The National Geographic Explorer is offering a 9-day “Exploring the Low Countries: Holland and Belgium” set to depart May 4, 2014.
The 148-guest cruise ship includes discovering sites in Brugge and Ghent, Amsterdam art, and the nature that formed the culture of the Low Countries, while exploring Holland and Belgium by sea. Guests will visit islands renowned for their rustic beauty and birdlife; and transit city canals by Zodiac.
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On five of the seven nights the ship will remain in port well into the night. During the days, the expedition team will provide a variety of options, from bicycling along meandering canals, to special experiences in museums. Visitors can catch the re-opening of Amsterdam’s renovated Rijksmuseum. The National Geographic Explorer will conclude its journey up the Thames, arriving near Tower Bridge at midnight.
Highlights include:
• Venture into medieval towns to admire legendary art and architecture up close, plus, savor local specialties: Belgian waffles, mussels, chocolates, and the famous beers brewed for centuries by Trappist monks.
• Enjoy a warm welcome at the harbor city of Harlingen, where we will be the first ever passenger ship to dock. Explore its network of canals via Zodiac, by special permission.
• Explore the little-traveled West Frisian Islands located amid the very important tidal landscape called Waddenzee—a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Art historian Koen Kleijn will expertly examine the masterpieces of Rembrandt, Vermeer and Durer as we visit the Rijksmuseum, newly reopened after 9-year renovation.
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Joining the voyage as Global Perspectives guest speaker will be Russell Shorto, historian, journalist and author of “Amsterdam: A History of the World’s Most Liberal City,” is an entertaining portrait of the city. National Geographic photographer, Sisse Brimberg, will also be onboard to share tips and techniques on photography, along with a Lindblad-National Geographic certified photo instructor.
Rates begin at $7,320 per person based on double occupancy in a category 1 cabin. Visit www.expeditions.com.
(Photo courtesy of Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic)