Duration: 8 Days
There’s no better way to spring into action and catapult into culture than on an Avalon Active & Discovery cruise to the Netherlands and Belgium. Belgian chocolate workshop, classic paintings, and even graffiti walls glow brighter when you experience them in the most interactive ways.
Discover the graceful ways of Holland on an Active & Discovery cruise. The way the wind moves the grasses beneath the stalwart windmills of the “Low Countries;” how the city cobblestones buzz with the ubiquitous bicycles and lively cafes and canals in Amsterdam; or the narrow houses evoking a time gone by. The visions of Holland come to life as you float past unforgettable scenes, pedal past incomparable views, and capture it all in a painting class a la the Dutch Masters.
Move.
Enjoy a little get-up-and-go on your cruising holiday when you:
- Soak in castle and farmland views on a walk through the woods and dunes of Domburg.
- Pedal past polders, dykes and quaint centuries-old villages through the Dutch countryside.
- Take an architectural bike tour through Rotterdam to see the design highlights of Europe’s largest seaport.
And Be Moved.
Get off the beaten path and relish the world when you:
- Visit a century-old, oyster farm in Middleburg and savour the catch of the day.
- Paint the town red, green or whatever colour you choose on an interactive tour of Ghent’s Graffiti Street.
- Discover your inner artist at a Delft tile pottery workshop in Rotterdam or a painting class in Amsterdam.
Plus, Classic sightseeing is always available in every port along the way.
Activate your senses and discover a world of wonder in all-new, entirely “you” ways on your personal, passion-packed cruise along the waterways of Holland and Belgium.
How Suite It Is! Welcome Aboard Your Avalon Suite Ship.
Flights into Amsterdam must arrive by 3:30 pm.
Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.
During tulip season, you may take a Guided Optional Excursion to Keukenhof gardens-with more than seven million tulips, daffodils and hyacinths, as well as other bulbs, planted each year.
Outside of tulip season, join a Guided Optional Excursion to Zaanse Schans to see historic windmills and charming Dutch houses.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MIDDELBURG (D)
A Castle Moat, an Oyster Farm and Dutch Sea Trade
Join your Adventure Host for today's special activities.
ACTIVE Take a Guided Walk through woods and dunes; see Castle Westhove and farmlands of the beautiful North-Sea area, OR:
DISCOVERY Enjoy a Guided Visit to a family owned Oyster Farm, active in the cultivation of crustaceans and shellfish in the Netherlands since 1906. A taste of oysters and lobster, accompanied with a glass of wine is the perfect ending of this beautiful experience, OR:
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.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO GHENT (B,L,D)
Flemish Artwork and Street Artists
ACTIVE Explore the outskirts of the city and the lesser known sights on a Guided Bike Tour, OR:
DISCOVERY Join a Guided Tour of Graffiti Street, where artists create striking spray-can art to their heart's content. And do not miss the chance to become an artist yourself, creating your street art, OR:
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 artwork.
Alternatively, 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. You won't miss the opportunity to explore Ghent since this Optional Excursion ends with an orientation walk of the "Diamond of Flanders."
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BRUSSELS (B,L,D)
Ancient Streets, and Chocolate Sweet
ACTIVE Take a bike tour to explore the beauty near Brussels, including the Belgian town of Laken, home to the Royal family estates, exotic pavilions from the world expo, and beautiful parks and lanes, OR:
DISCOVERY Join a Belgian chocolate-making Workshop to learn how to create your own delicious candies. Enjoy a cup of the finest hot chocolate, while crafting traditional confections of pralines and mendiant from scratch, OR:
CLASSIC Join a Guided Tour of Brussels, see the Town Hall with its landmark buildings, discover the many local bars, cafes, and shops of the Lower Town Streets, and visit the Atomium.
The afternoon is free to explore Brussels -considered home to the European Union, and admire its magnificent palaces and cathedrals. Alternatively, enjoy one of the Optional Excursions on offer.
Later enjoy live entertainment onboard.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ANTWERP (B,L,D)
Bike Riding, Brave New Worlds, and Rubens' Art
Join your Adventure Host for today's special activities.
ACTIVE Enjoy a Bike Tour and discover centuries of history and a story around every corner. Don't miss out the unique atmosphere of small neighbourhoods and squares, OR:
DISCOVERY Join a Guided Tour of the Red Star Line Museum. Follow the footsteps of the emigrants, become acquainted with the Red Star Line passengers and accompany them on their trip from their native village via Antwerp to the new world, OR:
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.
This afternoon take time on your own to indulge in Antwerp's signature Belgian waffles and crepes-or explore this bike-friendly city from its old wharfs to its legendary diamond district. You might consider partaking one of the Optional Excursion available.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ROTTERDAM (B,L,D)
Avant-garde Architecture and Art Lessons
ACTIVE Take a unique Architecture Bike Tour to see the architectural highlights of Rotterdam. Do not miss the interesting Cube Houses, the popular Market Hall, the spectacular Erasmus Bridge, the vertical city 'De Rotterdam', and the iconic Central Station. In the city centre, admire how historic buildings lash cheerfully with hypermodern skyscrapers. OR:
DISCOVERY Attend a Pottery Workshop. In a characteristic painter's room, a professional painter will guide you through the process of painting a Delft tile, OR:
CLASSIC Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Rotterdam featuring unusual collection of cube houses innovative architecture, including the marvellous Erasmus Bridge, and plenty of other fascinating sites. Before dinner, enjoy a cruise through Rotterdam harbour.
In the evening, enjoy live entertainment on board.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO AMSTERDAM (B,L,D)
Colourful Canals of Amsterdam
ACTIVE Join a Guided Kayak Tour which provides a unique perspective of Amsterdam from the waters of its magnificent canals, OR:
DISCOVERY Attend a Painting Class and be inspired by the masters' techniques. Paint your own canvas and discover your inner artist, OR:
CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided Canal Cruise to explore the iconic waterways and sites of Amsterdam.
This afternoon, choose among the many Guided Optional Excursions available or take some free time to explore Amsterdam's colourful streets and canal houses, galleries, and shops.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AMSTERDAM (B,L,D)
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
