NETHERLANDS WATERWAY CRUISE. April 22 30, with Cruise Directors Merlyn and Dorothy Vander Leest

with Cruise Directors Merlyn and Dorothy Vander Leest

April 22 – 30, 2022

Hosted by

Charlotte & burdell Hensley

(641) 670-0190 hensley@mahaska.org

NETHERLANDS

W A T E R W A Y C R U I S E

3 6 T H A N N U A L

Your hosts

Burdell and Charlotte Hensley have escorted unique trips in all 50 states and internationally for 22 years. Burdell is a retired math teacher, coach, and athletic director. He currently covers area sports, pastors two historic churches both founded before the Civil War, and co-owns and escorts Blessed Byways Tours with Charlotte. She has been pastors’ secretary for 41 years at their church.

Charlotte & Burdell Hensley | (641) 670-0190 | hensley@mahaska.org

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experience a wonderful variety of Dutch culture. The scenery was amazing—from the modern cityscape of Rotterdam to the quaint old cities to the farmland including the beautiful tulip fields and windmills, it couldn’t have been better!

— M. VanderPlas | 2019 Netherlands Waterway Cruise Traveler

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Your cruise directors

Come along with Merlyn and Dorothy Vander Leest and explore the beautiful Netherlands in the springtime. Retired educators, the Vander Leests have combined their passion for learning with a

“get out there” attitude. They have hosted land, ocean, and river groups to bucket-list destinations around the world since 1995. Merlyn and Dorothy have visited nearly every city, town, and landmark included in this itinerary. The Vander Leests welcome you aboard and look forward to traveling with you.

T H E S H I P

the charming MPS Salvinia is your floating hotel.

Your home away from home, the MPS Salvinia, is smaller than many river cruise vessels, which allows it to access rivers, waterways and locks that larger ships cannot access, making your itinerary one-of-a-kind. Your floating hotel will take you through seven provinces and along rivers, canals, and seas. See the wide variety of waterways found in the Netherlands.

The MPS Salvinia bridge is open to the public. Converse with the captain and watch the river pass by. Other communal areas are divided among the ship’s three decks. The Observation Deck offers a lounge that opens onto the Sun Deck. The restaurant and lobby are on the Promenade Deck. The whirlpool and sauna can be found on the Main Deck. The decks are connected by an elevator and stairs. Between the three decks, the welcoming staff, complimentary WiFi, and newly renovated ship, you’re sure to enjoy the comforts of your floating hotel. There is plenty of space to unwind and enjoy uninterrupted views, as you relax in style and comfort.

Passenger cabins are located on the Main and Promenade Decks. All double cabins are furnished with two single beds, one of which converts to a sofa during the day. Rooms are also equipped with private facilities, a safe, flat-screen TV, and individually controlled air-conditioning. Promenade Deck cabin windows are larger than those on the Main Deck. The rooms are comparable in size. All windows open to let fresh air into the cabins.

Throughout the cruise you will eat the traditional Dutch menu. Early morning risers can enjoy freshly brewed coffee in the lounge before breakfast. Breakfast and lunch are buffet-style meals. Choose from fresh breads, local cheeses, eggs and meats. Delicious three-course meals are served at dinner. Be prepared for the potato, a Dutch staple! Each day a new specialty will be served. Try croquettes, herring and other wonderful delicacies. Seating at meals is not pre-assigned—use this time to move around and make new friends.

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— K. Slagle | 2019 Netherlands Waterway Cruise Traveler

C r u i s e I t i n e r a r y

22, Fri dePARt

Check-in at the airport for the overnight flight across the Atlantic!

23, sat

ARRIVe, GoUdA, KINdeRdIJK, eMbARK IN WIJK bIJ dUURstede, doesbeRG

Good morning, welcome to the Netherlands. After going through customs formalities, we meet our tour manager and driver, and are on our way to Gouda for a visit and independent lunch. Our next stop is at Kinderdijk, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where 19 working windmills still stand like sentinels along the canal. Watch a short film at the Wisboom pumping station before visiting one of the windmills. Then continue to Wijk bij Duurstede to board the MPS Salvinia.

Settle in and enjoy a Welcome Aboard dinner as we cruise to our evening port, Doesburg.

(L-independent, D)

24, sun ZUtPHeN, KAMPeN

Get your cameras ready as we cruise past delightful small villages on our way through Gelderland.

