"Tulips & Windmills" Cruise on Viking Spirit
April 7-17, 2009

Holland's floral splendor only happens in the springtime. Come see the rainbow of colors, and visit two of Belgium's most beautifully preserved medieval cities for the ultimate 10-day spring vacation in the Low Countries. Explore Amsterdam's cosmopolitan atmosphere and world-famous museums. Experience Belgium's Golden Age in Antwerp's Steen Castle and the lovely patrician city of Brugge. Learn more about Holland's age-old battle against the sea with tours of ingenious windmills and the massive Delta Works project. Plus, enjoy savory Dutch cheeses, delectable Belgian chocolates and Belgium's exquisite, intricate lace on this delightful vacation.  

Day 1: Amsterdam
Arrive in Amsterdam. We meet you at the airport and transfer you to your ship.* After boarding, you have free time to get acquainted with this canal-laced city—or join our “welcome walk” to stretch your legs and start getting oriented. (D)

Day 2: Amsterdam
After breakfast, embark on a canal tour by glass-topped boat to see architecture from the city’s Golden Age. Then, visit the Van Gogh Museum, featuring works by the artist and his contemporaries. After lunch aboard, take free time to visit the Anne Frank House or explore the city—as always, your Program Director can help you plan your free time. Dine aboard; evening departure. (B, L, D)

Day 3: Hoorn & Volendam
This morning features a guided walk through Hoorn’s cobbled streets. See age-old cheese warehouses and the Westfries Museum on the town’s main square. Free time before returning aboard for lunch. Cruise to Volendam, a quaint fishing village where fishermen still dress in traditional costume. Stroll through the narrow streets, visit a local bakery and shop for souvenirs. Depart during dinner and cruise through the night. (B, L, D)

Day 4: Arnhem & Nijmegen
After early arrival in Arnhem, take a journey to 17th-century Paleis Het Loo,† for 300 years the Dutch royal family’s summer residence. Take a guided tour through its sumptuously furnished rooms and stroll through its beautifully landscaped gardens. After lunch aboard, enjoy free time, or join the optional battlefield tour that also visits the Airborne Museum. Cruise through dinner to Nijmegen, one of Holland’s oldest cities, where you have a free evening. (B, L, D)

Day 5: Dordrecht
Arrive this morning in Dordrecht, then take a journey to Kinderdijk to see its 18th-century system of windmills. Tour a working windmill at this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lunch aboard. During afternoon free time, discover Dordrecht’s Old Quarter, city gate and 14th-century church. Depart midafternoon; dine aboard. (B, L, D)

Day 6: Antwerp
Wake up in Antwerp and enjoy a half-day city tour featuring Cathedral of Our Lady with its three monumental altarpieces painted by Peter Paul Rubens; the Grote Markt (Grand Square) surrounded by the Golden Age Town Hall and guild halls, and Het Steen (Steen Castle), Antwerp’s oldest building. You have afternoon free time before dining aboard; sail tonight for Ghent. (B, L, D)

Day 7: Brugge
From Ghent, travel to Brugge, one of the oldest towns in Flanders. Your city walk visits the Church of Our Lady, with its famous Madonna and Child sculpted by Michelangelo. Also see the Beguinage, a hidden courtyard inhabited by nuns, and the town’s scenic network of canals. Stay in Brugge for lunch on your own or lunch aboard. Depart Ghent this evening and cruise through the night. (B, L, D)

Day 8: Middelburg, Delta Works & Rotterdam
Your day begins with a walk through Middelburg. From here, travel to Neeltje Jans Expo to learn more about how the Delta Works protect Holland from the sea. See the hydraulic lock system and walk along the massive dam. Return to your ship for lunch and afternoon cruising. Arrive this evening in Rotterdam; rebuilt after much World War II destruction, it is the world’s second largest port. Your evening is at leisure; dinner aboard. (B, L, D)

Day 9: Keukenhof Gardens & Amsterdam
After breakfast, take a journey to picturesque Keukenhof Gardens, the world’s largest floral park. Admire the stunning floral beauty at both indoor and outdoor exhibits of millions of vibrant blooms including tulips, hyacinths, croci and daffodils. Return aboard for lunch. The rest of the day is yours to discover Amsterdam’s hidden treasures. You may choose to explore Museum Square, take a bike ride, or shop for colorful clogs and tulip bulbs. Dinner is served aboard, followed by free time to enjoy Amsterdam’s night life. Your ship remains docked overnight. (B, L, D)

Day 10: Amsterdam
After breakfast, disembark and we take you to the airport for your return flight.* (B)

PRICING

Category A	Category B	Category C	Category D	Category E	Deadline
$2,919	$2,844	$2,669	$2,494	$2,019	Pay in full by July 30, 2008
$3,419	$3,344	$3,169	$2,994	$2,519	Pay in full by Dec. 15, 2008

Your price is determined by the date you select for final payment. Prices are per person, CRUISE ONLY and include port charges and taxes (subject to change until final payment is received). Roundtrip air from Philadelphia is estimated at $1,000 per person (Actual airfare will be available in June 2008). A $500 per person deposit is required to hold your space. BOOK EARLY FOR THE BEST CABIN AVAILABILITY AND SAVINGS OF UP TO $600 PER PERSON!

The best way to discover the heart of Europe is to travel along its great rivers. And there is no better way to do it than aboard the deluxe Viking Spirit. Stroll the decks at sunset, linger in an elegant lounge, take in the splendor of Europe's breathtaking scenery from panoramic windows in our elegantly appointed public areas, or from the privacy of your stateroom. The ships' staterooms feature hotel-style beds, some with large picture windows that open. Carrying a maximum of 150 passengers, the Viking Spirit offers an intimate atmosphere where passengers can really get to know fellow vacationers.

Viking Spirit Features
- Sun Deck with 360-degree views
- Bar
- Restaurant
- Souvenir shop
- Library
- Internet station
- 75 comfortable outside staterooms
- Walk-around, open air Promenade Deck

Fine Dining
Our chefs create a variety of tasty offerings for you, with freshly prepared seasonal local vegetables, European specialties adapted for American tastes, and homemade soups prepared daily. For breakfast, choose from our selections including eggs, cereals, pastries, fresh fruit, meats and cheeses. Or maybe you prefer a made-to-order hot dish like an omelet or pancakes. At lunch, select from the soup and sandwich bar, or a choice of entrées and dessert. And for dinner, you are treated to a five-course gourmet menu with regional specialties. You can also select from our regional wines to perfectly complement your meal. And wherever you sail, you will find enhancements reflecting your itinerary—from Dutch cheeses to Austrian wine. It is all part of experiencing the local culture.

Staterooms

·         Staterooms: 75 (63 deluxe, 12 standard)

·         Deluxe Stateroom: (Cat A, B, C, D) 154 sq. ft.

·         Standard Stateroom (Cat E) 120 sq. ft

·         All staterooms are outside with river view

·         Category A and B have large windows that open

·         Caregory C and D have large windows that cannot be opened

·         Category E has half-height picture window that cannot be opened

·         Deluxe staterooms have hotel-style beds

·         Standard staterooms have a Pullman bed and a sofa bed

·         All beds are equipped with a feather duvet (or hypoallergenic substitute on request)

·         Additionally, the following is supplied in all staterooms on embarkation day: ship information folder containing welcome letter and two post cards.

·         The Daily Program for the following day will be delivered each evening to your room.

For information and reservations, call Craig (ext. 103) or Christie (ext. 107) at Cruisin'
610-341-1979 or 800-506-7447

Cruisin' (Alumni Vacations) is not responsible for any rate and/or availability changes and we reserve the right to correct any errors.