In Amsterdam, step onboard one of the top 10 river cruise ships as rated by Berlitz for an exciting 7-night river cruise.   ​Celebrate spring in the Netherlands and Belgium when the Keukenhof Gardens and Floralia come alive. Experience Amsterdam’s colorful canals, the whimsical Kinderdijk windmills and the art of Rubens and Michelangelo. Discover the timeless traditions of Delft porcelain and revel in the medieval architectural treasures of Bruges, Middelburg and Ghent. Throughout your journey indulge in Belgian chocolates, warm waffles and delicious cheeses—all while savoring the storybook atmosphere of the region. 

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Excursion Highlights: 

Small group guided excursions with a variety of choices, including immersive special interest tours, hiking and biking adventures.  Choose up to 2 each day.  This cruise includes amazing floral displays, gardens, and horticultural exhibits.  Choose gardens, flower shows,  historic sites, medieval towns and more.  Or choose to explore on your own  on complimentary bikes or walk.   Here are some items to choose.

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• Family owned bulb farm

• The famous windmills of Kinderdijk

• Keukenhof Gardens in Amsterdam

• Floralia Flower Show in Antwerp

• Medieval towns of Bruges, Ghent, and Middleburg!​

 

DAY 1 - ARRIVE IN AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS

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Embark your ship in Amsterdam for your 7 night cruise.
 

DAY 2 - AMSTERDAM – HOORN

Enjoy a scenic cruise through the IJsselmeer to Hoorn, where you have a choice of three excursions. Visit a family-run tulip farm with over one million tulips, each in different phases of growth and in many species and colors. For those seeking to travel back in time, you can visit the Zuiderzee Museum, providing insight into the maritime culture and history of the lively Zuiderzee region. And for more active adventurers, go for a guided bike ride through the Dutch countryside. (B,L,D)
 

DAY 3 - DELTA-MIDDELBURG

After enjoying a scenic cruise through the Delta, you can explore medieval Middelburg, which was the second largest trading city of the Dutch East India Company. Or, if you feel like exploring the city on two wheels, a guided bike ride is the perfect choice. Alternatively, you may discover the intriguing history of how the Delta Works, a unique storm surge barrier, came to be while visiting the Flood Museum. More than half of the Netherlands lies below sea level and the Delta Works were built to prevent a recurrence of the 1953 flood disaster. (B,L,D)
 

DAY 4 - GHENT, BELGIUM

There are several choices of excursions, depending on your interests. For those who wish to discover two medieval cities, Ghent and Bruges, you’ll wish to go on a highlights tour. Admire Ghent’s canal-side architecture and some of its famous sights, including the Castle of the Counts and Ghent Cathedral, and then visit Bruges, one of the best preserved medieval cities in Europe. Alternatively, you may go on a full-day excursion to Bruges, which includes a visit to the Church of Our Lady, home to the beautiful Carrara marble Madonna and Child sculpture by Michelangelo. Those more inclined to learn about the art of Belgian chocolate making can join a master chocolatier as he shares his insights. And for those who wish to enjoy more free time, join a walking tour of Ghent, followed by leisure time. (B,L,D)
 

DAY 5 - ANTWERP

Explore this trendy city on a walking tour where you’ll see Antwerp’s Steen Castle, Grote Market and Brabo Fountain, along with the UNESCO-designated Cathedral of Our Lady. For a more active exploration of the area, join a guided bike tour. Or you can visit the Rubens House, the former home of the famous 17th-century Flemish Baroque painter. Later in the afternoon, you have a choice of two excursions. Foodies will want to go on a culinary tour to indulge in chocolate, waffles and beer. Flower lovers and gardeners can roam through the Floralia, an annual spring flower show featuring approximately one million bulbs that are hand-planted each year by the castle staff. (B,L,D)
 

DAY 6 - ROTTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS – KINDERDIJK

During the morning, you can go on a walking tour of Rotterdam, nicknamed the "Gateway to Europe,” and taste local specialties. Or visit Delfshaven, where, on August 1, 1620, the Pilgrim fathers departed on their epic journey aboard the Speedwell. Stopping in Southampton, many then boarded the Mayflower and concluded their journey at Plymouth Rock in Massachusetts. Alternatively, go on an excursion to Delft, known as the home of the painter Johannes Vermeer, Delft Blue earthenware and the Royal House. While here, you’ll visit the Royal Delft Porcelain Factory and Museum. If you prefer a more active adventure, then go on a bike ride through Rotterdam and past some of its famous landmarks and architecture. In the afternoon, venture to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kinderdijk, a lovely village renowned for having the country’s greatest concentration of windmills, all dating from the 18th century. You may also pedal past the windmills from the seat of a bike. (B,L,D)

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DAY 7 - AMSTERDAM

 

AMSTERDAM. One of the most impressive public gardens in the world, Keukenhof, presents a spectacular display of millions of flowering tulips spread out over 70 acres. Spend time ambling through this legendary garden, open only nine weeks a year and sometimes referred to as the "Garden of Europe." Later in the day, admire Amsterdam’s historic harbor and canals, where you’ll see beautiful homes lining the water and the fabled Skinny Bridge. Or opt for a rare experience with a journey into the Netherland’s Floriade Expo* in Almere – very close to Amsterdam – which will feature stunning gardens, innovative sustainable gardening exhibits, live
entertainment, souvenirs and food stalls. (B,L,D)

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DAY 8 - DISEMBARKATION – DEPART AMSTERDAM

Disembark the ship and prepare for your flight home. (B)

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* Itineraries may change based on conditions.  All options are subject to change without notice.  Call for a quote and current itinerary.  Special offers are available while inventory lasts and only on select dates. Travel protection recommended.  Additional options may be available.  Other restrictions may apply.  Must be booked no later than 30 days prior to trip.

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