Amsterdam is the last city in the itinerary of the Avalon Waterways “Reno Renoir” river cruise – exclusive for Brazilian cruise liners, to take place between the end of July and the beginning of August. The arrival to this modern and sophisticated city takes place on the morning of the penultimate day of travel, immediately followed by a tour of the canals. The afternoon will be free for the Cruzeiristas to plan their own programs. Among the many choices are the museums, which have the highest density in the world in Amsterdam.
Hardly a single afternoon will be enough to savor the enchanting world of images and colors that live in the city’s many museums. But for the Cruzers, it will be easy to extend the time until the next day. Upon arrival in Amsterdam, the charming ship Avalon Felicity remains anchored in the port city, for a last night on board (or to rest after a good night out). The following morning, after breakfast, the arrival and end of the package takes place. In case you book your return flight for the night, you can go to the airport (for taxi or Uber, ask the hotel receptionist), store your luggage, return to the city and spend a whole day exploring Amsterdam.
After accommodating your luggage at the airport, you can return by bus or underground train directly to the Museumplein, Museum Square, one of the most visited sights in Amsterdam. In it are located three of the most important museums of the city – Van Gogh, Rijksmuseum, Stedelijk, and others at small distances. The Museumplein is the stage for the huge I amsterdam sign (three red letters, the other one in white), almost unanimous for tourists to click on their photos.
In the Van Gogh Museum is the beautiful collection of masterpieces by the Dutchman of Zindert, one of the greatest expressions of post-impressionist painting; the Stedelijk exhibits extraordinary sets of modern and contemporary art; and the Rijksmuseum – National Museum, on account of its formidable collection of Dutch art and history, is considered one of the largest cultural landmarks in the Netherlands. The Rijksmuseum has just released (late January, 2018) an application that can be downloaded at no cost with advanced navigation system. The application, for access by smartphones, offers a choice of 14 tours inside the museum; exhibitions, approach to collections; and e-tickets.
It is also a must see to visit the House Museum of Rembrandt, to see the man behind his charming works. The house was restored to show the bedroom, the studio and other rooms as they existed in the 17 th century when Rembrandt van Rijn lived there. In close proximity, at Prins Hendrikkade 600 is the ARCAM (Architectuur Centrum Amsterdam). Although not exactly a museum, it is the suggestion of visit for architects and art lovers who over time has been shaping the profiles of the cities.
Associating the past, present and even future developments in Amsterdam’s urban future, ARCAM is an information center with exhibits that showcase the city’s architectural history through a permanent exhibition. The building, designed by the architect René van Zuuk, has ultramodern interiors, as well as the façade, which features a “fold” that comes from the aluminum ceiling to the floor. Open also on Sundays (day of the end of the cruise), from 13 to 17 hours. Free entry.
Transportation for return from the airport – By bus: line 197 – purchase of ticket on own bus, at a cost of 2.90 euros per passenger / trip. It is possible to anticipate the purchase for the return trip to the airport. By train: to Central Station, next to the Museumplein, 5.20 euros passenger / trip, for sale at the station’s machines, at the airport; can be purchased with credit card; it is necessary to validate the ticket in one of the totems located next to the platform of access to the boarding platform.
Exclusive to Brazilian cruise travelers, the Reno Retumbante cruise package, starting 10 days / 9 nights, starts July 27 (arrival to Zurich airport, with transfer included to Lucerne) and ends on August 5, with all services and customized on-board service.
Photo: Press Release