Smithsonian Journeys 2017

SMITHSONIAN JOURNEYS / EUROPE
Magnifique III
Biking amid windmills
A Bike and Barge Cruise
Through Holland and Belgium
From Bruges to Amsterdam
Aboard the 40-guest Magnifique III
CRUISE
ACTIVE
9 days from $4,995
Sept. 21–29, 2018
Port of Call
Featured Site
Barge
Motorcoach
North Sea
Bruges
Ghent
BELGIUM
Comfortable cruiser bike
Amsterdam
Gouda
Schoonhoven
Vianen
Kinderdijk
Dordecht
Antwerp
Sint-Amands
Brussels
THE NETHERLANDS
Travelers seeking a more active journey will be delighted to discover
the Low Countries on this new bike and barge cruise. During daily
bike tours (averaging two to three hours of easy cycling on flat
terrain), you’ll pedal along canal-side paths, stopping to explore
medieval villages, windmills, and farmland. (You can also take a break
and admire the passing scenery from the deck of your barge.) Plus,
enjoy in-depth cultural excursions featuring art and architecture,
history, and culture.
Highlights Include
Magnifique III: Become part of the cultural landscape of the
Lowlands by traveling aboard a traditional, yet upscale barge. This
newly constructed vessel lends itself to a friendly ambiance with a
small group of travelers and a helpful Dutch captain and crew. Enjoy
delightful meals served family style, a sun deck (with whirlpool), and
comfortable, en-suite cabins. Traditional upright touring bikes with
7–8 gears make cycling a pleasure. Find more details on our website.
Bruges, Ghent, Antwerp: Explore the World Heritage site of
Bruges, a medieval gem laced with canals, and see Michelangelo’s
celebrated Madonna and Child and other important art. Cycle past
canals and small villages to Ghent for a walking tour followed by
a choice of excursions. In Antwerp you’ll visit the Rubens House,
showcasing some of his famous work.
Off-the-Beaten Path: Enjoy stops that feature memorable treasures,
such as amazing Van Dyck paintings in Dendermonde, a unique
museum devoted to 16th-century maps and globes in Sint-Niklaas,
and a meeting with silver experts in Schoonhoven.
Cultural Traditions: Along the way, savor local beer at a brewery,
attend a chamber music performance, and learn about the region’s
textile production. You can also sample cheeses in Gouda or explore
the World Heritage site of Kinderdijk, famous for its impressive
large windmills.
Amsterdam: Enjoy time in this city of historic canals, which
have been designated a World Heritage site. Following a lunch
of traditional specialties, admire the impressive collections of the
Rijksmuseum.
Entire barge reserved for 40 Smithsonian Journeys guests.
Smithsonian Journeys Expert
Paula Swart–art historian with expertise in Dutch and Belgian art.
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BOOK YOUR TRIP / SMITHSONIANJOURNEYS.ORG / 877.338.8687