This scenic river cruise gets underway from Holland’s popular, modern capital of Amsterdam. This 700-year-old city offers an abundance of classic architecture, cafés, and restaurants to explore before you embark on your river cruise through Holland and Belgium.

Sail through Rotterdam’s harbor, said to be the world’s busiest port. Garden enthusiasts will delight in a visit to see the breathtaking colors of Keukenhof, also known as the “Garden of Europe.” With 70 acres of parkland and lakes, it’s one of the world’s largest flower gardens. Alternatively, an excursion to the city of Gouda, famous for its cheese, is available. Next, sail to Antwerp, Belgium’s second-largest city, combining ancient buildings and monuments with modern architecture. A medieval port city, it offers many chic shops, museums and galleries, and classic cafés. The Grote Markt is located in the heart of the old city quarter and includes the splendid City Hall and beautiful homes from the 16th century. In Ghent, Belgium, join a local expert for a guided tour of the city, including a visit to St. Baaf’s Cathedral, housing important works of Flemish art. Back in Holland, Middelburg was formerly an important trading city and you still get a sense of its wealth today with its impressive structures like the gothic Town Hall, Abbey Tower, and bustling Market Square. No trip to Holland is complete without a visit to the technical miracle that is the Delta Works, a storm flood barrier almost six miles long, constructed after the floods of 1953 during which more than 1,800 people drowned in one night.

This beautiful and historic springtime river cruise vacation concludes with more time to explore the wonderful city of Amsterdam offering historical 17th-century buildings, sculptures, and museums—combined with a an exciting and modern feel. See the most fascinating areas of the city on a canal cruise along the elegant grachten lined with homes dating back to the city’s “Golden Age.”

City Highlights

Day 1 Amsterdam (Embarkation): onboard welcome receptionDay 2 Rotterdam. Rotterdam harbor cruise: choice of guided sightseeing in Gouda or visit to Keukenhof GardensDay 3 Antwerp: guided sightseeingDay 4 Ghent: guided sightseeing, visit St. Baaf’s CathedralDay 5 Excursion to Middelburg & Delta Works: guided walk in Middelburg; guided visit of the Delta WorksDay 6 Willemstad: time at leisureDay 7 Amsterdam: canal cruiseDay 8 Amsterdam (Disembarkation): your vacation ends this morning

Notes

In the event of water level problems or any problems of a technical nature, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or to alter the program.Included visits and special features are subject to change. If a change is necessary, a substitute will be offered.Departures April 13 and April 20 on Avalon Illumination will operate the Amsterdam canal cruise on Day 2 instead of Day 7; thereby advancing by one day the remainder of the itinerary.Departure April 6 is offered as an exclusive Beer Tasting cruise, including lectures and special features at no additional cost. A visit to Europe is even better when it includes a discovery of the regional beers! Enjoy onboard tastings, visit historic breweries, and learn about European beer-brewing techniques during fascinating onboard lectures. Prost!Departure April 13 on Avalon Impression is offered as an exclusive Garden & Nature cruise, including lectures and special features at no additional cost. If you are passionate about gardening, you cannot miss discovering the most beautiful gardens and parks in this region, famous throughout Europe for inspirational horticultural art!

PRODUCT_LINE: AVALON-WAA-2018