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Colorful tulips in the Netherlands

Tulip Time Cruise

Roundtrip Amsterdam - Example 8 Day Cruise aboard Avalon Expression
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Set sail on an 8-day Holland & Belgium Tulip Time River cruise aboard the Avalon Envision. Begin in Amsterdam, with time to explore or visit Zaanse Schans’ iconic windmills. Cruise to Rotterdam for a guided city tour or a visit to Keukenhof Gardens in bloom. In Antwerp, discover the Cathedral of Our Lady, Grote Markt, and the diamond district, or take an excursion to Brussels. Explore Ghent’s medieval heart or spend the day in Bruges before returning for an orientation walk. Back in the Netherlands, tour Middelburg’s Gothic Town Hall and spice-trade history, wander the 15th-century streets of Veere, and stroll Willemstad’s restored buildings before enjoying a Dutch cheese tasting on board. Conclude in Amsterdam with a guided canal cruise, walking tour, or a visit to the Aalsmeer Flower Auction.
Bicycles are a part of everyday life in EuropeBrilliant tulips growing near AmsterdamBridge in AmsterdamHistorical Delfshaven in RotterdamGrote Markt square in Antwerp, BelgiumChurch and Arch Bridge in Ghent, BelgiumColorful tulips in the Netherlands
Highlights
  • Experience Amsterdam’s canals lined with elegant Golden Age homes
  • Tour Rotterdam’s modern skyline and bustling maritime harbor
  • Visit Ghent’s St. Bavo’s Cathedral and medieval architectural gems
  • Learn Middelburg’s rich history shaped by the spice trade
  • Wander Veere’s cobblestone streets and picturesque historic waterfront
Places Visited
Activity Level: Variable
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Welcome to Holland! | Embark

Begin your Holland River cruise in Amsterdam, the Netherlands’ capital of canals and culture. Arrive by 3:30 p.m. for boarding your Avalon Expression by 5:00 p.m. Settle into your suite, then spend the afternoon exploring at your leisure. Stroll along the Amsterdam canals, relax in a cozy café, or join an optional excursion to Zaanse Schans to see iconic Dutch windmills, traditional houses, and artisan workshops. Enjoy dinner on board as your European river cruise adventure begins.

Day 2: Rotterdam

Sail into Rotterdam, home to one of the world’s busiest ports and striking modern architecture. Choose a guided walking tour of the city’s landmarks or opt for a full- or half-day excursion to the breathtaking Keukenhof Gardens—70 acres of vibrant tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths. Active travelers can explore Rotterdam by bike, while food lovers can sample local beer and Dutch apple pie. End the day with a scenic harbor cruise before your ship sails overnight to Belgium.

Day 3: Antwerp, Belgium

Cathedrals, Carats and Crêpes
  • Active Excursion- Explore Antwerp by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:
  • Classic Excursion- 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.
Alternatively, you may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to the nearby capital, Brussels—considered home to the European Union, and admire its magnificent palaces and cathedrals.

You might prefer to take time on your own to indulge in Antwerp’s signature Belgian waffles and crêpes—or explore this bike-friendly city from its old wharfs to its legendary diamond district.

Evening/Overnight cruise to Ghent

Day 4: Ghent

Medieval Masterpieces and Flemish Finery
  • Active Excursion- Explore a different side of Ghent by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:
  • Classic Excursion- 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."

Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.

Overnight cruise to Middelburg

Day 5: Middelburg, Holland | Veere

A Spicy History in Middelburg’s Dutch Harbor Town. Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.
  • Classic Excursion- 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.
Spend some free time biking or walking through Middelburg to sample Babbelaar cookies, fries, or beer before cruising to Veere. During lunchtime enjoy a short sailing from Middelburg to Veere.
  • Active Excursion- Alternatively bike from Middelburg to Veere with your Adventure Host.
Veere- History and Scottish Houses
  • Classic Excursion- Join a Guided Walking Tour of Veere—a delightful historic town full of interesting sights dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries. Immerse yourself in its rich heritage, explore charming streets, and uncover hidden gems.
Evening/Overnight cruise to Willemstad

Day 6: Willemstad

Willemstad’s Windmills and Historic Harbor
  • Active Excursion- See Willemstad by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:
  • Classic Excursion- Join a Guided Walking Tour of Willemstad and discover its many beautifully restored buildings from the 17th and 18th Century.
  • Discovery Excursion- Later, enjoy a Cheese Tasting on board as you prepare to sail to Amsterdam.
Afternoon/Overnight cruise to Amsterdam

Day 7: Amsterdam

Canals of Colorful Amsterdam
  • Active Excursion- Start your day joining your Adventure Host on an early morning walk in Amsterdam, OR:
  • Discovery Excursion- Discover Aalsmeer Flower Auction—the largest in the world, where around 20 million flowers are sold every day. Later enjoy a typical Dutch breakfast, OR:
  • Classic Excursion- Discover the true beauty of Amsterdam with an off-the-beaten-path Guided Walking Tour through its cobblestone streets for a captivating look at this legendary city, OR:
  • Classic Excursion- Explore the iconic waterways of Amsterdam on a Guided Canal Cruise past stately homes of Amsterdam’s “Golden Age.”
This afternoon, choose among the many Guided Optional Excursions available.

