Waterways of Holland and Belgium - Journeys by Jerry Van Dyke

Waterways of Holland and Belgium 

A longer itinerary so you can relax and experience 

new destinations and attractions 

April 25 - May 10, 2011 

Our favourite and most repeated river cruise continues to improve. 2011 brings a longer itinerary with 

fabulous new villages and towns to discover. Guests always remark on the casual pace, friendly local 

people and exceptional destinations. Spring comes early to the Netherlands, with tulips in full bloom 

much sooner than in Canada, so we go early. Interestingly, many local Dutch people tell us we see more 

of their country than they have! 

Our guests tell us; 

The little things made the experience special…..a refreshing drink after a day on the bus - Daniel fixing my 

reading glasses - Marin bringing my skim milk to the table each morning, also sending a dish of applesauce to 

my room when I was unwell - the "surprises" in our rooms - Heleen's humour and excellent commentary - an 

unscheduled trip to "Panorama", a highlight! - The list is endless! 

M & H Hallam, Stouffville, ON 

We have been on a number of tours. This was our first with Jerry Van Dyke, and we agree, IT WAS THE 

VERY BEST! The coordination of the canal portion, along with the coach portion and the lunch stops, was 

beyond our wildest dreams. It must be classed as above reproach! 

M & E Thompson, Burlington, ON 

Each day brought a different special focal point: one can not be picked as best. However, the lunch in a luxury 

hotel in the Hague, the canal trip in Amsterdam, the central square in Brugge and the quiet visit to a Canadian 

WWII troop cemetery stand out. Your office staff is excellent. We dealt mainly with Christine: however, all 

answered many questions promptly and courteously. 

B & D Riddell, Kingston , ON 

When our son and his wife said they wanted to visit their roots in Holland and Belgium we chose 

Jerry Van Dyke and were not disappointed. To grasp the true flavour of Holland it must be viewed from the 

water. Heleen, our local guide, with her unique expressions and wealth of knowledge, was adored by all. 

I & K Kruithof, Kingsville, ON 

I have been on cruises and land trips with different tour companies, but I have never been treated as royally. 

The Da Vinci vessel, its staff and your tour guides were first class all the way. 

D Kelterborn, Grimsby, ON 

Journeys by Jerry Van Dyke • Cambridge • Ontario • Canada 

1.800.265.8174 • jerryvandyke.com • journeys@jerryvandyke.com Page 1 of 12


Highlights 

Nijmegen tour • Maastricth tour • Antwerp & the masterpieces of Ruebens • Brussels and the Grand Place 

Medieval Bruges, ‘Venice of the North.’ • Europe’s loveliest Town hall in Middelburg • Storm Surge Barrier, 

at the Delta Works project • Syrup waffles in Gouda • Canal cruise & free time in Amsterdam 

Stunning Keukenhof Gardens • Medieval city of Hoorn • Historic city of Kampen • Sneek 

Cruising the Freisian Lakes • Zutphen • Lovely village of Doesburg 

Your 16 day journey 

Why do we encourage you to reserve now? - 

Our guests return year after year, and they bring their friends. 

Our journeys sell out very quickly, often 8-12 months in advance. 

Do not be disappointed, reserve today. 

Take advantage of our Early Reservation Bonus 

and save $300 per guest! 

Offer ends October 31, 2010 

Day 1 · Depart for Europe 

We greet you at the Toronto airport and assist you with your check in. Meet your fellow travellers and board 

your flight to Europe. 

Day 2 · Welcome aboard 

On arrival, enjoy a scenic drive to meet the Da Vinci. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon as you cruise to Roermond. 

Overnight Roermond 

Day 3 · Maastricht, birth of the E.U. 

Today you can cruise on board or tour Maastricht, known for its history, culture, local folklore and 

Education. Fittingly, the Maastricht Treaty was signed here in 1992 which created the European Union. 

