River cruise on rivers and canals in Germany and Holland
Day 1 Switzerland ⇨ Hanover
An approximately 8-hour bus journey took us to Hanover, where we were welcomed aboard the Excellence Pearl with a welcome drink.
Tag 2 River cruise Minden – Langwedel
Our ship sailed along the Mittelland Canal and the Weser towards Minden.
But we took the coach to the castle
which was thoroughly explored. This was followed by a horse riding demonstration.
The bus took us back to the ship, which had moved on in the meantime. From Minden onwards, we enjoyed the tranquil river cruise and marvelled at the many geese on the riverbank.
Day 3 River cruise Langwedel - Bremen - Bremerhafen
The ship spent the night in Langwedel and sailed for Bremen early the next morning.
The sailing ship Alexander von Humboldt was anchored in front of us.
After breakfast, we started our sightseeing tour of Bremen.
n the afternoon, we continued our journey downstream on the Weser to Bremerhaven.
The skyline of Bremerhaven appears.
During a short tour of the harbour basin, we passed the sailing training ship ‘Deutschland’.
At the end of the harbour basin lies the huge, egg-shaped Klimahaus.
The Klimahaus is a globally unique world of knowledge and experience on the topics of climate, climate change and weather. Visitors take a trip around the world along the 8th degree of longitude and experience the Earth's climate zones. In doing so, they cross five continents and nine locations.
Day 4 River cruise Dörpen - Emden
That was the day of the tranquil river trip on the Weser and through the coastal canal to Dörpen.
Day 5 River cruise Bremerhafen - Dörpen
We drive towards Emden and pass the Ems barrage.
Day 6 River Cruise Emden - Leuuwarden - Insel Texel
We pass several canals between Emden and Leeuwarden.
Here we had to wait for the railway bridge to open. It turns.
The next stop is Leeuwarden. This is the capital of the Dutch province of Friesland. In the Middle Ages, it was an important trading centre, which is still reflected today in the architecture of the pretty old town, which we were able to visit.
In the evening, our ship reached the Wadden Sea, where we enjoyed a magnificent sunset. The next day was devoted to exploring the island of Texel.
Day 7 River cruise Texel Island - Alkmaar
Texel is part of the chain of West Frisian Islands that stretches off the coast of Friesland and North Holland. The island is known for its bird colonies and seals.
In the afternoon, we continue by boat to Alkmaar. Back at the Wadden Sea, we encounter the ferries from the mainland to the island of Texel.
At Den Helder, we reach the North Holland Canal. We pass several warships.
On the way, we see windmills.
Towards evening, we arrive in Alkmaar.
Day 8 River cruise Alkmaar - Amsterdam
Leaving Alkmaar on the North Holland Canal, we pass this tower. The Accijnstoren, an excise tower dating from 1622, stands on a small bridge and has a clock tower at its top.
Many bridges are opened for us.
Windmill Museum
We sail past Zaanse Schans, a museum village with pretty green wooden houses and 12 historic windmills.
In the afternoon, we arrive in Amsterdam, where a small excursion boat is waiting to take us on a canal cruise.
Day 9 Amsterdam ⇨ Switzerland
We took the bus back home.
