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Amsterdam Pre-Cruise Stretchers with Olivia
Amsterdam is often referred to as one of the most colorful cities in the world, and rightly so! Where else can you find so many places of interest, world-famous museums, cozy pubs, cobblestone streets along tree-lined canals, one-of-a-kind shops and flower markets? Extend your vacation with Olivia and give yourself the time to experience all that beautiful Amsterdam has to offer!
Your Hotel in Amsterdam Doubletree by Hilton Hotel
Situated in the lively heart of Amsterdam, Doubletree by Hilton Hotel is in the center of the city and directly next to the Central Train Station. Within walking distance to many of the city's best attractions and with easy access to the city's tram system, this location can't be beat.
Our City View Rooms feature floor to ceiling windows with views over the historic city center, complimentary breakfast and late check-out till 1 pm. Watch a movie on the Apple iMac TV, stay connected with complimentary Wi-Fi and refresh in the elegant bathroom.
Option 1: Amsterdam Two-Nights Pre-Cruise Stretcher (April 17 - 19, 2015)
Itinerary
Day 1 April 17, 2015
Arrival in Amsterdam
The city's Schipol Airport is one of Europe's best. Most flights from U.S. and Canada arrive in the morning. To participate in the afternoon walking tour, you will need to arrive to the hotel by 2 pm.
Tour of Old Town and Red Light District
This afternoon we will walk from our hotel through some of the oldest neighborhoods in the city, with a special visit to the famous Red Light District. Along the way, we will learn about the unique architecture of this city, exploring its tree-lined canals, admiring its 17th century homes and discovering its rich history. Once we reach the Red Light District, we won't just be walking past the windows, but will enjoy a behind the scenes look into the oldest profession in the world. We will get the inside scoop on the economics, politics and working conditions and will even have a chance to experience what it feels like to sit "in the window." The tour will continue back to the hotel through the old town making a stop at Caf้ 't Mandje, recognized as the first gay bar in Amsterdam, and in the world, founded by lesbian Bet van Beeren in 1927.
Day 2 April 18, 2015
Keukenhof Gardens & Bulbfields
When you think of the Netherlands, Dutch tulips are likely among the first things to come to mind. The Keukenhof Gardens is the world's foremost annual tulip exhibition, where more than seven million tulips, daffodils and hyacinths fill over 32 hectares of gardens with color and fragrance. Nearby, we will drive through the bulbfields where the acres of bulbs are grown and the fields are like a magic carpet of color.
Anne Frank, Jordaan & Homo Monument
After a brief rest and lunch on your own, we will set out on a walking tour of the Jordaan. This picturesque neighborhood is filled with antique shops and historical treasures. We will make a brief stop at the Begijnhof, a peaceful hidden courtyard within the bustling city center, which served as home for widows and unmarried women for centuries. Continuing on, we will skip the line and enter the VIP entrance to the Anne Frank House, where Anne Frank was hiding during the German occupation. Finally, we will admire the Homo Monument, the first gay monument in the world, and the focal point of Amsterdam's gay pride celebrations. You may choose to walk back to the hotel with the group, or stay and enjoy one of the area's restaurants and a leisurely walk back on your own.
Day 3 April 19, 2015
This morning is at your leisure to sleep in or enjoy one of Amsterdam's many other attractions. Visit the Rijks Museum or the Van Gogh Museum on your own, or take advantage of the optional tours offered by Avalon from the hotel. After checkout, enjoy lunch on your own before your included transfer to the Avalon Felicity to embark on your riverboat cruise. You may store your luggage at the hotel; transfer to the ship will be at approximately 3:30 pm.
Your two-nights pre-cruise stretcher includes:
• Two-night stay in a City-View Room at the Doubletree by Hilton Amsterdam Hotel
• Check-in on April 17 is at 3 pm and check-out on April 19 is at 1 pm
• Full Breakfast on April 18 and 19
• All taxes and luggage porterage
• Walking tour of Old Town and Red Light District on April 17
• Visit to Keukenhof Gardens on April 18
• Walking tour of Jordaan, Homo Monument and VIP entrance to Anne Frank House on April 18
• Transfer to riverboat for embarkation on April 19, with luggage assistance (as part of your cruise fare)
• Gay friendly, English-speaking guides
• Olivia staff assistance throughout
Not included:
Meals (other than noted), transfer from airport to hotel on April 17, tips to guides and drivers.
PLEASE NOTE: That this stretcher involves walking long distances over cobblestones and uneven surfaces.
Option 1 - Amsterdam Two-Nights Pre-Cruise Stretcher Price:
$699 , based on double occupancy per person
$1,059, based on single occupancy per person
Space is limited. Deadline to sign up is December 1, 2014 or until allotment is filled!
Option 2: Amsterdam Three-Nights Pre-Cruise Stretcher (April 16 - 19, 2015)
Includes everything listed above in Option 1, with an additional hotel night and day to explore on own.
