Belgium & Netherlands Tulip Time River Cruise

Follow your guide through the charming capital of the Netherlands, with its iconic meandering canals, bridges, and distinctive architecture.

Enjoy an enchanting cruise along the canal in Haarlem, outside of Amsterdam. You will pass historic architecture, bridges, and even an iconic windmill of the region. Later in the day, transfer to the ship.

*For those who choose not to do the pre-cruise land package to Amsterdam, book flights to arrive in Amsterdam (AMS)*

A scheduled shuttle from the Amsterdam Airport to the Riverboat can be booked with AMA Waterways.

Enjoy a scenic cruise from IJsselmeer to Kampen. Venture to the charming, canal-laden village of Giethoorn, nicknamed the "Dutch Venice." Capture incredible photos of the picturesque thatched-roof farmhouses, which are seemingly lifted straight from the pages of a fairytale. In the afternoon, ride a guided bike through the Dutch countryside or visit Flevoland's vibrant tulip fields.

After enjoying a scenic cruise through the Delta, join a guided tour to the medieval harbor town of Zierikzee, brimming with delights, from its 16th-century stone-built Gravesteen to its lovely harborside shops and cafes. This excursion includes a photo stop at the Oosterschelde Kering, the most significant storm surge barrier of the Delta Works. Alternatively, you may prefer to focus your tour on the history of the Delta Works at Neeltje Jans, one of the world's most impressive storm surge barriers. 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.

Do you prefer discovering Bruinisse on two wheels? Join our guide for an exhilarating bike tour.

Admire Ghent's canal-side architecture and famous sights, including the Castle of the Counts and St. Bavo's Cathedral and its Adoration of the Mystic Lamb. Those with a sweet tooth can visit a chocolate maker's shop--after being greeted with a glass of champagne, a master chocolatier will brief you on the history of chocolate. You will also have the opportunity to taste different pralines and even try making your own. Alternatively, you may prefer to take a full-day tour of Bruges, one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stroll through Grote Markt and Burg Square, visit the centuries-old Church of Our Lady with its prominent spire, and if you choose, sample some of the local specialties (from Belgian fries to waffles to chocolate) before returning to the ship.

Explore this trendy city on a walking tour, where you'll see Antwerp's Steen Castle, Grote Market, Brabo Fountain, and the UNESCO-designated Cathedral of Our Lady. Join a guided bike tour for a more active exploration of the area. Later in the afternoon, you have a choice of two excursions. Foodies will want to take 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 hand-planted by the castle staff each year.

During the morning, you can go on a walking tour of Rotterdam, nicknamed the "Gateway to Europe," and taste local specialties. Alternatively, you can 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. If you prefer a more active adventure, go on a bike ride through Rotterdam and see some 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. Visit a private windmill via electric boat. You may also pedal past the windmills from the bike seat if you prefer. If you wish to explore the history of US immigration, join us on an excursion that visits Delfshaven, where, on August 1, 1620, the Pilgrim fathers departed on their epic journey aboard the Speedwell, plus tour the FENIX Museum of Migration, a former harbor warehouse currently being transformed into this unique educational experience.

Enjoy a morning of scenic cruising before venturing out in the afternoon on a smaller boat designed to glide beneath the many bridges of Amsterdam. Admire the city's historic harbor and canals, where you'll see beautiful homes lining the water and the fabled Skinny Bridge. Alternatively, marvel at one of the most impressive public gardens in the world, Keukenhof**, which presents a spectacular display of millions of flowering tulips spread out over 70 acres. Spend time ambling through this legendary garden, which is open only nine weeks each year and is sometimes referred to as the "Garden of Europe."

**Note: Included on most departures: An alternative tour will operate on sailings that visit Amsterdam outside of Keukenhof’s open dates.

Bid Farewell to Amsterdam and prepare for your homeward flight.

*Book return flights from the Amsterdam Airport (AMS)*