Grand Holland & Belgium Cruise (Imagery II)

Grand Holland & Belgium Cruise (Imagery II)

29 Views
15 Days From

$8255

$6691

Grand Holland & Belgium Cruise (Imagery II)

15 Days

Visiting: Amsterdam, Holland (Embarkation), Nijmegen. Excursion To Arnhem, Maastricht, Namur, Belgium, Liège, Antwerp, Brussels, Ghent, Ghent. Excursion To Flanders Field Museum, Veere, Dordrecht. Excursion To Kinderdijk, Rotterdam, Haarlem, Amsterdam (Disembarkation), Europe

Tour operator:

Avalon Waterways

Trip Styles:

River Cruise

From: $8255 $6691 Operator discount: -$1564 -19%

NB: Prices correct on 06-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Begin your tulip season cruise in Amsterdam. Visit Nijmegen, the oldest city in the Netherlands. Choose a visit to Arnhem’s WWII Airborne Museum or a bike ride. In Maastricht tour the old cobblestoned university town.

On to Belgium for a sightseeing tour of medieval Namur and free time to browse its ancient architecture, charming cafes, and bookshops. In Liège, see the ancient quarters of the “Fiery City” as well as its romantic streets, steps, and tiny alleyways. Next, you’ll explore the city of Antwerp—birthplace of the master painter Peter Paul Rubens. Stroll its cobbled lanes amid 16th-century guildhall houses and the cathedral’s stunning altarpiece paintings by the famous artist. In Brussels, you’ll find landmark buildings and a collection of cafes and shops on your guided tour. Visit “The Diamond of Flanders,” Ghent, for stunning Flemish artwork in St. Bavo’s Cathedral. Explore more of the Flanders area with In Flanders Fields Museum and moving battlefield memorials and memorabilia.

In Middelburg, explore its grand history in the Dutch East India Company. Visit the fascinating Flood Museum to hear and see the stories of the flood of 1953 . Continue your cruise through Kinderdijk—where windmills built in 1740 for water management helped the iconic structures become a symbol of Holland. See the Erasmus Bridge in Rotterdam, and the quintessential Dutch towns of Zaandam and Haarlem with their signature flower farms, windmills, waterways, and North Sea trading. Your cruise through Holland and Belgium returns to Amsterdam for a guided canal cruise through the iconic city.

Highlights

  • Day 1 Amsterdam (Embarkation): Onboard welcome reception

  • Day 2 Nijmegen. Excursion to Arnhem: Choice of biking tour in the Ooijpolder Nature Reserve, or guided walk in Nijmegen, or guided tour of Airborne Museum in Arnhem; free time in Nijmegen

  • Day 3 Maastricht: Choice of guided tour or walk with your Adventure Host

  • Day 4 Namur: Choice of guided tour or bike with your Adventure Host

  • Day 5 Liège: Guided tour

  • Day 6 Antwerp-Brussels: Choice of guided tour in Antwerp, visit the central Grote Markt or bike with your Adventure Host; free time in the evening in Brussels

  • Day 7 Brussels: Choice of guided tour, see the town hall, or attend a chocolate workshop or bike with your Adventure Host

  • Day 8 Brussels: Day at leisure

  • Day 9 Ghent: Choice of guided tour or bike with your Adventure Host

  • Day 10 Ghent: Visit to Flanders Field Museum in Ypres; visit to the battlefields; Last Post Ceremony at the Menin Gate

Show all

Places You'll See

Movenpick Amsterdam City

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Amsterdam,Holland (Embarkation)

Location: Amsterdam, Holland (Embarkation)

Meals Included: Dinner


AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND (EMBARKATION) Welcome to Holland. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding.

Flights into Amsterdam must arrive by 2 pm.

Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.

