The Charms of Holland & Belgium
(100 Reviews)
100% Recommended
Mandy Kusilek
River Falls, WI
Eat, Drink and Be Married
So you are planning on getting married, let me help you plan your dream honeymoon or how about a fabulous destination wedding. From the sunsets in Hawaii to the fiestas in Mexico, I can help you find the perfect destination to make all your dreams...
So you are planning on getting married, let me help you plan your dream honeymoon or how about a fabulous destination wedding. From the sunsets in Hawaii to the fiestas in Mexico, I can help you find the perfect destination to make all your dreams come true. When you picture your destination wedding what is the first thing that comes to mind? Is it walking hand in hand on the beach with the Caribbean sea as your backdrop? Is it saying your vows underwater with tropical fish as your wedding party? Whatever picture you paint, I can make it happen. Every love story is beautiful but yours is my favorite. Next stop, honeymoon. There is nothing better than helping a couple find the perfect destination to start their life together and making memories. Over the water bungalows in Mexico, sunsets in Jamaica, romantic dinners on the beach, the possibilities are endless. I have been in this crazy yet wonderful business since 2008 and have toured many beautiful beach destinations in Mexico and the Caribbean. I have had the privilege of helping many brides plan their destination weddings and can't wait to help you plan yours. I have toured many hotels and I know I can help find the perfect destination your wedding or honeymoon. I am here for you, before, during and after your vacation. Let me take the stress out of planning your dream vacation. The tans will fade, but the memories will last forever.
Can Be Reached At
1-715-629-1874
River Cruising....WOW! I was able to check this item off of my bucket list and can't wait until I can do it again. What an amazing and stress free way to see many different destinations in Europe and only have to unpack once!
In October 2019 my husband and I were fortunate enough to sail with Emerald Waterways on their Charms of Holland & Belgium itinerary. This was my husband's first time to Europe and I thought this was a good option as it was roundtrip Amsterdam making the flights easy. No need to change planes and try to figure out an European airport!
When we arrived in Amsterdam, we were met by our driver and transferred from the airport to our Emerald Waterways luxury river cruise ship. Once we had our bags in our cabin we set out and explored Amsterdam on our own before joining our fellow travellers for dinner on board. One thing I learned about Amsterdam- there are bikes everywhere! Be careful or you will for sure be run over.
The next morning we headed to Haarlem, a quaint neighbouring town of Amsterdam, rich in history and culture. Here we were treated to a piece of homemade apple pie and coffee, which I could not drink. Way to strong for this girl.
Day 3 we journeyed to Dordrecht, the oldest city in Holland, and enjoyed a morning guided tour. After the tour we traveled to the Kinderdijk Windmills, a unique collection of nineteen authentic 18th century windmills considered a Dutch icon throughout the world. We were able to tour the inside of a windmill and see how the occupants used to live when the windmills were in full use.
Day 4 we arrived in Antwerp, a city that had been decimated during WWII. We chose to purchase an optional tour to Bruges and were so glad that we did. Bruges is famous for it's lace shops and it is here I found one of my many souvenirs to bring home with me- a lace snowman for my Christmas collection.
Day 5 we arrived in Maastricht, after a relaxing morning spent sailing through the Dutch waterways. Here we took a city tour and passed many museums, churches, historical buildings, hidden alleys and squares. We were amazed by the different architecture found in this city, ranging from Roman excavations to the modern design. It is here I finally splurged and had by first Belgium waffle, yum!
Day 6 we arrived in Arnhem, which is most famous for its great battle during World War II and it's iconic bridge- the sight where British forces were captured. We toured the Airborne Museum Hartenstein which is dedicated to the Battle of Arnhem in 1944. If you would like to learn more about this city and what happened to it during WWII check out the move A Bridge Too Far.
Day 7 we arrived in Utrecht which is situated in central Netherlands and has been a religious centre for centuries. Our tour took us through the medieval Old Town, past monuments and the iconic Domtoren, a 14th century bell tower with city views.
Day 8 we departed for home.
If you have never been on a river cruise I highly recommend that you give it a try. With river cruises there is so much more included in your cruise fare- optional excursions, cocktails with lunch and dinner, bottled water, Wi-Fi and more.
Emerald Waterways did such a fantastic job and I highly recommend them. The staff was so attentive and knew what my husband and I wanted right when we sat down. Made us feel like VIP's and who doesn't like that!!