Holland and Belgium Springtime River Cruise
Holland and Belgium Springtime River Cruise
Holland and Belgium Springtime River Cruise
9 Days Starting and ending in Amsterdam, Netherlands
Visiting: Amsterdam, Arnhem, Middelburg, Bruges, Antwerp, Kinderdijk
Tour operator:
Tour code:
16802
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating 7-night river cruise through the enchanting landscapes of Holland and Belgium, where springtime blooms and historic charm await. Begin your journey in Amsterdam with a welcome reception and dinner, then explore the city's iconic canals and the breathtaking Keukenhof Gardens, home to over 7 million flowers. Sail to Arnhem, Middelburg, and the fairy-tale city of Bruges, where guided tours and canal cruises reveal medieval wonders. In Antwerp, discover Gothic and Baroque architecture before experiencing the majestic windmills of Kinderdijk. Enjoy unlimited wine with dinner each evening aboard your luxurious ship, complete with modern amenities and panoramic views. Conclude your adventure with a farewell dinner, cherishing memories of vibrant tulip fields and timeless European beauty.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Overnight Flight
Location: Amsterdam
Accommodation Name: MS The Gentleman
Savor springtime in Holland and Belgium with a cruise that highlights the blooming Dutch tulip fields. Relax as you make your way along seemingly endless fields of vibrant flowers and iconic windmills.
Day 2 : Amsterdam, Netherlands - Board Ship
Location: Amsterdam
Accommodation Name: Ship
Meals Included: Dinner
Arrive in Amsterdam, the 800-year-old capital of the Netherlands, where you will board your ship. Your home for the next 7 nights, this beautifully appointed vessel has all the modern amenities you need, plus a panoramic deck, and bar, outstanding service, and delicious food and wine. Tonight, enjoy a cocktail overlooking the city skyline before you’re welcomed aboard with a lovely dinner.
Day 3 : Amsterdam - Keukenhof Gardens - Amsterdam
Location: Amsterdam
Accommodation Name: Ship
See Amsterdam the way it’s truly meant to be seen – by canal. On your private boat, cruise under sloping bridges and pass by quintessential Dutch houses. This afternoon explore the world famous Keukenhof Gardens, featuring acres of tranquil ponds, shaded paths, and more than 7 million tulips and other flowers on exhibit. This evening, your ship leaves Amsterdam.
Day 4 : Arnhem
Location: Arnhem
Accommodation Name: Ship
Arrive in Arnhem, the favorite summer retreat of the Dutch royal family. With a full day to explore, perhaps you’ll wander through one of the city’s many parks or delve into the local history at a WWII museum. In the morning, consider joining an optional tour to the Airborne Museum to learn about the the Battle of Arnhem. After lunch, you may opt for an afternoon visit to the Kröller-Müller Museum that holds the second largest Van Gogh collection in the world. This evening, pass by lovely Dutch scenery as your journey continues.
Day 5 : Middelburg
Location: Middelburg
Accommodation Name: Ship
This morning, enjoy sailing along scenic Dutch waterways before spending an afternoon in Middelburg, the capital of the Dutch province of Zeeland. Walk through the twisting lanes and take in the city’s relaxed atmosphere on your own. See how the local trading legacy remains in the architecture, passing by timeless brick houses, a Gothic town hall, and medieval towers. Consider taking an optional excursion to the storm surge barrier and Flood Museum to learn about Netherland’s largest flood defense system.
Day 6 : Bruges, Belgium
Location: Bruges
Accommodation Name: Ship
Say hello to Belgium during a scenic sailing this morning. This afternoon, explore the fairy-tale city of Bruges on foot during a guided walking tour,* then board a scenic canal cruise featuring cozy town squares and medieval dwellings.
Day 7 : Antwerp
Location: Antwerp
Accommodation Name: Ship
Meals Included: Dinner
Join a local expert in Antwerp for a city tour that explores its rich history and Gothic and Baroque architecture. Enjoy a free afternoon to prepare for the elegant Captain’s Gala Dinner, immediately followed by an evening of dancing.