Your day in Amsterdam is free to explore at your leisure. During tulip season, you may take a Guided Optional Excursion to Keukenhof gardens—with more than seven million tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths, as well as other bulbs, planted each year. Outside of tulip season, join a Guided Optional Excursion to Zaanse Schans to see historic windmills and charming Dutch houses.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO NIJMEGEN

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AMSTERDAM-CANAL.jpg

Day 2: Nijmegen. Excursion To Arnhem

Location: Nijmegen. Excursion To Arnhem

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Join a Guided Tour of Nijmegen— the oldest town in the Netherlands. Learn how this city was first built more than 2,000 years ago by the Romans and see the archaeological Roman-era ruins in the city that was also damaged in WWII, OR:


Join a Guided Tour of the Airborne Museum of Hartenstein commemorating the 1944 WWII Battle of Arnhem.
NIJMEGEN. EXCURSION TO ARNHEM Wildlife, WWII Valor, and Famous Mills

ACTIVE Explore the beautiful landscape of lush fields and blue water on a bike ride through The Ooijpolder Nature Reserve, OR:

DISCOVERY Join a Guided Tour of Nijmegen— the oldest town in the Netherlands. Learn how this city was first built more than 2,000 years ago by the Romans and see the archaeological Roman-era ruins in the city that was also damaged in WWII, OR:

CLASSIC Join a Guided Tour of the Airborne Museum of Hartenstein commemorating the 1944 WWII Battle of Arnhem.


You may join a Guided Optional Excursion to the Windmill of Thorn or an Optional Cooking Workshop.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MAASTRICHT

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Day 3: Maastricht

Location: Maastricht

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Discover this vibrant university town with its lovely cathedrals, old houses, historical buildings, and impressively cobblestoned town center.
MAASTRICHT Dutch History, School Spirit, and an Architectural Feast

Enjoy an early morning sailing to Maastricht.

ACTIVE Maastricht's charm awaits. Follow your Adventure Host for a walk in this lovely town, OR:

CLASSIC Discover this vibrant university town with its lovely cathedrals, old houses, historical buildings, and impressively cobblestoned town center.

Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO NAMUR

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Day 4: Namur,Belgium

Location: Namur, Belgium

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of the picturesque old-town, fortress citadel, and medieval architecture.
NAMUR, BELGIUM Ancient Architecture and Charming Cafés

ACTIVE Explore Namur's countryside by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:

CLASSIC Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of the picturesque old-town, fortress citadel, and medieval architecture.

Take free time to stroll along Namur’s cobblestone lanes and visit its charming cafés and bookshops.

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO LIÈGE

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NAMUR.jpg

Day 5: Liège

Location: Liège

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of the “Fiery City” of Liège with its beautiful ancient quarters, peculiar alleys, and romantic streets. Don’t miss sampling authentically sweet Liège Waffles.
LIÈGE Historic Wonders and Wonderful Waffles

CLASSIC Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of the “Fiery City” of Liège with its beautiful ancient quarters, peculiar alleys, and romantic streets. Don’t miss sampling authentically sweet Liège Waffles.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ANTWERP

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LIEGE.jpg

Day 6: Antwerp

Location: Antwerp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Take a Guided Tour of this sophisticated city to visit the central Grote Markt, lined with 16th-century guildhall houses. You’ll also see the beautiful city hall, the Cathedral of Our Lady with its stunning altarpiece paintings by Rubens.
ANTWERP A Rubenesque Cathedral in Artful Antwerp

Join your Adventure Host for today's special activities.

ACTIVE Explore Antwerp by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:

CLASSIC Take a Guided Tour of this sophisticated city to visit the central Grote Markt, lined with 16th-century guildhall houses. You’ll also see the beautiful city hall, the Cathedral of Our Lady with its stunning altarpiece paintings by Rubens.

Later, enjoy dinner and live entertainment.

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BRUSSELS

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ANTWERP-GROTE-MARKT.jpg

Day 7: Brussels

Location: Brussels

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Join a do-it-yourself chocolate workshop for a fun and interactive experience, OR:

Join a Guided Tour of Brussels, see the Town Hall with its landmark buildings and discover the many local bars, cafés, and shops of the Lower Town Streets.
BRUSSELS Ancient Landmarks and New Haunts

ACTIVE See Brussel's Aquaculture farm on bike with your Adventure Host, OR:

DISCOVERY Join a do-it-yourself chocolate workshop for a fun and interactive experience, OR:

CLASSIC Join a Guided Tour of Brussels, see the Town Hall with its landmark buildings and discover the many local bars, cafés, and shops of the Lower Town Streets.

