Holland and Belgium Springtime River Cruise
Savor springtime in Holland and Belgium with a cruise that features blooming tulip fields and iconic windmills. Enjoy a canal cruise in the heart of Amsterdam. Stop in Arnhem, a city steeped in rich culture and history. Step into medieval times during a Bruges walking tour. Explore Kinderdijk and see Holland’s iconic windmills. Visit Keukenhof Gardens, home to more than 7 million tulips. Relax as you make your way along picturesque scenery and visit beloved cities such as Amsterdam and Bruges.
Savor springtime in Holland and Belgium with a cruise that features blooming tulip fields and iconic windmills. Enjoy a canal cruise in the heart of Amsterdam. Stop in Arnhem, a city steeped in rich culture and history. Step into medieval times during a Bruges walking tour. Explore Kinderdijk and see Holland’s iconic windmills. Visit Keukenhof Gardens, home to more than 7 million tulips. Relax as you make your way along picturesque scenery and visit beloved cities such as Amsterdam and Bruges.
Highlights
- Unpack for a week spent cruising the canals and exploring the country and cityscapes of Holland and Belgium. At the various stops, guests will have the opportunity to view endless rows of Tulips at Keukenhof, stroll the streets of medieval Bruges, and cruise along the canals of Amsterdam. During the cruise, guests can relax aboard the modern cruise ship and take in the natural landscapes.
- A UNESCO World Heritage site since 2009, the Amsterdam Canal Belt welcomes 3 million passengers every year. The canals were originally dug for water control and military defense for the city and over the years grew to a new type of transport for people and goods. Cruising along at a leisurely pace, today's boats sail thru famous landmark canals such as Gentlemen's Canal, Emperor's Canal and the Prince's Canal.
- Keukenhof is a large flower garden in Lisse, the Netherlands in the south of Holland. It is the world’s second largest flower garden at 79 acres in size. Keukenhof plants over 7 million flowers in throughout the gardens each year. The gardens are open March through May each year.
- Arnhem is a large city located in the eastern part of the Netherlands on the banks of the River Rhine. The city’s origin dates back to the 12th century. Today, Arnhem is known as the site of one of the most famous battles of World War II: the Battle of Arnhem which took place in September of 1944.
- Middelburg is a city in the south-western part of the Netherlands. The city dates back to the 8th or 9th century. Today much of Middelburg’s old city center has retained much of its historic and picturesque character, despite one-third of the old center being bombed in 1940 during World War II. After the war, much of the old center was rebuilt and restored, as much along pre-War lines as possible.
- Bruges is the capital and largest city of the province of West Flanders in the Flemish Region of Belgium. Located in the northwest of the country,Bruges has most of its medieval architecture intact. The historic centre of Bruges has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000. Along with a few other canal-based northern cities, such as Amsterdam, it is sometimes referred to as "The Venice of the North". In the last half of the 19th century, Bruges became one of the world's first tourist destinations attracting wealthy British and French tourists. Today, it attracts some 2 million tourists annually.
- Antwerp is the most populous city in the country of Belgium. Antwerp is located on the River Scheldt, which links to the North Sea. Antwerp’s port is considered one of the biggest ports in the world. The city of Antwerp dates back to the 4th century. Today, Antwerp is known for being the world’s leading diamond city, with more than 70% of all diamonds traded in the city.
- Kinderdijk is a small village located in the Netherlands in South Holland. The main attraction of the village are the windmills here. The area features 19 windmills which were built around 1740. The windmills are the largest concentration of old windmills in the Netherlands. They are also known as one of the best known Dutch tourist sites.
Hotels
- <i>MS The Gentleman</i> — Amsterdam
Details
- Tour Operator
- Collette
- Start City
- Amsterdam
- End City
- Amsterdam
- Duration (Days)
- 9
- Activity Level
- Level 2
What's Included
- 20 meals included
- Unpack for a week spent cruising the canals and exploring the country and cityscapes of Holland and Belgium. At the various stops, guests will have the opportunity to view endless rows of Tulips at Keukenhof, stroll the streets of medieval Bruges, and cruise along the canals of Amsterdam. During the cruise, guests can relax aboard the modern cruise ship and take in the natural landscapes.
- A UNESCO World Heritage site since 2009, the Amsterdam Canal Belt welcomes 3 million passengers every year. The canals were originally dug for water control and military defense for the city and over the years grew to a new type of transport for people and goods. Cruising along at a leisurely pace, today's boats sail thru famous landmark canals such as Gentlemen's Canal, Emperor's Canal and the Prince's Canal.
- Keukenhof is a large flower garden in Lisse, the Netherlands in the south of Holland. It is the world’s second largest flower garden at 79 acres in size. Keukenhof plants over 7 million flowers in throughout the gardens each year. The gardens are open March through May each year.
- Arnhem is a large city located in the eastern part of the Netherlands on the banks of the River Rhine. The city’s origin dates back to the 12th century. Today, Arnhem is known as the site of one of the most famous battles of World War II: the Battle of Arnhem which took place in September of 1944.