Day 8 : Kinderdijk, Netherlands - Rotterdam
Location: Kinderdijk
Accommodation Name: Ship
Meals Included: Dinner
Stop in Kinderdijk, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and village, to experience Holland’s iconic 18th-century windmills. Walk along the winding paths and venture inside one of these working windmills, seeing how the country’s heritage blends into modern day society. This afternoon, it’s your choice! Discover the charming canals, medieval architecture, and rich history of Delft on a walking tour, and afterwards, enjoy free time to explore on your own -OR- take a walking tour of the Hague and see the historic Binnenhof, the Peace Palace, and more before enjoying free time in this unique city. Aboard the ship, toast to the end of your journey at a farewell dinner.
Day 9 : Amsterdam - Disembark Ship - Tour Ends
Location: Amsterdam
Your tour comes to a close today, leaving you with memories of vibrant flowers and towering windmills.
What's Included
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7-Night River Cruise
Relax as you’re transported through Holland and Belgium on a 7-night cruise.
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Unlimited Wine
Enjoy unlimited wine every evening with dinner.
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Welcome Reception and Dinner
Begin your journey with a welcome reception and dinner in Amsterdam.
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Amsterdam Canal Tour
Float under picturesque bridges on a canal tour of Amsterdam.
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Keukenhof Gardens Visit
Explore the world-famous Keukenhof Gardens, spanning across 70 acres.
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Kinderdijk Windmills
Stand in awe before the iconic windmills of Kinderdijk, the largest collection in all of Holland.
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Guided Walking Tour of Bruges
Step back in time on a guided walking tour of medieval Bruges, then embark on a canal cruise.
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Captain’s Gala Dinner
Enjoy an elegant Captain’s Gala Dinner, immediately followed by an evening of dancing.
What's Not Included
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Optional Tours
Optional tours such as the Airborne Museum visit in Arnhem and the Kroller-Muller Museum visit are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks outside of the included wine with dinner are not covered.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
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Transportation to Departure Point
Transportation to the starting point of the tour in Amsterdam is not included.
Experiences
Stand in awe before the iconic windmills of Kinderdijk, the largest collection in all of Holland.Step back in time on a guided walking tour of medieval Bruges, then embark on a canal cruise.Relax as you’re transported through Holland and Belgium on a 7-night cruise.
Options
Arnhem: Airborn Museum Visit Drive through the city of Arnhem, best known for the WWII operation "Market Garden." The British First Airborne Division was given the task of securing the main bridge in Arnhem in order to help Allied troops advance into Northern Germany. Drive past the landmarks from this famous battle, continuing on to the Airborne Museum in Oosterbeek. The museum contains numerous displays and exhibits, which recount in detail the events of the battle including an impressive collection of weapons, uniforms and documents from the battle and the period. Duration approximately 4.5 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 25 passenger(s) is required to operate this option.
Arnhem: Experience Masters & Modern Art at the Kroller Muller Museum Art lovers will find a wide range of works to peruse at the Kroller Muller Museum. Boasting the world’s second largest Van Gogh collection, you’ll see famous works like Café Terrace at Night among many others. In addition to Van Gogh artwork, the museum also features works by contemporaries of his time like Claude Monet, Georges-Pierre Seurat, and Pablo Picasso; as well as a modern sculpture garden with a seasonal art rotation on its sprawling 60-acre grounds. Duration approximately 4.5 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 25 passenger(s) is required to operate this option.
Antwerp: Excursion to storm surge barrier and Flood museum With the local guide and a bus, drive to the "Deltawerken" of the east Schelde river. There we will do a nice panoramic drive through the construction with a picture stop of the "Oosterscheldekering." Then continue on to the Watersnoodmuseum, where you will have a tour. Duration approximately 4.5 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 25 passenger(s) is required to operate this option.
Culinaries
Enjoy unlimited wine every evening with dinner.Begin your journey with a welcome reception and dinner in Amsterdam.
