Tulip Time River Cruise: Holland & Belgium
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COUNTRIES VISITED:Belgium, Netherlands
PLACES VISITED:Amsterdam, Antwerp, Bruges, Delft, Ghent, Holland, Hoorn, Kinderdijk, Nijmegen, Rotterdam
SUGGESTED DURATION:10 Days
Spring transforms the waterways of the Netherlands and Belgium into a vibrant showcase of color, culture, and cuisine. This all-inclusive tulip river cruise through Holland and Belgium sails between historic ports and charming cities during the peak of Europe’s spring bloom.
Cruise Amsterdam’s iconic canals, stroll among millions of flowers at Keukenhof Gardens, and bike along scenic dikes lined with tulip fields and historic windmills. Discover the Golden Age harbor town of Hoorn, explore lively squares in Nijmegen and Maastricht, and experience the artistic and culinary heritage of Antwerp.
Each day blends guided cultural excursions, regional cuisine, and relaxing scenic cruising, offering a perfect balance of exploration and comfort. From Dutch cheese tastings to Belgian chocolate and local beers, this journey celebrates the flavors and traditions of the Low Countries—making it one of the most beautiful spring Europe river cruise experiences.Rr
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DAY1
Amsterdam
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Holland
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Belgium
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Amsterdam, Netherlands
Arrive in Amsterdam, one of Europe’s most picturesque capitals and the gateway to the tulip fields of the Netherlands. After boarding your ship, drop your bags into your stateroom and go out and explore this wonderful city on the edge of the North Sea.
Narrow gabled houses, vibrant cafés and "coffee shops", and amazing, world-class museums, Amsterdam is the perfect introduction to a springtime river cruise in Holland. IThis first evening, you'll fellow travelers during a welcome dinner aboard your ship as you push away from the dock and into the country below sea level.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Visit the Dutch Masters at the Rijksmuseum: Like Rembrandt's "The Night Watch"
Visit Van Gough's own Museum
Amsterdam’s UNESCO-listed canals and historic canal houses
DAY2
Amsterdam
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Keukenhof Gardens
This morning, cruise through the famous canals of Amsterdam, gliding beneath picturesque bridges and past centuries-old merchant houses. Later, travel to Keukenhof Gardens, the world’s most spectacular spring flower park.
More than seven million tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths bloom across acres of vibrant gardens, creating one of Europe’s most iconic spring landscapes. Wander among colorful flower displays, landscaped ponds, and themed pavilions celebrating Dutch horticulture.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Have you ever seen a river of flowers?!
Bike along the canals through tulip fields
Order Tulips at Kuekenhof and they will ship in the right season to plant!
DAY3
Hoorn
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Holland
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Belgium
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Amsterdam
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Hoorn, Netherlands
Step ashore in Hoorn, a historic harbor town that flourished during the Dutch Golden Age as a center of maritime trade. Stroll through charming streets lined with historic warehouses, merchant homes, and traditional gabled buildings.
Explore the town square and waterfront where ships of the Dutch East India Company once departed for distant trade routes. Optional cycling excursions offer the chance to ride past peaceful countryside landscapes, windmills, and flower farms.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Discovering Hoorn’s maritime heritage and Golden Age architecture
DAY4
Kinderdijk
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Kinderdijk Windmills
The visit to the UNESCO-listed windmill landscape of Kinderdijk is one of the Netherlands’ most iconic sights. Nineteen historic windmills stand along the canals here, part of an ingenious water-management system that has protected the Dutch countryside for centuries.
Explore the area on foot or by bicycle, following paths that wind through scenic farmland and waterways. Learn how windmills, pumps, and dikes transformed low-lying land into thriving agricultural polders.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Visiting the historic windmills of Kinderdijk, a UNESCO World Heritage site
Hearing the wind catch the Windmill sails in Kinderdijk
Bike, walk or cruise along the Kinderdijk Canal
DAY5
Nijmegen
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Nijmegen, Netherlands
Nijmegen is the oldest city in the Netherlands with a history stretching back to Roman times. During a guided walking tour, explore charming squares, historic churches, and lively cafés that give the city its welcoming character.
Nijmegen’s riverfront setting and relaxed atmosphere make it ideal for wandering. Enjoy free time to explore boutique shops, sample Dutch specialties, or simply relax at a café overlooking the Waal River.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Walk through the Netherlands’ oldest city and its historic market squares.
DAY6
Rotterdam
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Holland
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Rotterdam, Holland
Europe's largest port and the "gateway to Europe". Much of this city was destory during WWII.
A visit today is a city of art and architecture with a lively modern culture and many museums. A river view from every angle, this city is a pleasure to explore. Become a pedestrian and walk the many shopping and museum districts.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Explore the iconic Rotterdam Markthal
Marvel at Architect Piet Blom's cube project.Kijk-Kubus Museum-house
DAY7
Delft
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Holland
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Delft, Netherlands
The city of Delft is a picturesque canal town with historic market squares, Gothic churches and artistic heritage. Maybe your Grandparents had the blue and white windmills as a trivet, too. Possibly a blue and white mug? The city itself feels like you're stepping into a Vermeer painting.
A visit to Royal Delft is a must to learn the origin story of the blue and white pottery and is now the remaining, original, Delftware factory. Artisans still HAND PAINT the iconic Delft Blue pottery using century-old techniques passed on for generations. True Dutch Masters.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Explore neighboring city Dordrecht for history at water level by canal cruise
Visit Royal Delft so you too can have a Dutch Masterpiece (not for the faint of heart)
DAY8
Belgium
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Scenic Cruising to Belgium
Spend a relaxing day cruising scenic waterways as your ship journeys toward Belgium. Watch the countryside drift by from the panoramic lounge or the sun deck as canals, farms, and villages pass along the riverbanks.
Onboard activities may include cultural talks about Dutch and Belgian traditions, regional tastings, and cooking demonstrations featuring local specialties.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Scenic cruising through the waterways of the Low Countries.
DAY9
Antwerp
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Belgium
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Antwerp, Belgium
Arrive in the artistic and historic port city of Antwerp, one of Belgium’s cultural gems. Take a guided walking tour to see the highlights including the Cathedral of Our Lady, home to masterpieces by the Flemish painter Peter Paul Rubens.
Wander through the historic Grote Markt square lined with ornate guild houses, explore the famous diamond district, or indulge in Belgium’s culinary delights—chocolate, waffles, and locally brewed beers.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Wander through the Grote Markt square
Belgian Chocolate, anyone?!
DAY10
Antwerp
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Ghent
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Bruges
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Beyond Antwerp
You'll depart your ship after breakfast in Antwerp. But your time in this country does not have to end. Choose to spend additional time exploring this vibrant port city, known for its Flemish art, historic squares, and celebrated culinary scene, or continue deeper into Belgium.
It's a short rail transfer to the medieval canals of Bruges or the lively historic center of Ghent, both rich in Gothic architecture, charming cobblestone streets, and renowned Belgian chocolate and beer traditions.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Visit the storybook canals of Bruges or the vibrant medieval city of Ghent
FINAL THOUGHTS
From Amsterdam to Antwerp, this springtime river cruise blends colorful tulip fields, historic canal cities, and cultural treasures. Scenic cruising, guided excursions, a truly relaxed and immersive way to experience Holland and Belgium in bloom.