AT THE HEIGHT OF TULIP TIME & THE FLEMISH GOLDEN AGE - Bruges to Amsterdam aboard the S.S. Queen - Connoisseurs Tours
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Floriade
AT T H E H E I G H T O F T U L I P T I M E
& THE FLEMISH GOLDEN AGE
Bruges to Amsterdam aboard the S.S. Queen
April 14 to 24, 2022
Floriade at the Height of Tulip Time & The Flemish Golden Age | April 14 to 24, 2022 In the 17th century, the Netherlands ushered in ships—all testament to the historic wealth and an era of unparalleled economic and cultural vision of the Flemish Golden Age. prosperity, quickly becoming one of the rich- est nations in the world. Through their maritime Our journey continues aboard the Uniworld Art prowess, Dutch merchants held the Americas, Deco Ship the S.S. Queen (formally the River East Indies, Persia, Arabia, Japan, India, and China Queen), which will be our floating hotel as we all within their trading realm. This Flemish Gold- travel through fields filled with gorgeous colors en Age brought on a flowering of wealth which from Brussels, to Antwerp, Maaschect, Valken- generated unprecedented support for the arts burg, Nuenen, and Amsterdam, where we will and sciences. visit Keukenhof Gardens and The Floriade. We begin our journey with two nights in Bruges Throughout our journey, we have included ex- at the Hotel de Tuilerieën, a strikingly elegant clusive visits such as Jacqueline Van Der Kloet, 15th-century noble residence overlooking Bruges’ as she personally guides us through her private most beautiful canal. We will explore Bruges and garden, the Castle Amstenrade in the medieval Ghent’s great artistic treasures from the Ma- town of Valkenburg, as well as Rubens’ exquisite donna and Child by Michelangelo in the Church villa and gardens. of Our Lady, to the Ghent Altarpiece of Hubrecht and Jan Van Eyck, immersing ourselves in these You are invited to join this exclusive journey that remarkably preserved medieval cities as we me- illuminates the achievements and splendors of ander through cobblestone streets, stone bridges the great artistic treasures of the Netherlands and winding canals once navigated by Viking from the Flemish Golden Age to the present. 1-800-856-1045 | Info@ConnoisseursTours.com | www.ConnoisseursTours.com page: 2
Floriade at the Height of Tulip Time & The Flemish Golden Age | April 14 to 24, 2022 DAY 1: APRIL 14, 2022 | DEPART THE U.S. Connoisseurs Tours offers an Airline Concierge Service to help with your reservations. Your dedicated reservation team will manage your airline reservations from the time you begin selecting flights until the day you return and will spend extra effort to find just the right airline schedule to suit your needs. This will alleviate any of the unexpected headaches that can arise in today’s travel environment with schedule changes and flight cancellations. Pre journey extensions are available for those who wish to arrive early. DAY 2: APRIL 15, 2022 | ARRIVE IN BRUSSELS & TRANSFER TO BRUGES Arrive in Brussels and enjoy meet-and-greet service to transfer you from the airport to our hotel in Bruges. The afternoon is yours to relax and acclimate before we gather in the evening for a Welcome Reception with cocktails and refreshments. Overnight at the Hotel De Tuilerieën. (Welcome Reception) DAY 3: APRIL 16, 2022 | BRUGES Today, after a delicious breakfast at our lovely hotel, we begin our day on a private walking tour of historic Bruges. Bruges, often described as the “Venice of the North” with its enchanting canals, is considered one of Europe’s most beautiful cities. The afternoon and evening are at your leisure. Overnight at the Hotel De Tuilerieën. (B) 1-800-856-1045 | Info@ConnoisseursTours.com | www.ConnoisseursTours.com page: 3
