Music Cruises

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This independent tour of the Benelux countries is ideal for independent-minded music lovers who appreciate flexibility and at the same time the security of pre-booked arrangements. You can start this tour on any day you wish.

 Amsterdam Brussels Luxemburg rail tour with classical music performances 

Visit Amsterdam, a fun-filled paradise for art and culture lovers with its extensive choice of museums, places of great interest and venues that ensure entertainment to suit everybody's taste. While during the day you can visit the Royal Palace, the Van Gogh museum, the Rijksmuseum or the Anne Frank House, the evening awaits you with a great cultural performance. 

Brussels, the cosmopolitan gourmet capital of Europe is a treasure house of art, restaurants, chocolatiers and beers boasting the world's most beautiful surviving town's square. Emerge yourself in the atmosphere of gilded or late Gothic houses, Art Nuvoe buildings, visit the cute little music museum and do not forget to try the many cafes with their frothy waffles, unique fruit beers and of course, the famous chocolates of par excellence.

Your tour ends in tiny Luxemburg, the beautiful city of a historic principality squeezed between powerful neighbors

9Days/8nights from Euro 1319  -  1Apr-31Oct 2011

Tour Package Includes:

• First class (for Deluxe and first class package) or 2nd class (for standard package) rail transportation from Amsterdam to Brussels and from Brussels to Luxembourg

In Amsterdam

• 3 nights accommodation with buffet breakfast in the hotel category of your choice

• Panoramic circle tour of Amsterdam - 2hrs (visit the Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh Museum and a 1 hour canal cruise with a separate open-date ticket is included)

• Half-day Windmills and Edam excursion (4hrs) 

• One concert or opera ticket (good category - certain performance surcharge may apply!)

• Hotel taxes and service charges

• Entrance fees, English speaking guide on the tours

In Brussels

• 3 nights accommodation with buffet breakfast in the hotel category of your choice
• City tour of Brussels (possibility to visit the Museum of Fine Arts)
• Full day excursion to the art cities of Ghent and Bruges
• Entrance fees, English speaking guide on the tour
• One concert or opera ticket (good category - certain performance surcharge may apply!)
• Entrance ticket (audio guide included) to the Musical Instruments Museum
• Hotel taxes and service charges

    In Luxembourg

• 2 nights accommodation with buffet breakfast in the hotel category of your choice
• Hop on Hop off city tour of Luxembourg 
• One concert ticket (good category - certain performance surcharge may apply!)
  

2011 - Prices per person in Euro ( $ rate varies depending on the exchange rate) ***

*Standard category - stay in Amsterdam (Hotel BW Apollo Museum) Fri/Sat night stay add Euro 23 p.p.night in double/triple Euro 44 in single

**Reduction for FRI/SAT night stay in Luxembourg:
Deluxe category: Euro 80 per person per night based on double or triple/ Euro 145 per person per night based on single
First class and standard category: Euro 35 per person per night based on double or triple/ Euro 45 per person per night based on single

***During Holidays and special fair periods surcharge may apply!

**During Holidays and special fair periods surcharge may apply!

Tour descriptions and optional tours in Amsterdam

HALF DAY BUS EXCURSIONS

Ultimate Amsterdam Tour  - Daily at 9.30 AM - Duration ± 2,5 hrs
Bus only € 22,- Bus + Van Gogh Ticket € 33,-
Bus + boat ticket € 30,- Bus + Rijksmuseum Ticket € 32,-
Bus + museum + boat ticket € 40,-
On this extensive bus excursion you will see all Amsterdam has to offer, from the historical monuments in the centre to the modern architecture of the 21st century. From the Eastern Docklands to the Ajax Arena! A picture stop at a windmill at the river Amstel and a visit to a diamond factory are included.
You can visit the Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh Museum and/or do a one-hour canal cruise with a separate open-date ticket. (see rates above, supplements for special exhibitions are not included)


Anne Frank House, Diamond Factory and Canal Cruise € 35,-
Friday and Sunday at 2.30 PM – Duration ± 4 hrs
We start the tour by coach showing you the most important monuments that our city offers, followed by a picture stop at a windmill. A visit to a Diamond factory is made where you get acquainted with the diamond polishing process. Continuing the tour by boat we cruise along Amsterdam’s harbor and its famous canals, which brings us to the “Jordaan” quarter where we visit the attic where Anne Frank and her family were hidden during the Second World War. This is also the place where the tour will end. ( The entrance to Anne Frank House and canal cruise are included)

Volendam and Marken € 34,-  Daily at 2.30 PM – Duration ± 4 hrs
On this excursion we drive through typical Dutch scenery and the picturesque town of Monnickendam to Volendam, a traditional Dutch fisherman’s village situated on the shores of the former Zuiderzee. Carrying on by boat we visit Marken, an island linked to the mainland by a dike. Some of the inhabitants still wear the traditional Dutch costumes. This tour includes a visit to a cheese farm.