The afternoon is free to explore Brussels at your pace.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BRUSSELS

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BRUSSELS-TOWN-HALL.jpg

Day 8: Brussels

Location: Brussels

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


BRUSSELS Filling Fare and Fabled Beer

Spend a day at leisure to sample Brussels hearty cuisine and famous beer.

Enjoy dinner on board as you sail for Ghent this evening.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO GHENT

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BRUSSELS-BEER.jpg

Day 9: Ghent

Location: Ghent

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Explore Ghent– “The Diamond of Flanders”— with a Guided Sightseeing Tour of this showcase of medieval Flemish wealth. You’ll visit St. Bavo’s Cathedral—with its remarkable Flemish artwork.

GHENT Medieval Masterpieces and Flemish Finery

Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.

ACTIVE Explore a different side of Ghent by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:

CLASSIC Explore Ghent– “The Diamond of Flanders”— with a Guided Sightseeing Tour of this showcase of medieval Flemish wealth. You’ll visit St. Bavo’s Cathedral—with its remarkable Flemish artwork.

Alternatively, you may choose to join a full-day Guided Optional Excursion of Bruges to explore its canals, cobbled streets, and medieval buildings. You’ll see its crisscrossed canals, the 13th-century belfry of Market Square, and charming patrician houses.

This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN GHENT

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GHENT.jpg

Day 10: Ghent. Excursion To Flanders Field Museum

Location: Ghent. Excursion To Flanders Field Museum

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner



Experience the Last Post Ceremony, taking place nightly under the arches of the Menin Gate. Enjoy some free time for dinner before the Ceremony starts.
GHENT. EXCURSION TO FLANDERS FIELD MUSEUM Battlefield Remembrances in Flanders

DISCOVERY Visit the In Flanders’ Field Museum in Ypres— learn about the story of the invasion of Belgium, the first months of the mobilization, the four years trench war in the Westhoek, the end of the war, and the permanent remembrance ever since. After your visit, enjoy lunch at the museum’s café.

DISCOVERY Following the museum, visit, battlefields, cemeteries, memorials, and private collections.

DISCOVERY Experience the Last Post Ceremony, taking place nightly under the arches of the Menin Gate. Enjoy some free time for dinner before the Ceremony starts.


OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MIDDELBURG

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YPRES.jpg

Day 11: Veere

Location: Veere

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Explore the town of Veere with an expert local guide.

MIDDELBURG, HOLLAND A Spicy History in Middelburg’s Dutch Harbor Town

CLASSIC Join a Guided Walking Tour through the winding cobblestones and canals of Middelburg. See the15th century Gothic Town Hall and learn about its important role in the spice trade and Dutch East India trading.

Enjoy lunch on board while cruising to Veere.

ACTIVE Alternatively, bike from Middelburg to Veere with your Adventure Host.

VEERE

History and Scottish Houses

CLASSIC Explore the town of Veere with an expert local guide.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO DORDRECHT

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MIDDELBURG-DETAIL.jpg

Day 12: Dordrecht. Excursion To Kinderdijk,Rotterdam

Location: Dordrecht. Excursion To Kinderdijk, Rotterdam

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Rotterdam featuring innovative architecture, including the marvelous Erasmus Bridge.

DORDRECHT. EXCURSION TO KINDERDIJK–ROTTERDAM Harnessing the Wind 300 Years

Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.

CLASSIC Join a Guided Tour of Kinderdijk where 19 windmills were built in 1740 as flood prevention and water management. You’ll hear about the windmill’s vital role in the Netherland’s history and why it became a national symbol of Holland.

Enjoy a cruise through Rotterdam harbor.

ACTIVE Experience Rotterdam by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:

CLASSIC Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Rotterdam featuring innovative architecture, including the marvelous Erasmus Bridge.

Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ZAANDAM

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KINDERDIJK.jpg

Day 13: Haarlem

Location: Haarlem

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Visit Haarlem, a major flower-bulb-growing district outside of Amsterdam. Explore the former North Sea trading port with its medieval features, gabled houses, and leafy courtyards.

ZAANDAM Windmills, Waterways, and Waving Fields of Flowers

Arrive in Zaandam this morning with free time to explore this quintessential Dutch town. See windmills, waterways, and flower farms, while discovering Dutch history in its handicraft shops and museums.

Cruise to Haarlem this afternoon while enjoying lunch on board.

