Day 1 – Amsterdam

AMSTERDAM – EMBARKATION. Board the ship in Amsterdam for your Best of Holland & Belgium cruise.

Day 2 – Amsterdam

AMSTERDAM – KAMPEN, NETHERLANDS. There are 165 canals in Amsterdam, and you’ll get to enjoy some of them on your canal cruise. Later in the day, enjoy a scenic cruise through the IJsselmeer to Kampen. From this port, you may venture to the charming, canal-laden village of Giethoorn, nicknamed the “Dutch Venice.” Capture wonderful photos of the picturesque thatched-roof farmhouses, which are seemingly lifted straight from the pages of a fairytale. Alternatively, go for a guided bike ride through the Dutch countryside.

Day 3 – Utrecht

UTRECHT, NETHERLANDS. Enjoy a scenic morning cruise through the delta before arriving in Utrecht. This city has served as the religious center of the Netherlands since the 8th century and a far-reaching city boasting a medieval old town, canals and a beautiful Gothic cathedral, some of which you may see on your walking tour, which includes a visit to the whimsical collection of automatically playing musical instruments at Museum Speelklok. Alternatively, marvel at the largest castle in Holland, De Haar. Straight out of your fairytale dreams, this castle inspires awe with its turrets, moats and suspension bridges as well as its luxurious interior. For more active exploration, cycle with your bike guide and make your way through the city along canals and historic streets.

Day 4 – Ghent

GHENT, BELGIUM. There are several choices of excursions in Ghent, depending on your interests. Stroll through the Capital of East Flanders, learning about its unique history on your walking tour, or pedal through the spellbinding town on a guided bike tour. Alternatively, visit Bruges, one of the best preserved medieval cities in Europe, on a full-day excursion that includes the renowned Church of Our Lady, home to the beautiful Carrara marble Madonna and Child sculpture by Michelangelo. If you prefer a shorter excursion in Bruges, visit the town later in the day or spend your afternoon at Ghent’s moated Castle of the Counts, which boasts an eye-catching design as well as a ghoulishly interesting collection of medieval torture devices. Not combinable with other tours on this day.

Day 5 – Brussels

BRUSSELS, BELGIUM. Explore Belgium’s captivating capital on your guided walking tour or pedal through Brussels on a guided bike ride that takes you into Laeken Park, where you will see the unique architecture of the Far East Museums as well as the jaw-dropping iron molecule sculpture known as the Atomium. In the afternoon, visit Bouchout Castle, a 12th-century fortress built to protect the Duchy of Brabant from the County of Flanders and the lords of Grimbergen.

Day 6 – Antwerp

ANTWERP, BELGIUM. Explore Belgium’s trendy “City of Diamonds” on a walking tour where you’ll see Antwerp’s Steen Castle, Grote Market and Brabo Fountain, along with the UNESCO-designated Cathedral of Our Lady. Active travelers may prefer instead to bike through Antwerp. Later in the day, beer enthusiasts will appreciate a tasting of the local brew while foodies may prefer our excursion to sample some of Belgium’s famous chocolates and waffles. An afternoon bike tour is also available for those who prefer to get their heart beating later in the day, and it includes an opportunity to visit the Red Star Line Museum, highlighting the historic shipping line responsible for transporting three million immigrants to America.

Day 7 – Dordrecht

DORDRECHT, NETHERLANDS – KINDERDIJK, NETHERLANDS. Established in 1220, Holland’s oldest city was virtually destroyed by a devastating flood in the 15th century that essentially created the city’s wetlands. Learn more about Dordrecht’s fascinating history on your walking tour, or visit Rotterdam, the “Gateway to Europe,” as well as Delfshaven, where, on August 1, 1620, the Pilgrim fathers departed on their epic journey aboard the Speedwell. Stopping in Southampton, many then boarded the Mayflower and concluded their journey at Plymouth Rock in Massachusetts. If you prefer to venture off the beaten path, head to the smaller town of Gorinchem with its picturesque Old Town or go on an architectural bike tour through Rotterdam. In the afternoon, venture to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kinderdijk, a lovely village renowned for having the country’s greatest concentration of windmills, all dating from the 18th century. You may also pedal past the windmills from the seat of a bike.

Day 8 – Amsterdam

AMSTERDAM. Disembark your ship and bid farewell to Amsterdam as you prepare for your return flight home. – Indicates Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner are included on this day.