'Charlemagne' cruises the waterways of Holland during the flower-filled springtime. Carrying just 32 passengers, she is uniquely designed to cruise smaller waterways that are inaccessible to larger vessels and offers a relaxing way to experience the country's delightful cities and towns.

Saturday:
Meet at the Park Plaza Victoria Amsterdam Hotel and transfer to 'Charlemagne' in Vreeswijk for a champagne welcome and a relaxing cruise on the River Lek to the overnight stop at Schoonhoven. After dinner, stroll the charming town, which celebrated its 725-year anniversary in 2006.

Sunday:
After breakfast, cruise to Kinderdijk to visit the well-preserved 18th-century windmills that are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At lunchtime, continue cruising along the Hollandse Ijsell River with views of the Rotterdam skyline. A walking tour awaits this afternoon in Gouda, a historic trading center that is famous for its cheese, pipes and candles. Its town hall is one of the few remaining examples of Gothic architecture in the country. In this proud city, chimes regularly ring out at two minutes past the hour and half-hour to commemorate the moment in 1272 when Gouda received its city rights from Floris V.

Monday:
This morning, view the remarkable 16th-century stained glass windows at St. John's Church before leaving Gouda to cruise to Oude Wetering. In the afternoon, visit magnificent Keukenhof Gardens, world famous for their 79 acres of colorful flowers that bloom in magnificent splendor each spring.

Tuesday:
Begin today with an early morning excursion to Aalsmeer, the world's largest flower auction. Up to 7,000 growers supply the 18 million flowers and 2 million plants sold here each day. Then cruise the Ringvaart Canal, skirting one of Holland's oldest polders (land reclaimed from the sea). An afternoon visit to Haarlem, center of the Dutch bulb trade, is followed by a cruise to the 15th-century town of Purmerend.

Wednesday:
Scenic fields of blooming flowers line this morning's cruise route to Alkmaar. View the town's splendid 15th- and 16th-century houses and its waag (weighing house) dating from the 14th century.

Thursday:
Cruise to Zaanse Schans, a reconstructed historic village created from surviving buildings and windmills of the 17th and 18th centuries. Then, take a final cruise into the heart of Amsterdam, a thriving urban capital with the ambiance and appeal of a much smaller city. A guided tour with time for shopping precedes this evening's gala farewell dinner.

Friday:
After breakfast, transfer back to the Park Plaza Victoria Amsterdam Hotel where your tour ends.

For more information on any of the fabulous A&K Barge Tours drop us a note or call Rex Travel at 800-777-7739