Take some free time to explore Amsterdam’s colorful streets and canal houses, galleries, and shops.

Overnight docking in Amsterdam

Day 8: Amsterdam | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.

Ship/Hotel

Avalon Expression

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Deals

Holiday Deals 29701
Book a select 2026 Avalon cruise by December 10, 2025, and receive standard pre-paid gratuities for the full length of the cruise portion of your vacation. This offer is valid for new bookings only and is subject to availability. Combinable with valid Welcome Back Credits and select partner promotions. Not combinable with the Single Supplement Waiver Promotion. Not valid for groups or charter bookings. Additional restrictions may apply. Please contact us for more details.
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Per person starting at
$4,130 2-3 travelers
Rates are subject to change without notice. Book early to get the best rate.
Cat. E
Avalon Deluxe Stateroom: 172 SQ. FT. Comfort Collection Beds, Bedside tables with reading lamps, L'Occitane bath products, Under-bed luggage storage, Complimentary bottled water, Individual climate control, Mirror in the bathroom, Full shower with glass door, Vanity, Memory foam mattress, European-style duvets, Extra blankets, Hairdryer, and Spacious 3-door closets.
Cat. D
Avalon Deluxe Stateroom: 172 SQ. FT. Comfort Collection Beds, Bedside tables with reading lamps, L'Occitane bath products, Under-bed luggage storage, Complimentary bottled water, Individual climate control, Mirror in the bathroom, Full shower with glass door, Vanity, Luxurious mattress, European-style duvets, Extra blankets, Hairdryer, and Spacious 3-door closets
Cat. B
Panorama Suite: 200 SQ. FT. Comfort Collection Beds, Bedside tables with reading lamps, L'Occitane bath products, Under-bed luggage storage, Telephone, In-room safe, Contemporary design, Marble countertops in the bathroom, 6-person sitting area, Writing desk, Sofa, Memory foam mattress, European-style duvets.
Cat. A
Panorama Suite: 200 SQ. FT. Comfort Collection Beds, Bedside tables with reading lamps, L'Occitane bath products, Under-bed luggage storage, Telephone, In-room safe, contemporary design, Marble countertops in the bathroom, 6-person sitting area, Writing desk, Sofa, Luxurious mattress, European-style duvets.
Cat. P
Panorama Suite: 200 SQ. FT. Comfort Collection Beds, Bedside tables with reading lamps, L'Occitane bath products, Under-bed luggage storage, Telephone, Well-stocked minibar, In-room safe, Contemporary design, Marble countertops in the bathroom, 6-person sitting area, Writing desk, Sofa, Memory foam mattress, European-style duvets
Royal Suite
Royal Suite: 300 SQ. FT. Comfort Collection Beds, Bedside tables with reading lamps, L'Occitane bath products, Under-bed luggage storage, Telephone, Well-stocked minibar, Marble countertops in the bathroom, Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Window with Open-Air Balcony, Full shower with glass door, Luxurious mattress toppers, European-style duvets.
Included
  • 7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 7 Dinners
  • 7 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Port Fees
  • Onboard Adventure Center with active gear, bikes, maps, canoe, kayak and jogging excursions
  • Wifi
  • Complimentary fresh fruit available daily
  • Captain’s Welcome and Farewell Receptions
  • Club Lounge with 24-hour self-serve beverage station with complimentary cappuccinos, lattes, tea, hot chocolate & premium coffees, as well as treats throughout the day
  • Panoramic windows
  • Friendly, English-speaking crew & Cruise Director
  • Sky Deck with whirlpool, shade awnings, game area and premium lounges
  • Complimentary sparkling wine with breakfast; wine, beer, or soft drinks with every lunch and dinner
  • Cruise taxes
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Alcohol, beverages, and food outside of the contracted menu as presented at a hotel or restaurant or on board your vessel
  • Porterage
  • Passport or Visa fees
  • Prices do not include airfare, taxes and other government-imposed fees

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Everything was amazing! The planning with Adventure Life went smoothly. The actual trip was fantastic! One of the best trips I have experienced. The cruise staff members were knowledgeable and attentive. I will be writing more about this on the blog!
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