Set sail on a 10-day cruise aboard the River Empress along the Tulips & Windmills route in the Netherlands and Belgium. Your adventure starts in Amsterdam, the Netherlands’ largest city. Explore the Hermitage Amsterdam Museum's Portrait Gallery of the Golden Age, cruise the canals, or take a stroll following Rembrandt's path. Discover charming Enkhuizen, and step back in time in a recreated 19th-century Dutch village. Explore Hoorn's seafaring history on a guided tour. Rotterdam awaits with its modern skyline and unique culinary experiences, followed by a visit to the iconic Kinderdijk windmills. Explore the quaint village of Veere in Zeeland and the medieval charm of Bruges in Belgium. Finally, discover art, beer, and local culture in Antwerp.
Select departures run in reverse (Antwerp to Amsterdam)
Highlights
Explore Amsterdam's history via canal boat or Rembrandt's footsteps
Indulge in Dutch art and lifestyle in Haarlem and Keukenhof
Discover Enkhuizen's picturesque town and a 19th-century Dutch village
Marvel at Rotterdam's modern skyline and iconic landmarks
Uncover Belgium's gems in Bruges, Ghent, and Antwerp's cultural riches
The Netherlands’ largest city, Amsterdam has been an international port and financial center for hundreds of years. Your day begins with a morning tour of the Portrait Gallery of the Golden Age at the Hermitage Amsterdam Museum. Later, see the sites by canal boat or stroll through the city’s history by walking in the footsteps of Rembrandt.
Enjoy a special Captain’s Welcome Reception and Dinner prepared for you this evening.
Spend all day or half a day among millions of brilliantly colored flowers in Keukenhof, then mix it up a bit with a visit to and exploration of Haarlem’s art, history and Dutch lifestyle.
Spend some time exploring the picture-perfect town of Enkhuizen and leave the modern world far behind as you visit a recreated 19th-century Dutch village. Later, you’ll discover the town of Hoorn’s seafaring past, where the swashbuckling derring-do of Dutch explorers will come to life on a guided walking tour of this historic locale.
For your choice of excursions today, visit the Kröller-Müller Museum, which is home to 97 works by native son Vincent van Gogh as well as other notable artists and sculptors. Or opt for a walking tour of Nijmegen.
Rotterdam is thoroughly modern—you’ll soon understand why it’s sometimes called “Manhattan on the Meuse”: The Maas Tower, the Montevideo, the Millennium Tower, and the spectacular Erasmus Bridge make for a dazzling skyline. Begin your day by exploring this modern city on a Dutch culinary stroll, with a stop at the architectural milestone, Market Hall. Erected in 2014, it’s known for its futuristic look and unique culinary offerings. Later, head to Kinderdijk to discover why windmills are such an iconic symbol of Holland; marvel at their engineering, and learn about their role in changing the course of Dutch history.
Your ship docks this morning in the quaint Zeeland village of Veere, which will be your base for explorations of this charming town. A harbor village on the shores of the Western Scheldt, Veere may be a small town now, but its stately 15th-century town hall tells of a grander past. For three centuries it was the bustling center of the wool trade with Scotland; the wealth from this trade built the splendid church with its tall and ornate steeple that dominates the village, as well as the handsome mansions on its main street.
Your first day in Belgium offers you the chance to visit one of two national gems: beautiful Bruges, the capital of West Flanders and one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe, or fascinating Ghent, the capital city of East Flanders, whose long history does not weigh on its vibrant present. Belgium’s second largest city, Ghent abounds in medieval architecture, but there’s nothing museum-like about the city. It’s lively and brims with cutting-edge boutiques and galleries.
It may be the diamond capital of the world, but Antwerp is also known for a number of other sought-after cultural gems, including Golden Age art and Belgian beer, waffles and fries. Visit Antwerp’s striking Cathedral of Our Lady, with its UNESCO-designated belfry and its historic surroundings, or, if you’re feeling adventurous, hop on the metro and experience the city like a local.
Enjoy a special Captain’s Farewell Reception and Dinner prepared for you this evening.
Day 10: Antwerp | Disembark
1 Breakfast
After disembarking, transfer to Brussels International Airport for your 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.
$4,399
Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.
Please confirm embark/disembark locations before reserving flights, as this itinerary operates in reverse on alternating departures.
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Classic
Magnificently appointed riverview stateroom located on the Moselle Deck (151 sq ft - 14 sq m) . Handcrafted Savoir Beds of England, built-in closet, safe, hairdryer, individual thermostat, flat TV screen, and bottled water. Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, backlit magnifying mirror, cozy bathrobes, and slippers.
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Deluxe
Sumptuously appointed riverview stateroom located on the Danube and Main Deck (151 sq ft - 14 sq m) . Handcrafted Savoir Beds of England, built-in closet, safe, hairdryer, individual thermostat, flat TV screen, and bottled water. Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, backlit magnifying mirror, cozy bathrobes, and slippers.
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French Balcony
Luxuriant appointed riverview stateroom located on the Rhine Deck (151 sq ft - 14 sq m) with a French balcony. Handcrafted Savoir Beds of England, built-in closet, safe, hairdryer, individual thermostat, flat TV screen, and bottled water. Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, backlit magnifying mirror, cozy bathrobes, and slippers.
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Suite
Lavishly appointed riverview suite located on the Rhine Deck (214 sq ft - 20 sq m) with a French balcony. Handcrafted Savoir Beds of England, built-in closet, safe, hairdryer, individual thermostat, flat TV screen, and bottled water. Marble bathroom with Hermès bath and body products, plush towels, towel warmer, waffle bathrobes, and slippers. Additional special amenities and services.
Notes
Please Note: Fares are capacity controlled and are subject to change at any time without notice.
- All fares are per guest in US Dollars based on double occupancy unless otherwise noted.
- Single Supplement applies for single accommodation. Solo occupancy pricing is dependent on cabin type, contact us for details.
Initial deposit is 15% of cruise fare plus any additional port charges, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 130 days prior to departure by Check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
Beyond expectations! Then again we weren't sure what to expect. Lovely stay at the lodge, met other like-minded travelers (many had their trips planned by Adventure Life) and the owner was a gracious hostess. It felt like you were one happy family, visiting with a favorite aunt.