Springtime Tulips & Keukenhof Gardens

 Your springtime vacation begins today at London St. Pancras, where you meet the Tour Manager and the rest of the travel group. Together, we board the Eurostar, traveling by rail to Amsterdam in the Netherlands.    

On arrival in the Dutch capital, a shuttle bus takes us to the waterfront, where we board our luxurious cruise ship and are welcomed by our crew. Once on board our floating hotel, there is free time to settle into your cabin, get acquainted with onboard amenities and soak up views of our new surroundings.      

This evening, we enjoy a welcome drink in the lounge to celebrate the beginning of our cruise before sitting down to dinner in the panoramic restaurant. Overnight ship.

• Dinner

 After breakfast onboard the ship, we get to know the Dutch capital on a scenic canal cruise, admiring views of the city's picturesque waterways and architecture. Crossed by more than a thousand bridges and lined with elegant gabled houses, the canals reveal the history and charm of Amsterdam - a city unlike anywhere else. 

  We enjoy lunch back onboard the ship before a free afternoon to explore Amsterdam at your own pace.  As you discover the city at leisure, you may choose to wander the charming side streets and hidden courtyards, enjoy a drink at a canal-side café, or visit one of the city's world-class museums, such as the Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh Museum. We set sail toward Ghent later this afternoon and enjoy dinner onboard this evening. Overnight ship.   

**Please note: On the May 6th departure, Days 2 and 7 will be swapped, and we will visit Keukenhof Gardens today. 

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning, we enjoy breakfast onboard before our ship arrives in Ghent, one of Belgium's most historic cities. As we cruise, an expert delivers a fascinating talk about the nearby battlefields, offering insight into the region's wartime past while using his expertise to take us back in time.  

  Following a relaxed lunch onboard, you can choose between two excursions: an afternoon coach tour to Bruges or a guided sightseeing tour of Ghent.    

Bruges is a medieval town of cobbled lanes, noble townhouses and tranquil canals. Stroll through the grand squares to discover the city's proud heritage, often best appreciated over a Belgian waffle or locally brewed beer. Alternatively, explore Ghent on a guided tour that showcases the city's rich past and medieval architecture, from the imposing Castle of the Counts to St. Bavo's Cathedral. A local chocolate tasting adds a delicious finishing touch to your visit.

We return to the ship this evening for dinner and drinks. Overnight ship.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Our day starts with an optional excursion to the Ypres Battlefield, including entrance to Sanctuary Wood. Once a key battlefront during World War I, the area remains a poignant tribute to those who served. At the Sanctuary Wood Museum, we step back in time to 1914, with powerful exhibits and an original trench layout dug by British troops.    

Alternatively, you could explore the attractive town of Ghent at your own pace. Wander along cobbled streets lined with shops, galleries and inviting cafés, or stroll along the Graslei and Korenlei, the city's picturesque canal side quays, once part of Ghent's medieval port. You might also explore the colorful street art of Werregarenstraat or stop by the Great Butchers' Hall for a taste of traditional delicacies and local flavors.    

As we return to the ship for lunch, we set sail toward the Netherlands. This afternoon offers time to relax onboard, enjoying the ship's comfortable lounge and facilities, or unwinding in your cabin as the scenery passes by. Overnight ship.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Continuing our journey to the Netherlands, we enjoy breakfast and lunch onboard as we sail toward the Dutch town of Arnhem. As we drift along the Rhine, a battlefield expert delivers a talk on the Battle of Arnhem, providing insight into the events of September 1944.    

On arrival, you have a choice between two excursions. Your first option is to visit nearby Oosterbeek for a guided tour of the Hartenstein Airborne Museum, set in the former Allied headquarters. Through immersive exhibits and personal stories, you can gain a powerful understanding of the Battle of Arnhem and its pivotal role in Operation Market Garden in World War II. Alternatively, step into centuries of Dutch heritage at the Netherlands' Open-Air Museum, an expansive museum park filled with authentic buildings, farmhouses and mills from across the ages, as well as demonstrations of traditional crafts.   

Returning to the ship after soaking up the rich cultural heritage of the Netherlands, we enjoy dinner and drinks ahead of a relaxed evening on board. Overnight ship.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Scenic harbor-town views greet us this morning as we reach Hoorn, one of the oldest and most historic cities in the Netherlands, and once a major trading port during the Dutch Golden Age.  

Here, we enjoy a guided walking tour through its well-preserved historic center, discovering sights such as the 15th-century Hoofdtoren, once a harbor control tower, and the elegant main square, lined with gabled buildings and the impressive Statencollege. We pause afterward to enjoy a slice of traditional Dutch apple pie, a sweet treat beloved across the Netherlands. Later, we embark on a nostalgic journey aboard the Medemblik steam train, traveling through the scenic Dutch countryside. This leisurely ride offers postcard views of traditional windmills, stunning tulip fields and charming villages - the epitome of the Netherlands' culture.    

We rejoin the ship later this afternoon and enjoy dinner and drinks this evening as we begin sailing toward Amsterdam, where we dock for the night. Overnight ship.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Renowned horticulturist and star of BBC's Ground Force, Charlie Dimmock joins us on board this morning for an insightful presentation, sharing stories from her time at the BBC along with expert gardening tips and advice on horticultural care. Afterward, there is the opportunity to ask your own questions during a question-and-answer session.    

Later, we set off to experience a highlight of the cruise - a visit to the world-famous Keukenhof Gardens. Known as the "Garden of Europe," Keukenhof bursts into life each spring with an extraordinary display of more than seven million tulips, hyacinths, daffodils and other spring-flowering bulbs. Open only from the end of March to the beginning of May each year, the gardens offer a fleeting but unforgettable showcase of color and creativity. Wander along beautifully landscaped paths and past water features, sculptures and seasonal flower shows.    

This evening, we celebrate our final night onboard with a special gala dinner, accompanied by live music from a traditional Dutch sea shanty choir - the perfect end to our springtime cruise. Overnight ship.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 From the flower-lined canals of Amsterdam to the spectacular tulip fields of Keukenhof Gardens, this river cruise through the Netherlands and Belgium has revealed the culture, history and beauty of these two countries. Experts, including Charlie Dimmock, were welcomed on board our luxury ship to deliver informative talks on the battlefields of Flanders and Arnhem and horticulture. A choice of excursions also provided the opportunity to immerse yourself in your area of interests, giving you the chance to explore the attractive cities of Bruges and Ghent or uncover the poignant battlefields of Ypres and Arnhem.     

After a leisurely breakfast, it is time to say goodbye to the ship's crew and disembark for the final time. From Amsterdam's railway station, we head toward Brussels and catch the Eurostar to London St. Pancras, where your vacation comes to an end. 

• Breakfast