Option 2 - Amsterdam Three-Nights Pre-Cruise Stretcher Price:
$929 , based on double occupancy per person
$1,499, based on single occupancy per person
Space is limited. Deadline to sign up is December 1, 2014 or until allotment is filled!
Switzerland Post-Cruise Stretchers with Olivia
Plan to spend two or three days after your cruise enjoying beautiful Switzerland, visiting the Swiss Alps, tasting Swiss Cheese, making your own Swiss Chocolate Bar and exploring the streets of Zurich's Old Town.
Option 1: Switzerland Two-Nights Post-Cruise Stretcher (April 26 - 28, 2015)
Itinerary
Day 1 April 26, 2015
Lucerne
Transfer from the ship in Basel to Lucerne, the gateway to central Switzerland. Situated on Lake Lucerne, the town is surrounded by an impressive mountainous panorama. Thanks to its many attractions including souvenir and watch shops, its beautiful lakeside setting and the nearby Rigi, Pilatus and Stanserhorn mountain ranges Lucerne is a destination for many travel groups and individuals on their journey through central Switzerland. A perfect first stop for us!
Mount Titlis
The gondola ride up to Mount Titlis alone is worth the whole trip. Enjoy amazing views and unforgettable photographic opportunities. Here is where you will see the Alps you may have seen in books as a child. Once on the peak you have free time to explore an ice cave, have a snow ball fight or enjoy a high-altitude lunch.
Radisson Blu Lucerne
Tonight we will overnight at the Radisson Blu Lucerne so that you can have time to relax and enjoy this picturesque town. Our standard package will include standard rooms with a City View, while the Deluxe package will include standard rooms with a Lake View. All rooms are bright, airy and modern with features including free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV and mini-bar.
Day 2 April 27, 2015
Maestrani Chocolate Factory
Enjoy a lovely morning drive from Lucerne through pastoral Switzerland to the Maestrani Chocolate Factory. Watch a short film about the history of chocolate-making, then take a guided tour through the factory. You will get great insight into the production of their mouth-watering delights, with many opportunities to taste along the way. You will even have a chance to pour your own chocolate bar! And, of course, there will be plenty of time to shop for famous Swiss chocolate to bring home to friends (or for yourself)!
Appenzeller Cheese Factory
The only thing better than Swiss chocolate is Swiss cheese, so our next stop is the Appenzell Cheese Factory. You will enjoy a delicious lunch featuring traditional local dishes. The house specialty is homemade cheese quiche, but you can also choose from Swiss sausage (bratwurst) with onion sauce and French fries or cheese noodles with onions and apple sauce. All are delicious! We will also have an opportunity to see how cheese is made and to sample a bit along the way.
Hotel Continental Zurich
In the evening, we will arrive at the Hotel Continental Zurich. Though most groups stay in the more remote business district, we have secured a charming hotel right in the heart of Old Town Zurich. The famed shopping district of the Bahnhofstrasse, Swiss National Museum and Lake Zurich are only steps away. The hotel offers the relaxed atmosphere of a Swiss chalet in the heart of the vibrant city. Our standard package includes an Urban Swiss Standard room with chalet-inspired d้cor, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV and mini-bar. The deluxe package includes an Urban Swiss Superior room with all of the above plus a sitting and work area, Nespresso machine, iPod charger and ironing service.
Your two-nights post-cruise stretcher includes:
• One-night stay in a City-View or Lake-View room at Radisson Blu Lucerne
• One-night stay in an Urban Swiss Standard or Urban Swiss Superior room at Hotel Continental Zurich
• Breakfast on April 27 and 28
• All hotel taxes and luggage porterage
• Full-day tour including Lucerne and Gondola ride to Mt. Titlis on April 26
• Full-day tour including Maestrani Chocolate Factory, Appenzeller Cheese Factory and lunch at the Cheese Factory on April 27
• Gay-friendly, English-speaking guides
• Olivia staff assistance throughout
Not included:
Meals (other than noted), transfer from hotel to airport, tips to guides and drivers.
PLEASE NOTE: This stretcher involves extended visits to high altitudes.
Option 1 - Switzerland Two-Nights Post-Cruise Stretcher Price:
$879 Standard, based on double occupancy per person
$1,119 Standard, based on single occupancy per person
$959 Deluxe, based on double occupancy per person
Space is limited. Deadline to sign up is December 1, 2014 or until allotment is filled!
Option 2: Switzerland Three-Nights Post-Cruise Stretcher (April 26 - 29, 2015)
Includes everything listed above on Option 1, with an additional hotel night, morning breakfast and day to explore on your own.
Option 2 - Switzerland Three-Nights Post-Cruise Stretcher Price:
$1,059 Standard, based on double occupancy per person
$1,399 Standard, based on single occupancy per person
$1,179 Deluxe, based on double occupancy per person
Space is limited. Deadline to sign up is December 1, 2014 or until allotment is filled!
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