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Church and Arch Bridge in Ghent, Belgium

Tulip Time Cruise

Example 8 Day Cruise aboard Avalon Tranquility II
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Explore the most fascinating views of the city on a canal cruise along the elegant grachten lined with homes dating back to the city’s “Golden Age.” This scenic river cruise on the Avalon Tranquility II gets underway from Holland’s popular, modern capital of Amsterdam, a 700-year-old city that offers classic and breathtaking scenery. Spring is a great opportunity to witness the seven million tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths as well as other bulbs, planted each year. Enjoy stops in picturesque Rotterdam, Antwerp, Ghent, Middellburg, and Willemstad. 
Western Church with water canal view in AmsterdamEnjoy the parks of AmsterdamGrote Markt square in Antwerp, BelgiumTraditional Dutch windmills from the channel Rotterdam. HollandChurch and Arch Bridge in Ghent, Belgium
Highlights
  • Explore the breathtaking Keukenhof known as the Garden of Europe
  • See the central Grote Markt lined with 16th-century guildhall houses
  • Enjoy the sightseeing tour in Ghent showcasing the medieval Flemish wealth
  • Discover Aalsmeer Flower Auction in Amsterdam
Activities
Places Visited
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Amsterdam, Holland | Embark

Welcome to Amsterdam. Your suite ship is ready for boarding. Flights into Amsterdam must arrive by 3:30 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.

Your day in Amsterdam is free to explore at your leisure. You may choose to join a guided optional excursion to beautiful Zaanse Schans where you’ll see a wonderful collection of well-preserved historic windmills and Dutch houses.

Set sail while enjoying dinner on your first night onboard.

Day 2: Rotterdam

Classic: Join a full - or half-day Guided Tour of breathtaking Keukenhof—known as the “Garden of Europe”—for its 70 acres of lush parkland, lakes, and the world’s largest flower gardens—with more than seven million tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths as well as other bulbs, planted each year.

Take some free time to relax on the harbor-side in Rotterdam with an artisan beer, a slice of apple tart and a koffie verkeerd, a typical Dutch drink of half coffee, half milk. Take a bike from your ship to explore Rotterdam and the surrounding area. Before dinner, enjoy a cruise through Rotterdam harbor. Later, enjoy live entertainment onboard.

Day 3: Antwerp, Belgium

Classic: 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.

You may choose to join a guided optional excursion to the nearby capital, Brussels—considered home to the European Union, and admire its magnificent palaces and cathedrals. You might prefer to take time on your own to indulge in Antwerp’s signature Belgian waffles and crêpes—or explore this bike-friendly city from its old wharves to its legendary diamond district.

Day 4: Ghent

You’ll have time for an early-morning walk (or jog) to explore the architecture and canals of Ghent—“Belgium’s best-kept secret.”

Classic: Explore Ghent—“The Diamond of Flanders”—with a Guided Sightseeing Tour of this showcase of medieval Flemish wealth. You’ll visit St. Bavo’s Cathedral—with its remarkable Flemish artwork.

You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion of Bruges to explore its canals, cobbled streets, and medieval buildings. You’ll see its crisscrossed canals, the 13th-century belfry of Market Square, and charming patrician houses.

Day 5: Middellburg, Holland

Classic: Join a guided walking tour of the historic merchant city of Middelburg—with its 15th-century gothic Town Hall. You’ll learn about the spice trade of this Dutch harbor capital of Zeeland, its prosperity in the Dutch East India Company trading, and origins as a stronghold city. Enjoy its winding cobbled streets and canals that circle Old Town.

Spend some free time biking or walking through Middelburg to sample Babbelaar cookies, fries, or beer before cruising to Veere this afternoon.

Discovery: Join a guided tour of the Delta Works, the largest flood-protection system in the world, and a miracle of modern technology.

Day 6: Willemstad

Active: Join your Avalon Adventure Host for a Nordic Walking in Willemstad.

Classic: Join a Guided Walking Tour of Willemstad and discover its many beautifully restored buildings from the 17th and 18th Century.

Discovery: Later, enjoy a Cheese Tasting on board as you prepare to sail to Amsterdam.

