Venice Simplon Orient Express & Five Star Tulips Cruise

On Arrival in Amsterdam you'll be transferred and welcomed onboard the MS Amadeus Star by the warm and friendly crew when you arrive. Enjoy a welcome drink in the lounge before dinner and settle into your cabin for the journey to come.

On the next day enjoy a sightseeing tour of vibrant Amsterdam, a city famous for its canals and bridges, unusual museums and laid-back atmosphere. You'll explore Dam Square, the city's main square, which is dominated by the 17th century Royal Palace. You'll also spend time in the famous Flower Market, visit the Rijksmuseum, and take a canal boat cruise. After lunch, explore this intriguing city at your own pace. You'll set sail to Ghent this afternoon and enjoy dinner on board this evening.

Enjoy breakfast on board, before arriving in Ghent, in Flemish Belgium. A very special guest joins you this morning, Colonel Piers Storie-Pugh, who delivers a fascinating talk about the battlefields in the region. After a relaxed lunch, you can choose between two excursions, an afternoon coach tour to Bruges or a guided sightseeing tour of Ghent. Bruges is an enchanting medieval town where you can try some Belgian delicacies in the pretty squares and narrow streets. Or explore Ghent, one of Belgium's oldest cities, on a tour that includes a visit to a chocolate shop.

Take an excursion to the emotive Ypres Battlefields, a key battlefront in the First World War, including entrance to the Sanctuary Wood Cemetery. Or you can explore the town of Ghent at your own pace, exploring the narrow streets and boulevards. The architecture in Ghent has an elegant grandeur about it. Make sure you see the impressive St Bavo's Cathedral and the Belfry. You'll set sail during lunch when you can spend the afternoon enjoying the ship's facilities or relaxing in your cabin.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and lunch on board today as you sail on to Arnhem where you'll arrive in the afternoon. Choose from two different excursions, visiting the Hartenstein Airborne Museum or the Netherlands Open-Air Museum. The Hartenstein Airborne Museum is in nearby Oosterbeek, which was the setting for the film 'A Bridge Too far', and focuses on the fierce Battle of Arnhem in WWII. Or you can visit the interactive Netherlands' Open-Air Museum, where you'll learn about the history of this proud European country.

This morning you'll wake to magical harbour town views as you reach Hoorn, one of the oldest cities in The Netherlands. Explore independently and at your own pace, or take an optional guided excursion by coach. You can also choose to take a nostalgic journey through the enchanting countryside aboard the Medemblik Steam Train. During this special journey, you can view the picturesque landscapes of tulip fields, windmills, and charming villages, immersing yourself in Dutch culture.

When you arrive back in Amsterdam this morning, you'll be joined onboard by another very special guest, Charlie Dimmock of BBC's Ground Force. Charlie will give a presentation, which is followed by a question and answer session. You'll learn about her time at the BBC and her tips on horticulture and garden care. You'll then set off to experience the iconic vibrant Keukenhof Gardens. Known for its glorious tulip displays, this is one of the loveliest gardens in Europe. Tonight, you'll enjoy an elegant gala dinner for your last night onboard.

You'll arrive back in Amsterdam today where you'll board the legendary Venice Simplon Orient Express. Settle into your plush private cabin and admire the design and luxurious upholstery, as your majestic journey begins. Make your way to one of the restored dining cars for lunch, prepared by skilled onboard chefs. Relax in the afternoon and enjoy the views as the train travels through Belgium towards France. Your steward will serve you a French goûter in the comfort of your cabin for an indulgent afternoon treat.

Later, take your seat for dinner in one of the dining cars, where you'll enjoy seasonal specialities, sourced from artisan producers along the route, accompanied by fine wines. After dinner enjoy a cocktail or two in Bar Car 3674, while the resident pianist plays the baby grand.

French breakfast can be served in your cabin this morning, as you wistfully gaze at the scenery passing by your window. Enjoy views of the mountains and glacial lakes of Switzerland's Gotthard route and then return to Bar Car 3674 to mingle with your new friends.

After a relaxed three-course lunch, cosy up with a good book in your cabin or enjoy the simple pleasure of watching the mesmerising scenery go by your window. Your steward will serve delicate pastries in your cabin before you arrive in Venice. The views as the train crosses the Venetian Lagoon and pulls into Santa Lucia Station, are breathtaking.

When you arrive in Venice you'll be transferred to your hotel. Choose from our 4* and 5* hotels, on a B&B basis.

Your free day in Venice today can mean wandering around at your own pace and simply taking in the sights, or digging deeper in Venice culture. You can enjoy some gelato while you hop across the many bridges that stride the canals. Visit a museum or two, photograph the magnificent gothic architecture, or just sit in one of the squares and sip an Italian coffee while the world goes by. Or, you can choose one of our optional excursions, which are bookable at a supplement, and get to know Venice a little better.