After breakfast, we stop in Zutphen. Those interested in an worship service can join us for a service at one of the local churches. You may not understand the sermon but you’ll enjoy hearing the wonderful organ.

We continue our scenic cruising this afternoon on the Ijssel River past Deventer and Zwolle, to Kampen. Once very prosperous from the herring trade, Kampen is one of the old Hanseatic cities. (B, L, D)

25, Mon stAPHoRst, GIetHooRN, LUtteLGeest, sNeeK

Today the ship cruises on the IJsselmeer, following the shores of the Noordoostpolder (North East Polder).

After going through the Lemmer Locks into the province of Friesland, we venture into the eastern Dutch provinces on a full-day excursion. The first stop is in Staphorst, a town where some of the older inhabitants still wear the traditional dress. After learning about the historic culture at the Farm Museum, we then visit Giethoorn.

This a village where most homes are built on their own island. Here, take a punter boat ride through the town and enjoy group lunch. Then we visit the Luttelgeest Orchid Farm before we travel to Sneek where we meet the ship.

After dinner, there is a guided walk to the Water Gate. (B, L, D)

26, tue sLoteN,

HINdeLooPeN, HARLINGeN, FRANeKeR

Setting off early, we explore Friesland. In Sloten, Friesland’s smallest city, the narrow streets and tiny houses bordering the canal make for terrific photos. We continue to Hindeloopen.

Hindeloopen has a rich history that is still evident in its colorful hand-painted artwork, distinctive traditional dress and even its language – a rare blend of West Frisian, English, Danish and Norwegian.

The last visit of the day is in Harlingen, the only seaport in Friesland.

Enjoy the marina, historic houses, a pedestrian shopping district and the Harlinger Aardewerk en Telefrabriek where Frisian pottery and tiles are made. Our excursion ends with the short drive to Franeker where the Salvinia awaits. (B, L, D)

Schagerbrug Den Helder

Alkmaar Zaandam

Kinderdijk

Gouda Wijk bij Duurstede Doesburg

Zutphen Kampen

Groningen

Staphorst Sneek

Harlingen

Hindeloopen

Franeker

Sloten Lem mer Locks

Amsterdam Schiphol Airport

27, Wed FRANeKeR, deN HeLdeR, sCHAGeRbRUG

We have the morning free to visit Franeker.

In the center of town is an amazing handmade 18th-century planetarium that is still in working order. The Weigh House Museum, the town hall and the Gothic Martinikerk are also worth a visit. Be back to the ship for lunch when we’ll cruise toward Harlingen, and out into the shallow Wadden Sea. Reaching the province of North Holland, we navigate the harbors and locks of Den Helder. From here, the Salvinia continues via the Noord Holland Kanaal to Schagerbrug. En route, our cruise takes us past the breathtaking tulip, hyacinth and daffodil fields for which the Netherlands is famous.

(B, L, D)

28, thu ALKMAAR, ZAANdAM

This morning there will be more spectacular views of the tulip, hyacinth, and daffodil fields as you sail south to Alkmaar. Upon arrival take a walking tour with a local guide. Famous for its weekly cheese market, this town has a charming old center for you to see. This afternoon we continue our cruise to Zaandam. (B, L, D)

29, Fri

KeUKeNHoF, AMsteRdAM

Bright and early we set off for the Keukenhof Gardens. The national flower exhibition displays the many varieties of tulips and other flowers.

Walk through the theme gardens, greenhouses, and pavilions, choosing your favorites. A picnic lunch is served outside the garden before we return to Amsterdam.

In Amsterdam, we take a canal cruise.

Cruising through the narrow canals and under the many bridges is a delightful way to experience this city. Then we return to our ship, in Amsterdam, for dinner.

There will be onboard music this evening.

(B, L, D)

30, sat RetURN

All too soon, it’s time to head home. After saying goodbye to the captain, crew, and fellow passengers extending their stay in Europe, we transfer back to Schiphol Airport to check in for our return flights. We hope you have had a fantastic cruise and we look forward to traveling with you again soon! (B)

CRUISE CoSTS

$3,499 Main Deck Cabin, based on double occupancy

$3,649 Promenade Deck upper deck cabin, based on double occupancy

$200 Single Supplement for either deck using a single cabin

$825 Single Supplement for either deck using a double cabin as a single

MODERATE – Activity levels vary from day to day. Sightseeing is often a brisk walk over distances of several miles on cobblestone streets and uneven ground.

