Robert’s Travel Emporium – Discover the world with Minerva Travel, your full-service agency specializing in leisure and group tourism for children, young adults, and individuals with disabilities.

Tour Netherlands Antwerp Arnhem Avalon Artistry Ii Avalon Tranquility Ii Aw_Amsterdam Aw_Antwerp Aw_Artistryii Aw_Belgium + 18 More Aw_Holland Aw_Rhine River Aw_Tranquilityii Belgium Enkhuizen Europe Friesland Ghent Holland Kampen Middleburg River Cruise Rotterdam Sneek Veere Willemstad Avalon Waterways 15 Day River Cruise Amsterdam to Amsterdam

If you’ve dreamed of seeing the legendary flowers of Holland and Belgium, this is the perfect way to spend springtime among the tulips! This 2-week European river cruise begins and ends in Amsterdam to explore the flowering fields, windmills, and delicious Dutch cuisine, culture, and art. For beer enthusiasts, a knowledgeable Beer Expert joins the first week of your cruise to host lectures, beer tasting, and food-and-beer-pairings.

Your first amazing stop is Rotterdam, Holland, where you’ll explore the “Garden of Europe” at Keukenhof. Gaze across a kaleidoscope of flowering bulbs—blooming with 7 million tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths, to name a few. In Antwerp, browse the central Grote Markt amid 16th-century guildhall houses and visit the Cathedral of Our Lady adorned with Rubens’ stunning altarpiece. Guided sightseeing includes a visit to a local brewery. In Ghent, Belgium, join a local expert for a guided tour of the city, including a visit to St. Baaf’s Cathedral. A canal boat tour with a brewery visit is also included. Walk the winding cobblestones and canals of Middelburg. See the windmills and historic harbor of Willemstad, and return to Amsterdam to browse the largest flower auction in the world or tour the city on a canal cruise. Envision the 17th-century maritime days of the Zuiderzee in Enkhuizen, see the second largest collection of Van Gogh masterpieces in Arnhem, and admire innovative architecture in Rotterdam. Return to Amsterdam to cruise its colorful canals. Windmills, waterways, and wonderful springtime views are all waiting for you on this river cruise through Holland and Belgium in tulip season.

Day 1: AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND (EMBARKATION)

Welcome to Holland. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding.Flights into Amsterdam must arrive by 3:30 pm.Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.Your day in Amsterdam is free to explore at your leisure.You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to beautiful Zaanse Schans where you’ll see a wonderful collection of well-preserved historic windmills and Dutch houses.Enjoy dinner and explore the ship on your first night on board.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ROTTERDAM(D)

Day 2: ROTTERDAM

Dutch Treats and Flowers Sweet. Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.CLASSIC Join a full- or half-day Guided Tour of breathtaking Keukenhof—known as the “Garden of Europe”—for its 70 acres of lush parkland, lakes, and the world’s largest flower gardens—with more than seven million tulips, daffodils and hyacinths as well as other bulbs, planted each year.DISCOVERY Onboard lecture hosted by your Beer ExpertTake some free time to relax on the harbor-side in Rotterdam with an artisan beer, a slice of appeltaart (Dutch apple pie), and a koffie verkeerd, a typical Dutch drink with equal parts coffee and milk. Take a bike from your ship to explore Rotterdam and the surrounding area. Before dinner, enjoy a cruise through Rotterdam harbor.Later, enjoy live entertainment on board. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ANTWERP(B,L,D)

Day 3: ANTWERP, BELGIUM

Cathedrals, Carats and CrêpesDISCOVERY 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. Your sightseeing will end at a brewery where you will learn something more about the world-famous Belgian beers.You may otherwise choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to the nearby capital, Brussels- considered home to the European Union and admire its magnificent palaces and cathedrals.You might prefer to take time on your own to indulge in Antwerp’s signature Belgian waffles and crêpes-or explore this bike-friendly city from its old wharfs to its legendary diamond district.Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO GHENT(B,L,D)

Day 4: GHENT

Medieval Masterpieces and Flemish FineryDISCOVERY Enjoy a canal boat that will take you through the town of Ghent to one of the very special breweries where you will find how to brew the local Gruut beerYou may choose to join a 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.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MIDDELBURG(B,L,D)