Overnight Maastricht 

Day 4 · Brussels, one thousand years old & capital of the Kingdom of Belgium 

Delight in a scenic cruise to see the famous caves along the Maas River. This afternoon join our local guides, 

Heleen and Jose as we tour Brussels, home of the European Commission. Free time is 

vital here to explore at your leisure. Heleen and Jose take us on a walking tour through the quaint avenues to 

the ‘Grand Place,’ possibly Europe’s most beautiful Market Square. Don’t forget to taste the chocolates! 

Overnight Antwerp 

Day 5 · Antwerp and the masterpieces of Ruebens 

Heleen and Jose guide us through this beautiful city. Discover the works of Ruebens in the Cathedral of our 

Lady. Free time also allows you to explore at your leisure. Don’t forget to try the local beer! 

Overnight Antwerp 

Day 6 · Medieval Bruges, ‘Venice of the North’ 

Bruges may well be one of Belgium’s crown jewels. Quietly abandoned for centuries, its medieval history 

has been preserved better than anywhere else in Europe. Join Heleen and Jose for a walking tour of one of the 

Van Dyke’s favourite places. 

Overnight Vlissingen 




Day 7 · Europe’s loveliest town hall, Middelburg 

We tour the island of Walcharen and visit Westkapelle with its ancient lighthouse. Middelburg, the capital of Zeeland, 

boasts one of the most beautiful town halls in Europe. Jose and Heleen immerse us in the unique culture 

of this town during our walking tour. Later, enjoy a scenic cruise to Veere, arriving in time to explore. 

Overnight Veere 

Day 8 · Delta Expo, masters of engineering 

The Da Vinci arrives at the Delta Expo this morning for our tour. The Delta Works remains one of the most 

significant and largest engineering accomplishments in the world. During lunch enjoy a scenic cruise to the 

picturesque town of Zierikzee and enjoy a walking tour with Jose and Heleen. 

Overnight Zierikzee 

Day 9 · Syrup Waffles in Gouda 

Enjoy the Royal city of Den Haag followed by a very special Dutch lunch in a picturesque, famous setting. 

We visit Madurodam, the Netherlands in miniature and rejoin the Da Vinci in Gouda. Delight in a lovely 

walking tour this evening. 

Overnight Gouda 

Day 10 · Stunning Keukenhof Gardens 

This morning we visit the most beautiful garden in Europe, Keukenhof. This splendid garden delights all who 

visit. This afternoon enjoy time in Gouda to discover the famous waffles and candles. A very scenic cruise 

takes us to Schoonhoven this evening. 

Overnight Schoonhoven 

Day 11 · Rembrandt and Van Gogh in Amsterdam 

Enjoy a full day in the heart of Amsterdam. Our morning canal cruise gives you a unique introduction to 

this incredible city. This afternoon and evening are free for you to explore. 

Overnight Amsterdam 

Day 12 · Medieval city of Hoorn 

We enter the Ijsselmeer this morning as we sail to Volendam. Enjoy ample time to experience this 

shoppers paradise! We cruise to Hoorn for a walking tour. During dinner we cruise to Enkhuizen. Enjoy an 

evening walking tour of this lovely village. 

Overnight Enkhuizen 

Day 13 · Sneek, Freisian Lakes and Kampen 

We cruise further north to the Sneek, known as one of the eleven cities of the worlds longest speed skating 

competition. We cruise the Freisian Lakes this afternoon and arrive in the historic city of Kampen. Enjoy free 

time to explore. 

Overnight Kampen 

Day 14 · Zutphen and Doesburg 

We cruise down the Ijssel to Zutphen, a gorgeous eleventh century Hanseatic city. Heleen and Jose 

tour the city with us before cruising to the historic city of Doesburg where Jeremy and Erica were married. 

Overnight Doesburg 

Day 15 · Arnhem 

Our morning cruise takes us to Arnhem, a city made famous during WWII and its infamous battle of Market 

Garden. Guests can visit the Airborne Museum, city zoo or the open air museum. 

