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Tour Netherlands Antwerp Arnhem Aw_Amsterdam Aw_Antwerp Aw_Belgium Aw_Garden Aw_Holland Aw_Imageryii + 21 More Aw_Rhine River Belgium Bossuit Brussels Europe Ghent Haarlem Holland Kinderdijk Liege Maastricht Middelburg Namur Nijmegen River Cruise Rotterdam Veere Ypres Zaandam Avalon Waterways 16 Day River Cruise Amsterdam to Amsterdam

Admire blooming views on your tulip season cruise in Holland and Belgium. Begin with an overnight stay in Amsterdam before your cruise. Enjoy a guided canal cruise through the iconic city’s stately waterways of the Golden Age before embarking on your tulip season cruise.

Cruise to Nijmegen and from here tour the WWII Airborne Museum in Arnhem, commemorating the brave battle of 1944. If you prefer, take a guided bike ride in the Hoge Veluwe National Park and admire its diversity of scenery. In Maastricht, go for a sightseeing tour of 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 Ghent, for stunning Flemish artwork in St. Bavo’s Cathedral. Visit Bossuit’s Flanders Fields Museum with moving battlefield memorials.

Explore Middelburg’s grand history in the Dutch East India Company. Tour the world’s largest flood-protection system at the Veere Delta. Continue your cruise through Kinderdijk—where windmills built in 1740 helped the iconic structures become a symbol of Holland. See the Erasmus Bridge in Rotterdam, and the quintessential Dutch towns of Zaandam and Haarlem. Your cruise through Holland and Belgium returns to Amsterdam to conclude your colorful cruise!

Day 1: AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND

Arrive in Amsterdam for a day of leisure. Explore shops and cafés in this colorful city.

Day 2: AMSTERDAM (EMBARKATION)

CLASSIC Explore the iconic waterways of Amsterdam on a Guided Canal Cruise past stately homes of Amsterdam’s “Golden Age.”CLASSIC Join a 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 yearEVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO NIJMEGEN(B,D)

Day 3: NIJMEGEN

Wildlife, WWII Valor, and Famous Mills DISCOVERY Join a Guided Sightseeing to discover Arnhem—a key WWII operations site and home to impressive historical monuments and memorials—then visit a medieval castle for a regional herb and vegetable product tasting, OR:CLASSIC Join a Guided Tour of the Airborne Museum of Hartenstein commemorating the 1944 WWII Battle of ArnhemACTIVE Enjoy nature’s splendor on this Guided Hike through Hoge Veluwe National Park, the Netherlands’ oldest and largest nature reserve!You may join a Guided Optional Excursion to the Windmill of Thorn or an Optional Cooking Workshop.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MAASTRICHT(B,L,D)

Day 4: MAASTRICHT

Dutch History, School Spirit, and an Architectural FeastEnjoy an early morning sailing to Maastricht.CLASSIC Discover this vibrant university town with its lovely cathedrals, old houses, historical buildings, and impressively cobblestoned town centerDISCOVERY Join a Guided Experience in a unique natural reserve and discover the typical heath landscape of Benelux OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO NAMUR(B,L,D)

Day 5: NAMUR, BELGIUM

Ancient Architecture and Charming CafésDISCOVERY While sailing satisfy your curiosity about botany and nature during a lecture hosted by a local expertCLASSIC Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of the picturesque old-town, fortress citadel, and medieval architectureTake free time to stroll along Namur’s cobblestone lanes and visit its charming cafés and bookshops. This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN NAMUR(B,L,D)

Day 6: LIÈGE

Historic Wonders and Wonderful WafflesCLASSIC 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 WafflesEVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ANTWERP(B,L,D)

Day 7: ANTWERP

A Rubenesque Cathedral in Artful AntwerpJoin your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.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, OR:DISCOVERY Spend some time surrounded by nature’s magnificence on this inspiring guided excursion to the Arboretum Kalmthout botanical gardens.DISCOVERY While sailing, discover more about botany and nature joining a lecture hosted by a local expertEnjoy cocktail or coffee aboard your ship as you sail to Brussels this afternoon. Later, enjoy dinner and live entertainment. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BRUSSELS(B,L,D)

Day 8: BRUSSELS

Ancient Landmarks and New HauntsCLASSIC 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, OR:DISCOVERY See the major highlights of Brussels and join a do-it-yourself chocolate workshop for a fun and interactive experienceThe afternoon is free to explore Brussels at your pace OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BRUSSELS(B,L,D)

Day 9: 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(B,L,D)

Day 10: GHENT

Medieval Masterpieces and Flemish FineryVisit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.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 artworkAlternatively, 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 CRUISE TO BOSSUIT(B,L,D)

Day 11: BOSSUIT

Battlefield Remembrances in FlandersDISCOVERY 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 caféDISCOVERY Following the museum visit battlefields, cemeteries, memorials and private collectionsDISCOVERY Experience the Last Post Ceremony, taking place nightly under the arches of the Menin Gate. Enjoy some free time for dinner before the Ceremony startsOVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MIDDELBURG(B,L,D)

Day 12: MIDDELBURG, HOLLAND

A Spicy History in Middelburg’s Dutch Harbor TownCLASSIC 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 tradingEnjoy lunch on board while 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 technologyLater, enjoy live entertainment on board. EVENING/OVERNIGHT SAILING IN KINDERDIJK(B,L,D)

Day 13: KINDERDIJK–ROTTERDAM

Harnessing the Wind 300 YearsJoin 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.CLASSIC Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Rotterdam featuring innovative architecture, including the marvelous Erasmus BridgeLater, enjoy live entertainment on board.OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ZAANDAM(B,L,D)

