Springtime Tulips Cruise: Netherlands & Belgium – 2-Night Amsterdam Stay

Your scenic springtime vacation begins today in Amsterdam. As you arrive, enjoy a private taxi transfer to your four-star hotel in the city center for a two-night stay. Hotel check-in starts from 3:00 p.m., so if you arrive early, you can leave your luggage before setting out into the city.

Amsterdam is one of the world's most iconic destinations, with romantic canals weaving through the city and historic buildings lining beautiful squares - all complemented by a distinctly artistic undertone. Your time in Amsterdam is unescorted and filled with opportunities, with many attractions and museums within walking distance.

You might like to head to Dam Square, the beating heart of Amsterdam, or wander along Kalverstraat, the city's most iconic shopping street. The Rijksmuseum, the Stedelijk Museum and the Van Gogh Museum are all less than half a mile from the hotel; however, pre-booking is recommended to ensure admission.

As you explore, taste traditional Dutch treats and dishes, from stroopwafels and local cheese to fried cod and herring. Overnight Amsterdam.

With a full free day in Amsterdam, you can continue getting to know this unique city at your own pace. You might like to take in the poignant atmosphere and history of the Anne Frank House or delve into the region's brewing traditions at the Heineken Experience, located in the original Heineken factory, dating to the 1800s.

Located on Dam Square, the Royal Palace of Amsterdam stands as a stunning example of Dutch Baroque architecture. Elsewhere throughout the city, unique districts, such as the Nine Streets, brim with colorful, traditional buildings and an array of shops and restaurants to explore.

Should you wish to explore Amsterdam like a local, you could rent a bike to explore alongside the canals. Alternatively, step aboard the Netherland's well-connected railway system to visit nearby towns, such as Delft, known for its pottery, or Gouda, famous for its cheese.

For dinner, Amsterdam has a wide range of restaurant options, with everything from seafood to Chinese cuisine represented on the menus of this ever-evolving culinary destination. Overnight Amsterdam.

• Breakfast

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before a coach transfers you to the waterfront, where our luxurious Amadeus cruise ship awaits. Step aboard to meet your fellow travelers and the Cruise Director, and then there is some free time to settle into your cabin or explore the exciting amenities of our five-star floating hotel. Once you get the lay of the ship's interior, you could head out to the sun deck and soak up a new perspective on Amsterdam's varied skyline.

This evening, we enjoy a welcome drink in the lounge to celebrate the start of our scenic, seven-night river cruise through the Netherlands and Belgium before sitting down to dinner in the panoramic restaurant. Our meal is accompanied by live music from a traditional Dutch sea shanty choir - the perfect beginning to our springtime cruise. Overnight ship.

• Breakfast, Dinner

After enjoying breakfast onboard, we get to know Amsterdam's history and charms on a scenic canal cruise, admiring views of the city's picturesque waterways and architecture. Crossed by more than a thousand bridges and lined with elegant gabled houses, the canals reveal the history and charm of Amsterdam - a city unlike anywhere else. 

Lunch is served back on the ship before a free afternoon to continue exploring Amsterdam at your own pace. If you spent the last few days discovering the main attractions, this is the perfect time to wander the charming side streets and seek out hidden courtyards. You could also enjoy a drink at a canal-side café before we return to the ship to set sail toward Ghent later this afternoon. Dinner is served onboard as our sailing continues through the evening. Overnight ship. 

Please note: On the April 27th departure 27, Days 4 and 9 will be swapped, and we will visit Keukenhof Gardens today. 

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Relax with a calm morning onboard to have breakfast and take in the views as our ship sails toward Ghent, one of Belgium's most historic cities. Later in the morning, renowned expert Piers Storie-Pugh delivers a fascinating talk about the region's battlefields. A former infantry battalion commanding officer, Piers uses his expertise in the field to take us back in time.

Following a relaxed lunch onboard, you can choose between two excursions: an afternoon coach tour to Bruges or a guided sightseeing tour of Ghent.

Bruges is a medieval town of cobbled lanes, stately townhouses and peaceful canals. Stroll through the grand squares to discover the city's proud heritage, often best appreciated over a Belgian waffle or locally brewed beer. Alternatively, explore Ghent on a guided tour that showcases the city's medieval architecture, from the imposing Castle of the Counts to St. Bavo's Cathedral. A local chocolate tasting adds a delicious finishing touch to your visit.