Windmills and Edam € 34,- Daily at 9.30 AM – Duration ± 4 hrs
This excursion takes you north of Amsterdam, to the edge of the river Zaan, where you visit the windmill village `de Zaanse Schans`, with its characteristic green wooden houses. On the turn of the 18th century this district was an industrial area with approximately 700 windmills in use. In this day and age there are only five left. We will pay a visit to a windmill and a wooden shoe manufactor. Before returning to Amsterdam, we take a stroll through the medieval town of Edam. (entrance to the windmill is included).
Fridays (April 2rd - Sept. 3th ) Edam is replaced by Alkmaar. See ´Alkmaar Cheese Market´.

Delft Blue, The Hague and Madurodam € 37,- Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 9.30 AM – Duration ± 4,5 hrs
This tour will begin with a visit to a`Delft Blue´ pottery, where you can admire the hand painted Delftware. We continue our tour to The Hague, the seat of the Dutch Government, where we will make a sightseeing tour. We will pass the Houses of Parliament and the Peace Palace. Via the lovely beach of Schevingen we travel towards the miniature city Madurodam, where all of Holland is put together on a scale of 1:25 (entrance fee Madurodam included).


Alkmaar Cheese Market and Windmills € 34,- Fridays only at 9.30 AM (April 1 – Sept. 2) - Duration ± 4,5 hrs
Tradition is the key element on this excursion as we visit Alkmaar, a 750 year old city which is famous for its weekly cheese market. You will learn about a long-established Dutch tradition of the weighing of cheese and taste testing. This is a unique experience while the four teams from the Cheese Carrier’s Guild compete for the fastest and most impeccable timing while handling tons of produce. Driving through polder landscape the tour will lead to the windmill village of Zaanse Schans where you get the opportunity to visit a wooden shoe factory and a windmill (entrance fee included).

Keukenhof Flowershow € 35,- Daily at 9.30 AM and 2.30 PM (March 18th - May 20th) - Duration ± 4,5 hrs
Behind the dunes that run from Haarlem to Leiden lies the bulb area like a magical canvas of daffodils, hyacinths and tulips, alive with the most delightful smells and colours. We visit the flower exhibition ‘Keukenhof’, and experience the perfection of millions of bulbs displayed over a wonderful park with fantastic flower shows and sculptures. (entrance fee included)


FULL DAY BUS EXCURSIONS

Grand Holland LandmarkTour €46,- Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday at 9.30 AM – Duration ± 9 hrs
Our first stop is at Aalsmeer´s world famous flower auction (closed Sundays). Continuing to Rotterdam we take you on a city tour by bus with a photo stop at renowned Hotel New York. Then it´s onto Delft for lunch. We visit a Delft Blue Pottery and our guide will take you on a city walk. During a city tour by bus of the Hague we drive by the highlights of our governmental city like the House of Parliament and the Peace Palace. During this excursion you can visit Madurodam. This miniature city offers you the highlights of the Netherlands on a scale 1:25. (lunch not included)


Dutch Country Side Tour € 43,-
Zaanse Schans – Edam – Volendam – Marken (incl. entrance windmill and boat trip)
Daily at 9.30 AM – Duration ± 7 hrs
Wednesday and Sunday extra : visit to Enclosing Dike – duration ± 8 hrs
Thisvery complete tour covers the magnificent area of Dutch polder landscape north of Amsterdam, marked by windmills, dikes and ditches. After a stop to taste some traditionally made products at a cheese farm, we will visit the picturesque villages of Edam and the Zaanse Schans, where you will have the opportunity to visit a windmill and wooden shoe factory. We continue to Volendam and Marken, fishermen’s villages along the former Zuiderzee. Marken used to be an island until it was connected to the mainland by a dike. Some people of both places still wear the traditional costumes. (lunch not included.)


Antwerp and Brussels € 55,- Monday at 9.30 AM (May 2th – August 29)
Monday and Thursday at 9.30 AM (July 1st – August 31st) - Duration ± 11 hrs
An interesting drive through the Dutch country side to Antwerp; a city filled with history where we will have time for a stroll around the main square near the Cathedral. We will then continue on to the city of Brussels for an extensive city tour. We will see the Cathedral, the Royal Palace, the Grand Place, and of course the world famous Manneken Pis. As an optional sight you have the opportunity to see the genuine lace making. After spending free time in the city, we will return to Amsterdam.

