Cruising from Haarlem via Amsterdam to Haarlem: A true insight to Holland

Canal and river cruising in Europe is a relaxing experience that is inherently flexible.
The following itinerary is a SAMPLE of the places that you can expect to see and visit during your cruise. We have created this cruise for you to include a variety of fascinating sites this part of Europe has to offer.
The cruising is varied and gives a real insight into the working waterways of Holland.
Sunday: Haarlem to Leiden: Magnificent cruise past the lakes
Begin to cruise right away!
Your chauffeur collects you from your Amsterdam hotel at 2.00 pm for the short drive to the Adagio, moored at Haarlem. Once aboard you are welcomed with a champagne reception and an introduction to your crew and ship. Shortly afterwards we begin our cruise to Leiden, Holland’s oldest university town, where we shall moor overnight.
This evening your chef welcomes you to your table with the first of many delicious offerings. Candlelit crystal and gleaming silverware add to the romantic ambience of what promises to be the first of many memorable occasions.
Monday: Leiden to Delft: Keukenhof Flower Gardens
Acres of Tulips at Keukenhof Gardens.
We begin with a peaceful morning cruise out of Leiden and through the oldest lock in Holland at Leidschendam. After lunch, we continue our journey into Delft. You will have free time in the afternoon to explore this beautiful 16th-century town – so you can visit the Nieuwe Kerk, with the tombs of William of Orange and other royals. Also the Oude Kerk, Vermeer Centre, the Town Hall and the Eastern Gate.
There’s so much to choose.
Tuesday: Delft to Gouda: Hand-made Royal Porcelain and the port of Rotterdam
After breakfast, we take a tour of the Royal Porcelain Factory, where artists create beautiful hand-painted ceramics. Afterwards, we join the Adagio for a cruise through the busy port of Rotterdam, past the Euromast (the highest viewpoint in Holland) and then onto Gouda, the Mecca of cheese and the smoking pipe. Depending upon availability, we may take a tour to the Kettle One Vodka Distillery while Adagio moves to the overnight mooring ready for our evening dinner aboard.
Wednesday: Gouda to Uithoorn: Stunning stained-glass windows in medieval Gouda
This morning your tour guide will escort you through the streets of medieval Gouda, where you will visit the 123m-tall Gothic church of Saint Janskerk with the most famous of all stained glass windows in Holland. A leisurely stroll through this picture-perfect town is a must, with its traditional bricked main square and the Waag, where Gouda cheese has been carefully weighed on the scales since 1668.
After lunch, we cruise through charming towns to our overnight mooring at Uithoorn. Dinner will be taken aboard.

Thursday: Uithoorn to Zaandam: A unique view of Amsterdam from the water!
Before breakfast, we offer an optional very early start to the day in a visit to the Aalsmeer Flower Auction, where some 17 million cut flowers from all over the world are traded each day. Afterwards, we begin our cruise along the winding Amstel River into Amsterdam and then through the very heart of this enchanting city where small canals and unique architecture take you back to a bygone era. You can literally reach out and touch the passers-by!
Leaving Amsterdam, we join the mighty North Sea Canal and head west towards our overnight mooring at Zaandam Schans to see clog-makers and working windmills. This area is entirely representative of the traditional architecture of a bygone Holland.
Friday: Zaandam to Haarlem: Famous Museums of Dutch Masterpieces
Our final cruise takes us to the picturesque city of Haarlem, a town of exceptional beauty with its main square, once used for jousting and the famous Frans Hals Museum dating from 1862 to view the exceptional collection of Old Masters. There will be plenty of time to enjoy this wonderful place and to shop around its many boutiques.
Tonight we celebrate your company at the adorned Captain's table with mouth-watering offerings from your chef, along with laughter and perhaps some sea dogs tales!
Saturday: Haarlem: Departure 9.30 am
Enjoy a special hearty breakfast before bidding farewell to the ADAGIO, her Captain and crew. Bags are loaded by 9:30 for the private transfer to your hotel in Amsterdam, or the airport or train station for your onward journey.
Please note: This is a sample itinerary which may be subject to change depending on local conditions