HAARLEM

Tulips and North Sea Trading Ports

ACTIVE Enjoy an easy bike ride to the beach with your Adventure Host, OR:

CLASSIC Visit Haarlem, a major flower-bulb-growing district outside of Amsterdam. Explore the former North Sea trading port with its medieval features, gabled houses, and leafy courtyards.

Enjoy dinner on board your ship this evening as you sail to Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AMSTERDAM

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ZAANDAM.jpg

Day 14: Amsterdam

Location: Amsterdam

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Discover the true beauty of Amsterdam with an off-the-beaten-path Guided Walking Tour through its cobblestone streets for a captivating look at this legendary city, OR:
Explore the iconic waterways of Amsterdam on a Guided Canal Cruise past stately homes of Amsterdam’s “Golden Age."
AMSTERDAM Canals of Colorful Amsterdam

ACTIVE Join a Biking Tour through the Dutch countryside past polders, dykes, and quaint centuries-old villages, OR:

DISCOVERY Discover the true beauty of Amsterdam with an off-the-beaten-path Guided Walking Tour through its cobblestone streets for a captivating look at this legendary city, OR:

CLASSIC Explore the iconic waterways of Amsterdam on a Guided Canal Cruise past stately homes of Amsterdam’s “Golden Age."

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AMSTERDAM

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AMSTERDAM-CANAL-CRUISE.jpg

Day 15: Amsterdam (Disembarkation)

Location: Amsterdam (Disembarkation)

Meals Included: Breakfast


AMSTERDAM (DISEMBARKATION) Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.

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AMSTERDAM-SUNRISE.jpg

Notes

  • In the event of technical or water level issues, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or alter the program, including hotel overnight when necessary.
  • Guided Tours, Optional Excursions, activities, sailing and docking schedules may be contingent on weather conditions or other issues outside of our control and could therefore be subject to change at any time.
  • Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.

Accommodation

Amsterdam:Movenpick Amsterdam City

Check out our Q&As

  • Cuisine

    All meals on board are prepared by accomplished chefs who prepare regional specialties as well as familiar favorites with only the freshest, local ingredients. Our Suite Ships® feature daily buffet-style breakfast and lunch with your choice of soups, main courses with starter, salad, or sandwich, and, of course, dessert. Complimentary room service is also available with Continental breakfast, lunch, and dinner. On the Mekong and Ganges, a mix of Western and local dishes is offered; in the Galápagos, you'll be able to taste some Ecuadorian specialties; and in the Amazon, you will be able to sample Peruvian specialties along with Western dishes.

  • Cruise Director

    A professional, experienced, English-speaking Cruise Director accompanies every departure. Naturalists are on board in the Amazon and Galápagos. Special Interest cruises typically include an expert specific to the cruise theme—from Wine Masters to History Experts.

  • What about young travellers and children?

    In our many years of cruising experience, we have found that children under the age of eight typically are too young to fully enjoy a cruise vacation. Because of this and for the safety and enjoyment of all passengers, we do not accept children under eight years of age. In addition, please note that there are no special arrangements or activities for children on our ships.

  • What are single room supplements?

    For single travellers who prefer the privacy of their own room and stateroom, single accommodation can, of course, be requested.

  • Clothing & Dress Code

    Your comfort is our first concern. Onboard and onshore dress codes are casual. Please bring comfortable walking shoes for sightseeing. Dinner attire is casual—open-neck shirts and slacks for men; slacks, skirts, or dresses for ladies. Coats and ties may be worn if preferred. The Welcome and Farewell Dinners in Europe are dressy, but not formal. On the Mekong, Ganges, Amazon, and Galápagos, dress attire, including coats and ties, is not recommended due to the warm, humid climate.

  • When will I receive my digital travel documents?

    Avalon will email you a set of travel documents, which includes a copy of your itinerary and, where applicable, information on your hotels and optional excursions. Electronic Travel documents, including applicable eTicket receipts, itineraries, and other information are sent approximately 2-3 weeks prior to departure, provided full payment has been received.

  • Where can I find the docking location for my cruise ship?