Day 7: Amsterdam, Holland

Discovery: Discover Aalsmeer Flower Auction—the largest in the world, where around 20 million flowers are sold every day. Later enjoy a typical Dutch breakfast, OR:

Classic: Explore the iconic waterways of Amsterdam on a Guided Canal Cruise past stately homes of Amsterdam’s “Golden Age.”

You may like to join a guided optional excursion to Muiderslot Castle, or a Guided Optional Biking Excursion to the Dutch countryside. Take some free time to explore Amsterdam’s colorful streets and canal houses, galleries, and shops.

Day 8: Amsterdam, Holland | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.

Ship/Hotel

Avalon Tranquility II

Avalon Tranquility II
Avalon Tranquility II Panorama Bistro
Avalon Tranquility II Dining Room

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

This itinerary is no longer available. For other trip ideas, please visit Netherlands River Cruises.
Avalon Tranquility II Deluxe Stateroom
Cat. E
Avalon Deluxe Stateroom: 172 SQ. FT. Comfort Collection Beds, Bedside tables with reading lamps, L'Occitane bath products, Under-bed luggage storage, Complimentary bottled water, Individual climate control, Mirror in the bathroom, Full shower with glass door, Vanity, Memory foam mattress, European-style duvets.
Avalon Tranquility II Deluxe Stateroom
Cat. D
Avalon Deluxe Stateroom: 172 SQ. FT. Comfort Collection Beds, Bedside tables with reading lamps, L'Occitane bath products, Under-bed luggage storage, Complimentary bottled water, Individual climate control, Mirror in the bathroom, Full shower with glass door, Vanity, Luxurious mattress, European-style duvets.
Avalon Tranquility II Panorama Suite
Cat. B
Panorama Suite: 200 SQ. FT. Comfort Collection Beds, Bedside tables with reading lamps, L'Occitane bath products, Under-bed luggage storage, Telephone, In-room safe, Contemporary design, Marble countertops in the bathroom, 6-person sitting area, Writing desk, Sofa, Memory foam mattress, European-style duvets.
Avalon Tranquility II Panorama Suite
Cat. A
Panorama Suite: 200 SQ. FT. Comfort Collection Beds, Bedside tables with reading lamps, L'Occitane bath products, Under-bed luggage storage, Telephone, In-room safe, contemporary design, Marble countertops in the bathroom, 6-person sitting area, Writing desk, Sofa, Luxurious mattress, European-style duvets.
Avalon Tranquility II Panorama Suite
Cat. P
Panorama Suite: 200 SQ. FT. Comfort Collection Beds, Bedside tables with reading lamps, L'Occitane bath products, Under-bed luggage storage, Telephone, Well-stocked minibar, In-room safe, Contemporary design, Marble countertops in the bathroom, 6-person sitting area, Writing desk, Sofa, Memory foam mattress, European-style duvets
Avalon Tranquility II Royal Suite
Royal Suite
Royal Suite: 300 SQ. FT. Comfort Collection Beds, Bedside tables with reading lamps, L'Occitane bath products, Under-bed luggage storage, Telephone, Well-stocked minibar, Marble countertops in the bathroom, Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Window with Open-Air Balcony, Full shower with glass door, Luxurious mattress toppers, European-style duvets.
Included
  • 7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 7 Dinners
  • 7 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Onboard Adventure Center with active gear, bikes, maps, canoe, kayak and jogging excursions
  • Wifi
  • Complimentary fresh fruit available daily
  • Captain’s Welcome and Farewell Receptions
  • Club Lounge with 24-hour self-serve beverage station with complimentary cappuccinos, lattes, tea, hot chocolate & premium coffees, as well as treats throughout the day
  • Panoramic windows
  • Friendly, English-speaking crew & Cruise Director
  • Sky Deck with whirlpool, shade awnings, game area and premium lounges
  • Complimentary sparkling wine with breakfast; wine, beer, or soft drinks with every lunch and dinner
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Alcohol, beverages, and food outside of the contracted menu as presented at a hotel or restaurant or on board your vessel
  • Port Fees
  • Porterage
  • Passport or Visa fees

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The trip was terrific with great planning on your part. Most of the adventures were not mainstream and somewhat off the beaten path which made it especially enjoyable!! We felt taken care of and you all were readily available to respond to questions and issues. I would highly recommend your company and friends have already expressed interest based on our pictures and excitement.
Gale Cantor

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