Bruges € 60,- Saturday at 9.30 AM (March 26th – October 29)
Wednesday and Saturday at 9.30 AM (July 6th – August 24) - Duration ± 12 hrs
Crossing the Netherlands, enjoying its typical countryside, we will drive you to Belgium. Our destination today: one of the most beautiful towns in Europe “Bruges”. Upon arrival you will be guided through the historical center. The rest of the afternoon you can spend to your liking: enjoy a boat trip along the beautiful canals, visit one of its museums, shop for lace , or taste the excellent Belgium “cuisine” and chocolates. Let yourself be carried away by beauty and romance! Bruges is the perfect place! (lunch is not included).


CANAL CRUISES

Day Pass Canal Bus € 22,00  The fun way to get around Amsterdam. Children (5-12) € 11,00
Children (0-4) free
Daily from 10.00 AM. 16 STOPS. Company: Canal Company
Canal Bus is the perfect way of getting around Amsterdam with its wealth of waterways. Our comfortable boats offer a regular service along 3 routes with 14 stops located near the major museums, shopping areas and attractions. On board there are interesting commentaries on Amsterdam. Your day pass is valid on the Green, Red and Blue line until 12 noon the next day.
Hop on, hop off all day long !


Amsterdam Candlelight cruise € 29,50
Every night at 9.00 PM - Duration ± 2 hrs children € 17,50  Not on April 30
In front of Central Railway Station. Company: Holland International
This romantic evening cruise through Amsterdam’s enchanting canals is a memorable experience. Passengers relax in glass-enclosed comfort, while gliding through the canals. Each table is provided with a variety of cheese, red and white wine. Soft drinks are also available. During the cruise a multi-lingual host or hostess will gladly answer your questions and give you information about the city’s places of interest.

Amsterdam Dinner cruise € 69,50 Every night at 08.00 PM - Duration ± 2,5 hrs children € 45,-
Not on April 30
In front of Central Railway Station. Company: Holland International
On board one of the comfortable boats a cruise through the illuminated canals is combined with a sumptuous four-course dinner. You are greeted with a welcoming drink. With the various courses you are served white and red wine and of course there is also beer and a selection of soft drinks on board. After the ‘petit grand dessert’ the dinner is rounded off in style with tea and coffee.


Blue Boat Dinner Cruise € 59,-
Departure Saturday 08.30 pm – Duration ± 2 hrs children € 41,50
The Blue boat dinner cruise departs for a unique 2 hours cruise through Amsterdam! While the boat glides through the canals, you can enjoy a delicious three course dinner with wine and drinks included. It’s a different way of dining out and exploring the city of Amsterdam. Free admittance Holland Casino Amsterdam!

Evening Cruise € 15,-
Daily at 20.00 hrs - Duration ± 1,5 hours children € 10,-
This boat trip is dubbed the cruise of the ‘Venice of the North’. You’ll get a different impression of the city after you have seen Amsterdam from the water. The canal boat brings you to parts of the city centre unreachable by car.

1 hour Canal Cruise: 100 Highlights Canals and Harbour Cruise € 13
Daily from 9 AM till 6 PM, every 15 min - children € 6,50
Daily from 6 PM till 10.00 pm, every 30 min - Duration ± 1 hr
In front of Central Station. Company: Holland International
A cruise along Amsterdam’s picture-book canals… it’s something not to be missed!
Cruising through a number of Amsterdam’s canals, this cruise passes along some of the city’s most beautiful spots. While gliding through the old centre of the city you see elegant merchant’s mansions, carillon-crowned churches and the warehouses with their rich history from Holland’s Golden Age.

The Ultimate Cruise € 17,50
Daily at 11.00 AM and 1.00 PM children € 10,00
In front of Central Station. Company: Holland International - Duration 90 min.
For the true Amsterdam lover! Experience Amsterdam from the water. Marvel at the cutting-edge architecture of the Eastern Docklands and soak-up the atmosphere of the historic ring of canals. Relax with a drink in hand while our guide entertains you with interesting stories about the canals and their bridges, the canal houses and the houseboats. Inclusive sof drik live guide (only English spoken)


Childpolicy
Children under 13 years 50% discount on bus tours only.
Children under 4 years free on all regular tours.

