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European Tapestry
- 15
Nights aboard the ms Veendam -
from
Venice to Copenhagen |
June
7-23, 2007
***No Longer Available***
Day 1:
Departure from USA
Day 2: Venice, Italy
We arrive in this remarkable city today to begin our cruise. If you have
time, choose to discover la Serenissima by gondola and ride with someone
special under the Bridge of Sighs; wonder at the opulence of Ducal
palaces and try on a gaudy, feather-bedecked Carnival mask. Linger over
cappuccino on the Ca d'Oro, and be sure to dodge the pigeons in the
Piazza before you step into San Marco Cathedral for an eyeful of
giltwork and divine frescoes. St. Mark’s Square is Venice’s heart, with
palatial arcades and charming cafés. Our journey begins as we depart for
Croatia at 5 p.m. this evening.
Day 3: Dubrovnik, Croatia
We arrive at Noon today to be greeted by the massive city walls of
Dubrovnik, which enclose an enchanting World Heritage site: tall,
medieval houses and marble-paved squares meticulously repaired since the
1991 shelling. Here you can find a beautiful 14th-century Franciscan
monastery, the Sponza Palace with its elegant courtyard and graceful
stone palazzi. Depart 6 p.m.
Day 4: At Sea
Spend the day getting to know your ship. The ms Veendam celebrates the
most modern advances in guest amenities and nautical design while
preserving more than 130 years of Holland America Line maritime
traditions. Grandly proportioned and designed to carry 1,258 guests, the
ms Veendam offers an onboard experience defined by spacious comfort. All
Signature of Excellence enhancements to her public rooms and staterooms
were completed in Spring 2006.
Day 5: Civitavecchia (Rome)
Arrive 8 a.m. In the footsteps of the Ceasars, you will spend your time
in the Eternal City. From the Roman Forum, it's a short walk to the
Colosseum, the Arch of Constantine and Palatine Hill. Across the Tiber
River, the Sovereign State of the Vatican holds the key to the Sistine
Chapel and Bernini's awesome colonnade. Depart 8 p.m.
Day 6: St. Tropez, France*
Arrive 11 a.m. Remarkably "normal" St Tropez is just an ordinary (albeit
exceptionally charming) French town on the Riviera. Its celebrity-magnet
reputation is only half of the story, and is mostly evident only in the
yacht harbor where top-dollar craft are prominent. Originally founded by
the Greeks, St Tropez is really more a favorite for artists who line the
waterfont with their masterpieces and other efforts, and along the
sidewalks are chic boutiques, sweet coffee houses and upscale
bric-a-brac stores. Depart 11 p.m.
Day 7: Marseille, France
Arrive 7 a.m. Explore the Old Port and mingle with the locals, who know
where the best cut flowers and bouillabaisse can be found. Tour to
Avignon with its grandiose Palace of the Popes; or to spectacular Les
Baux village, named for the prolific bauxite in the hills and perched
high atop a craggy spire that seems to defy a basic principle—gravity!
Depart 7 p.m.
Day 8: Barcelona, Spain
Arrive 8 a.m. Whatever your opinion about form over function, you'll
have to admit that Gaudi made an impression on Barcelona with his
modernist architecture. Do you love it or hate it? While you're here,
stroll the Ramblas shopping avenue and visit the Gothic Quarter, or stop
at a Benedictine monastery, and contemplate the bizarre works of Picasso
at a museum dedicated only to him. Depart 6 p.m.
Day 9: At Sea
The Culinary Arts Center, presented by Food & Wine magazine, is the
setting for gourmet cooking demonstrations and interactive classes.
Explorations Café, powered by The New York Times, features the largest
library at sea, as well as comfortable music listening stations and
Internet access. The Greenhouse Spa & Salon features thermal
suites, a hydrotherapy and thalassotherapy pool, heated ceramic lounges
and more! The Rubens Show Lounge features Las Vegas-style
productions, talented vocalists, illusionists, comedians and variety
acts. The Crow's Nest, where sweeping views make this observation
lounge a top choice for relaxing during the day, and in the evening
transforms into a hip, fashionable nightclub features top-notch DJs and
live bands.
Day 10: Gibraltar, Great Britain
Arrive 7 a.m. As long as the Barbary Apes remain, the British will rule
Gibraltar—this is the tradition that has held for 350 years. These pesky
primates are a favorite with visitors despite their incessant chatter
and light-fingered ways. Ride to the top of the Rock for great views
over the Strait of Gibraltar—on a clear day you'll see Africa. Depart 2
p.m.
Day 11: Lisbon, Portugal
Arrive 7 a.m. Find your way in the city that launched the Age of
Discovery. Cross the River Tagus on its soaring suspension bridge,
watched over by a colossal statue of Christ. Wander the maze of streets
in the Alfama, the old Moorish quarter, dominated by the medieval Castle
of St George where peacocks strut and shriek. Stroll the Baixa and
refuse to leave without a pair of elegant shoes. Depart 5 p.m.
Day 12: Vigo, Spain
Arrive 8 a.m. At the very corner of the Iberian Peninsula, Santiago de
Compostela is a favorite for Catholic pilgrims. As you may elect to do,
many pause at the grand Hotel of the Catholic Kings and attend a censer
service at the enormous cathedral built over St James' burial spot.
Depart 5 p.m.
Day 13: At Sea
The two-tier Rotterdam Dining Room features impeccable service and an
extensive wine list, and offers five-course menus, from continental
cuisine to vegetarian and low-carb options. The intimate
reservations-only Pinnacle Grill offers an elegant, sophisticated dining
experience and features premium hand-selected cuts of Sterling Silver
beef, inspired seafood dishes, as well as distinctive Bvlgari® china,
Riedel® stemware and Frette® linens. The Lido Restaurant offers a
relaxed ambiance for all three meals and features a variety of fresh,
cooked-to-order specialties.
Day 14: Le Havre (Paris) France
Arrive 7 a.m. Tour from the port to the beaches of Normandy, moving
reminders of D-Day landings. Or take off for a day in Paris and view the
City of Light from the Eiffel Tower or a Seine cruise. Depart 8 p.m.
Day 15: Dover (London) England
Arrive 7 a.m. In Canterbury's medieval cathedral, see where Thomas
Becket met his tragic end. Tour on to London, shop in stylish
Knightsbridge, hop aboard a double-decker. Depart 4 p.m.
Day 16: At Sea
Spend some time relaxing on the boat…you’ve had a busy week and you
deserve it!
Day 17: Copenhagen, Denmark
Arrive 7 a.m. Denmark's capital is sophisticated, saucy and friendly.
Stroll the fairytale world of Tivoli Gardens to take in bright lights,
castles that out-Disney Disney. See the city's 200- year-old Royal
Palace, the lively Old Harbor—Hans Christian Andersen lived here. Salute
the Little Mermaid, symbol of this light-hearted city.
* Tender Required
Price Per Person: |
Category |
Price |
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$2440.00 |
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$2740.00 |
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$3930.00 |
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Price Includes:
Cruise, Government taxes ($111.72), port
fees ($335.00)
Not included:
Airfare, tips,
tours, optional travel insurance,
transfers ($90.00), items of
a personal nature. Optional pre- and post- packages
available, call for details.
Please
Note:
All
taxes, fees, port order and arrival/departure times are
subject to change. Other room categories and triple/quad
rates available upon request. Passports are required for
most sailings.
Deposit/Final:
Deposit
- $600.00 per person. Final Payment is due 80 days prior
to departure. |
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