Duration: 15 Days
Begin your tulip season cruise in Amsterdam -perfect for garden and nature enthusiasts. For flower lovers, during the second stretch of your cruise, an expert botanist will provide lectures onboard, sharing his knowledge about botany and the world of plants, -perfect for garden and nature enthusiasts. For flower lovers, an expert botanist accompanies you on this tulip season cruise, sharing his knowledge about botany and the world of plants, -perfect for garden and nature enthusiasts. For flower lovers, an expert botanist accompanies you on this tulip season cruise, sharing his knowledge about botany and the world of plants! Choose a visit to Arnhem’s WWII Airborne Museum or a bike ride. In Maastricht, tour 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 Pieter Paul Rubens. Stroll its cobbled lanes amid 16th-century guildhall houses and the cathedral’s stunning altarpiece paintings by the famous artist on your guided tour of the diamond capital. In Brussels, you’ll find landmark buildings of Town Hall with a collection of cafes and shops on the Lower Town streets on your guided tour. Visit “The Diamond of Flanders”, Ghent, for stunning Flemish artwork in St. Bavo’s Cathedral. Sail to Bossuit for moving battlefield remembrances, including In Flanders Fields Museum and the Last Post Ceremony. On to Holland for a visit the former Dutch East India Company trading port. Visit the fascinating Flood Museum to hear and see the stories of the flood of 1953.In Kinderdijk, see 19 windmills built in 1740 for water management and marvel at the Erasmus Bridge in the historic port city of Rotterdam.
Be amazed at the varieties and volume of tulips and other flowering bulbs in the flower farm regions of Zaandam and Haarlem and delight in a visit to see the breathtaking blooming colors of Keukenhof, also known as the “Garden of Europe.” With 70 acres of parkland and lakes, Keukenhof is one of the world’s largest flower gardens with more than 7 million flowering bulbs each year.
This beautiful and historic springtime river cruise concludes with two nights in Amsterdam. Take a guided canal cruise past bridges and homes of a golden age.
Welcome to Holland. Your Suite Ship is Ready for Boarding.
Flights into Amsterdam must arrive by 2 pm.
Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.
Your day in Amsterdam is free to explore at your leisure.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO NIJMEGEN (D)
Wildlife, WWII Valor, and Famous Mills
ACTIVE Explore the beautiful landscape of lush fields and blue water on a bike ride through The Ooijpolder Nature Reserve, OR:
DISCOVERY Join a Guided Tour of Nijmegen- tasting the oldest town in the Netherlands. Learn how this city was first built more than 2,000 years ago by the Romans and see the archaeological Roman-era ruins in the city that was also damaged in WWII, OR:
CLASSIC Join a Guided Tour of the Airborne Museum of Hartenstein commemorating the 1944 WWII Battle of Arnhem.
You may join one of the Optional Excursions on offer.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MAASTRICHT (B,L,D)
Dutch History, School Spirit and an Architectural Feast
Enjoy an early morning sailing to Maastricht.
ACTIVE Maastricht's charm awaits, follow your Adventure Host for a walk in this lovely town, OR:
CLASSIC Discover this vibrant university town with its lovely cathedrals, old houses, historical buildings, and impressively cobblestoned town centre, OR:
DISCOVERY Join a Guided Experience in a unique natural reserve and discover the typical heath landscape of Benelux. Discover the Hoge Kempen National Park, a former mining area that is now a national park, during a private visit conducted by a ranger, followed by a stop by the Research centre Ecotron to experience in first person the effects on climate changes on the planet.
Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO NAMUR (B,L,D)
Ancient Architecture and Charming Cafes
DISCOVERY While sailing satisfy your curiosity about botany and nature during a lecture hosted by a local expert.
ACTIVE Explore Namur's countryside by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:
DISCOVERY Join a visit at Jardins D'Annevoie, one of the most beautiful water gardens in Europe and admire the rich park inspired to the French, Italian and English garden styles. Take the time to relax and connect with the unique environment around you, OR:
CLASSIC Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of the picturesque old-town, fortress citadel, and medieval architecture.
