Dutch Bulbfields & Historic Cities River Cruise

A Journey Through Iconic Windmills, Vibrant Tulip Fields & Maritime Heritage

Overview

Discover the beauty of Holland’s famous bulbfields, its charming maritime cities, and the historic windmills of Kinderdijk. This journey takes you through:

• The world-famous Keukenhof Gardens, home to seven million flowers.
• Amsterdam’s picturesque canals, best explored on a classic glass-topped cruiser.
• Rotterdam’s striking modern architecture, blending seamlessly with its rich history.
• The medieval charm of Enkhuizen, once a bustling trade hub of the Dutch Golden Age.
• Kinderdijk’s legendary windmills, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Itinerary Details

Day 1: Arrival in Amsterdam

• Travel by flight to Amsterdam or take the Eurostar to Brussels, connecting by train to Amsterdam.
• On arrival, transfer by coach to your five-star river cruise ship, moored near the city centre.
• Settle into your luxurious, well-appointed cabin and meet the friendly crew.
• Enjoy your first gourmet dinner on board, as the ship sets sail overnight.

Day 2: Enkhuizen – A Golden Age Port

• Wake up in the picturesque port of Enkhuizen, a key city in the Dutch maritime empire of the 17th century.
• Wander through narrow streets lined with gabled houses, old bridges, and historic harbours.
• Visit the Zuiderzee Museum, where you can experience:
  • Traditional Dutch crafts, from blacksmithing to sailmaking.
  • Historical exhibits showcasing Holland’s battle with the sea.
  • Reconstructed fishing villages, frozen in time from the 1800s.
• Enjoy lunch back on board as we cruise along the Markermeer, a freshwater lake formed by the damming of the Zuiderzee.
• Watch the landscape change from quaint villages to wide open polders, before another elegant dinner on board.

Day 3: Rotterdam & Kinderdijk – Innovation & Tradition

• Arrive in Rotterdam, the Netherlands’ most modern city, rebuilt after WWII.
• Take a guided tour of the city’s innovative architecture, including:
  • The striking Erasmus Bridge, known as ‘The Swan’.
  • Cube Houses, tilted at bizarre angles.
  • Markthal, a vibrant food market inside a spectacular arched building.
• Enjoy lunch as we sail toward Kinderdijk, a UNESCO-listed site home to 19 iconic windmills.
• Explore the historic polder system, where windmills have been protecting the land from the sea for centuries.
• Learn about Dutch water management and step inside a working windmill.
• Return to the ship for a sumptuous dinner, accompanied by the gentle sounds of the pianist.

Day 4: Keukenhof Gardens & Amsterdam’s Canals

• Travel to Keukenhof, the world’s most spectacular flower garden.
• Stroll through 80 acres of colourful displays, featuring:
  • Seven million tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths.
  • Breathtaking floral landscapes, lakes, and winding paths.
  • Themed gardens and intricate floral sculptures.
• After lunch, return to Amsterdam for a glass-topped canal cruise, taking in:
  • The elegant 17th-century merchant houses along the canals.
  • Famous landmarks, including Rembrandt’s house and the Anne Frank Museum.
  • The unique houseboats and historic bridges of the city.
• Enjoy free time to explore:
  • The Rijksmuseum, home to masterpieces by Rembrandt & Vermeer.
  • The Van Gogh Museum, featuring the artist’s most famous works.
  • The lively street markets and boutique shops of the Jordaan district.
• In the evening, return to the ship for the Captain’s Gala Dinner, a perfect farewell to a memorable journey.

Day 5: Return Home

• After breakfast, transfer to Amsterdam airport or railway station for your return journey.
• Travel back via flight or Eurostar, with unforgettable memories of Holland’s vibrant landscapes and historic cities.

Why Choose This Cruise?

✓ Visit Keukenhof, the world’s most famous flower garden.
✓ Explore Amsterdam’s canals, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
✓ Experience Holland’s maritime history in Enkhuizen & Rotterdam.
✓ See the famous windmills of Kinderdijk up close.
✓ Sail in five-star luxury with world-class dining and expert guides.

Optional Experiences

• Guided cycling tour of Amsterdam, exploring its hidden gems.
• Exclusive cheese-tasting experience at a traditional Dutch farm.
• Visit to Delft, home of the world-famous blue and white ceramics.

Book now for a springtime journey through the most beautiful landscapes of Holland!