Floriade at the Height of Tulip Time & The Flemish Golden Age | April 14 to 24, 2022 DAY 4: APRIL 17, 2022 | GHENT & EMBARKATION After a delicious breakfast at our hotel, we board our private coach bound for Ghent, the capital city of East Flanders, whose long history does not weigh on its vibrant present. Ghent abounds in medieval architecture, but there’s nothing museum- like about the city. It’s lively and brims with cutting-edge boutiques and galleries. Once in Ghent, we’ll have a private walking tour with our outstanding guide. We view the magnificent 15th-century Great Butchers’ Hall and the elegant medieval trading houses that line Graslei and Korenlei streets on our way to St. Bavo’s Cathedral. It’s not often that a Rubens is upstaged, but in this cathedral it takes second place to the famed Ghent Altarpiece, Adoration of the Mystic Lamb. We’ll also visit Belfort, the great bell tower that rises above the Old Town. After our tour, you are invited to try one of Ghent’s many charming cafes for lunch before we transfer to Brussels where we embark on the luxurious S.S. Queen, our home for the next seven nights. Overnight on the S.S. Queen. (B,D) 1-800-856-1045 | Info@ConnoisseursTours.com | www.ConnoisseursTours.com page: 4
Floriade at the Height of Tulip Time & The Flemish Golden Age | April 14 to 24, 2022 DAY 5: APRIL 18, 2022 | BRUSSELS Brussels, the capital of Belgium, offers a treasure trove of historic architecture, magnificent floricultural, a rich culinary tradition—chocolate!—and a vibrant culinary capital. In the afternoon, we begin the first of several unforgettable flower experiences with a private tour for members and guests to The Castle of Groot-Bijgaarden and Floralia Brussels. 14 hectares incorporates nearly all spring bulb varieties. For the new flowering time, the gardeners of the castle have planted by hand more than one million bulbs. Special attention goes to the tulips, with almost 400 varieties, hyacinths and daffodils are also well represented. In the evening, a special Captain’s Welcome Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you.(B,L,D) DAY 6: APRIL 19, 2022 | RUBENS HOUSE, GARDEN & HIDDEN ANTWERP Exclusive for our guests, we’ll enjoy a visit to Rubens House and Gardens in the center of Antwerp. Peter Paul between 1684 and 1692. The garden is designed in Rubens was capable of everything and an enclosed renaissance style, typical of its time, knew everything. He was a brilliant and with straight walks and parterres bounded by yew versatile artist, ran a large studio, spoke hedges. As we tour his 15th century home and several languages, collected art, designed gardens, we’ll learn more about Rubens’ life and his own estate, travelled around Europe legacy. as a diplomat and was interested in science. Rubens was well-versed in almost Afterwards, we’ll continue our tour exploring the everything. hidden gems of Antwerp by foot. (B,D) The house, built in 1610, and garden were restored using engravings made 1-800-856-1045 | Info@ConnoisseursTours.com | www.ConnoisseursTours.com page: 5
Floriade at the Height of Tulip Time & The Flemish Golden Age | April 14 to 24, 2022 DAY 7: APRIL 20, 2022 | MAASTRICHT AND VALKENBURG Today, our first day in the Netherlands, we enjoy another program designed exclusively for our guests. Our tour begins in the fortified medieval town of Valkenburg, situated in an area lined with castles, cobblestoned streets, and charming landscapes. We’ll enjoy a tour of the historic town. We privately tour Kasteel Amstenrade (Castle Amstenrade). This estate and gardens traces its lineage back to the 1200s and is linked to the establishment of the Netherlands. Throughout its nearly 800 years of history, three families have lived in the castle and maintained it with the most recent family, the von Furstenberg, living there until 2006. Now the estate’s gardens are maintained by a skilled and dedicated crew of volunteers who happen to be master gardeners. (B,D) DAY 8: APRIL 21, 2022 | NUENEN (CUIJK), HEUSDEN Follow in Van Gogh’s footsteps today as you stroll through Nuenen, where the artist once lived and painted “The Potato Eaters.” After a delicious lunch, you may choose to walk or cycle through Heusden, or choose from a panoply of other ways in which you can experience this charming region. 1-800-856-1045 | Info@ConnoisseursTours.com | www.ConnoisseursTours.com page: 6