Overnight Arnhem 




Day 16 · Tot Ziens 

We say “tot ziens” to our new friends on the Da Vinci and make our way to the airport for our flights home. 

All information contained in this itinerary is correct at time of printing and is subject to the terms and conditions as 

listed on our web site at www.jerryvandyke.com or available from our office on request. We must reserve the ability to 

make improvements. 

Your Journey Includes 

Outstanding Accommodation 

• 14 night cruise on board our private 

river boat, the Da Vinci 

Air Travel 

• Round trip airfare from Toronto to Amsterdam 

Optional gateways available, contact our friendly office staff 

Discover, Learn, Experience – private excursions 

• Nijmegen tour 

• Maastricth tour 

• Antwerp & the masterpieces of Ruebens 

• Brussels and the Grand Place 

• Medieval Bruges, ‘Venice of the North.’ 

• Europe’s loveliest Town hall in Middelburg 

• Storm Surge Barrier, at the Delta Works project 

• Syrup waffles in Gouda 

• Canal cruise & free time in Amsterdam 

• Stunning Keukenhof Gardens 

• Medieval city of Hoorn 

• Historic city of Kampen 

• Sneek 

• Cruising the Freisian Lakes 

• Zutphen 

• Lovely village of Doesburg 

Necessities – know your journey cost before you leave home 

• Know your total journey cost, before you leave • All sightseeing as listed 

home, All taxes incl GST, PST, HST, VAT • Entrance fees during sightseeing 

• the benefits of the Da Vinci – see below • All Port and service charges 

• Gratuities to all ships staff, all Jerry Van Dyke • Services of a professional Canadian Tour 

Tour Managers, local sightseeing guides, coach Manager and local guides in each city 

drivers, porters, attraction guides, hotel and • Deluxe overnight carry-on bag 

restaurant staff 

• Porterage for one piece of baggage 

• Private car Home pick up service, or a credit, or • Full pre trip information and assistance 

an overnight at the Toronto Airport Hilton hotel • Airport Improvement fees 

Journey fares - Canadian dollars per guest - from Toronto 

Twin Single 

Upper Deck $7 990 $10 350 

Lower Deck $7 740 $9 850 

This journey sells out every year. Reserve now! 

Take advantage of our Early Reservation Bonus 




Treating You Royally since 1980 

Early Reservation Bonus 

Save $600 per couple and earn a chance to win $1,000 off each journey you reserve. 

Avoid disappointment - our journeys fill very quickly, many 8 - 14 months in advance. 

Peace of mind - your journey price will not increase. (All journeys are subject to supplier fuel 

surcharges, should they arise.) 

Best Choice - any benefits of cabin selection, departure times, flights, etc. are provided to those 

who reserve earliest. 

Win $1 000 - you have the chance to win $1,000 off every journey you reserve that year using our 

Early Reservation Bonus. 

How does it work? 

Pay for 95% of your journey (by cash or cheque) at time of reservation* and we will: 

• Deduct $300 per guest off your journey 

• Your name is entered in our draw to win $1,000 off each journey you reserve. 

* For your convenience, the 5% final payment may be paid by credit card on the final payment date. 

Early Reservation Bonus ends October 31, 2010 




23 years of First Class River Cruising. Longer than anyone in North America. 

Families working with families 

Our goal has always been to provide our guests with the finest, personal experience possible. We engage other 

families with the same goals wherever we go. The owner of the company opens the door of your private car, or 

is cleaning the windows in his coach, or is guiding you through their town. Anyone can talk about service, 

families deliver because their investment is personal. Ask the guests who have spent 2 months on board our 

river boat and rave about the fine families we partner with. 

Experience 

23 years of experience have shown us where to travel and when. It has also told us that you go to Europe to 

see it, not sleep through it. So we decided a long time ago not make our river cruise itineraries longer so our 

guests can relax and we don’t have to cruise at night. 

Timing is everything! 

