Netherland's King's Day

Love history? Love tulips? You can combine both passions in 2020 with Le Boat. A spring cruise in the Holland or Canada offers both the annual tulip bloom and the commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the liberation of the Netherlands at the same time.  [[{"fid":"63286","view_mode":"default","fields":{"format":"default","alignment":"center","external_url":""},"type":"media","field_deltas":{"1":{"format":"default","alignment":"center","external_url":""}},"attributes":{"class":"media-element file-default media-wysiwyg-align-center","data-delta":"1"}}]]

Traditional German food is usually associated with heavy and lardy meat dishes.. Many Germans still enjoy their hearty meals which usually comprise of meat and animal by-products such as milk and butter. Over the centuries the trade along the waterways and new methods of cultivation eventually helped improvise Germany’s traditional dishes. Here’s what you can sample in Germany today to get an authentic taste of the country.SchweinhaxeA delicious Bavarian roast pork or ham hock served with a side of potatoes and cooked vegetables. A classic, but definitely a good one![[{"fid":"60151","view_mode":"file_entity_view_compress_only","fields":{"format":"default","alignment":"center","external_url":""},"link_text":null,"type":"media","field_deltas":{"9":{"format":"default","alignment":"center","external_url":""}},"attributes":{"class":"media-element file-default media-wysiwyg-align-center","data-delta":"9"}}]]BratwurstYou’ll find these delectable German sausages everywhere in the country and they come in the biggest variety of flavours you can imagine. Created in Nuremberg in the 14th century the Bratwurst can be made from either beef, pork or veal.[[{"fid":"60156","view_mode":"file_entity_view_compress_only","fields":{"format":"default","alignment":"center","external_url":""},"link_text":null,"type":"media","field_deltas":{"10":{"format":"default","alignment":"center","external_url":""}},"attributes":{"class":"media-element file-default media-wysiwyg-align-center","data-delta":"10"}}]]SauerbratenA rich pot roast of meat that is marinated for days before heating up and serving.  Every region has their own take on the sauce that is dependent on the herbs, spices and produce available.[[{"fid":"60161","view_mode":"file_entity_view_compress_only","fields":{"format":"default","alignment":"center","external_url":""},"link_text":null,"type":"media","field_deltas":{"11":{"format":"default","alignment":"center","external_url":""}},"attributes":{"class":"media-element file-default media-wysiwyg-align-center","data-delta":"11"}}]]SpätzleOne of the few traditional dishes that do not include meat, spätzle is a type of noodle made form eggs and flour! It can be eaten alone with onions or with a side of meat.[[{"fid":"60166","view_mode":"file_entity_view_compress_only","fields":{"format":"default","alignment":"center","external_url":""},"link_text":null,"type":"media","field_deltas":{"12":{"format":"default","alignment":"center","external_url":""}},"attributes":{"class":"media-element file-default media-wysiwyg-align-center","data-delta":"12"}}]]MaultaschenLiterally translated as mouth pockets these unique dumpling styled pastries originate from Swabia in the South of Germany. While traditionally filled with meats and meat by-products there are variety of options that cater for vegetarians too. This specialty is now protected and can only be made according to its traditional guidelines in Swabia. This is one unique German dish you’ll want to try.[[{"fid":"60171","view_mode":"file_entity_view_compress_only","fields":{"format":"default","alignment":"center","external_url":""},"link_text":null,"type":"media","field_deltas":{"13":{"format":"default","alignment":"center","external_url":""}},"attributes":{"class":"media-element file-default media-wysiwyg-align-center","data-delta":"13"}}]]PrinzeregententortenNow what is trip to Germany without some sweets to end off those hearty meals? This glazed chocolate cake will satisfy anyone with a sweet tooth as it’s inlaid with creamy chocolate layers![[{"fid":"60176","view_mode":"file_entity_view_compress_only","fields":{"format":"default","alignment":"center","external_url":""},"link_text":null,"type":"media","field_deltas":{"14":{"format":"default","alignment":"center","external_url":""}},"attributes":{"class":"media-element file-default media-wysiwyg-align-center","data-delta":"14"}}]]KartoffelpufferAlso known as potato pancakes, these were once a favourite snack served up by the peasants during the medieval ages. These deep fried potatoes are mixed with onions, flour and eggs and served with apple sauce for a sweet touch. Definitely a dish to try for breakfast.[[{"fid":"60181","view_mode":"file_entity_view_compress_only","fields":{"format":"default","alignment":"center","external_url":""},"link_text":null,"type":"media","field_deltas":{"15":{"format":"default","alignment":"center","external_url":""}},"attributes":{"class":"media-element file-default media-wysiwyg-align-center","data-delta":"15"}}]]StolenA popular cake made around the Christmas period, this is another dessert to delight those with a sweet tooth. Made up of dried candied fruits, nuts and spices it is rolled up and covered in powdered sugar.[[{"fid":"60186","view_mode":"file_entity_view_compress_only","fields":{"format":"default","alignment":"","external_url":""},"link_text":null,"type":"media","field_deltas":{"16":{"format":"default","alignment":"","external_url":""}},"attributes":{"class":"media-element file-default","data-delta":"16"}}]] Ready to strap on the leiderhosen and eat your way through Germany?BOOK TODAY