Floriade at the Height of Tulip Time & The Flemish Golden Age | April 14 to 24, 2022 DAY 9: APRIL 22, 2022 | SCHOONHOVEN (KINDERDIJK) OR THE FLORIADE Today select from touring the silversmithing town of Schoonhoven, best known for its abundant silversmiths, clock makers and quaint shop-lined avenues. Or venture forth to captivating Kinderdijk to see its 19 well- preserved, UNESCO-designated windmills. We make our way to Almere to experience the seventh International Horticultural Floriade Expo 2022. With the theme ‘Growing Green Cities’, the Expo will focus on the Green City of the Future for six months. The Floriade site will be a living laboratory with inspirational exhibitions by countries, cities, and innovative businesses, as well as impressive attractions, lots of art and culture, and a unique collection of trees, shrubs, and flowers. We’ll have the entire day to explore The Floriade before returning to the S.S. Queen. (B,D) 1-800-856-1045 | Info@ConnoisseursTours.com | www.ConnoisseursTours.com page: 7
Floriade at the Height of Tulip Time & The Flemish Golden Age | April 14 to 24, 2022 DAY 10: APRIL 23, 2022 | AMSTERDAM KEUKENHOF & JACQUELINE VAN DER KLOET’S PRIVATE GARDEN Keukenhof is said to be the world’s largest and most famous flower garden, a bold declaration that certainly lives up to the hype. Keukenhof was once the country estate of Countess Jacoba van Beieren, who owned the grounds in the 15th century. Keukenhof, which means “kitchen garden,” was where the countess once cultivated herbs. The herbs long ago made way for the waves of color in today’s creatively landscaped tulip gardens - featuring over 7 million spring flowering bulbs and an enormous selection of additional flowering varieties. Exclusive for our group is a visit to Jacqueline van der Kloet’s personal garden, The Tea Garden. One has only to experience Jacqueline van der Kloet’s personal garden to understand why she is known as one of the premiere bulb designers in the world. Large sweeps of narcissus and yellow tulips are the lead players with majestic Fritillaria imperialis dotted about; we will feel as if we are being transported to a spring wonderland. DAY 11: APRIL 24, 2022 DISEMBARK AND RETURN HOME Today we disembark our ship in Amsterdam. You will be transferred to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport for your flight home. 1-800-856-1045 | Info@ConnoisseursTours.com | www.ConnoisseursTours.com page: 8
Floriade at the Height of Tulip Time & The Flemish Golden Age | April 14 to 24, 2022
LUXURIOUS ACCOMMODATIONS
S.S. QUEEN
One of the most unique ships cruising Europe’s marble bathrooms and inspiring artwork—S.S.
waterways, the River Queen will undergo a Queen is a sublime floating hotel designed with
complete renovation in 2021 and will emerge as your every comfort in mind. River Queen was rated
the S.S. Queen just prior to our arrival. The Queen the #1 ship in the entire cruise industry (both
has an exterior resembling the steamships of the river and ocean) in the 2012 Condé Nast Traveler
1930s and an elegant Art Deco interior. Decorated Readers’ Cruise Poll.
in richly textured blue and white fabrics—with
HOTEL DE TUILERIEËN | BRUGES
An elegant patrician house from the 15th century, you in the captivating atmosphere of the historic
Hotel De Tuilerieën has been transformed into a city. The hotel is ideally located at just steps from
luxurious, contemporary hotel. The enthralling the celebrated market square. All rooms combine
location, along the most beautiful canal of Bruges modern comfort with authentic charm and provide
“Den Dijver” (also called ‘Holy Water’ and one of the a luxurious retreat after a day of being enchanted
oldest canals in the city), immediately immerses by Bruges’ beauty and charm.
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Floriade at the Height of Tulip Time & The Flemish Golden Age | April 14 to 24, 2022
STATEROOMS AND PRICING
GRAND SUITE | RHINE DECK SUITE | RHINE DECK
Lavishly appointed riverview suite (215 sq ft - 20 Lavishly appointed riverview suite (215 sq ft - 20
sq m) with a French balcony with Handcrafted sq m) with a French balcony with Handcrafted
Savoir® Beds of England, built-in closet, hair Savoir® Beds of England, built-in closet, hair
dryer, safe, individual thermostat, flat-screen TV dryer, safe, individual thermostat, flat-screen
with infotainment center and satellite, and bottled TV with infotainment center and satellite,
water. Marble bathroom with Hermès bath and and bottled water. Marble bathroom with
body products, plush towels, towel warmer, waffle Hermès bath and body products, plush towels,
bathrobes and slippers. Additional special amenities towel warmer, waffle bathrobes and slippers.
and services. Additional special amenities and services.