Day 14: ZAANDAM–HAARLEM

Windmills, Waterways, and Waving Fields of FlowersArrive 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.HAARLEMTulips and North Sea Trading PortsCLASSIC Visit Haarlem, a major flower bulbs growing district outside of Amsterdam. Explore the former North Sea trading port with its medieval features, gabled houses, and leafy courtyardsEnjoy dinner on board your ship this evening as you sail to Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AMSTERDAM(B,L,D)

Day 15: 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 commentaryYou may choose an Optional Biking Tour to discover the countryside. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AMSTERDAM(B,L,D)

Day 16: AMSTERDAM (DISEMBARKATION)

Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning(B)

Details

Tour Operator: Avalon
Duration (Days): 16

Itinerary ▼

Day 1: AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND
Arrive in Amsterdam for a day of leisure. Explore shops and cafés in this colorful city.
Day 2: AMSTERDAM (EMBARKATION)
CLASSIC Explore the iconic waterways of Amsterdam on a Guided Canal Cruise past stately homes of Amsterdam’s “Golden Age.”CLASSIC Join a 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 yearEVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO NIJMEGEN(B,D)
Day 3: NIJMEGEN
Wildlife, WWII Valor, and Famous Mills DISCOVERY Join a Guided Sightseeing to discover Arnhem—a key WWII operations site and home to impressive historical monuments and memorials—then visit a medieval castle for a regional herb and vegetable product tasting, OR:CLASSIC Join a Guided Tour of the Airborne Museum of Hartenstein commemorating the 1944 WWII Battle of ArnhemACTIVE Enjoy nature’s splendor on this Guided Hike through Hoge Veluwe National Park, the Netherlands’ oldest and largest nature reserve!You may join a Guided Optional Excursion to the Windmill of Thorn or an Optional Cooking Workshop.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MAASTRICHT(B,L,D)
Day 4: MAASTRICHT
Dutch History, School Spirit, and an Architectural FeastEnjoy an early morning sailing to Maastricht.CLASSIC Discover this vibrant university town with its lovely cathedrals, old houses, historical buildings, and impressively cobblestoned town centerDISCOVERY Join a Guided Experience in a unique natural reserve and discover the typical heath landscape of Benelux OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO NAMUR(B,L,D)
Day 5: NAMUR, BELGIUM
Ancient Architecture and Charming CafésDISCOVERY While sailing satisfy your curiosity about botany and nature during a lecture hosted by a local expertCLASSIC Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of the picturesque old-town, fortress citadel, and medieval architectureTake free time to stroll along Namur’s cobblestone lanes and visit its charming cafés and bookshops. This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN NAMUR(B,L,D)
Day 6: LIÈGE
Historic Wonders and Wonderful WafflesCLASSIC 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 WafflesEVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ANTWERP(B,L,D)
Day 7: ANTWERP
A Rubenesque Cathedral in Artful AntwerpJoin your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.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, OR:DISCOVERY Spend some time surrounded by nature’s magnificence on this inspiring guided excursion to the Arboretum Kalmthout botanical gardens.DISCOVERY While sailing, discover more about botany and nature joining a lecture hosted by a local expertEnjoy cocktail or coffee aboard your ship as you sail to Brussels this afternoon. Later, enjoy dinner and live entertainment. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BRUSSELS(B,L,D)
Day 8: BRUSSELS
Ancient Landmarks and New HauntsCLASSIC 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, OR:DISCOVERY See the major highlights of Brussels and join a do-it-yourself chocolate workshop for a fun and interactive experienceThe afternoon is free to explore Brussels at your pace OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BRUSSELS(B,L,D)
Day 9: 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(B,L,D)
Day 10: GHENT
Medieval Masterpieces and Flemish FineryVisit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.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 artworkAlternatively, 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 CRUISE TO BOSSUIT(B,L,D)
Day 11: BOSSUIT
Battlefield Remembrances in FlandersDISCOVERY 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 caféDISCOVERY Following the museum visit battlefields, cemeteries, memorials and private collectionsDISCOVERY Experience the Last Post Ceremony, taking place nightly under the arches of the Menin Gate. Enjoy some free time for dinner before the Ceremony startsOVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MIDDELBURG(B,L,D)
Day 12: MIDDELBURG, HOLLAND
A Spicy History in Middelburg’s Dutch Harbor TownCLASSIC 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 tradingEnjoy lunch on board while 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 technologyLater, enjoy live entertainment on board. EVENING/OVERNIGHT SAILING IN KINDERDIJK(B,L,D)
Day 13: KINDERDIJK–ROTTERDAM
Harnessing the Wind 300 YearsJoin 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.CLASSIC Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Rotterdam featuring innovative architecture, including the marvelous Erasmus BridgeLater, enjoy live entertainment on board.OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ZAANDAM(B,L,D)
Day 14: ZAANDAM–HAARLEM
Windmills, Waterways, and Waving Fields of FlowersArrive 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.HAARLEMTulips and North Sea Trading PortsCLASSIC Visit Haarlem, a major flower bulbs growing district outside of Amsterdam. Explore the former North Sea trading port with its medieval features, gabled houses, and leafy courtyardsEnjoy dinner on board your ship this evening as you sail to Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AMSTERDAM(B,L,D)
Day 15: 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 commentaryYou may choose an Optional Biking Tour to discover the countryside. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AMSTERDAM(B,L,D)
Day 16: AMSTERDAM (DISEMBARKATION)
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning(B)

GRAND TULIP CRUISE OF HOLLAN D & BELGIUM W/1 NT AMSTERDAM