Tour Pace

was near here that the U.S. 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions were air-dropped to protect Utah Beach during the D-Day invasion.

The second stop is Utah Beach. Our last stop is the American Military Cemetery near St. Laurent-sur-Mer. After this visit, return to Caen where the rest of the afternoon is free. (B, L)

May 4, Wed | VERSAILLES PALACE, PARIS

The morning drive is to Chateau de Versailles. As a symbol of the French monarchy during its peak, the famed castle was established in the early 17th century as a royal hunting lodge. After visiting this royal residence, you head into Paris with a stop at Trocadero Gardens for a great view of the Eiffel Tower. Dinner will be at a nearby restaurant, followed by an evening Seine River cruise before heading to the hotel. (B, D)

May 5, Thu | PARIS

This morning take a bus tour of Paris with views of the Arc de Triomphe, Place de la Concorde, La Madeleine, the Opera, Palace Vendome and more. Afterward, there is free time to shop, rest along the banks of the Seine, or enjoy a drink at a sidewalk café. Tonight, gather for a farewell dinner before retiring to the hotel. (B, D)

May 6, Fri | RETURN

Bright and early you depart for the airport for your return flights. We hope you have had the perfect vacation! (B)

Caen Normandy Beaches

Paris Versailles

Amiens Brugge

Almere

FLORIADE

FRANCE

Belgium Netherlands April 30, Sat | FLORIADE, BRUGGE

Depart the Salvinia and head to the Floriade, this global horticulture expo happens every 10 years. This year’s theme is Growing Green Cities. The Floriade Park will be a celebration of green and sustainable technology. Emerse yourself in this living laboratory through sight, smell, and taste. See new technologies for greenery, food, energy and health. Mid-afternoon we gather and board the bus for the drive to Brugge, Belgium. Brugge is built on a system of canals and is considered one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe. Upon arrival we check-in at the hotel and enjoy a group dinner. (B, D)

May 1, Sun | BRUGGE

The morning is at leisure. Attend a church service, browse in one of the city’s museums, or take a boat trip through the canals.

After lunch, gather for a guided tour of the city. Walk through Market Square, past the Town Hall and the

massive 13th-century belfry to the Onze- Lieve Vrouwekerk to see the only piece of Michelangelo’s work

to have permanently left Italy: Madonna and Child. The tour will end at the Begijnhof. (B, D)

May 2, Mon | AMIENS, CAEN Leaving Belgium, continue to France.

In the late morning, stop in Amiens, famous for its UNESCO World Heritage 13th-century Gothic Cathedral. While here be sure to enjoy lunch, stroll the streets, and see the cathedral. Back on the road, continue into Normandy and on to Caen. (B, D)

May 3, Tue | NORMANDY BEACHES, CAEN

After breakfast, head off to visit the Normandy Beaches. The first stop is in St.

Mere Eglise, the first French town liberated in WWII. It

$1,495 per person, double occupancy Single occupancy ^$475

B E L g I U m &

F R A N C E

E x T E N S I o N

C R U I S E C o S T S

& o P T I o N S

Cruise Costs

With departure from Des Moines, IA. Other departure cities are available.

Please note desired departure city on the registration form.

Main Deck Cabin based on double occupancy . . . $3,499 Promenade Deck upper deck cabin based on double occupancy. . . $3,649 Single Supplement for either deck using a single cabin* . . . .^$200 Single Supplement for either deck using a double cabin as a single . . . .^$825

*A limited number of single cabins available per deck.

Optional Extension

Belgium & France | April 30 - May 6, 2022 . . . .^$1,495 Single Supplement . . . .^$475

All prices are per person.

Register Online at

bookings.wittetravel.com use booking code 042222HENS

or complete and return the printed registration form to Witte Travel & Tours

3250 28th Street SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49512

For more information, contact Charlotte & Burdell Hensley (641) 670-0190 | hensley@mahaska.org

3250 28th Street SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49512 616.957.8113 | 800 GO WITTE

groups@wittetravel.com | www.wittetours.com

3250 28th Street SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49512 616.957.8113 | 800 GO WITTE

groups@wittetravel.com | www.wittetours.com