Overview

As you sail through picturesque waterways, discover the artisanal traditions of what was once the world’s greatest naval power, the remarkable art of the Flemish masters, and the old Zuiderzee.

First, explore the tiny villages of ‘old’ Holland, where ships of the 16th-century Dutch East India Company set sail in search of silks and spices. Then, visit Arnhem, the scene of the famous battle in 1944, before exploring Antwerp, the city of diamonds and Rubens. Stroll through its main square, lined with the tall step-gabled merchant houses so typical of the Low Countries.

Next, explore the very best of Flanders in delightfully medieval Ghent. From here, visit Ypres and one of Europe’s finest ‘old world’ cities, the enchanting Bruges. Listen to the sound of the carillon from the instantly recognizable Bell Tower, sip a coffee in the old market square, and reflect on how wonderful life can be.

Finally, witness one of nature’s most spectacular floral displays—the kaleidoscope of colors in the Dutch Bulbfields.

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At a Glance

• Direct flights from a choice of UK airports with no regional supplements and transfers
• Return Eurostar, Thalys & transfers
• 7 nights on board a five-star ship with impeccable service
• Choice of spacious cabins with window or French balcony
• 8 included experiences
• Full board dining* plus Chef’s Dinner
• Free drinks package
• Expert Riviera Cruise Director & Concierge
• Evening entertainment, from quizzes to impressive performances
• Free on-board Wi-Fi
• Checked luggage included
• Complimentary on-board tea & coffee
• All port charges & airport taxes covered
  (*except for one lunch)

Highlights

• Explore Antwerp – Discover the Grote Markt, Renaissance town hall, and the opulent Brabo Fountain on a guided tour.
• Charming Bruges – Walk through this beautifully preserved medieval city, admiring its canals, gabled houses, and iconic Belfry.
• Classic Amsterdam Canal Cruise – Glide through the city’s famous canals, passing gabled buildings, historic bridges, and bustling streets.
• Arnhem & WWII History – Visit the battle HQ of the British 1st Airborne Division at Oosterbeek and the Commonwealth War Cemetery.
• Keukenhof Gardens – Marvel at the world’s largest flower garden, spanning nearly 80 acres of dazzling floral displays.
• Choice of Excursions in Ghent & Ypres – Opt for a guided walking tour of picturesque Ghent or a poignant visit to Ypres and Tyne Cot Cemetery.

Itinerary Details

Day 1: Arrival in Amsterdam

Fly to Amsterdam from a choice of regional airports or take the Eurostar from London St Pancras International to Brussels, where you change trains for Amsterdam. On arrival, a coach transfers you to your five-star cruise ship, moored near the city center and railway station. The dedicated crew welcomes you aboard, ensuring you settle into your comfortable and well-appointed cabin.

There’s time to familiarize yourself with your first-class floating hotel before enjoying the chef’s specially chosen menu for your first dinner on board.

Day 2: Amsterdam & Hoorn

Start your day with a delicious breakfast on board. Enjoy a classic glass-topped boat tour through Amsterdam’s historic canals, offering insights into the city’s maritime, financial, and cultural past. Glide past gabled buildings, bustling streets, and historic bridges, with stories of famous residents like Anne Frank and Rembrandt.

After lunch, cruise towards Hoorn, once a prosperous port of the Dutch East India Company. Wander through its cobbled streets, past brick-built warehouses and the distinctive 16th-century Head Tower. Later, return to the ship for dinner and a relaxing evening.

Day 3: Arnhem

Wake up to the scenic beauty of Holland, passing flower-bedecked houseboats, wildfowl, and traditional windmills. Arrive in Arnhem, synonymous with the ill-fated 1944 aerial assault depicted in A Bridge Too Far.

Visit the British 1st Airborne Division’s battle HQ at Oosterbeek, now an excellent museum, and pay respects at the Commonwealth War Cemetery. In the evening, cruise along the mighty River Rhine while enjoying another sumptuous dinner on board.

Day 4: Antwerp

Sail along the busy River Scheldt before arriving in Antwerp, the birthplace of Baroque master Peter Paul Rubens. Enjoy a guided tour of this historic city, once Europe’s largest port north of the Alps during its 16th-century Golden Age.

Visit the captivating Grote Markt, with its ornate guildhouses, Renaissance town hall, and the opulent Brabo Fountain. The afternoon is yours to explore—perhaps visit Rubens’ former home, the Royal Museum of Fine Arts, the magnificent Gothic cathedral, or Antwerp’s grand train station, often called the Railway Cathedral.

Day 5: Ghent & Ypres

Arrive in Ghent, once Western Europe’s second-largest city after Paris. Discover this medieval gem with a guided tour, taking in its unspoiled waterfront, 13th-century skyline, and the stunning Adoration of the Mystic Lamb altarpiece by the Van Eyck brothers at Saint Bavo’s Cathedral.

After lunch, choose to either continue exploring Ghent at your leisure or join an excursion to Ypres, a town synonymous with World War I. Visit the In Flanders Fields Museum, the battlefields of Passchendaele, and Tyne Cot, the largest Commonwealth war cemetery in the world. End the visit at the Menin Gate, where the Last Post ceremony is played every evening.

Day 6: Bruges

Travel to Bruges for a guided tour of this beautifully preserved medieval city. Stroll along serene canals, cobbled streets, and past romantic gabled houses.

Admire the majestic Belfry, City Hall, and the Basilica of the Holy Blood. Visit the Church of Our Lady to see Michelangelo’s Madonna and Child. Indulge in legendary Belgian chocolates before returning to the ship for another exquisite dinner.

Day 7: Keukenhof & Amsterdam

Wake up to surreal views as your ship glides above the reclaimed Dutch polders. Today, visit Keukenhof, the world’s largest flower garden, covering nearly 80 acres. Marvel at over seven million tulips, daffodils, and other blooms in breathtakingly designed landscapes.

After lunch, spend the afternoon at leisure in Amsterdam. Art lovers may explore the Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh Museum, while others may prefer to relax in a canal-side café. In the evening, enjoy the Captain’s Dinner, featuring the chef’s signature dishes.

Day 8: Return Home

After breakfast, bid farewell to the crew before transferring to the railway station or airport for your return journey home.