Luxury tulip cruise through the Netherlands & Belgium

Cruise the scenic waterways of the Netherlands and Belgium between iconic cities and pretty villages, with full-board and daily cultural excursions

Day 1: Amsterdam, Netherlands

Touch down in Amsterdam and transfer to the cruise port, where you will embark the ship that will be your home for the next seven nights. Settle into your cabin and enjoy a tasty dinner before turning in.

Day 2: Kampen, Netherlands

Enjoy a scenic cruise through the IJsselmeer - a sprawling freshwater lake in the central Netherlands - towards Kampen, where you’ll be able to choose today’s adventure. How about an excursion to the village of Giethoorn, sometimes known as the ‘Dutch Venice thanks to its many canals? This picturesque village has a touch of fairytale magic thanks to pretty thatched-­roof farmhouses. Alternatively, you could opt for a guided afternoon bike ride through the Dutch countryside or a visit to Flevoland’s vibrant tulip fields.

Day 3: Bruinisse, Netherlands

After a scenic cruise through the waterways of the Netherlands, you’ll be in Zeeland. Opt to join a guided tour to the medieval harbour town of Zierikzee, where you can explore harbourside shops and cafés and visit the Gravensteen, a 16th-­century house and prison. You’ll also stop for a photo at the Oosterschelde Kering, the largest storm surge barrier of the Delta Works. Alternatively you could choose an excursion to the Delta Works at Neeltje Jans, where you can learn about the impressive storm surge barriers built to protect a country half below sea level, or discover Bruinisse on two wheels with an exhilarating guided bike tour.

Day 4: Ghent, Belgium

Next you’ll be cruising down to Ghent, from where you can choose from several exciting cultural activities. Opt to stick around and admire Ghent’s canal­side architecture and some of its famous sights - including the Castle of the Counts and St. Bavo’s Cathedral with its Adoration of the Mystic Lamb - on a walking tour. Alternatively you could choose a chocolate workshop; after being greeted with a glass of champagne, a master chocolatier will brief you on the history of chocolate and you’ll have the opportunity to taste different types of pralines ­before having a go at making your own. Another fantastic option is the full-­day tour of Bruges, one of the best­ preserved medieval cities in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stroll through Grote Markt and Burg Square and visit the centuries-old Church of Our Lady, and don’t forget to try some fries or waffles before you leave.

Day 5: Antwerp, Belgium

Today’s setting is Antwerp, a beautiful city famous for its historic Diamond District. You can opt to explore with a walking tour, stopping by Steen Castle, the Grote Market and Brabo Fountain, as well as the UNESCO-listed Cathedral of Our Lady. If you fancy getting active, why not join the guided bike tour instead? In the afternoon, choose between two fabulous excursions. Embark on a culinary tour to indulge in the local icons of chocolate, waffles and beer, or if you’re more of a flower lover than a foodie, visit the Floralia, an annual spring flower show featuring approximately one million bulbs hand­planted at a castle outside Brussels.

Day 6: Kinderdijk and Rotterdam, Netherlands

This morning you’ll journey to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kinderdijk, a charming village renowned for having the country’s greatest concentration of windmills. Choose between a bike ride past the 18th-century structures or a visit by boat to a private windmill. After that you’ll cruise on to Rotterdam, where you can choose between a city walking tour and tasting at the local market hall, a bike ride past some of Rotterdam’s famous landmarks and architecture, an excursion to Delft to visit the Royal Delft Porcelain Factory and Museum or a visit to Delfshaven, from where the Pilgrim fathers departed for the New World in 1620, followed by the FENIX Museum of Migration.

Day 7: Amsterdam, Netherlands

Enjoy a morning of scenic cruising towards Amsterdam before venturing out for another adventure. Opt to board a smaller boat specially designed to glide beneath the many bridges of Amsterdam and admire the city’s historic harbour and canals as you pass by beautiful homes and the fabled Skinny Bridge. Alternatively, marvel at one of the most impressive public gardens in the world, Keukenhof, which presents a spectacular display of millions of flowering tulips spread out over 70 acres. Spend time ambling through this legendary garden, only open nine weeks of the year and sometimes referred to as the ‘Garden of Europe’.

Please note, an alternative tour will operate on sailings that visit Amsterdam outside of Keukenhof’s open dates.

Day 8: Disembark in Amsterdam

After one last breakfast onboard, you’ll disembark the ship and transfer back to the airport for your flight home.

Questions about your next amazing getaway? Contact the travel specialists at THG Holidays today for expert guidance via 0330 311 5121 or secretescapes@thgholidays.co.uk.