Celebrate springtime in Holland and Belgium, visit Keukenhof in bloom, and discover the richnes of Ghent, Antwerp, and Bruges
The waterways of Holland and Belgium overflow with beauty all year long, but there is one season when the region transforms into a landscape out of a fairy tale: in the spring, when acres of flowers explode in a riot of color and scent. This — on top of medieval churches, windmills, Dutch and Flemish masterpieces, Renaissance palaces, diamonds, porcelain, lace, world-famous chocolates and cheeses, and centuries of history and culture — is what makes our Tulip Serenade such a rare and wonderful treat.
There’s simply no better way to experience Holland and Belgium than by river cruiser, gliding past fields of tulips and windmills to visit quaint villages and Renaissance cities seemingly frozen in time: Ghent, Antwerp, and Bruges. And, of course, we’ll visit Keukenhof Gardens, 79 acres of breathtaking beauty, open only in the springtime. Don’t miss your chance to visit one of Europe’s most magical corners, at the most enchanting time of year!
Best Time for Tulip Cruise
Tulip season extends from the end of March to the middle of May, but mid-April usually sports the most prolific blossoms. Keukenhof in Lisse is covered by over 7000 bulbs in the spring and is one of the best places to get a good look at many different varieties of tulip. If you’re going to visit Holland during this time, make sure to bring a camera to capture the tulip’s beauty.
Highlights:
Experience the Spectacular tulip carpets in Keukenhof Gardens.
Experience Kinderdijk, home to Holland’s largest concentration of windmills.
Explore “Liebfrauenkirche,” Belgium’s largest Gothic church.
Travel to Arnhem, the favorite summer retreat of the Dutch royal family.
Bruges: Magical little town know as the Venice of the North
The great medieval cities of Antwerp and Ghent
Day 1 – Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Arrive and Explore the city on own.
Day 2 – Amsterdam & Volendam
City tour of Amsterdam, canal boat cruise and flower market in the morning.
Excursion Holland Waterland with visit to a local cheese-maker and re-join the ship in Hoorn.
Day 3 – Arnhem
Morning cruising through countryside to Arnhem.
Afternoon choose a City tour of Arnhem and the Open-Air Museum, or “The Bridge of Arnhem” including a visit to the Airborne Museum “Hartenstein”.
Day 4 – Middleburg & Veere
This afternoon choose between the Excursion Delta Works & Veere or a City walk of Middleburg. The Delta Works is a storm surge barrier project started after the 1953 flood of Zeeland. Stop in Veere – one of the most pictur- esque towns in the area. The City walk of Middleburg features the capital of the province of Zeeland a once bustling port for the United East Indies Company.
Day 5 – Ghent & Bruges, Belgium
This morning enjoy a City tour of Ghent one of Belgium’s most attractive cities with its rich heritage of medieval buildings. During this afternoon’s offered City tour of Bruges see the historic marketplace, center of old Bruges as you walk along the maze of winding, cobbled alleys and romantic canals.
Day 6 – Antwerp & Brussels
Discover one of Europe’s largest ports during a City tour of Antwerp featuring the Onze-Lieve-Vrouwe cathedral containing works by Rubens and wall paintings dating from the 15th century. City tour of Brussels offers the opportunity to explore Brussels, the Capital of Belgium.This evening enjoy the Captain’s Gala Dinner.
Day 7 – Kinderdijk, Utrecht, Keukenhof & Amsterdam, the Netherlands
Excursion to Kinderdijk explores the rich history of The Netherlands famous windmills.This afternoon join a Visit to the Keukenhof Flower Gardens — Europe’s largest garden display.
Seven million Tulips, Narcissi and Hyacinths form a colorful carpet of blooms. Rejoin the ship in Amsterdam.
Day 8 – Disembark in Amsterdam
Disembarkation after breakfast.
Port Highlights
Amsterdam: There are over 800,000 bicycles in Amsterdam. That’s more bikes than people! Cycling in Amsterdam is a way of life, made easier by the city’s unbeatable network of bike paths, cycle routes and flat landscape. Amsterdam regularly comes out on top in lists of the world’s most cycle-friendly cities, and there’s no finer way to explore the city’s streets, canals and attractions than by pedal power. Cycling in Amsterdam is practical, enjoyable and healthy – so join the locals and hop on your bike.
Arnhem: Arnhem is most famous for its role in World War II, particularly toward the end of the war when the Allies started to push the Germans back. The Battle of Arnhem, part of Operation Market Garden, was fought in September 1944; it did not go according to the Allies’ plans. The 1977 movie “A Bridge Too Far” was based on the events that happened there. Most riverboat operators offer tours to the Arnhem battle grounds and Airborne Museum.
Middleburg: The picturesque city of Middelburg is the capital of the Zeeland region of the Netherlands. It’s a typical Dutch city crisscrossed by canals and lined with old warehouses converted into homes and apartment buildings. A short walking tour easily takes visitors past all the main sights, including Lange Jan (Tall John) tower, once a part of a large abbey.
Ghent: Ghent is a port city in northwest Belgium, at the confluence of the Leie and Scheldt rivers. During the Middle Ages it was a prominent city-state. Today it’s a university town and cultural hub. Its pedestrianized center is known for medieval architecture such as 12th-century Gravensteen castle and the Graslei, a row of guildhalls beside the Leie river harbor.
Brugge (Bruges):
Bruges, the capital of West Flanders in northwest Belgium, is distinguished by its canals, cobbled streets and medieval buildings. Its port, Zeebrugge, is an important center for fishing and European trade. Nearby, Market square features a 13th-century belfry with a 47-bell carillon and 83m tower with panoramic views. The historic city center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Antwerp: Antwerp is a port city on Belgium’s River Scheldt, with history dating to the Middle Ages. In its center, the centuries-old Diamond District houses thousands of diamond traders, cutters and polishers. Antwerp’s Flemish Renaissance architecture is typified by the Grote Markt, a central square in the old town.
Kinderdijk: The group of 19 windmills in Kinderdijk has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997. It’s the largest concentration of old-style windmills in the Netherlands and one of the country’s best known tourist sites.
Keukenhoff/Utrecht: The small town of Utrecht is primarily the gateway for visits to Keukenhoff Gardens. In spring, Keukenhoff is awash in thousands of vibrantly colored tulips, daffodils, hyacinths and more.