine@shinetravel.ca as soon as possible to secure a cabin.
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