We return to the ship this evening for dinner and drinks. Overnight ship.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Having spent the night moored in Ghent, we begin today with an optional excursion to the Ypres Battlefield, including entrance to Sanctuary Wood. Once a key battlefront during World War I, the area remains a poignant tribute to those who served. At the Sanctuary Wood Museum, we step back in time to 1914, with powerful exhibits and an original trench layout dug by British troops.

Alternatively, you could explore the attractive town of Ghent at your own pace. Wander along cobbled streets lined with shops, galleries and inviting cafés, or stroll along the Graslei and Korenlei, the city's picturesque canal side quays, once part of Ghent's medieval port. You might also explore the colorful street art of Werregarenstraat or stop by the Great Butchers' Hall for a taste of traditional delicacies and local flavors.

As we return to the ship for lunch, we set sail toward the Netherlands. This afternoon offers time to relax onboard, whether you enjoy the ship's comfortable lounge and facilities, or unwind in your cabin as the scenery passes by. Overnight ship.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Our ship drifts back toward the Netherlands this morning, and we enjoy breakfast and lunch onboard and beautiful views as we near the Dutch town of Arnhem. During the journey, Piers Storie-Pugh again lends his expertise as he delivers a presentation on the Battle of Arnhem, providing insights into the Allied offensive of September 1944.

You can choose between two excursions upon docking. Your first option is to visit nearby Oosterbeek for a guided tour of the Hartenstein Airborne Museum, set in the former Allied headquarters. Through immersive exhibits and personal stories, you can gain a powerful understanding of the Battle of Arnhem and its pivotal role in Operation Market Garden in World War II. Alternatively, step into centuries of Dutch heritage at the Netherlands' Open-Air Museum, an expansive museum park filled with authentic buildings, farmhouses and mills from across the ages, as well as demonstrations of traditional crafts. 

Returning to the ship after soaking up the rich cultural heritage of the Netherlands, we enjoy dinner and drinks ahead of a relaxed evening on board. Overnight ship.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Enjoy breakfast onboard this morning as our ship docks in Hoorn, one of the oldest and most historic cities in the Netherlands, and once a major trading port during the Dutch Golden Age.  

Here, we enjoy a guided walking tour through its well-preserved historic center, discovering sights such as the 15th-century Hoofdtoren, once a harbor control tower, and the elegant main square, lined with gabled buildings and the impressive Statencollege. We pause afterward to enjoy a slice of traditional Dutch apple pie, a sweet treat beloved across the Netherlands.

Our day continues with a nostalgic journey aboard the Medemblik steam train, traveling through the scenic Dutch countryside. This leisurely ride offers postcard views of traditional windmills, stunning tulip fields and charming villages - the epitome of the Netherlands' culture.

We rejoin the ship later this afternoon and enjoy dinner and drinks this evening as we begin sailing toward Amsterdam, where we dock for the night. Overnight ship.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

A memorable conclusion to this incredible journey, today, renowned horticulturist and star of BBC's Ground Force, Charlie Dimmock joins us on board this morning. She gives an insightful presentation, sharing stories from her time at the BBC along with expert gardening tips and advice on horticultural care. Afterward, there is the opportunity to ask your own questions during a question-and-answer session.

Later, we disembark for a highlight of the cruise: a visit to the world-famous Keukenhof Gardens. Known as the "Garden of Europe," Keukenhof bursts into life each spring with an extraordinary display of more than seven million tulips, hyacinths, daffodils and other spring-flowering bulbs. Open only from the end of March until the beginning of May each year, the gardens offer a fleeting but unforgettable showcase of color and creativity. Wander along beautifully landscaped paths and past water features, sculptures and seasonal flower shows.

This evening, we celebrate our final night onboard with a special gala dinner. Overnight ship.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 This cruise vacation opened the door to incredible history and breathtaking springtime scenery. After spending two nights in Amsterdam, getting to know this iconic canal city at your own pace, the journey took to the water for a luxurious seven-night cruise. Complete with an excellent selection of optional excursions, expert talks onboard our ship and a colorful conclusion at Keukenhof Gardens, this well-rounded trip was the best way to experience the Netherlands and Belgium.

Our cruise comes to a close after breakfast on the ship. An included transfer takes us to Amsterdam's airport, from where you are free to continue your onward travels home independently.

• Breakfast