• $10,895 per person double occupancy* • $8,895 per person double occupancy*
• Single occupancy fares are available by request
FRENCH BALCONY | RHINE DECK
DELUXE | DANUBE DECK
Lavishly appointed riverview stateroom (151 sq ft - Lavishly appointed riverview stateroom (151 sq ft - 14
14 sq m) with a French balcony with Handcrafted sq m) with Handcrafted Savoir® Beds of England,
Savoir® Beds of England, built-in closet, hair built-in closet, hair dryer, safe, individual thermostat,
dryer, safe, individual thermostat, flat-screen TV flat-screen TV with infotainment center and satellite,
with infotainment center and satellite, and bottled and bottled water. Marble bathroom with Asprey bath
water. Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and and body products, plush towels, heated mirrors,
body products, plush towels, heated mirrors, cozy cozy bathrobes and slippers.
bathrobes and slippers.
• $6,495 per person double occupancy*
• $6,895 per person double occupancy*
• $9,895 per person single occupancy*
• Single occupancy fares are available by request
CONTINUED>
* A $200 port charge per person is additional. Pricing includes 2-nights at Hotel De Tuilerieën in Bruges.
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STATEROOMS AND PRICING CONTINUED
CLASSIC | MOSELLE DECK
Lavishly appointed riverview stateroom (151 sq ft - 14
sq m) with Handcrafted Savoir® Beds of England,
built-in closet, hair dryer, safe, individual thermostat,
flat-screen TV with infotainment center and satellite,
and bottled water. Marble bathroom with Asprey bath
and body products, plush towels, heated mirrors,
cozy bathrobes and slippers.
• $5,895 per person double occupancy*
• $8,495 per person single occupancy*
S.S. QUEEN | DECKPLAN
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WHAT’S INCLUDED
LUXURY ACCOMMODATIONS • Private visit with Jacqueline Van Der Kloet
(who will personally guide us through her
• 2-nights in Bruges at the elegant and historic
private garden)
Hotel De Tuilerieën
• Entrance to the International Horticultural
• 7-night cruise in a riverview stateroom on the
Floriade Expo
regal S.S. Queen
• Access to Keukenhof is included
• Lavishly appointed riverview staterooms
and suites have handcrafted Savoir® Beds of • Rich and varied excursions onboard, including
England, high thread count 100% Egyptian “Choice Is Yours” options, all fully hosted by
cotton sheets and European duvets, and a English-speaking local experts are included
menu of pillow options • Guided “Let’s Go” and “Village Day” programs
• Free Internet and Wi-Fi access • State-of-the-art Quietvox portable audio-
headset system on all excursions
DINING • Use of bicycles and Nordic walking sticks
• Outstanding meals and receptions as indicate
EXPERIENCES
in the itinerary
• 2 countries: Belgium and the Netherlands
• All meals onboard, prepared using the finest
and freshest ingredients • 4 UNESCO World Heritage sites
• Captain’s Welcome and Farewell Receptions • Private & curated experiences throughout the
10-day journey including access to significant
• Welcome and Farewell Gala Dinners
sites and events
• Unlimited beverages onboard, including fine
• Services of an experienced Uniworld Cruise
wine, beer, spirits, specialty coffee and tea,
Manager
soft drinks and mineral water
• Captivating onboard local entertainment
• Cultural enrichment, including a Signature
EXCURSIONS
Lecture
• Curated sightseeing in Bruges and Ghent
• Gratuities for onboard personnel (ship staff,
• Exclusive access to private gardens and estates crew, Cruise/Tour Manager) are included
including Castle Amstenrade and Rubens
• Private transfers on arrival and departure days
House and Gardens
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IMPORTANT INFORMATION AND RESERVATIONS
authority to accept these terms and conditions on
TERMS & CONDITIONS
behalf of the other travelers in your party.
Please read all of the terms and conditions
RESERVATIONS:
on the Connoisseurs Tours website (www.
To inquire about this journey or to make a
ConnoisseursTours.com). Any payment made to
reservation, please call our Guest Services team:
Connoisseurs Tours towards a tour booking/
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reservation shall constitute a confirmation by
or visit us online at:
the traveler on behalf of themselves and all
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other persons named on their booking, that you
acknowledge that you have read, understand and
agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.
If you make a booking and payment on behalf of
other travelers, you guarantee that you have the
As we enter the New Era of Travel with a more open gold standard of travel insurance protection to your
and free-flowing environment, we acknowledge that reservation.
there are still many unknowns. We will continue to
provide members with Cancel for Any Reason Travel We know exploring destinations safely, journeys
Protection. include private curated visits and registration is by
invitation only to members and their guests. Traveling
This means tour deposits and tour payments for 2021 with friends and like-minded and people you know is
and 2022 journeys are refundable when you add this of paramount importance.
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