Take free time to stroll along Namur's cobblestone lanes and visit its charming cafes and bookshops.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO LIEGE (B,L,D)
Historic Wonders and Wonderful Waffles
DISCOVERY Admire thousands of plants from all over the world at the Botanical Garden and Greenhouses in Liege. Also enjoy a walking tour of the historical centre of Liege, OR:
CLASSIC Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of the "Fiery City" of Liege with its beautiful ancient quarters, peculiar alleys, and romantic streets. Don't miss sampling authentically sweet Liege Waffles.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ANTWERP (B,L,D)
A Rubenesque Cathedral in Artful Antwerp
Join your Adventure Host for today's special activities.
ACTIVE Explore Antwerp by bike with your Adventure Host, 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, 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 expert.
Enjoy 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)
Ancient Landmarks and New Haunts
ACTIVE See Brussel's Aquaculture farm on bike with your Adventure Host, OR:
DISCOVERY See the major highlights of Brussels and join a do-it-yourself chocolate workshop for a fun and interactive experience, OR:
CLASSIC Join a Guided Tour of Brussels, see the Town Hall with its landmark buildings and discover the many local bars, cafes and shops of the Lower Town Streets.
The afternoon is free to explore Brussels at your pace.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BRUSSELS (B,L,D)
Filling Fare and Fabled Beer
DISCOVERY If you are a spring lover, you cannot miss the Floralia exhibition in Brussels. Enjoy the visit of the park where you will recognize almost all spring flowers that one can think of, all surrounded by the fairy tales atmosphere of the Castle of Groot-Bijgaarden.
Alternatively, 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)
Medieval Masterpieces and Flemish Finery
Visit the Adventure Centre for today's activities with your Adventure Host.
ACTIVE Explore a different side of Ghent by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:
DISCOVERY Join us in the Landscape Park Bulskampveld for the ultimate relaxing day in the biggest forest in the west of Flanders, 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.
This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BOSSUIT (B,L,D)
Battlefield Remembrances in Flanders
DISCOVERY 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 cafe.
DISCOVERY Following the museum, visit, battlefields, cemeteries, memorials and private collections.
DISCOVERY Experience the Last Post Ceremony, taking place nightly under the arches of the Menin Gate. Enjoy some free time for dinner before the Ceremony starts.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MIDDELBURG (B,L,D)
A Spicy History in Middelburg's Dutch Harbour Town
ACTIVE Explore Middelburg by bike with your Adventure Host, 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.
Enjoy lunch on board while cruising to Veere.
ACTIVE Alternatively bike from Middelburg to Veere with your Adventure Host.
VEERE
History and Scottish Houses
ACTIVE Join an hiking experience in the Domburg area on a scenic route through history and landscapes, OR:
CLASSIC Explore the town of Veere with an expert local guide.
DISCOVERY While sailing satisfy your curiosity about botany and nature during a lecture hosted by a local expert.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT SAILING IN KINDERDIJK (B,L,D)
Harnessing the Wind 300 Years
Join your Adventure Host for today's special activities.
ACTIVE See the windmills of Kinderdijk by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:
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 harbour.
ACTIVE Experience Rotterdam by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:
DISCOVERY Join a Guided Visit to Floating Farm Rotterdam, the first floating farm in the world and regarded as one of the many examples of green innovation in the Netherlands, OR:
CLASSIC Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Rotterdam featuring innovative architecture, including the marvelous Erasmus Bridge.
Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ZAANDAM (B,L,D)
Windmills, Waterways, and Waving Fields of Flowers
CLASSIC Join a 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.
Alternatively spend your time to explore independently the quintessential Dutch town of Zaandam.
Cruise to Haarlem this afternoon while enjoying lunch on board.
HAARLEM
Tulips and North Sea Trading Ports
ACTIVE Enjoy an easy bike ride to the beach with your Adventure Host, OR:
CLASSIC 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 courtyards.
DISCOVERY While sailing, discover more about botany and nature joining a lecture hosted by a local expert.
Enjoy dinner on board your ship this evening as you sail to Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AMSTERDAM (B,L,D)
Canals of Colourful Amsterdam
ACTIVE Join a Biking Tour through the Dutch countryside past polders, dykes, and quaint centuries-old villages, OR:
CLASSIC Explore the iconic waterways of Amsterdam on a Guided Canal Cruise past stately homes of Amsterdam's "Golden Age", OR:
DISCOVERY Access Amsterdam's secret gardens hidden behind the brick facades - a unique opportunity as they are normally closed to public.
This afternoon, you may like to join a Guided Optional Excursion to Zaanse Schans or experience a Culinary Tour through Amsterdam.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AMSTERDAM (B,L,D)
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
