Celebrate spring in the Netherlands and Belgium when the Keukenhof Gardens and Floralia come alive. Experience Amsterdam’s colorful canals, the whimsical Kinderdijk windmills and the art of Rubens and Michelangelo. Discover the timeless traditions of Delft porcelain and revel in the medieval architectural treasures of Bruges, Middelburg and Ghent. Throughout your journey indulge in Belgian chocolates, warm waffles and delicious cheeses—all while savoring the storybook atmosphere of the region.
April 7– 17, 2024 | 11-Days Cruise/Tour Program
Featuring 2-nights in Amsterdam, 7-night Roundtrip Amsterdam Cruise visiting the Gems of the Netherlands and Belgium
Itinerary:
April 7 | US to Netherlands
Today board your overnight flight to Amsterdam.
April 8 | Amsterdam, Netherlands
Upon arrival this morning you will be met and assisted with a transfer to your hotel in downtown Amsterdam
Overnight: Amsterdam
April 9 | Amsterdam –walking tour
Follow your guide on your half day walking tour through the charming capital of the Netherlands, with its iconic meandering canals, bridges and distinctive architecture. (B)
April 10 | Haarlem Canal Cruise | Amsterdam, Netherlands
Enjoy an enchanting cruise along the canal in Haarlem outside of Amsterdam, passing historic architecture, bridges, and even a windmill, iconic of the region. Later in the day transfer back to Amsterdam and embark onto the beautiful AmaCerto, your floating hotel for the next 7 nights! (B,D)
April 11 | Amsterdam to Hoorn, Netherlands
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 or for those seeking to travel back in time, you can go on a walking tour in Hoorn or visit the Zuiderzee Museum, providing insight into the maritime culture and history of the lively Zuiderzee region. For more active adventurers, go for a guided bike ride through the Dutch countryside. (B,L,D)
April 12 | Middleburg, Netherlands
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 discover the intriguing history of the Delta Works, a unique storm surge barrier, while visiting the Flood Museum. 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. (B,L,D)
April 13 | Ghent, Belgium
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. For those who wish to enjoy more free time, join a walking tour of Ghent, followed by leisure time. (B,L,D)
April 14 | Antwerp, Belgium
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 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. (B,L,D)
April 15 | Rotterdam & Kinderdijk, Netherlands
During the morning, you can go on a walking tour of Rotterdam, nicknamed the “Gateway to Europe,” and taste local specialties, or visit Delfshaven, where, on August 1, 1620, the Pilgrim fathers departed on their epic journey aboard the Speedwell. Stopping in Southampton, many then boarded the Mayflower and concluded their journey at Plymouth Rock in Massachusetts. 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. If you prefer a more active adventure you can 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. You may also pedal past the windmills from the seat of a bike. (B,L,D)
April 16 | Keukenhof & Amsterdam, Netherlands
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 today, enjoy a canal cruise and admire Amsterdam’s historic harbor and canals, see beautiful homes lining the water and the fabled Skinny Bridge. (B,L,D)
April 17 | Disembarkation – Home
This morning after disembarkation, bid farewell to Amsterdam and prepare for your flight home. Memories of your time spent in the Netherlands and Belgium will last forever! (B)
Inclusions:
- Roundtrip airfare to Amsterdam
- Transfer from Amsterdam to the hotel/ hotel to ship, and ship to the airport
- Half day walking tour of Amsterdam
- Haarlem Canal boat tour
- Included shore excursions while on your cruise
- 7 nights aboard the beautiful AmaCerto
- All gourmet meals while onboard, including themed dinners
- Daily Hand-selected, complimentary, unlimited wine chosen by acclaimed European sommeliers
- Beer and soft drinks during lunch and dinner
- Specialty coffee and tea stations
- One dinner at the Chef’s Table restaurant
- Complimentary unlimited sparkling wine and fresh juices with breakfast
- Daily Sip & Sail cocktail hour with complimentary wine, beer, and spirits
- Wide choice of included expertly guided shore excursions in each port with personal audio headsets
- Porterage of one suitcase per person
- Hotel taxes meal taxes, and gratuities
- Service of a professional English-speaking cruise director
- Complimentary WiFi
- Service of a Universal Travel Representative
- Driver, guide, and step-on guide gratuities while in Amsterdam
- Ship gratuities for staff and cruise director
Payment
$750.00 non-refundable deposit due at reservation/Add'l $1,000 non-refundable due by July 1, 2023
Final Payment due Nov 30, 2023
Cancellation
50% non-refundable Dec 4, 2023
100% non-refundable Jan 4, 2024
An optional Travel Protection plan is available with coverage for trip cancellation/interruption, see enclosed product flyer for more information.
A valid passport is required on this itinerary and must be valid for at least 6 month after returning back to the USA.