Witness a young, vibrant Europe alongside the treasures of its luxurious past

Sail through three countries, visiting some of the most exciting cities in Western Europe. Delight in the sights and sounds of this dynamic region. Sail the Rhine and its Dutch and Belgian tributaries, providing a link to the region’s rich historical past as well as a vantage point from which to witness its present-day vitality.

Experience cosmopolitan Brussels, the “Capital of Europe”; sparkling Antwerp, worldwide center of the diamond trade; hip, sophisticated Maastricht, the gastronomical capital of the Netherlands; Venlo, home to Floriade 2012, a decennial expo of all things botanical; and Cologne, home to Cologne Cathedral, the tallest Gothic structure in Europe. En route, sail past a dreamy countryside rich with UNESCO World Heritage sites, imposing castles, and quaint villages.

You will discover the best of the old and the new Europe. Visit museums that house the treasures of the great masters and galleries where the cutting edge of contemporary art alternately draws its inspiration from or leaps beyond art historical tradition.

Who will enjoy this cruise: Travelers who want to experience past and present Europe up-close and witness how this region of such varied cultures, languages and food has come together to form a common Europe—united yet diverse.

Epicurean Adventurer Program includes: Chocolate tasting & demonstration in the artisanal Planet Chocolate Factory | Family brewery visit with beer tasting | Special wine and food pairing dinner

Floriade is a World Horticultural Expo staged once every ten years in the Netherlands.  During the period from April until mid-October 2012, the sixth edition of Floriade will be organized in Venlo.

The participating countries, businesses, horticultural companies, and public and semi-public bodies present visitors with the opportunity to enjoy the world's most exquisite and exceptional flowers, plants, trees, and fruits and vegetables.

But Floriade 2012 offers much more. Each day features a cultural program of music, dance, literature, theater, and visual art from all over the world.  Pioneering works of sustainable architecture will be shown for the first time at Floriade 2012. And its countless exciting, innovative, and educational attractions and activities make Floriade 2012 a spectacular voyage of discovery for children.

Various restaurants and cafes offer visitors a place to savor delicious local and international cuisine, naturally prepared with home grown ingredients. Or visitors can enjoy a picnic surrounded by flowers and trees while lounging on the banks of the water, delighting in the countless shows and parades.

Floriade 2012 invites you use the senses of sight, hearing, taste, touch, and smell to experience first hand the influence horticulture has on the quality of our daily lives.

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