Day 5: MIDDLEBURG, HOLLAND

A Spicy History in Middleburg’s Dutch Harbor TownJoin your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.CLASSIC Join a Guided Walking Tour through the winding cobblestones and canals of Middelburg. See the 15th-century Gothic Town Hall and learn about its important role in the spice trade and Dutch East India trading. Spend some free time biking or walking through Middelburg to sample Babbelaar cookies, fries, or beer before cruising to Veere.VEEREThe Delta Works Stand Strong as a Technical MarvelDISCOVERY Join a Guided Tour of the Delta Works, the largest flood-protection system in the world, and a miracle of modern technology.This evening, enjoy onboard food-and-beer-pairing dinner hosted by your Beer Expert.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO WILLEMSTAD(B,L,D)

Day 6: WILLEMSTAD

Willemstad’s Windmills and Historic HarborACTIVE Grab a Nordic walking stick for a hike with your Adventure Host in Willemstad.CLASSIC Join a Guided Walking Tour of Willemstad and discover its many beautifully restored buildings from the 17th and 18th Century.DISCOVERY Later, enjoy a Beer & Cheese Tasting on board as you prepare to sail to AmsterdamAFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO AMSTERDAM(B,L,D)

Day 7: AMSTERDAM

Canals of Colorful AmsterdamDISCOVERY Discover Aalsmeer Flower Auction-the largest in the world, where around 20 million flowers are sold every day. Later enjoy a typical Dutch breakfast, OR:CLASSIC Explore the iconic waterways of Amsterdam on a Guided Canal Cruise past stately homes of Amsterdam’s “Golden Age”, followed by a real Dutch beer experience.This afternoon choose among the many Guided Optional Excursions available. Take some free time to explore Amsterdam’s colorful streets and canal houses, galleries, and shops.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AMSTERDAM(B,L,D)

Day 8: AMSTERDAM

Holland’s Lively CapitalYour day in Amsterdam is free to explore at your leisure.You may join a Guided Optional Excursion to beautiful Zaanse Schans, where you’ll see a wonderful collection of well-preserved historic windmills and Dutch houses.OVERNIGHT SAILING TO ENKHUIZEN(B,L,D)

Day 9: ENKHUIZEN

Tulips Fields, Flower Farms and the ZuiderzeeEnjoy a leisurely morning cruiseCLASSIC Take a guided tour of Zuiderzee Museum to discover cultural traditions and maritime history, OR:DISCOVERY Join a Guided Tour of local tulip fields and Dutch flower farms.Spend the rest of the afternoon walking or biking through Enkhuizen.Later, enjoy onboard live entertainment.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ENKHUIZEN(B,L,D)

Day 10: ENKHUIZEN

Home and Hearth in a Dutch Harbor TownVisit the Adventure Center for Today’s activities with your Adventure Host.CLASSIC Take a Guided Walking Tour of Enkhuizen to experience the charm and beauty of this historic harbor village.Enjoy a brief afternoon cruise to Friesland.SNEEK, FRIESLANDThe Heavens, Holsteins, and Horses of FrieslandCLASSIC Take a Guided Excursion to visit the Royal Eise Eisinga Planetarium-the oldest planetarium still working in the world. Watch for the world-famous black-and –white cattle and black Friesian horses.Take time for a stroll before dinner.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN SNEEK(B,L,D)

Day 11: KAMPEN

Maritime Marvels of 17th-Century ShipbuildingEnjoy a leisurely morning cruise.CLASSIC Take a Guided Tour of Giethoorn, often referred to the "Venice of the Netherlands," OR:DISCOVERY Learn all about the Netherlands’ shipbuilding and seafaring past on this exciting step into the Golden Age at the Batavia visitor’s center and museum.DISCOVERY Enjoy an onboard Cheese Tasting with Genever-the national and traditional liquor of the Netherlands.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN KAMPEN(B,L,D)

Day 12: ARNHEM

Spiced Honey Cake, WWII Valor and Van GoghDISCOVERY This morning, attend an Onboard Lecture about Holland and a tasting of authentic Dutch Deventer Koek Cake while cruising to Arnhem.CLASSIC Join a Guided Tour of the Airborne Museum of Hartenstein commemorating the 1944 WWII Battle of Arnhem, OR:CLASSIC Take a Guided Tour of Arnhem’s Kröller-Müller Museum with the world’s second largest Van Gogh collection.OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ROTTERDAM(B,L,D)

