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We know the leaves have only just begun to change, but it’s time to start thinking about spring!
At least, that’s the excuse we’re using for thinking of the sites to be seen during the spring in the Netherlands and Belgium.
Cruises typically begin and end in Amsterdam, overnighting in the Dutch city so that you have time to explore.
Leaving Amsterdam, you will cruise past Holland’s annual floral splendor to visit many of Belgium’s historical cities, including Antwerp which we have featured here today!
An engineering marvel, the 106-mile Main-Danube Canal permits modern-day vessels to travel from the North Sea to the Black Sea, opening up more than 2,200 miles of river and exposing today’s travelers to life along the banks.
Europe has more navigable rivers than any other region in the world — and arguably more diverse cultures along its river banks than any place else.
Cruising the entire length of the Rhine and Danube rivers alone exposes travelers to ten countries in Eastern and Western Europe. Along the way are charming villages, storied capital cities, fairy tale castles, vineyards and more — all accessible from your floating hotel.
While there are many places to stop, today we’re sharing tips from Ralph Grizzle the Avid Cruiser on on how to get the most of your time in port at Antwerp.
ANTWERP
Today’s cruise passengers can admire the old medieval and modern skyline of the Antwerp waterfront, while sailing up to the mooring right in the city center. Ships moor only 110 yards (100m) from the marvelous Market Place (Groote Markt), 16th century City Hall, amazing Gothic Cathedral of Our Lady and enchanting ancient city center with its churches and museums.
Antwerp is also the world’s diamond capital. Since the 15th century the city has played an important role in the diamond trade and industry. More than 85 percent of all the world’s diamonds are cut, set or traded in the city representing an annual turnover of US$26 billion.
Antwerp has become a major trendsetter in the European world of fashion. Belgian designers that scored internationally have artistic roots in Antwerp. Most of the up-and-coming designers have their atelier, showroom and shop in the city center. The number of fashion shops in Antwerp continues to grow, and the range of boutiques in the pedestrian friendly center makes strolling and window-shopping particularly easy.
MUST SEE
The Cathedral of Our Lady is impressive. Construction started in 1352 and was finished 169 years later.
Groote Markt. The Market Place, with the Town Hall. Situated in the old part of Antwerp, only a short walk from the cruise terminal, the Groote Markt is surrounded by historic guild houses.
The breweries. Belgium’s beer-brewing traditions go back to the Middle Ages. The country boasts the most varied collection of high-quality beers in the world, and there are some 125 smaller breweries. Many of them are open for visitors, for example theDe Koninck Brewery (situated in Antwerp).
Chocolate tasting. Each year, Belgium produces 172,000 tons of high-quality chocolate. Many cruise lines visiting Antwerp have chocolate tasting or a visit to a chocolate factory on the list of available shore excursions. Ghent (62 miles from Antwerp) is a center for chocolate manufacturing.
Shopping. With several shopping centres, Antwerp offers everything a shopaholic could wish for. And don’t forget: Antwerp is home to some of the most interesting contemporary designers that there are to be found.
SHORE EXCURSIONS
Shore excursions in and around Antwerp include:
Guided tours of the city hall and the impressive Cathedral of Our Lady
Guided walk with Cathedral of Our Lady & Steen Castle
Excursion to Bruges, a UNESCO Site
Keukenhof Gardens Excursion
Visit 5 UNESCO world heritage sites
Tour the Kinderdijk Windmills
Walking tour of Veere & Delta Words excursion
Interested in history? Flowers? Amazing vistas? Find a river cruise travel agent to make your Danube River cruise a reality!
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