Tour description and optional tours Belgium (from Brussels):

BRUSSELS CITY TOUR: Duration: +-2.30 hours (Euro 24 per adult Euro 12 per child)
Departure: 10.00 A.M  Every day All year around (2pm departures daily Apr-Oct)

We start our tour with a short walk to the Grand Place, worldfamous market square and the heart of medieval Brussels with its incomparable City Hall and precious Guild Houses. By coach we take you for an extensive drive tgrough the city, the Common market Buildings, the Cinquantenaire, Art Noveau houses, the Heysel with the Atomium, the Chinese Pavillion and the Japanese Pagoda, the Congress Column, the Parliament, the City Park, the Law Courts. Well see the charming Sablonsquare where we have a stop for a short visit to a lace house.

GHENT & BRUGES: Duration: +- 9.30 hours Low season(Nov-March) every tue, Thu, Sat and Sun , High Season (Apr-Oct) every day    Departure: 9.00am  (Euro 42 per adult / Euro 20 per child)

After an hour's drive, we arrive in Ghent where we visit the St. Bavo's Cathedral, home of the world famous 'Mystic Lamb' painting (optional, closed on Sundays). During the city tour you will see all the important buildings from the Middle Ages, such as the Belfry, the St. Nicholas Church and the Earl’s Castle.
In Bruges we visit the Lake of Love (Minnewater) and the Beguinage (convent). Time for lunch. Afterwards, we start our walking tour and discover : Our Lady's Church, with the Madonna statue by Michelangelo, the Market Square with the Belfry and the Holy Blood. Don't forget your walking shoes ! 

Visit Brussels Hop on Hop off tour   Daily 10am - 4pm (every 30minutes) - Euro 18 per person /Euro 10 for children

The Visit Brussels Line is the ideal way to explore our city withouteffort. You get on and off at any of our stops and unlimited number of times for 24 hours after first use. On presentation of your ticket: discount in museums and other sights. Sights: Park Royal, Park Theatre, Belgian Federal Parliament, Palace of the Academy, Royal Palace, Cynastymuseum, equestrian statue of Godfrey de Bouillon , royal museums of Fine Arts, Old England museum of Musical Instruments. On presentation of your ticket: discount in several museums and other sights.  

ANTWERPEN: Duration: +- 5.30 hours p
Departure: 1.15 pm on Monday, Wednesday, Friday , Saturday (High Season) , Wednesday, Saturday low season

Antwerp, Belgium's second largest city and Europe's second largest harbour has kept many memories of its rich past. Above all, it is the city of the painter Peter Paul Rubens, worldfamous master of the 17th century. We drive to the Market Square with its ancient houses and Our Lady's Cathedral (entrance fee included in the price of your excursion). This cathedral contains, amongst other treasures, two of Rubens' masterworks: "The Erection of and the descent from the cross". Antwerp is also the world's diamond center. We will visit a DIAMOND WORKSHOP. We will en the tour with a drive through the harbour.

RATE / 31 € PER PERSON (children: Euro 16)

Entrance fee Our Lady Cathedral included.


AMSTERDAM - HOLLAND: Duration: +- 12.30 hours Apr-Oct Departure: 09.00 am on Tuesday & Saturday / Nov-March - Saturday

RATE / PP 50 € PER PERSON (children: Euro 25 )
Nov-March: Euro 52 per person

Holland is only at a stone's throw away and nevertheless the country is strikingly different. Along Antwerp, we cross the Dutch border, and driving through the endless polders with countless windmills we reach the Amsterdam area. First we visit a traditional craftstcentre in a typical farm and get familiar with everything that made the glory of Holland : tasty cheese, nice clogs and beautiful pottery. Possibility for lunch (optional).
In the afternoon we visit Amsterdam. We offer you an opportunity to make a boat tour along the many picturesque canals (optional) and we have a break and enjoy some free time at the "Dam" square which is famous for its royal palace.

LUXEMBOURG : Duration: +- 12.00 hours Apr-Oct Departure: 09.00 am on Sunday

RATE / PP 50 € PER PERSON (Euro 25 for children)

After one hour and half drive we arrive at the little castle Lavaux Sainte Anne. Here you can visit one of the most beautiful castles of Belgium with its hunting museum. (optional) Afterwards we drive to Luxembourg, the capital of the Grand-Duchy. We start our visit with a sightseeing tour. After lunch we have a walk through the old city and there is some time off. On the way back to Brussels, we stop in picturesque Dinant. We drive back to Brussels follwing the river Meuse as far as Namur.