Day 13: ROTTERDAM

Blooming Bulbs and Bold Bridge DesignJoin your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.CLASSIC Join a full-or half-day Guided Tour of breathtaking Keukenhof-the world’s largest flower gardens-with more than seven million tulips, daffodils and hyacinths as well as other bulbs, planted each year, OR:CLASSIC Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Rotterdam featuring innovative architecture, including the marvelous Erasmus Bridge.Sample artisan beer, a slice of appeltart (Dutch apple pie), or a koffie verkeerd. Take a bike from your ship to explore Rotterdam.Before dinner, enjoy a cruise through Rotterdam harbor.Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.EVENING CRUISE TO AMSTERDAM(B,L,D)

Day 14: AMSTERDAM

Canals of Colorful AmsterdamCLASSIC Explore the iconic waterways of Amsterdam on a Guided Canal Cruise past stately homes of Amsterdam’s “Golden Age," OR:ACTIVE See the sights of Amsterdam from a unique perspective by joining our Guided Jogging Tour of the city–all at an easy pace with stops for commentary.This afternoon choose among the many Guided Optional Excursions available. Take some free time to explore Amsterdam’s colorful street and canal houses, galleries, and shops.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AMSTERDAM(B,L,D)

Day 15: AMSTERDAM

Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.(B)

Details

Tour Operator: Avalon
Duration (Days): 15

Itinerary ▼

Day 1: AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND (EMBARKATION)
Welcome to Holland. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding.Flights into Amsterdam must arrive by 3:30 pm.Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.Your day in Amsterdam is free to explore at your leisure.You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to beautiful Zaanse Schans where you’ll see a wonderful collection of well-preserved historic windmills and Dutch houses.Enjoy dinner and explore the ship on your first night on board.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ROTTERDAM(D)
Day 2: ROTTERDAM
Dutch Treats and Flowers Sweet. Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.CLASSIC Join a full- or half-day Guided Tour of breathtaking Keukenhof—known as the “Garden of Europe”—for its 70 acres of lush parkland, lakes, and the world’s largest flower gardens—with more than seven million tulips, daffodils and hyacinths as well as other bulbs, planted each year.DISCOVERY Onboard lecture hosted by your Beer ExpertTake some free time to relax on the harbor-side in Rotterdam with an artisan beer, a slice of appeltaart (Dutch apple pie), and a koffie verkeerd, a typical Dutch drink with equal parts coffee and milk. Take a bike from your ship to explore Rotterdam and the surrounding area. Before dinner, enjoy a cruise through Rotterdam harbor.Later, enjoy live entertainment on board. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ANTWERP(B,L,D)
Day 3: ANTWERP, BELGIUM
Cathedrals, Carats and CrêpesDISCOVERY 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. Your sightseeing will end at a brewery where you will learn something more about the world-famous Belgian beers.You may otherwise choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to the nearby capital, Brussels- considered home to the European Union and admire its magnificent palaces and cathedrals.You might prefer to take time on your own to indulge in Antwerp’s signature Belgian waffles and crêpes-or explore this bike-friendly city from its old wharfs to its legendary diamond district.Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO GHENT(B,L,D)
Day 4: GHENT
Medieval Masterpieces and Flemish FineryDISCOVERY Enjoy a canal boat that will take you through the town of Ghent to one of the very special breweries where you will find how to brew the local Gruut beerYou may choose to join a 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.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MIDDELBURG(B,L,D)
Day 5: MIDDLEBURG, HOLLAND
A Spicy History in Middleburg’s Dutch Harbor TownJoin your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.CLASSIC Join a Guided Walking Tour through the winding cobblestones and canals of Middelburg. See the 15th-century Gothic Town Hall and learn about its important role in the spice trade and Dutch East India trading. Spend some free time biking or walking through Middelburg to sample Babbelaar cookies, fries, or beer before cruising to Veere.VEEREThe Delta Works Stand Strong as a Technical MarvelDISCOVERY Join a Guided Tour of the Delta Works, the largest flood-protection system in the world, and a miracle of modern technology.This evening, enjoy onboard food-and-beer-pairing dinner hosted by your Beer Expert.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO WILLEMSTAD(B,L,D)
Day 6: WILLEMSTAD
