Tulip Time in Holland & Belgium
Overview
If you’ve dreamed of a view filled with windmills and blooming fields of color in Holland and Belgium, it all comes true on your European river cruise from Amsterdam to Brussels! Cruise on the Rhine River to visit Nijmegen—the oldest city in the Netherlands. Choose a visit to Arnhem’s WWII Airborne Museum or a bike ride. Explore the city of Antwerp—birthplace of the master painter Pieter Paul Rubens. Stroll its cobbled lanes amid 16th-century guildhall houses and the cathedral’s stunning altarpiece paintings by the famous artist on your guided tour of the diamond capital.
On to Belgium for a sightseeing tour of medieval Namur and free time to browse its ancient architecture, charming cafes, and bookshops. In Liège, see the ancient quarters of the “Fiery City” as well as its romantic streets, steps, and tiny alleyways. Next, in Maastricht, tour the old cobblestoned university town. In Brussels, you’ll find landmark buildings of Town Hall with a collection of cafes and shops on the Lower Town streets on your guided tour. This river cruise through Holland and Belgium will bloom in your memory for seasons to come!
Itinerary
Amsterdam, Holland (Embarkation)
Arrive 2:00 PM
Welcome to Holland. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding.
Flights into Amsterdam must arrive by 2 pm.
Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.
Your day in Amsterdam is free to explore at your leisure.
You may take a Guided Optional Excursion to Keukenhof gardens—with more than seven million tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths, as well as other bulbs, planted each year.
Evening/Overnight Cruise to Nijmegen
Dinner
While we include your choice of many excursions on your trip, you may wish to explore other options to enhance your free time. Below is a selection of excursions that may be available for purchase on your cruise.
Nijmegen, Excursion to Arnhem
Wildlife, WWII Valor, and Famous Mills
Active Excursion
Explore the beautiful landscape of lush fields and blue water on a bike ride through The Ooijpolder Nature Reserve, OR:
Discovery Excursion
Join a Guided Tour of Nijmegen— the oldest town in the Netherlands. Learn how this city was first built more than 2,000 years ago by the Romans and see the archaeological Roman-era ruins in the city that was also damaged in WWII, OR:
Classic Excursion
Join a Guided Tour of the Airborne Museum of Hartenstein commemorating the 1944 WWII Battle of Arnhem.
Evening/Overnight Cruise to Antwerp
Breakfast | 
Lunch | Dinner
While we include your choice of many excursions on your trip, you may wish to explore other options to enhance your free time. Below is a selection of excursions that may be available for purchase on your cruise.
Antwerp
A Rubenesque Cathedral in Artful Antwerp
Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.
Active Excursion
Explore Antwerp by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:
Classic Excursion
Take a Guided Tour of this sophisticated city to visit the central Grote Markt, lined with 16th-century guildhall houses. You’ll also see the beautiful city hall, the Cathedral of Our Lady with its stunning altarpiece paintings by Rubens.
Later, enjoy dinner and live entertainment.
Afternoon/Overnight Cruise to Namur
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Namur, Belgium
Ancient Architecture and Charming Cafés
Active Excursion
Explore Namur's countryside by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:
Discovery Excursion
Take a guided visit to Abbey of Maredsous, a Benedictine monastery where you can taste the fruits of the monks’ labor and learn about the history and daily life of the abbey. Enjoy a tasting of cheese, paired with some of the Abbey’s beer, OR:
Classic Excursion
Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of the picturesque old-town, fortress citadel, and medieval architecture.
Take free time to stroll along Namur’s cobblestone lanes and visit its charming cafés and bookshops.
Evening/Overnight Cruise to Liège
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Liège
Historic Wonders and Wonderful Waffles
Classic Excursion
Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of the “Fiery City” of Liège with its beautiful ancient quarters, peculiar alleys, and romantic streets. Don’t miss sampling authentically sweet Liège Waffles, OR:
Classic Excursion
Explore the town of Bastogne, where in the winter of 1944-1945 Allied defenders held off German forces in the Ardennes Offensive, also known as the Battle of the Bulge. Visit the Bastogne War Museum and the star-shaped Mardasson Memorial, which honors the 76,890 American soldiers who were killed or wounded in the Battle.
During dinner, enjoy a short sailing to Maastricht.
Overnight Docking in Maastricht
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
While we include your choice of many excursions on your trip, you may wish to explore other options to enhance your free time. Below is a selection of excursions that may be available for purchase on your cruise.
Maastricht
Dutch History, School Spirit and an Architectural Feast
Active Excursion
Maastricht's charm awaits, follow your Adventure Host for a walk in this lovely town, OR:
Discovery Excursion
Join a guided visit to Fort Eben-Emael−the largest and best-preserved World War II bunker, which could house 1200 soldiers within 3 miles of underground tunnels! Descend into the underground barracks and visit the museum, OR:
Classic Excursion
Discover this vibrant university town with its lovely cathedrals, old houses, and historical buildings, and impressively cobblestoned town center.
This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board.
Afternoon/Overnight Cruise to Brussels
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Brussels
Ancient Landmarks and New Haunts
Active Excursion
See Brussel's Aquaculture farm on bike with your Adventure Host, OR:
Discovery Excursion
Join a do-it-yourself chocolate workshop for a fun and interactive experience, OR:
Classic Excursion
Join a Guided Tour of Brussels, see the Town Hall with its landmark buildings and discover the many local bars, cafés and shops of the Lower Town Streets.
Overnight Docking in Brussels
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Brussels (Disembarkation)
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.
Breakfast
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A View with a Room
You've always forged your own path... with your own distinct perspective of looking at the world. Avalon Waterways presents a river cruise experience with your unique style in mind - offering expansive views and wider perspectives. That's why we've designed a cruise experience that's just a bit different.
Here are just some of the features and amenities you'll experience on board. See the Ship Amenities section below for more information about the amenities on this unique ship.
Map
How will I Make the Booking?
To make the booking, fill up the Enquiry form, email us on cruises@mercurytravels.in or call on 1800 266 2345.