8­5­2015 Our Uniworld Tulip Cruise Continued: Heusden, Nuenen, and Van Gogh Village

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2 weeks ago

(Continued from April 15, 2015 post) [http://sevenlandsandseastravel.blogspot.com/2015/04/our­uniworld­river­cruise­begins.html]

Our Tulips cruise aboard the River Ambassador of Uniworld Boutique River Cruises continued with avisit to the small fortified Dutch town of Heusden and, from there, an included full­afternoon excursionto the Van Gogh Village of Nuenen. This day proved especially enjoyable. To start the day, Uniworldoffered guests the choice of three different morning activities: a guided bike ride through quaintHeusden; a visit to a local bakery with a hands­on culinary demonstration; or a gentle walking tour witha local guide. The morning was cool and slightly foggy ­ perfect weather for a leisurely bike ride aroundtown, and that, coincidentally, was the option we chose.

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One could tell that this was not a town frequently visited by tourists, which only added to its charm. Ourlocal guide, for example, had never given a tour in English before. Although her English was imperfect,it certainly was far better than my Dutch! We rode through narrow cobblestone streets, lush greenparklands, and pathways overlooking the town and river below. One interesting stop we made alongthe way: an historic Jewish cemetery. Not large, but tucked away under some lovely shade trees, ourguide did her best to explain its history. Sadly, despite my efforts on Google, I have been unable tolocate much information at all about the cemetery. After some group photos of our bike adventure, wereturned to the ship to board our awaiting coaches to set off for the nearby town of Nuenen.

Our Uniworld Tulip Cruise Continued: Heusden,Nuenen, and Van Gogh Village

8­5­2015 Our Uniworld Tulip Cruise Continued: Heusden, Nuenen, and Van Gogh Village

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8­5­2015 Our Uniworld Tulip Cruise Continued: Heusden, Nuenen, and Van Gogh Village

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The afternoon adventure started with an included lunch at a local restaurant, De Watermolen. Our firstcourse was some of the best potato soup I have ever had, followed by a selection of ham, cheese, hamand cheese, or vegetable sandwiches, salad, and an incredible chocolate dessert, complete withcomplimentary red wine or beer.

8­5­2015 Our Uniworld Tulip Cruise Continued: Heusden, Nuenen, and Van Gogh Village

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8­5­2015 Our Uniworld Tulip Cruise Continued: Heusden, Nuenen, and Van Gogh Village

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After lunch, we continued to the "Van Gogh" village of Nuenen. Van Gogh's father was a minister inNuenen, and Van Gogh lived in the family home here for nearly 2 years, from 1883 to 1885. It washere that he painted or sketched at least 14 scenes, including his first masterpiece, The Potato Eaters. Our timing, coming on the 125th year of Van Gogh's death, was particularly fortuitous because for thefirst time, the home of one of Van Gogh's great loves ­ Margot Begemann ­ was open to the public withtemporary exhibits by modern artists paying tribute to the famous painter. No visit here would becomplete without a tour through the Interactive Vincentre, tracing Van Gogh's fascinating life, anddocumenting how he lived and worked in Nuenen.

8­5­2015 Our Uniworld Tulip Cruise Continued: Heusden, Nuenen, and Van Gogh Village

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8­5­2015 Our Uniworld Tulip Cruise Continued: Heusden, Nuenen, and Van Gogh Village

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After this fun­filled fascinating day, we returned to the River Ambassador. The ship capped off the daywith a truly spectacular after­dinner performance by roughly 40 members of the all­male Dutch ShantyChoir. These talented vocalists have spent decades performing together, and their mix of local tunesand some well­known crowd pleasers made this evening a highlight among many on this Uniworldcruise.

Posted 2 weeks ago by Seven Lands and Seas Travel

Labels: Cruise, Dutch, Heusden, Nuenen, Tour, Travel, travel agency in alexandria va, travel agency innorthern virginia, travel agency in washington dc, Tulips, Uniworld River Cruise, Van Gogh Village

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