Willemstad’s Windmills and Historic HarborACTIVE Grab a Nordic walking stick for a hike with your Adventure Host in Willemstad.CLASSIC Join a Guided Walking Tour of Willemstad and discover its many beautifully restored buildings from the 17th and 18th Century.DISCOVERY Later, enjoy a Beer & Cheese Tasting on board as you prepare to sail to AmsterdamAFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO AMSTERDAM(B,L,D)
Day 7: AMSTERDAM
Canals of Colorful AmsterdamDISCOVERY Discover Aalsmeer Flower Auction-the largest in the world, where around 20 million flowers are sold every day. Later enjoy a typical Dutch breakfast, OR:CLASSIC Explore the iconic waterways of Amsterdam on a Guided Canal Cruise past stately homes of Amsterdam’s “Golden Age”, followed by a real Dutch beer experience.This afternoon choose among the many Guided Optional Excursions available. Take some free time to explore Amsterdam’s colorful streets and canal houses, galleries, and shops.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AMSTERDAM(B,L,D)
Day 8: AMSTERDAM
Holland’s Lively CapitalYour day in Amsterdam is free to explore at your leisure.You may join a Guided Optional Excursion to beautiful Zaanse Schans, where you’ll see a wonderful collection of well-preserved historic windmills and Dutch houses.OVERNIGHT SAILING TO ENKHUIZEN(B,L,D)
Day 9: ENKHUIZEN
Tulips Fields, Flower Farms and the ZuiderzeeEnjoy a leisurely morning cruiseCLASSIC Take a guided tour of Zuiderzee Museum to discover cultural traditions and maritime history, OR:DISCOVERY Join a Guided Tour of local tulip fields and Dutch flower farms.Spend the rest of the afternoon walking or biking through Enkhuizen.Later, enjoy onboard live entertainment.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ENKHUIZEN(B,L,D)
Day 10: ENKHUIZEN
Home and Hearth in a Dutch Harbor TownVisit the Adventure Center for Today’s activities with your Adventure Host.CLASSIC Take a Guided Walking Tour of Enkhuizen to experience the charm and beauty of this historic harbor village.Enjoy a brief afternoon cruise to Friesland.SNEEK, FRIESLANDThe Heavens, Holsteins, and Horses of FrieslandCLASSIC Take a Guided Excursion to visit the Royal Eise Eisinga Planetarium-the oldest planetarium still working in the world. Watch for the world-famous black-and –white cattle and black Friesian horses.Take time for a stroll before dinner.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN SNEEK(B,L,D)
Day 11: KAMPEN
Maritime Marvels of 17th-Century ShipbuildingEnjoy a leisurely morning cruise.CLASSIC Take a Guided Tour of Giethoorn, often referred to the "Venice of the Netherlands," OR:DISCOVERY Learn all about the Netherlands’ shipbuilding and seafaring past on this exciting step into the Golden Age at the Batavia visitor’s center and museum.DISCOVERY Enjoy an onboard Cheese Tasting with Genever-the national and traditional liquor of the Netherlands.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN KAMPEN(B,L,D)
Day 12: ARNHEM
Spiced Honey Cake, WWII Valor and Van GoghDISCOVERY This morning, attend an Onboard Lecture about Holland and a tasting of authentic Dutch Deventer Koek Cake while cruising to Arnhem.CLASSIC Join a Guided Tour of the Airborne Museum of Hartenstein commemorating the 1944 WWII Battle of Arnhem, OR:CLASSIC Take a Guided Tour of Arnhem’s Kröller-Müller Museum with the world’s second largest Van Gogh collection.OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ROTTERDAM(B,L,D)
Day 13: ROTTERDAM
Blooming Bulbs and Bold Bridge DesignJoin your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.CLASSIC Join a full-or half-day Guided Tour of breathtaking Keukenhof-the world’s largest flower gardens-with more than seven million tulips, daffodils and hyacinths as well as other bulbs, planted each year, OR:CLASSIC Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Rotterdam featuring innovative architecture, including the marvelous Erasmus Bridge.Sample artisan beer, a slice of appeltart (Dutch apple pie), or a koffie verkeerd. Take a bike from your ship to explore Rotterdam.Before dinner, enjoy a cruise through Rotterdam harbor.Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.EVENING CRUISE TO AMSTERDAM(B,L,D)
Day 14: AMSTERDAM
Canals of Colorful AmsterdamCLASSIC Explore the iconic waterways of Amsterdam on a Guided Canal Cruise past stately homes of Amsterdam’s “Golden Age," OR:ACTIVE See the sights of Amsterdam from a unique perspective by joining our Guided Jogging Tour of the city–all at an easy pace with stops for commentary.This afternoon choose among the many Guided Optional Excursions available. Take some free time to explore Amsterdam’s colorful street and canal houses, galleries, and shops.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AMSTERDAM(B,L,D)
Day 15: AMSTERDAM
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.(B)

SPRINGTIME IN HOLLAND & BELG IUM