- Middelburg is a city in the south-western part of the Netherlands. The city dates back to the 8th or 9th century. Today much of Middelburg’s old city center has retained much of its historic and picturesque character, despite one-third of the old center being bombed in 1940 during World War II. After the war, much of the old center was rebuilt and restored, as much along pre-War lines as possible.
- Bruges is the capital and largest city of the province of West Flanders in the Flemish Region of Belgium. Located in the northwest of the country,Bruges has most of its medieval architecture intact. The historic centre of Bruges has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000. Along with a few other canal-based northern cities, such as Amsterdam, it is sometimes referred to as "The Venice of the North". In the last half of the 19th century, Bruges became one of the world's first tourist destinations attracting wealthy British and French tourists. Today, it attracts some 2 million tourists annually.
- Antwerp is the most populous city in the country of Belgium. Antwerp is located on the River Scheldt, which links to the North Sea. Antwerp’s port is considered one of the biggest ports in the world. The city of Antwerp dates back to the 4th century. Today, Antwerp is known for being the world’s leading diamond city, with more than 70% of all diamonds traded in the city.
- Kinderdijk is a small village located in the Netherlands in South Holland. The main attraction of the village are the windmills here. The area features 19 windmills which were built around 1740. The windmills are the largest concentration of old windmills in the Netherlands. They are also known as one of the best known Dutch tourist sites.
Pricing
| Option | Price | Departure | Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| Double | USD 5,399.00 | 2027-03-30 | |
| Single | USD 7,399.00 | 2027-03-30 |
Itinerary
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Day 1: Overnight Flight
Savor springtime in Holland and Belgium with a cruise that highlights the blooming Dutch tulip fields. Relax as you make your way along seemingly endless fields of vibrant flowers and iconic windmills.
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Day 2: Amsterdam, Netherlands - Board Ship
Arrive today in Amsterdam,* the 800-year-old capital of the Netherlands. As arrival times will vary, there is no scheduled sightseeing today. For those arriving earlier in the day, you may relax in the ship’s lounge and enjoy refreshments until your cabin is ready in the late afternoon. You may also consider visiting one of Amsterdam's famed museums, such as the Van Gogh Museum** or the Anne Frank House.** Tonight, join your fellow travelers for a welcome reception onboard your ship, savoring a cocktail and dinner as you toast to the journey ahead.
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Day 3: Amsterdam - Keukenhof Gardens - Amsterdam
See Amsterdam the way it’s truly meant to be seen – by canal. On your private boat, cruise under sloping bridges and pass by quintessential Dutch houses before having the opportunity to explore this iconic city on your own. This afternoon, head to the world-famous Keukenhof Gardens, featuring acres of tranquil ponds, shaded paths, and more than 7 million tulips and other flowers on exhibit. This evening, your ship leaves Amsterdam.
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Day 4: Arnhem
Arrive in Arnhem, a city known for its rich cultural heritage and history. With a full day to explore, perhaps you’ll wander through one of the city’s many parks or delve into the local history on your own at a WWII museum.*** Perhaps you'll join an optional morning tour to the Airborne Museum to learn about the Battle of Arnhem. After lunch, you may consider opting for an afternoon visit to the Kröller-Müller Museum, which holds the second largest Van Gogh collection in the world. Then this evening, pass by lovely Dutch scenery as your journey continues.
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Day 5: Middelburg
This morning, sail along scenic Dutch waterways before spending an afternoon in Middelburg, the capital of the Dutch province of Zeeland. Join your Tour Manager for a walk through the twisting lanes and take in the city’s relaxed atmosphere or explore it on your own. See how the local trading legacy remains in the architecture, passing by timeless brick houses, a Gothic town hall, and medieval towers. Consider taking an optional excursion to the storm surge barrier and Flood Museum to learn about the Netherlands' largest flood defense system.
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Day 6: Ghent, Belgium - Bruges
Say hello to Belgium this morning during a scenic cruise. This afternoon, travel by motorcoach from the port of Ghent**** to the fairytale city of Bruges and explore it on foot during a guided walking tour***** featuring cozy town squares and medieval dwellings.
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Day 7: Antwerp
Join a local expert in Antwerp for a city tour that explores its rich history and Gothic and Baroque architecture. This afternoon, consider joining your Tour Manager on a walk****** from the port area to Antwerpen Centraal, one of the world’s most beautiful train stations, or enjoy free time to do as you please. Whatever you choose, spend your evening enjoying an elegant farewell cocktail reception, followed by dinner.
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Day 8: Kinderdijk, Netherlands - Rotterdam
Stop in Kinderdijk, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and village, to experience Holland’s iconic 18th-century windmills. Walk along the winding paths and venture inside one of these working windmills, seeing how the country’s heritage blends into modern day society. This afternoon, it’s your choice! Travel by motorcoach******* to Delft to discover its charming canals, medieval architecture, and rich history on a walking tour followed by some free time to explore -OR- to The Hague for a guided stroll past landmarks like the historic Binnenhof and the Peace Palace, followed by some time to take in the area your own way. Back aboard the ship, toast to the end of your journey.
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Day 9: Amsterdam - Disembark Ship - Tour Ends
Your tour comes to a close today, leaving you with memories of vibrant flowers and towering windmills.