Must See
Float under picturesque bridges on a canal tour of Amsterdam.Enjoy a scenic sail along Belgium waterways.Explore the world-famous Keukenhof Gardens, spanning across 70 acres.
Choice Highlights
Amsterdam This is the capital city of The Netherlands, with a population of about 1.5 million in the metro area. It is known for its rings of canals, the Red Light District, the Anne Frank House and its famous museums (Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, etc.). Amsterdam has a rich history in commerce, mostly due to the country’s colonies all over the world, and this gives the city a fascinating flavor and diverse population even now. There are great restaurants and shopping, and it is a very comfortable place to walk around in. It is also a great starting point from which to explore The Netherlands and beyond.
7-Night River Cruise Unpack for a week spent cruising the canals and exploring the country and cityscapes of Holland and Belgium. At the various stops, guests will have the opportunity to view endless rows of Tulips at Keukenhof, stroll the streets of medieval Bruges, and cruise along the canals of Amsterdam. During the cruise, guests can relax aboard the modern cruise ship and take in the natural landscapes.
Keukenhof Gardens Keukenhof is a large flower garden in Lisse, the Netherlands in the south of Holland. It is the world’s second largest flower garden at 79 acres in size. Keukenhof plants over 7 million flowers in throughout the gardens each year. The gardens are open March through May each year.
Arnhem Arnhem is a large city located in the eastern part of the Netherlands on the banks of the River Rhine. The city’s origin dates back to the 12th century. Today, Arnhem is known as the site of one of the most famous battles of World War II: the Battle of Arnhem which took place in September of 1944.
Middelburg Middelburg is a city in the south-western part of the Netherlands. The city dates back to the 8th or 9th century. Today much of Middelburg’s old city center has retained much of its historic and picturesque character, despite one-third of the old center being bombed in 1940 during World War II. After the war, much of the old center was rebuilt and restored, as much along pre-War lines as possible.
Bruges Bruges is the capital and largest city of the province of West Flanders in the Flemish Region of Belgium. Located in the northwest of the country,Bruges has most of its medieval architecture intact. The historic centre of Bruges has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000. Along with a few other canal-based northern cities, such as Amsterdam, it is sometimes referred to as "The Venice of the North". In the last half of the 19th century, Bruges became one of the world's first tourist destinations attracting wealthy British and French tourists. Today, it attracts some 2 million tourists annually.
Antwerp Antwerp is the most populous city in the country of Belgium. Antwerp is located on the River Scheldt, which links to the North Sea. Antwerp’s port is considered one of the biggest ports in the world. The city of Antwerp dates back to the 4th century. Today, Antwerp is known for being the world’s leading diamond city, with more than 70% of all diamonds traded in the city.
Kinderdijk Windmills Kinderdijk is a small village located in the Netherlands in South Holland. The main attraction of the village are the windmills here. The area features 19 windmills which were built around 1740. The windmills are the largest concentration of old windmills in the Netherlands. They are also known as one of the best known Dutch tourist sites.
Mode of Transport
Relax and enjoy a scenic 7-night cruise through Holland and Belgium, with opportunities to explore iconic destinations and picturesque landscapes along the way.
Accommodation
Experience the comfort of the beautifully appointed MS The Gentleman, your home for 7 nights, featuring modern amenities, a panoramic deck, bar, outstanding service, and delicious food and wine.
Check out our Q&As
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What can I expect during the canal tour in Amsterdam?
During the canal tour in Amsterdam, you will cruise under sloping bridges and pass by quintessential Dutch houses, offering a unique perspective of the city.
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What is special about the Keukenhof Gardens visit?
The visit to Keukenhof Gardens is special because it features acres of tranquil ponds, shaded paths, and more than 7 million tulips and other flowers on exhibit, making it a world-famous attraction.
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What activities are available in Arnhem?
In Arnhem, you can explore the city's parks, delve into local history at a WWII museum, or join optional tours to the Airborne Museum and the Kröller-Müller Museum, which holds the second largest Van Gogh collection in the world.
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What can I do in Middelburg?
