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Categories Cruises River & Canal Cruises Small Ship Cruises Summer Tours

Experience a marvelous cruise through the enchanting waterways of Holland and Belgium during Tulip time! In Holland, you will visit the Tulip fields of Kuekenhof, explore the windmills of Kinderdijk, view the beautiful Inner city harbors of Dordrecht and compare them with Rotterdam, one of the largest harbors and ports in the world!

In Belgium you will tour 3 of Belgium’s best known cities including Antwerp, Brussels and gorgeous Ghent with its famous 3 Tower row, winding canals and gastronomic delights!

Itinerary

Welcome to the Netherlands! On arrival, transfer to your first class hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure. Amsterdam offers plenty of opportunities to explore and dine on your own. NOVOTEL (or similar)

After breakfast, check-out and depart on your half day tour of the magnificent Keukenhof Gardens, home to more than seven million tulips, daffodils and hyacinths spread out over 79 acres. After a break for lunch (on own) transfer back to the port to board your superior river cruise ship. Check in to your cabin and explore your floating hotel prior to an information briefing followed by dinner.

After breakfast, depart on your included excursion to the village of Zaanse Schans, the famous open-air museum featuring 6 windmills and more than 30 houses built in 16th-17th centuries, all of which invite you to discover the country-side life of Medieval Holland. The village has preserved old Dutch traditions of house building, clog making and old fashioned cheese production-which you will have a chance to see and sample as well. Return to your ship for lunch. In afternoon, depart on your walking tour of the city center which will introduce you to all the major highlights including Dam Square, Anne Frank’s House (outside)*, the Flower market and other major attractions! Tonight a welcome cocktail and crew introduction will precede dinner. *(Under renovation)

This morning explore one the largest harbors and commercial ports in the world! Your walking tour will include the harbor front, the whimsical architecture including the hanging Cubic town houses and the steamship “Rotterdam” once the flagship of Holland America Line. The afternoon is free for optional pursuits.

Today delight in exploring Ghent, Belgium’s hidden treasure! Exuding a unique mix of ancient cultures and traditions combined with a lively modern student scene, bustling shops and gastronomic restaurants Ghent is will impress you with its winding canals, the famous 3 tower row featuring the Belfry, St. Bravo’s Cathedral and St Nicholas Church, its art and architecture! The balance of the day is free to explore on your own or take the optional excursion that may be offered by the ship (Brugges or similar)

Your guided city bus and walking tour of Belgium’s capital will highlight all the major attractions including St. Michael’s Cathedral, the Chinese Pavilion, Japanese Tower, King’s Square, Royal Palace and of course, the Imposing offices of the European Parliament building. You will end the tour with a walk through the beautiful Grote market. The balance of the day is free.

This morning enjoy a tour of Belgium’s second largest city, home to famous painter Peter Paul Rubens. The tour will include the cities medieval heart with cobblestone lanes and cafes lining the streets, a riverside fortress and the impressive Cathedral of our Lady featuring original paintings of Antwerp’s famous “son.”

Located on an island surrounded by wide rivers, Dordrecht was the country’s earliest trading post. Your guided walking tour will include views of beautiful inner city harbors, quaint canals, wooden bridges and typical Dutch houses. Back on board enjoy a farewell cocktail followed by the Captain’s Farewell dinner! Arrive Amsterdam at 9.00pm

As all good things must come to an end, after breakfast, bid your crew goodbye and disembark with a suitcase full of memories!