Set sail on this 8-day Best of Holland and Belgium cruise from Amsterdam roundtrip aboard MS Amaserena. Immerse yourself in a feast for the senses as you travel through the Netherlands and Belgium. Taste Belgian chocolates, listen to the distinctive clanks and charms of mechanical instruments at Utrecht’s Museum Speelklok, and admire the beautiful architecture and artistry of castles that include Utrecht’s de Haar, Brussels’ Beersel, and Ghent’s Castle of the Counts of Flanders. Smell the freshly pressed Belgian waffles and Dutch street fries, and feel the gentle breeze as you cruise through the Amsterdam canals.
Highlights
Taste the rich flavors of Belgian chocolates
Discover the unique sounds of mechanical instruments at Museum Speelklok
Admire the beautiful architecture of Utrecht's de Haar Castle
Experience the artistry of Brussels' Beersel Castle
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.
There are 165 canals in Amsterdam, and you’ll get enjoy some of them on your canal cruise. Later in the day, enjoy a scenic cruise out of Amsterdam to Utrecht, the religious center of the Netherlands since the 8th century and a far-reaching city boasting a medieval old town, canals and a beautiful Gothic cathedral, some of which you may see on your walking tour, which includes a visit to the whimsical collection of automatically playing musical instruments at Museum Speelklok. Alternatively, marvel at the largest castle in Holland, De Haar. Straight out of your fairytale dreams, this castle inspires awe with its turrets, moats and suspension bridges as well as its luxurious interior.
Enjoy a scenic morning cruise through the delta before arriving in Veere, the Netherlands’ medieval harbor town. This former fishing village turned yachting town is known for its town square, where some houses boast gorgeous gardens – although the highlight is the town hall, with its 48-bell carillon! Enjoy learning more about it on your walking tour, or journey instead to the Flood Museum, where you’ll learn about the devastating floods of 1953, followed by a visit to a landmark recognizing the Roosevelt family’s relationship with the Dutch royal family. For those who prefer an active adventure, pedal from Veere, with its cobblestone streets and charming harbor, to the historic town of Middelberg and back.
There are several choices of excursions in Ghent, depending on your interests. Stroll through the Capital of East Flanders, learning about its unique history on your walking tour, or pedal through the spellbinding town on a guided bike tour. Alternatively, visit Bruges, one of the best preserved medieval cities in Europe, on a full-day excursion that includes the renowned Church of Our Lady, home to the beautiful Carrara marble Madonna and Child sculpture by Michelangelo. If you prefer a shorter excursion in Bruges, visit the town later in the day or spend your afternoon at Ghent’s moated Castle of the Counts, which boasts an eye-catching design as well as a ghoulishly interesting collection of medieval torture devices.
Explore Belgium’s captivating capital on your guided walking tour or pedal through Brussels on a guided bike ride. If you are a history enthusiast, spend your day traveling back in time to sites related to World War II’s historic Battle of the Bulge, which was the last major German offensive on the Western Front and toast fallen soldiers with a tasting of Trappist beer brewed by monks. For those not joining this full-day tour, choose from afternoon excursions that include a visit to Beersel Castle, one of the oldest and authentic moated castles in Flanders, or delight your palate with a Belgian chocolate tasting.
Explore Belgium’s trendy “City of Diamonds” on a walking tour where you’ll see Antwerp’s Steen Castle, Grote Market and Brabo Fountain, along with the UNESCO-designated Cathedral of Our Lady. Active travelers may prefer instead to bike through Antwerp. Later in the day, beer enthusiasts appreciate a tasting of the local brew while foodies may prefer the excursion to sample some of Belgium’s culinary delights such as its fresh and fluffy waffles. An afternoon bike tour is also available for those who prefer to get their heart beating later in the day, and it includes an opportunity to visit the Red Star Line Museum, highlighting the historic shipping line responsible for transporting three million immigrants to America.
Established in 1220, Holland’s oldest city was virtually destroyed by a devastating flood in the 15th century that essentially created the city’s wetlands. Learn more about Dordrecht’s fascinating history on your walking tour, or visit Rotterdam, the “Gateway to Europe,” as well as Delfshaven, where, on August 1, 1620, the Pilgrim fathers departed on their epic journey aboard the Speedwell. Stopping in Southampton, many then boarded the Mayflower and concluded their journey at Plymouth Rock in Massachusetts. If you prefer to venture off the beaten path, head to the smaller town of Gorinchem with its picturesque Old Town or go on an architectural bike tour through Rotterdam. In the afternoon, venture to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kinderdijk, a lovely village renowned for having the country’s greatest concentration of windmills, all dating from the 18th century. You may also pedal past the windmills from the seat of a bike.
Day 8: Amsterdam | Disembark
1 Breakfast
Disembark your ship and bid farewell to Amsterdam as you prepare for your return flight home.
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.
$3,6992-3 travelers
E
Piano deck, fixed windows
D
Piano deck, fixed windows
C
Violin & Cello deck, French Balcony
BB
Cello deck, French Balcony & Outside Balcony
BA
Violin deck, French Balcony & Outside Balcony
AB
Cello deck, French Balcony & Outside Balcony
AA
Violin deck, French Balcony & Outside Balcony
AA+
Violin deck, French Balcony & Outside Balcony
Suite
Violin deck, French Balcony & Outside Balcony
Notes
Single supplement is 50%, except for Suites which are 100%.
This was our first trip to South America and we were a little nervous. But Adventure Life made things so easy! All our questions were answered before we left, and our guide, Vidal, was amazing! He gave us enough space to explore without rushing us along. He also knew where the best picture taking opportunities were, which was great.
Wonderful personal attention to detail and very helpful suggestions by experienced travel experts
John K
4 days ago
Franny has been such an amazing help with all my trip planning. This is our 3rd trip to plan with her and she is always so willing to assist and find the best deals for my family and friends.
Suzanne Turbyfill
1 week ago
Our advisor at Adventure Life, Mary Curry, was knowledgable and quick to respond with answers to any questions we had. She made our booking efficiently and set up a time for us to make a secure payment through her directly. We’ve used Adventure Life repeatedly and would definitely recommend it.
Sarika FREY
1 week ago
Very efficient and responsive.
Patricia
1 week ago
I selected Adventure Travel as I was not satisfied with the responsiveness of the agent for the cruise I was trying to book and it had good recommendations. So far, I am quite happy with my agent, Betty, very responsive and accommodating.