We know that the tulips bloom best in the cool, sunny weather of April. Water levels on the Danube are too 

low in July and August, (2010 saw many of the larger, 3 deck river boats moored with no water under the keel 

for weeks) and the summer heat is exhausting. The vistas of the castle studded hillsides along the Rhine and 

the vineyards of the Moselle are far superior in the spring and fall with fewer tourists around and cooler 

temperatures are more inviting. 

Our private river boat charter is very important to you 

Our private charter of the Da Vinci ensures we influence all aspects of your experience. From airport transfers, 

to menus, attractions, length of time in towns and village, premium mooring locations, no overnight cruising 

and hand picked local guides and coaches, we believe it must be in the best interests of our guests. Imagine a 

change of itinerary to include a surprise visit to our favourite ice cream shop along the Main River? Our 

flexibility and surprises are legendary. You can not get this on larger, corporate ships that run continuous 

itineraries all year long. 

Quality can not be discounted 

We continue to raise our standard of quality. Our personal relationships with the families we partner with in 

Europe, who share our high standards, continues to provide our guests with the finest river cruising experience 

available. Our guests continue to tell us our River Cruises are a league above all others. Join us on a Da Vinci 

river cruise. You may never return to any other style of travel. Don’t take our word for it, ask your friends. 

Our commitment is to you, our guests, and not to filling berths on a fleet of river boats. The only way to offer 

2 for 1 deals, is to reduce costs which means reducing quality and service. 

Small Groups 

The Da Vinci pampers a maximum of 100 guests. Larger vessels host 120 – 200 guests. 

All English language 

Every announcement in multiple languages detracts from your enjoyment and peace. 

We very rarely cruise overnight 

You miss far too much. You go to Europe to see it, not sleep through it. We overnight to experience some of 

Europe’s loveliest villages. P.S. – If you cruise at night, you listen to the engines all night. 

100% non-smoking 

Including the outside decks, the only river boat in Europe to offer this. 

Longer itineraries 

Take the time you deserve to experience everything to the fullest. You miss nothing! Read on to learn more 




The Da Vinci 

Why is she superior to all others? 

Our commitment to quality. 

Our guests continue to tell us our River Cruises are a league above all others. On every cruise, many guests 

visit from other vessels and ask if they can stay with us. Join us on a Da Vinci river cruise. You may never 

return to any other style of travel. Don’t take our word for it, ask your friends. 

The Sun Deck is THE most important feature on a river boat. 

The rivers in Europe boast some of the most beautiful bridges and interesting locks in the world. 

Our intimate 2 deck Da Vinci, allows you to remain on the Sun Deck while going under low bridges, 

providing you with a 360º panoramic view of Europe. Most other river boats have 3 decks and are taller 

so they must close the Sun Deck so passengers don’t interfere with the low bridge clearance. The 

vast majority of their cruising is done at night so passengers don’t realize what they are missing. 

Low bridges on the Altmühl 

In the Altmühl valley, the bridges were built low to retain the intimacy of this ancient valley. Can you 

imagine missing this at night because your ship is too tall? 

Balconies limit you to half the view 

Rivers provide you with incredible, close up views on both shores. Balconies limit you to only half the 

view and limit the size of your cabin. Enjoy the Sun Deck with uninterrupted 360º views. 

No formal nights 

Relax, this is your holiday. 

Sailing the Canadian flag 

The only river boat in Europe to do so. 

Value 

No hidden costs, the fare listed is the total, all inclusive fare. 

Elevator between the lower and upper deck 

Motorised chair lift between the upper deck and Sky Lounge/sun deck 

River Cruises on the Da Vinci include: 

Private shore excursions 

Designed just for us. 

Local guides 

Local Guides for the local culture. Our relationships with local guides are legendary. Many of them contact us 

months in advance to ensure they guide our guests. Our guides live in the towns you visit, where most guides 

today travel down the entire river with the vessel. 




