7Nights - Rhine Experience Netherlands & Belgium 2024 - BASIC

Rhine River Cruise Cologne, the old Cathedral city, is also one of the most important traffic hubs and commercial centres in Germany, with world famous trade fairs and a busy shipping traffic. Cologne developed out of a Roman colony and looks back on a history of more than 2000 years. In the Middle Ages it was one of the leading towns in Germany. The Second World War destroyed most of the inner city; these parts were rebuilt in a modern style. The landmark and emblem of the city is the Cathedral, a masterpiece of High Gothic architecture and one of the largest cathedrals in Europe. Other tourist attractions are the town hall, the Malakoff Tower, the St Martin Church and the old abbey.

"The capital of Curaçao, Willemstad, is almost as old as a more famous Dutch settlement—it was founded in 1634, just 10 years after New Amsterdam, later called New York. But while the Dutch control of New Amsterdam was relatively brief, Curaçao remains a part of the Netherlands to this day. Its historic center is a unique mixture of Dutch architecture and Caribbean pastels, its gabled row houses overlooking Sint Anna Bay, a waterway dividing the city in two and connecting the Caribbean to the protected Schottegat Bay. The entire historic center of Willemstad has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While Willemstad's legendary days of yore can be explored at institutions like the Kura Hulanda and Curaçao Maritime Museum, this is a vibrant, living city too. Highlights of this multicultural melting pot might include a stop at its floating market and a visit to a curaçao distillery to taste the famous local liqueur. Natural wonders await as well: Some of the Caribbean’s most stunning diving and snorkeling spots are here. Finally, a meal in Willemstad will let you experience the diversity of the island through the surprising flavors of its cuisine, which reflects European, Caribbean and Latin American influences. "

We will now head along the northern Rhine towards Ghent. Here you’ll find splendid architecture, artistic masterpieces, delightful landscapes and absolute tranquillity. The capital of East Flanders is part of a quartet of Flemish centres of art – the others being Antwerp, Bruges and Brussels. Discover Ghent’s treasures, including the baroque Saint Bavo’s Cathedral and the imposing Gravensteen, a moated castle. And in the old town, you’re sure to find a nice place to sample a good cup of coffee and some Belgian delicacies.

Located on an island at the mouth of the Sheide River, providing access from the North Sea to Antwerp, Vlissingen has been one of Europe’s pre-eminent ports for 1400 years. It acquired its English name of Flushing when the British fleet was garrisoned there in the 17th century as a hedge against the Spanish. Ironically, Flushing in England is named after Vlissingen, as is Flushing in New York, which was first named Vlissingen by Dutch colonists. As a result of its importance, it has been a contested property in various international conflicts. However, a wealth of worthy historical features remains for visitors to enjoy. The Market Building and its square, the venerable St. James the Great cathedral from 1308 are two. The Beeldenhuis is a private residence from 1730 that speaks to the wealth created during the Dutch Golden Age when trading ships of the Dutch East India Company sailed from Vlissingen. Fort Rammekens is a 16th century seafront fortress. The new MuZEEum is a multi-facted attraction that combines a maritime museum with a small aquarium. The 18th century Perry’s Dock is the oldest drydock in Europe, and a monument in this important shipbuilding city. For a wonderful overview, climb to the observation deck of the Arsenal.

"Antwerp is a city of many different faces—international diamond hub, emerging fashion center and the home of the painter Peter Paul Rubens. A day in Antwerp offers the chance to explore all this and more, with walks and window-shopping through the Fashion and Diamond Districts, and visits to Rubens’s burial site and house, where he lived and worked alongside famous pupils like van Dyck. Antwerp is also an ideal base for exploring the myriad other interesting sites around Belgium. Its central location makes it easy to get to the capital, Brussels, and Bruges, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and medieval wonderland. In Ghent, you can see van Eyck’s Ghent Altarpiece, arguably the single most important piece of art in the country. And don’t forget to sample the flavors of Belgium along the way, from sugar dusted Belgian waffles right from the irons of Antwerp’s oldest waffle shop to innovative, modern twists on chocolate from famed Belgian confectionaries. "

Gorinchem also spelled Gorkum, is a city and municipality in the western Netherlands, in the province of South Holland. The city walls had four city gates: the Arkel Gate in the north, the Dalem Gate in the east, the Water Gate in the south (where the ferry to Woudrichem was), and the Kansel Gate in the west. Of these four gates only the Dalem Gate remains. The others were removed in the 19th century to make way for vehicular traffic.

The small beautiful town of Emmerich on the lower Lower Rhine gives you a nice time out on land during your cruise. Here you can take a stroll along the promenade and enjoy the magnificent view of the Rhine while discovering the "Golden Gate Bridge of the Lower Rhine", a suspension bridge spanning over the Rhine, which, just like its role model, can be seen from afar in vibrant red. Definitely worth taking a souvenir photo!

Rhine River Cruise Cologne, the old Cathedral city, is also one of the most important traffic hubs and commercial centres in Germany, with world famous trade fairs and a busy shipping traffic. Cologne developed out of a Roman colony and looks back on a history of more than 2000 years. In the Middle Ages it was one of the leading towns in Germany. The Second World War destroyed most of the inner city; these parts were rebuilt in a modern style. The landmark and emblem of the city is the Cathedral, a masterpiece of High Gothic architecture and one of the largest cathedrals in Europe. Other tourist attractions are the town hall, the Malakoff Tower, the St Martin Church and the old abbey.