    Avalon Waterways strives to bring you the best docking locations along Europe’s rivers. In many cities, this includes multiple docking sites. Docking positions at each port are assigned by local authorities, and may vary depending upon the number of ships in port on any given day. This can sometimes result in double-docking with more than one ship assigned to the same dock and the ships “rafted” together, temporarily obstructing some views from on board the ships. Exact docking locations will be available 24-72 hours prior to embarkation. Before your cruise’s docking location is available, you can download a map of all possible docking sites for your embarkation city at www.AvalonWaterwaysPorts.com. Once your ship’s docking assignment is available, you can download a map that shows only that specific location, including address.

  • Are Avalon River Cruises Handicap Accessible?

    Avalon Waterways makes reasonable attempts to accommodate the special needs of disabled and mobility impaired travellers but is not responsible in the event it is unable to do so. Because we cannot provide individual assistance to travellers in many situations, and most of our transportation services are not equipped with wheelchair ramps, we recommend that you view our terms and conditions for details or contact us to learn more.

  • Internet Access

    All Avalon ships in Europe have complimentary Wi-Fi available. On the Mekong and Ganges, complimentary Wi-Fi access is available in the Panorama Lounge. The signal is not always reliable, as you will be cruising through remote areas. To access the ship's Wi-Fi Internet network, you will be given a PIN number at reception to use on your laptop, tablet, or mobile device. Wi-Fi is not available in the Amazon or Galápagos.

  • Onboard Language

    The language on board is English. All staff, crew, and tour guides speak English. All announcements and commentary will be in English.

Reviews of this operator

Kristina McGuire  

Rhône river from Carmargue to Lyon

07-Jul-2023

I am in my 70’s And travelled with my son who is in his mid 30’s. We both had different experiences and many shared ones. We both agree that the Avalon cruise on the Rhone was a great experience. The crew,without exception, was friendly and helpful, the accommodation comfortable and food and wine, delicious. We both gained a lot from our daily shore based experiences,learning about many facets of France, history, culture, economy, farming, industry and the great and varied beauty. I definitely felt my experience extended me in many ways and my son did too. Highly recommend a cruise. Thank you

Trustpilot
MaryEllen Ferderber  

8 day active and discovery on the Moselle from Luxembourg to Frankfurt

07-Jul-2023

8 day active and discovery on the Moselle. Fabulous itinerary and well selected guides. The scenery and weather June 4th, were perfect. Katy, our cruise director was outstanding and well organized. Bitak, the activity host was wonderful, very personable, and helpful. Really all the staff were very professional, kind, and ready to make our vacation a trip of a life time. The chef, Michael I believe was 5 star! Can’t wait to book another river cruise.

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Fernand Baillargeon  

Memorable cruise on the Mekong

17-Mar-2023

The Vietnam/Cambodia Mekong cruise on the Avalon Saigon was our First river cruise and overall it was fantastic. Excellent service on board and outstanding guides for the shore excursions. The Crew/staff were friendly and professional. All of it conducted like a symphony by our excellent Cruise director, Khan. The only thing we would like to see improved is a two nights stay at the Vinpearl, Halong bay (one night is not adequate). Thank you Avalon and the Crew of the Saigon for making our trip memorable.

Trustpilot
Larry Preston Omo   Portugal

Festive Season in the Heart of Germany (Tranquility II)

14-Dec-2023

This tour with Avalon was our first river boat cruise. Overall we enjoyed the experience. The ship was very nice, the crew was terrific and the food was good and presented very well. Our room was fine and the cleaning staff did a remarkable job. We enjoyed all of the excursions and the beautiful German towns we visited, particularly Rothenburg - what a delightful place. We appreciate all of the assistance Tourhub provided prior to our trip. We will continue to use your services. Thanks for everything.

Bob K  

1st River Cruise Exceeded Expectations

07-Aug-2023

My wife and I were looking to do something special for our 50th anniversary so we booked a weeklong cruise on the Rhone. We had done many ocean cruises but this was our first river cruise and it was wonderful. The food, the entire staff, and the excursions were all first rate. We made many new friends during the cruise and I suspect we'll be back on a 2nd river cruise with Avalon in the not too distant future.

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Sunday - Sunday

Apr 05, 2026 - Apr 19, 2026
$8255 $6691

Operator discount: -$1564

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$8458 $6895

Operator discount: -$1564

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Avalon Waterways requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of avalon waterways charges.

    Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 35% of booking price.

    At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.

    At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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