Highlights of Holland by rail

Day 1: UK/Cologne
Begin your holiday via Eurostar into Brussels with an onward coach transfer to join the MS Serenade 1. Set sail late evening.

Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Arnhem
Today you will arrive in the delightful town of Arnhem. Visit the town’s museum or join our optional excursion to the battlefields to discover the history of the John Frost Bridge, named after the British commander who defended it for four days during the Second World War. Our excursion also includes a visit to the Airbourne Museum.

Meals: Breakfast / lunch / dinner

Day 3: Roermond
This afternoon the MS Serenade 1 arrives in the town of Roermond. Explore this delightful town at leisure today, perhaps visiting the 15th century Cathedral of St Christoffel, which was destroyed during the Second World War and subsequently rebuilt. Alternatively, join our optional walking tour; discover the highlights of the town in the company of a local guide.

Meals: Breakfast / lunch / dinner

Day 4: Maastricht
On arrival in Maastricht this afternoon join our optional walking tour to see its many scenic squares and historic buildings. The southernmost city in the Netherlands, Maastricht is situated within walking distance of Belgium and cycling distance of Germany. It is a great place to spend some time, with magnificent buildings including a lovely cathedral and a spectacular cobblestoned centre. The city is also well known for its fine cuisine, excellent shops and a multi-cultural atmosphere.

Meals: Breakfast / lunch / dinner

Day 5: Maastricht
Discover more of Maastricht today at your own pace. Alternatively you may wish to join our optional excursion to Valkenburg.

Meals: Breakfast / lunch / dinner

Day 6: Nijmegen
Nijmegen is said to be the oldest city in the Netherlands and several Roman settlements have been discovered here. It is situated on the Waal River near the German border. Today, you can make your own discoveries or why not join our optional walking tour..

Meals: Breakfast / lunch / dinner

Day 7: Cologne
The city Cologne is home to many fine buildings and a magnificent Gothic cathedral in the main square, whose soaring spires were once the tallest structures in the world and still dominate the skyline. Take an optional city highlights walking tour to enjoy all the sights and soak up its vibrant atmosphere. Alternatively, join our optional panoramic sightseeing tour of the city.

Meals: Breakfast / lunch / dinner

Day 8: Cologne
Bid your fellow travellers farewell as your cruise draws to a close. Transfer to Brussels by coach for your onward journey back to the UK.
Meals: Breakfast

Please note

Chartered exclusively for Travelsphere, MS Serenade 1 offers a relaxing river cruise experience amid luxurious, elegant surroundings

The stylish and extremely comfortable MS Serenade 1 is a 4-star floating hotel that has been exclusively chartered for Travelsphere customers.

The cabins are amongst the largest of any river cruiser, at 16m2, and so you feel right at home, we’ve included plenty of storage space and individually controlled air conditioning to keep the temperature just how you like it.

The twin beds are hotel standard and there is a seating area for relaxation. All cabins have satellite TV, telephone, fridge, tea and coffee-making facilities, safe and a hairdryer, while en suite bathrooms have a WC as well as a separate shower and bath, which is unusual for a river cruiser.

All cabins are non-smoking but you may smoke on deck. There is a sauna on board, along with a small range of fitness equipment. On the upper two decks all cabins have floor-to ceiling sliding French windows for a great view or cooling breeze and the lower deck cabins feature a smaller fixed window

You can spend your time watching the stunning views unfold from the panoramic windows of the lounge, savour delicious cuisine in the elegant dining room or sit back and relax with a range of low-key evening entertainment.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Optional excursions

Battlefields of Arnhem
Roermond walking tour
Maastricht walking tour
Valkenburg
Nijmegen walking tour
Cologne city highlights walking tour
Panoramic sightseeing tour of Cologne

Your holiday includes

The services of two experienced Travelsphere Cruise Representatives and the cruise staff
Full board commences with dinner on day of arrival and finishes with breakfast on day of departure, including morning coffee and afternoon tea plus Captain’s Gala Dinner
All transfers
Evening entertainment on board
Porterage (one bag per person)
Luggage transfer on Eurostar

With 50 years’ experience in arranging escorted tours to exciting destinations across the globe, Travelsphere have built an excellent reputation founded on quality and value.

By choosing a Travelsphere escorted holiday you can travel with confidence, knowing that every aspect of your holiday has been carefully planned and arranged from start to finish. Further to this they are ATOL bonded and members of ABTA.

Travelsphere’s thorough planning of travel arrangements, itineraries and accommodation combined with the unique insight of their knowledgeable Tour Managers and Local Guides will enable you to experience the culture, traditions and hidden away places less accessible to other travellers.

Our Opinion
“Travelsphere are one of the biggest names in the Escorted Tour market. Finely tuned over the last 50 years their tours have been tried, tested and refined by thousands of customers.”