Springtime Tulips, Floriade and Keukenhof Gardens

Fly* from your closest airport to Schipol Airport in Amsterdam, where you'll be met by a Great Rail Journeys representative who will escort you to the ship.

Once on board, take some time to settle into your comfortable cabin and relax in your new surroundings. We enjoy a welcome drink in the lounge before a sumptuous 5-course dinner in the panoramic restaurant, followed by live music.

*If you would like to travel by rail, view our Rail & Cruise option here.

• Dinner

You have a choice between three excursions today; you could attend Floriade, take a sightseeing tour of Amsterdam, or visit Hoorn and journey on the Medemblik Steam Railway. Floriade only happens once every ten years, and this decade's theme is 'Growing Green Cities'. There are exhibitions from over 30 different countries, each split into four sub-themes exploring the possible future development of our city centres.

Alternatively, visit Amsterdam, a city famous for its tree-lined canals, crooked buildings and laid-back atmosphere. Among the sights we discover is vibrant Dam Square, the city's bustling main square, dominated by the Royal Palace - a classical 17th-century masterpiece.

Finally, you could visit Hoorn, one of the oldest cities in The Netherlands and an attractive harbour-town. From here, step back in time with a journey on the Medemblik Steam Railway.

On our Apr 8 sailing, the Floriade excursion will take place on Day 7.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Our vessel arrives in Ghent, in Flemish Belgium. This morning, Colonel Piers Storie-Pugh will come aboard to deliver a fascinating talk about the battlefields in the region, using his expertise in the field to take us back in time. In the afternoon, our excursion takes us to the infamous Ypres Battlefields, a key battlefront in the First World War. We are accompanied by experts who take us through some of the most poignant sites, including Tyne Cot Cemetery where many of the combatants were buried. We return to the ship later for dinner.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Discover the attractive town of Ghent this morning, as we venture into the narrow streets and pretty boulevards for a guided tour. Built in an instantly identifiable style, the architecture lends an elegant grandeur to the buildings here, and we discover some of the finest examples on our tour, which includes the ever impressive St Bavo's Cathedral and the Belfry.

After lunch, your time is your own to explore more of Ghent.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we pay a visit to the fairytale city of Bruges. An exceptional example of a medieval town which takes great pride in its history, Bruges is a truly an enchanting city. With winding streets opening up to large squares, often filled with locals enjoying the cafés that serve up plenty of Belgian delicacies. Here we discover the canals, churches and noble old townhouses famous across Europe. Later, after our day in Bruges, we enjoy another delicious dinner on board.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We arrive into Arnhem this morning. After some free time, you have another choice of 2 excursions. Your first option is to visit the excellent Hartenstein Airborne Museum, in nearby Oosterbeek, for a guided tour. This institution focuses on the fierce Battle of Arnhem in WWII, and was the setting of the war film 'A Bridge too Far'. The museum features a collection of various artefacts from the battle itself.

Alternatively, you may wish to visit the interactive Netherlands' Open Air Museum, recounting the storied history of this proud European country. Tonight, we sit down to an elegant gala dinner with our captain.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning we arrive back in Amsterdam. We are joined on board by the wonderful Charlie Dimmock, star of BBC's Ground Force.

We enjoy a presentation as well as a question and answer session with her, learning about her time at the BBC and her tips on horticulture and garden care.

Afterwards, we experience a true highlight of our cruise, visiting the colourful and enjoyable Keukenhof Gardens. Filled with all manner of glorious tulip displays, this is one of the best floral displays in Europe. Following dinner this evening, we're serenaded by a traditional Dutch sea shanty choir.

Please Note: For departure NEZ2102 the guest speaker will be Joe Swift

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After a buffet breakfast, your cruise comes to an end and you are transferred to the airport for your flight home.

• Breakfast