Holland and Belgium Floriade River Cruise 2012
Tags:
Amsterdam; River cuise; tulip time; Holland; Flowers; Netherlands; Keukenhof; avalon waterways; Luminary; Floriade;
See Belgium and Holland from the comfort of your own hotel-style stateroom aboard a luxurious river cruise ship. Includes visit to the Floriade, which is a huge horticultural exhibition that only happens once every 10 years! Cruise Overview Discover picturesque Holland and Belgium in the spring on this marvelous river ...
Read Full Description- Destination:
- Amsterdam, Netherlands; Antwerp, Belgium; Ghent, Belgium; Netherlands
- Trip Length:
- 8 days
- Price Range:
- From $2079 to $3848 (Special savings for groups! Other promotions may be available. Ships are already selling out so book today!) per person See what this includes and what this excludes
- Best Time to Go:
- April
- Recommended for:
-
Adults (30 - 39)
Adults (40 - 64)
Seniors (65+)
Married, Seniors
Birthday Celebration, Culinary Tour, Romantic Getaway
Detailed Trip Description
See Belgium and Holland from the comfort of your own hotel-style stateroom aboard a luxurious river cruise ship. Includes visit to the Floriade, which is a huge horticultural exhibition that only happens once every 10 years! Cruise Overview Discover picturesque Holland and Belgium in the spring on this marvelous river cruise vacation! Enjoy a canal cruise in Amsterdam, take photos of the charming windmills at Kinderdijk, discover St. Baaf’s Cathedral in medieval Ghent, explore Antwerp, and learn about Holland’s complex flood controls at the fascinating Delta Works. Choose between a visit to Floriade, an international exhibition of flowers and gardening held every 10 years in the Netherlands, or an excursion to Maastrict, a vibrant university town on the borders of Belgium and Germany. Drink in the colorful blooming beauty of famous Keukenhof Gardens with the world’s largest bulb flower park. All of this is waiting for you on this cruise vacation sure to delight all of your senses!! Book this now with an Avalon Specialist who has lived in Holland!
Trip Itinerary
Day 1 - Amsterdam
Arrive into Amsterdam (pre-night stays are also available)
River or Barge Cruise
Flights must arrive before 3:30 pm. Welcome to Amsterdam! Holland’s capital is sophisticated and modern, with a rich and fascinating history. This delightful 700-year-old city with its elegant and classic architecture, cafés, restaurants, and lively marketplace has a distinct ambience. The works of famous Dutch masters can be seen in world-renowned museums such as the Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh. This afternoon, board your river cruise vessel and meet your crew at a welcome reception. (Dinner)
Day 2 - Amsterdam
Historical and Educational Tours
There is no better way to see the city than by CANAL BOAT, cruising through the elegant grachten lined with stately homes dating back to Amsterdam’s “Golden Age.” Afterward, relax on the Sky Deck and watch as your ship departs. After lunch, enjoy a leisurely afternoon of cruising.
Day 3 - Netherlands
Floriade!
Sightseeing
After breakfast this morning the choice is yours: an excursion takes you to the Venlo region to visit the Floriade, an international exhibition of flowers and gardening that is held every 10 years in the Netherlands. First staged in 1851, these international exhibitions were originally held all over the world, often leaving behind legacies such as the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the Atomium in Brussels, and the Euromast in Rotterdam. Alternatively, you may wish to join an excursion to Maastricht. Located at the borders of Belgium and Germany, today the bustling cosmopolitan capital of the province of Limburg. Enjoy a guided sightseeing tour through this vibrant university town
Day 4 - Antwerp
Historical and Educational Tours
Antwerp is Belgium’s second-largest city and one of the world’s most important ancient seaports. Included sightseeing shows you its superb architecture, and the Grote Markt with its beautiful city hall and the Church of Our Lady make this city well worth a visit. An optional excursion to nearby Brussels, Belgium’s capital and home of the European Union, is available.
Day 5 - Ghent
Sightseeing
In a unique way, Ghent, the “diamond” of Flanders, has managed to preserve its medieval charm and power while keeping up with the times. A Local Guide will proudly point out that the city center alone is a showcase of medieval Flemish wealth and commercial success, and will take you into ST. BAAF’S CATHEDRAL. From here, an optional excursion to fascinating Bruges, with its criss-crossed canals and charming old patrician houses, is available.
Day 6 - Netherlands
Relaxation
It is certain that Middelburg was originally built as a stronghold to protect the population of Zeeland from the water and from enemies. Later, it became a prosperous merchant city that spent great wealth on the construction of important buildings such as the town hall. After the flood of 1953, during which more than 1,800 people drowned in one night, the Delta Plan was born to prevent another disaster of this magnitude. The final defense in the battle against the water is the storm flood barrier, almost six miles long and considered a technical miracle. The project took 30 years to complete. Before rejoining your ship, enjoy some free time in the charming town of Veere, once an important wool-trading center
Day 7 - Amsterdam
Keukenhof Gardens
Historical and Educational Tours
This morning, visit Kinderdijk with its picturesque row of windmills. Today’s highlight: the gardens of KEUKENHOF near Lisse, which encompass over 70 acres of parkland with lakes, sculpture gardens, greenhouses, and a windmill to explore. Millions of flower bulbs are grown here that present a spectacular display of blooms every year. Rejoin your ship in Schoonhoven, nicknamed “Zilverstad” and renowned for its silver.
Day 8 - Amsterdam
Cruise ends in Amsterdam
River or Barge Cruise
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (Breakfast)
Extend your stay in Europe! Consider a few extra nights in Amsterdam, or perhaps take the high-speed train for a few nights in Paris! Many other options - just ask!
Not the trip you were looking for?
Click here to find experts to book your trip (it's free!)
Submit Inquiry to Travel Specialist
Trips you may also be interested in
- London, Paris and Amsterdam 10 day trip
- Start off in London where you can take a ride on the London Eye, see the Changing of the Guards and take a day-trip to Stonehenge. Then take a 2-hour train to Paris and visit its world-class museums, dine in small (but gourmet) restaurants, and have a romantic evening stroll ...
- Best WWII Tour Yet!
- This is a 7 to 11 day land tour that follows the US troops from staging area in England through drop zones and beaches of D-Day in France. Then continues with action in the Netherlands, Belgium (Battle of Bulge), Germany,Luxembourg, Austrian bunkers of 3rd Reich and to the Eagle's Nest. ...
- Holland Tulip Festival
- As one of Europe’s top destinations, Amsterdam ranks equally high on our list of female-friendly cities, with safety and comfort being a highly desirable fringe benefit. It is wonderfully walkable, and as one of the greatest small cities in the world, Amsterdam is a sightseers dream. From its canals to ...
- Girlfriend Getaway to Europe: London, Amsterdam & Paris
- Enjoy Girlfriend Getaway to Europe: London, Amsterdam & Paris tour including sightseeing and many other activities in London, Amsterdam and Paris. Enjoy the incredible art collections, shopping, restaurants, bars and night clubs in London. Explore the old part of Amsterdam on foot, strolling across ancient bridges and down narrow lanes ...
