Discover the beauty and history of the Dutch and Belgian waterways in springtime on this special European river cruise, when spectacular carpets of colorful tulips are in full bloom. 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.
Highlights
Enjoy a guided bike ride through the Dutch countryside
Explore Bruges, one of the best preserved medieval cities in Europe
Roam through the Floralia, an annual spring flower show
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, cafés, lively marketplaces and exciting nightlife. This evening meet your fellow passengers on board for the Welcome Reception and Dinner.
Enjoy a scenic cruise through the Ijsselmeer to Hoorn, where you have a choice of three excursions. Visit a family-run tulip farm with over one million tulips, each in different phases of growth and in many species and colors. For those seeking to travel back in time, you can tour De Halve Maen, a replica of the Dutch East India Company’s most famous ship and then stroll through Hoorn’s beautiful old harbor. And for more active adventurers, go for a guided bike ride through the Dutch countryside.
After enjoying a scenic cruise through the Delta, you can explore medieval Middelburg, which was the second largest trading city of the Dutch East India Company. Or, if you feel like exploring the city on two wheels, a guided bike ride is the perfect choice. Alternatively, you may venture off to the Delta Works storm surge barrier, an impressive series of dams and Dutch hydraulic engineering. More than half of the Netherlands lies below sea level and the Delta Works were built to prevent a recurrence of the 1953 flood disaster.
There are several choices of excursions, depending on your interests. For those who wish to discover two medieval cities, Ghent and Bruges, you’ll wish to go on a highlights tour. Admire Ghent’s canal-side architecture and some of its famous sights, including the Castle of the Counts and Ghent Cathedral, and then visit Bruges, one of the best preserved medieval cities in Europe. Alternatively, you may go on a full-day excursion to Bruges, which includes a visit to the Church of Our Lady, home to the beautiful Carrara marble Madonna and Child sculpture by Michelangelo. Those more inclined to learn about the art of Belgian chocolate making can join a master chocolatier as he shares his insights. And for those who wish to enjoy more free time, join a walking tour of Ghent, followed by leisure time.
Explore this trendy city 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. For a more active exploration of the area, join a guided bike tour. Or you can visit the Rubens House, the former home of the famous 17th-century Flemish Baroque painter. Later in the afternoon, you have a choice of two excursions. Foodies will want to go on a culinary tour to indulge in chocolate, waffles and beer. Flower lovers and gardeners can roam through the Floralia, an annual spring flower show featuring approximately one million bulbs that are hand-planted each year by the castle staff.
During the morning, you can go on a walking tour of Rotterdam, nicknamed the "Gateway to Europe,” followed by a visit to the charming city of Gouda, known for its delicious cheese. Alternatively, go on an excursion to Delft, known as the home of the painter Johannes Vermeer, Delft Blue earthenware and the Royal House. While here, you’ll visit the Royal Delft Porcelain Factory and Museum. Prefer a more active adventure, then go on a bike ride through Rotterdam and past some of its famous landmarks and architecture. 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.
One of the most impressive public gardens in the world, Keukenhof, presents a spectacular display of millions of flowering tulips spread out over 70 acres. Spend time ambling through this legendary garden, open only nine weeks a year and sometimes referred to as the "Garden of Europe." Later in the day, admire Amsterdam’s historic harbor and canals, where you’ll see beautiful homes lining the water, the fabled Skinny Bridge and the Anne Frank House.
Day 8: Amsterdam | Disembark
1 Breakfast
Disembark after breakfast for your transfer to the airport.
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.
$3,199
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Cat. E
Violin & Cello Deck
French Balcony, 170 sq. ft.
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Cat.D
Piano Deck
Fixed Windows, 160 sq. ft.
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Cat.CB
Violin Deck
French Balcony, 155 sq. ft.
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Cat.CA
Violin & Cello Deck
French Balcony, 170 sq. ft.
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Cat.BB
Cello Deck
French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 210 sq. ft.
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Cat.BA
Violin Deck
French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 210 sq. ft.
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Cat.AB
Cello Deck
French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 235 sq. ft.
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Cat.AA
Violin Deck
French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 235 sq. ft.
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Suite
Violin Deck
French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 350 sq. ft.
Notes
Single supplement is 50%, except for Suites which are 100%.
Kate was great to work with in the planning stage. She was prompt, helpful, and efficient. Our tour guide, Edwin, was knowledgeable and passionate. We were very happy to have traveled with Adventure Life, it made the trip easy and a true pleasure. We could concentrate on enjoying the experience rather than the details of travel.
Lisa Bridge
TrustScore 4.7 | 111 reviews
TrustScore 4.7 of 5
Based on 111 reviews on
7 hours ago
Kassandra rocks! She had our trip planned and helped us arrange our air travel within the day we contacted her. She has helped us with our trips to Chile Argentina and Costa Rica, and she always finds us wonderful activities and accommodations. We’re looking forward to seeing what she’s planning for us this time when we go to Easter island
Janet
1 day ago
Nice thank you
Leo Lommen
1 day ago
quick to respond
thorough
Lisa Gallagher
3 days ago
Personal knowledge of the trip I was considering. Patience with our figuring out which dates we could travel.
Brian
4 days ago
Clara and Rhenee were gracious and available. Phone contact is so important to answer questions and discuss all aspects of trip. If not immediately available they scheduled a time to speak.
They were knowledgeable, honest, realistic and very friendly. They are both very professional and take their role seriously.