Amsterdam is a treasure trove of architectural beauty, masterpiece-filled galleries, tranquil scenes of boats putting along 16th century canals, narrow cobbled laneways filled with boutiques and cafes, and streets busy with cyclists criss-crossing their way about town. Often referred to as the Venice of the North, much of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed canal system exists today as it did hundreds of years ago, lined with well-preserved canal houses and intersected by charming bridges. Freechoice: Today choose one of the following Scenic Freechoice: Canal cruise: Amsterdam has more than 100 kilometers of canals and today you will see some the prettiest sights of the city from these historical waterways. This one-hour cruise takes you along the Gentlemen's Canal, where you will see the Skinny Bridge and the Prince's Canal, which was known for its warehouses. You will go past the Old Mayor's House, the Seven Bridges, Anne Frank's House, and head to the Brewers' Canal. As the historic center glides past, you can admire the elegant merchant's residences, churches, and warehouses, dating from the Golden Age. Walking tour of Amsterdam: Explore Amsterdam on foot today, discovering the maze of canals and bridges in the city center. Your guide will be covering history, modern lifestyle, and Dutch culture. You also get to taste herring, a local delicacy not to be missed. Cycling tour: Take a small ferry to the outskirts of the city for a biking tour. Amsterdam is known as the bicycle capital of the world, with more bikes than cars and over 35,000 kilometers of cycle paths. Your local guide will be at hand to offer information about everyday life of the Dutch people, many of whom you will see getting around on two wheels. Hop on one of Scenic's complimentary eco-friendly e-bikes (electronically assisted bicycles) and let it do the hard work for you as you take in the sights of the region. Excursion to Schermerhorn & Alkmaar: Step outside of Amsterdam to visit the village of Schermerhorn, home to authentic windmills dating back to the 16th century. Take in the idyllic views of the sweeping Dutch countryside and learn about the importance of the windmills. You will also head to Alkmaar, a charming town with historic buildings and picturesque canals. This afternoon we set sail towards the cosmopolitan metropolis of Cologne, Germany. Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. ...
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