In Middelburg, you can walk through the twisting lanes, enjoy the city's relaxed atmosphere, and see the local trading legacy in its architecture. There is also an optional excursion to the storm surge barrier and Flood Museum.
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What is included in the guided tour of Bruges?
The guided tour of Bruges includes a walking tour of the fairy-tale city, followed by a scenic canal cruise featuring cozy town squares and medieval dwellings.
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What is the highlight of the visit to Kinderdijk?
The highlight of the visit to Kinderdijk is experiencing Holland's iconic 18th-century windmills, where you can walk along winding paths and venture inside one of these working windmills.
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What is the Captain's Gala Dinner in Antwerp?
The Captain's Gala Dinner in Antwerp is an elegant event where you can enjoy a special dinner followed by an evening of dancing.
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Can I pre-purchase optional excursions/activities?
Yes, the majority of optional excursions and activities are available for advance purchase for applicable tours provided that you make your options purchase prior to 15 days of the tour departure. Collette makes it convenient to reserve presold options by visiting our website for a full listing of activities and excursions or when your reservation is made with our reservations staff. In addition, there are benefits to prepurchasing options including a price guarantee once your tour is paid in full. So, while the cost of an optional activity may change from the time you book your tour, once payment is received in full, your preselected options are guaranteed by Collette at their original price. Although you can still purchase options while on tour, reserving them ahead of time ensures you a spot in the event that the activity sells out. Collette will provide a refund if you cancel a presold option prior to tour departure. Any presold options canceled while on tour are nonrefundable.
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Can my children travel on tour?
Children over the age of 5 may travel on a Collette tour accompanied by an adult. Child land rates are valid for ages 5-12, sharing a room with two full-paying adults. Participation in any products that include Safari or Game Drive components, is limited to travelers aged 13 and up. This will include tours to Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa and India.
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What is the difference between a twin room and double room?
In certain countries, hotel rooms tend to be smaller than U.S. standard accommodations. A double room is designed to accommodate two people, but may not have two separate beds. A twin-bedded room has two separate beds of any size, and is the type most commonly utilized.
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Do you provide VISA processing for all applicable destinations?
Collette does not process VISAs. Every nation has its own specific requirements. Check the embassy or consulate website for the country you are visiting to find the forms and information you need. The process of getting a VISA can take two weeks to two months.
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Do I need a passport?
Government-issued ID is required for all air travel. A valid passport is required for all trips outside the USA. All passengers should check with the appropriate foreign consulate for entry and validity requirements. We recommend that your passport has six months validity, and at least 3 blank pages. Passports and visas are the responsibility of each client. International Borders. Any child under age 16 (traveling without a parent or legal guardian to Canada) must have written permission from a parent or legal guardian. Please be advised that if you have been convicted of an offense, or have committed a criminal act that is an offense under the laws where it occurred and would be an offense in Canada, you may be inadmissible into Canada. You will need to apply for a Minister's Permit of Approval of Rehabilitation at a Canadian Consulate. All other travelers should contact the appropriate consulate for entry requirements in other international destinations. In South Africa, children are required to have a passport as well as additional documentation to travel with you into and out of the country. Please consult the South African Embassy for the current specific requirements related to your travel dates. If travelling internationally with a child under the age of 18, please check directly with the airline for the legal documentation that is required. It is the sole responsibility of the guest to procure the proper documentation to travel and many requirements vary by airline and destination. Collette will not be responsible for costs incurred for missed flights or canceled tours where a guest fails to secure proper documentation.
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Is there a lot of walking on tour?
We pride ourselves on bringing travelers the very best experiences a destination offers. Our itineraries include many activities and may consist of walking on uneven terrain or significant walking at times. Some of the most unique sightseeing can mean accessing locations that restrict motorcoaches, especially in historic areas. Some hotels/lodges in remote locations may not have elevators. For your comfort, we recommend bringing walking shoes.
1 Select your preferred date
Thursday - Friday
Apr 03, 2025 - Apr 11, 2025Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
CTS demo white label allows you to make 20 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
CTS demo white label requires a minimum deposit of 55% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
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