Tulip field and windmills
Europe Spring River
Travel
April 22 - May 01, 2025

Dutch & Belgian Waterways by Private River Barge

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About the Study Leader 

Emmanuel Kreike P22 P24, Norman B. Tomlinson ’16 and ’48 Professor of War and Society; Professor of History

 Emmanuel Kreike, a citizen of the Netherlands, has been professor of history at Princeton since 1997. A prolific author, Kreike’s most recent manuscript includes research on the Dutch Low Countries during the 16th and 17th centuries. His teaching interests focus on the intersection of war/violence, population displacement, environment and society. He is particularly interested in how violence (including, for example, colonial conquest, the apartheid wars, slave raiding) and the ensuing forced migration led to the destruction of human landscapes and how people rebuild lives and livelihoods in often alien environments. On this journey, Professor Kreike will describe the Golden Age of the 17th century when Dutch trade, science, military and art were among the most acclaimed in the world. He will also lecture on the seldom-discussed Dark Side of the Golden Age when the southern Netherlands, including Antwerp and Bruges, were ravaged by war and saw a decline of culture, society and environment.

 Take a look at Professor Kreike’s online lecture, The Underbelly of the Dutch Golden Age.

 

About the Journey 

Join us on a captivating seven-night canal cruise through the Netherlands and Belgium, where art and architecture take center stage against the picturesque backdrop of historic waterways. Visit renowned museums showcasing masterpieces from artists of the Dutch Golden Age and explore beautifully manicured gardens during the height of blooming season. 

Highlights include the Rijksmuseum, the 19 historic working windmills at UNESCO World Heritage designated Kinderdijk, the dazzling blooms at Keukenhof Gardens, and two days in the medieval gem of Bruges. The Magnifique IV, our 18-cabin private river barge, will dock overnight in town centers with easy walk-off access—ideal for independent dining and exploration. 

Princeton travelers will be joined by likeminded participants from the Commonwealth Club World Affairs of California on this program. A pre-tour extension in Amsterdam and a post-tour extension in Brussels are available for those seeking to explore the area further. 

Accommodation 

Magnifique IV 

The Magnifique IV took to European waters in 2020, after it completed a full conversion from a barge to passenger vessel by master shipbuilder Walter van Berkum. Accommodating no more than 36 passengers plus crew, the vessel is designed to create a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere on board. 

The inviting restaurant is separated from the kitchen by a glass wall so you can see the talented chefs in action. Meals are served in a single seating and feature fresh and tasty Euro fusion cuisine. The teak sundeck invites you to enjoy the scenery as you float by and features a hot tub. The upper deck features a spacious salon with A/C, bar, and lounge. 

Reservations 

Please register online or contact the Princeton Journeys team at journeys@princeton.edu / 609.258.8686 with questions.

Trip Details