Discover the beauty and history of the Dutch and Belgian waterways in springtime, when spectacular carpets of colorful tulips are in full bloom on this European river cruise. Stroll through the lush green countryside of Kinderdijk, home to the country's greatest concentration of windmills, taste delicious local cheeses, and learn about the traditions of the friendly Dutch and Flemish people. In Belgium, admire the great medieval cities of Antwerp and Ghent. Don't miss Europe in the spring on this small ship river cruise.
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Welcome to Amsterdam, a modern city with a rich and fascinating history. Explore the 700-year-old European capital with its elegant and classic architecture, cafes, lively marketplaces and exciting nightlife. This evening meet your fellow passengers on board for the Welcome Reception and Dinner. (D)
Day 2: Amsterdam / Volendam / Edam, Netherlands
After breakfast, enjoy a comprehensive and scenic morning cruise through the historic harbor and canals of Amsterdam. See the beautiful homes that line the water, the fabled Skinny Bridge, and the famous Anne Frank House. Later, enjoy a panoramic city tour that includes the Rembrandt Windmill and other great landmarks of Amsterdam. Return to the ship for a scenic lunch while you cruise the Ijsselmeer towards Volendam. Enjoy a late afternoon tour of Volendam Harbor to see the fish auction building, Old Quarter and famous churches. Continue by motor coach to the village of Edam, a picturesque town with a rich historic past. While here, be sure to sample some of its famous cheese. Take a walking tour through the Old Quarter's beautiful houses, canals, bridges, and churches. (B,L,D)
Day 3: Arnhem / Nijmegen, Netherlands
Arrive in beautiful Arnhem early this morning and see the site of the Battle of Arnhem Bridge featured in the classic film 'A Bridge Too Far' during Operation Market Garden in World War II. Then visit the Airborne Museum, which shows the course of events during the Battle of Arnhem. Alternatively, enjoy a tour of the most stunning royal residence in Holland, Het Loo Palace, with lavishly furnished rooms and meticulously sculpted gardens. After your tour, return to the ship for lunch and cruise to Nijmegen for a city tour. Enjoy scenic cruising this evening as you sail through Holland, and on to Belgium. (B,L,D)
Day 4: Antwerp, Belgium
This morning, enjoy a walking tour of Antwerp. See the Antwerp Castle, Grote Market, Brabo Fountain and city's superb architecture. Alternatively, visit the Rubens House, former home and studio of famous 17th-century Flemish Baroque Painter, Peter Paul Rubens. Afterwards, visit the Antwerp Cathedral which features two of Rubens' most important works, "The Elevation of the Cross" and "The Descent from the Cross." The afternoon is free to explore Antwerp on your own or take an optional excursion to nearby Brussels, the capital of Belgium and site of NATO headquarters. After dinner, your ship departs for Ghent. (B,L,D)
Day 5: Ghent, Belgium
After breakfast take a guided sightseeing tour of Ghent, the fourth largest city of Belgium. Your walking tour includes the Belfry Hall and picturesque highlights such as the Koornlei, the Graslei, and the Castle of the Counts. Cruise to Terneuzen this afternoon or take an optional excursion to Bruges, one of Europe’s most perfectly preserved medieval cities and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Early this evening, cruise through the Dutch region of Zeeland, home to one of the world’s most complex engineering projects, the Delta Works, which took more than 30 years to complete. (B,L,D)
Day 6: Willemstad / Kinderdijk, Netherlands
This morning, stop in charming 400-year old Willemstad for a walking tour and private organ recital at the oldest Protestant church in Holland. In the afternoon, visit Kinderdijk, a lovely region renowned for having the greatest concentration of windmills in the entire country and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tonight, enjoy a special onboard musical performance as the ship cruises to Schoonhoven, where the ship moors overnight. (B,L,D)
Day 7: Amsterdam / Keukenhof, Netherlands
Arrive in Amsterdam today. Admire the spectacular display of millions of flowering tulips during your morning excursion to the famous 70-acre Keukenhof Gardens. Return to Amsterdam and spend the rest of the day at your leisure. The ship moors overnight in Amsterdam. (B,L,D)
Day 8: Disembark Amsterdam / Return Home
Disembark after breakfast for your transfer to the airport. (B)
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
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Category E
Piano Deck, Fixed window, private facilities, 170 sq. ft.
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Category D
Piano Deck, Fixed window, private facilities, 170 sq. ft.
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Category C
Cello Deck, French Balcony, private facilities, 170 sq. ft.
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Category BB
Cello Deck, French Balcony & Outside Balcony, private facilities, 210 sq. ft.
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Category BA
Violin Deck, French Balcony & Outside Balcony, private facilities, 210 sq. ft.
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Category AB
Cello Deck, French Balcony & Outside Balcony, private facilities, 235 sq. ft.
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Category AA
Violin Deck, French Balcony & Outside Balcony, private facilities, 235 sq. ft.
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Suite
Violin Deck, French Balcony & Outside Balcony, private facilities, 350 sq. ft.
The trip might have been the absolute best of our lifetime (thus far). We particularly want to commend our guide Peter in the Guilin area-he was so incredibly attentive, energetic, enthusiastic-and absolutely dedicated to ensuring that our meals were 100% vegetarian.
Jack Charney
TrustScore 4.8 | 175 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 175 reviews on
7 hours ago
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
2 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
3 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
