Duration: 8 Days
If you’ve dreamed of a view filled with windmills and blooming fields of colour in Holland and Belgium, it all comes true on your European river cruise from Amsterdam to Brussels, -perfect for garden and nature enthusiasts. For flower lovers, an expert botanist will provide lectures on board, sharing his knowledge about botany and the world of plants! Cruise on the Rhine River to visit Nijmegen—the oldest city in the Netherlands. Choose a visit to Arnhem’s WWII Airborne Museum or abike ride through the nature reserve Ooijpolder. In Maastricht, tour the old cobblestoned university town or learn more about the climate change.
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. If you are a nature lover, you will have the opportunity to visit the most beautiful natural sites of the area by partaking in some unique excursions. This river cruise through Holland and Belgium will bloom in your memory for seasons to come!
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.
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.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO NIJMEGEN (D)
Wildlife, WWII Valor, and Famous Mills
ACTIVE Join a bike ride in The Ooijpolder Nature Reserve and admire its scenery and all the different animal and bird species that live here, OR:
DISCOVERY Join a Guided Tour of Nijmegen- 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.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MAASTRICH (B,L,D)
Dutch History, School Spirit and an Architectural Feast
Enjoy an early morning sailing to Maastricht.
ACTIVE Maastricht's charm awaits, get physical via nordic walking with your Adventure Host, 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, OR:
CLASSIC Discover this vibrant university town with its lovely cathedrals, old houses, historical buildings, and impressively cobblestoned town centre.
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.
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)
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