Wines of the local regions, beer or soft drinks included with dinner 

Indulge 

Wireless internet access 

Throughout the ship. Use our Mac laptops or bring your own 

Free bottled water 

In your stateroom on arrival and at meals 

Coffee and Tea Service 

Speciality coffees 24 hrs a day, coffee and tea service 

Gratuities are always included 

To all ships staff, local guides, coach drivers, tour managers, museum guides etc. 

Unlimited Sun Deck access 

This is not possible on larger vessels where you must vacate the sun deck so the ship can pass under the many 

low bridges. You deserve uninterrupted, 360° views. 

A-la-carte Gourmet cuisine 

From the regions we visit. We even include meals while on all excursions. 

Services of professional Tour Managers 

In addition to your local guides and ships staff 

Our famous little surprises! 

You will just have to join us to find out. Or, ask your friends! 

Intimate group size 

The Da Vinci pampers a maximum of 100 guests. Many vessels host 120 - 200 guests. 

100% Non Smoking 

Including the outside decks, the only river boat in Europe. 

All English Language 

Every announcement in 5 languages is not relaxing. 

Plus all of our exclusive journey inclusions like private car home pick up service, round trip airfare and of 

course, the Jerry Van Dyke Difference. 

The ‘Wavy’ bridge at Essing, 

a tribute to the Main Danube Canal 

(and very low!) 

Most larger vessels sail through the 

Main Danube Canal at night! 

Do you really want to miss this? 

You will if you cruise at night! 



River Cruising. Relaxing or Ragged? 


Would you drive through the Rockies at night? Of course not! 

Then why pay to sleep through the most beautiful parts of Europe while you cruise at night? 

Short itineraries are only good for the corporate bottom line. To achieve shorter itineraries, you must 

cruise at night, missing the beauty and intimacy of your European experience. Would you rather sleep 

through Europe at night, or join us on the sun deck of the Da Vinci, wine in hand, relaxing as Europe 

comes to you. 

PS -Nights should be full of dreams of the day’s memories, not the drum of the boats diesel engines. 

Austria’s Wachau 

Valley, UNESCO World 

Heritage, Cultural 

Landscape since 2000. 

An overnight here is a 

must, so that’s what we 

do in Durnstein. 

Germany’s Altmühltal – A 

Million Years of History In 

Bavaria’s Heart. You will have 

to search long and hard 

before finding a part of 

Germany as unspoiled as the 

Altmühltal. We overnight in 

the heart of Bavaria. 




We rarely cruise overnight. See more of Europe 

Our longer itineraries mean you don’t miss everything cruising at night! 

Perhaps it’s not what you see, but what you miss that’s important. 

Our river cruises have always been longer than any other so we can take the time to show you places you 

never dreamed of, along with those you know, all at a calm pace. Enjoy your evenings with the locals in the 

towns along the river, and rest peacefully on board the Da Vinci, while we dock overnight. 

You need time to smell the roses along the way. 

Esztergom, Hungary is 

one of the many 

intimate places we 

overnight in. Other 

cruises sail past to 

accommodate their 

shorter itinerary. 

Schölgen, The big bend in 

the Danau bordering 

Upper Austria and 

Bavaria. One of 

life’s simple pleasures and 

worth every minute 

on the Sun Deck 




Our comfortable guest cabins provide more usable 

space than most other vessels. Unique beds 

disappear during the day to give you more space. 

Our Dining Room offers one sitting, open 

seating dining. The entire vessel is 100% 

smoke free, including the outside decks. 

The Bar serves a dramatic blend of cocktails, 

world class wines, beers and spirits. 

The comfortable and inviting lobby 

resembles a 5 star luxury hotel and provides 

comfy chairs, wide screen TV and Dolby 

sound system. 

The Living Room. Relax, sightsee, slumber or 

join us for coffee and tea service. 

Indulge in the grand collection of English 

books while you sip on a cappuccino 

in the library, any time of day. 

Guest Cabins 

• Two Murphy beds that disappear during the day. 

• Private facilities 

• Individual climate control 

• Satellite television 

• Ample storage space.

Waterways of Holland and Belgium - Journeys by Jerry Van Dyke

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