Barging in Holland: Dutch Golfing Cruise
Between Rotterdam and Alkmaar
Enjoy golfing on a river barge cruise through the famous Holland canals aboard the luxury Dutch Hotel Barge Aurora as she takes you to lovely towns and flourishing cities. From the quaint town of Schiedam (outside Rotterdam) to scholarly Leiden; from delicate hand-painted porcelain in Delft to the Keukenhof Gardens with the largest display of flowers in the world; from an exciting cruise through Amsterdam to the windmills of Zaanse Schans – there is never a dull moment. Experience the best the Netherlands has to offer with a barge charter aboard Aurora. Great tours, awesome cruising, and delicious cuisine make this a week to remember.
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Sunday, Day 1 - Schiedam (Rotterdam)
Guests are met in Amsterdam and transferred by private chauffeured minibus to Aurora in Schiedam, a town well known as the Jenever (Dutch gin) capital of the world situated right outside of Rotterdam. Once aboard, enjoy a champagne welcome and an introduction to your crew and hotel barge. Time to enjoy Schiedam and Rotterdam before dinner on board.
Monday, Day 2 - Rotterdam to Delft
This morning we cruise via Rotterdam to the historic town of Delft (known mostly for its ceramic pottery production) through a very scenic and picturesque countryside. Following lunch, we depart for Golfclub Broekpolder (18 holes), tree-lined and open parkland with a gently undulating terrain, situated west of Rotterdam and set in rural countryside. Those that do not wish participate in golfing will have the chance to spend the afternoon in the historical city of Delft, visiting the quaint center with great shopping possibilities or the world-renown Royal Delft pottery.
Tuesday, Day 3 - Delft to Leiden
This morning's cruise takes us north to another historical city, Leiden. It is home to one of the oldest universities in the country and the birthplace of Rembrandt. After lunch, we head for Golfbaan Delfland (18 holes, 6000m, Par 71). It's a challenging course with many water hazards, strategically place bunkers, and breath-taking vistas. For non-golfers there is ample time to visit the center and stop by one of the interesting museums or even take a canal boat ride. There is an opportunity to take an early evening stroll around the picturesque city of Leiden or even cycle before dinner on board.
Wednesday, Day 4 - Leiden to Haarlem
An optional, very early morning tour to the Aalsmeer Flower auction, where some 17 million cut flowers from all over the world are traded each day. This morning we cruise to Haarlem, our mooring spot for tonight, dating back to the 13th Century. Haarlem is home to the Frans Hals Museum founded in 1862 with its vast collection of Old Masters. After lunch, tee off at Koninklijke Haagsche, the Royal Hague Golf and Country Club is considered one of the most beautiful in Europe. The course consists of 18 holes situated in an undulating, coastal dune landscape, providing impressive views of the North Sea. For those that do not wish to golf there will be time in the afternoon to stroll around Haarlem, visit some museums and galleries, or do some shopping. (During the tulip time cruise – we experience a cruise highlight, with a walk through the world famous Keukenhof Tulip Gardens. Known as the garden of Europe, with more than 100 acres filled with over 7 million flowering bulbs, we stroll through breath-taking waves of color on this unforgettable half-day excursion.)
Thursday, Day 5 - Haarlem to Zaandam
We enjoy an early morning cruise to the historical city of Zaandam. After an early lunch, enjoy a round of golf at the Kennemer Golf and Country Club, one of the top 3 in country. Founded in 1910, the course is about 1 mile from the sea and consists of three series of nine holes set in coastal duneland and woodland. Return to the Aurora for dinner on board. For those that do not wish to golf today, there will be a scheduled visit to a world-renown village of Zaanse Schaans with windmills and open air museum.
Friday, Day 6 - Zaandam to Alkmaar
This morning we enjoy a breakfast cruise through the heart of Amsterdam. Non-golfers can spend time in the city, do some sightseeing and shopping, or cycle along the towpaths around the cruising route of Aurora. After an early lunch, our afternoon of golf is scheduled at Amsterdamse Golf Club. Being founded in 1934, it makes it one of the oldest clubs in the Netherlands. The relatively compact course lays down a test to golfers of all abilites. Typical characteristics of the course is that holes are flanked by trees or water. Another possibility is to play at the Zaanse Golf course. For non-golfers, we offer a leisurely afternoon in Alkmaar, the capital of cheese.
Saturday, Day 7 - Alkmaar
Today, we will be sadly saying our farewell. After your last wonderful breakfast on the luxury barge cruise you will be driven to the designated drop off point (airport or the hotel of your choice).
NOTE:
- This is a sample itinerary. Excursions are tailor-made to suit your interests.
- Golf cruises include five pre-booked and paid tee times and transfers to and from the golf clubs. Hire of clubs, caddy or buggy not included. Only those golfing pay the supplement. A minimum of 4 passengers on a golf charter are required to play golf.
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