Belgium is a country that comprises of many nations, languages and customs that had once made it the main centre of Western Europe. Over the centuries the country’s ideal location and wealth has led to many wars over its control. It is along its waterways that Belgium holds its richest stories of wealth, loss and power. Let’s take a look at 5 of the must-see stops along the Belgium’s grand waterways.       Bruges       Ghent       Oudernaarde       Kortrijk       Tournai Bruges Bruges is an official UNESCO site and is home to numerous landmarks with historical significance. Bruges was once a cultural centre of religion, art and architecture. Today you can easily explore the city’s rich history, its impact on the continent of Europe and enjoy its more modern offerings. From shopping, tours, eating and wonderful festivals…Bruges is city that you do not want to miss out on.[[{"fid":"65416","view_mode":"default","fields":{"format":"default","alignment":"center","external_url":""},"type":"media","field_deltas":{"1":{"format":"default","alignment":"center","external_url":""}},"attributes":{"class":"media-element file-file-entity-view-compress-only media-wysiwyg-align-center","data-delta":"1"}}]]Ghent Ghent is the main highlight along your barging trip in Belgium. Ghent was one of the largest and most affluent cities in Europe during the medieval era. Ghent offers festivals, amazing food, art and beautiful scenery everywhere. Visit the Ghent Masterpiece at St. Bavos, explore the artsy Zebrastraat, enjoy browsing the Saint Jacobs flea market or wander the city at night.[[{"fid":"65421","view_mode":"default","fields":{"format":"default","alignment":"center","external_url":""},"type":"media","field_deltas":{"2":{"format":"default","alignment":"center","external_url":""}},"attributes":{"class":"media-element file-file-entity-view-compress-only media-wysiwyg-align-center","data-delta":"2"}}]]Oudenaarde This old town was once a thriving city during the medieval era of Flanders. The town was founded in 974, when a Roman fortification was erected as a defence against France. Originally named Ename, the town flourished into a city specialising in textile production, especially tapestries. The town is a wonderful testament to the thriving Flemish culture that once dominated the Flanders before the wars. Oudenaarde has a fantastic display of unique tapestries from the medieval era, amazing architecture and a brewery worth checking out.[[{"fid":"65426","view_mode":"default","fields":{"format":"default","alignment":"center","external_url":""},"type":"media","field_deltas":{"3":{"format":"default","alignment":"center","external_url":""}},"attributes":{"class":"media-element file-file-entity-view-compress-only media-wysiwyg-align-center","data-delta":"3"}}]]Kortrijk The city is known for the famous ‘Battle of the Golden Spurs’ in 1302, where the community of Flemish residents of Kortrijk stood up against the French. The battle led to a victory for the Flemish, making this small town another treasure trove full of well reserved Flemish culture and art. Like many of the smaller cities, the Gothic styled architecture still defines the city skyline. Kortrijk is great for exploring on foot or by bicycle, as it is the largest car-free area in Belgium![[{"fid":"65431","view_mode":"default","fields":{"format":"default","alignment":"center","external_url":""},"type":"media","field_deltas":{"4":{"format":"default","alignment":"center","external_url":""}},"attributes":{"class":"media-element file-file-entity-view-compress-only media-wysiwyg-align-center","data-delta":"4"}}]] Tournai Tournai is predominantly French speaking and has been handed back and forth as French territory over the centuries. One of the highlights is cruising along or cycling along the city’s historical promenades. The Pont des Torus is one of the oldest fort bridges from Tournai’s medieval era. Visit the iconic Notre Dame of Tournai, walk up the belfry to enjoy the views over the city and enjoy the superb collection of fine art at the museum.[[{"fid":"65436","view_mode":"default","fields":{"format":"default","alignment":"center","external_url":""},"type":"media","field_deltas":{"5":{"format":"default","alignment":"center","external_url":""}},"attributes":{"class":"media-element file-file-entity-view-compress-only media-wysiwyg-align-center","data-delta":"5"}}]] BOOK BELGIUM