Style : River cruise
Active & Discovery in Holland & Belgium with 1 Night in Amsterdam tour
Amsterdam Antwerp Active & Discovery in Holland & Belgium with 1 Night in Amsterdam Trip

Active & Discovery in Holland & Belgium with 1 Night in Amsterdam

Avalon Waterways
4.7 . Excellent
97%
Travel Style: N/A
Physical Level: Normal generally flat walking in urban or suburban environments. Very Easy
Lodging Level: Mid-range budget with accommodations ranging from comfortable lodges, guesthouses, and homestays to three star hotels. Value (3*)
9 days
From: $ 4,158 $ 462 / day
Checking price

Overview

Highlights (Bullets)

  • Welcome to Amsterdam
  • Off the beaten path walking tour; onboard welcome reception
  • Choice of nature walk, or visit of the Flood Museum and guided walking tour of Veere, or Middelburg walking tour, or visit to an Oyster Farm
  • Choice of biking tour, or guided sightseeing, or Graffiti tour
  • Choice of chocolate workshop, or biking tour, or Brussels guided tour
  • Choice of biking tour, or visit the Red Star Line museum, or Antwerp guided tour
  • Choice of architectural biking tour, or ceramic painting workshop, or Rotterdam guided tour; Rotterdam harbor cruise
  • Choice of painting class, or biking tour or canal cruise
  • There’s no better way to spring into action and catapult into culture than on an Avalon Active & Discovery cruise to the Netherlands and Belgium
  • Belgian chocolate workshop, classic paintings, and even graffiti walls glow brighter when you experience them in the most interactive ways

Short Description

There’s no better way to spring into action and catapult into culture than on an Avalon Active & Discovery cruise to the Netherlands and Belgium. Belgian chocolate workshop, classic paintings, and even graffiti walls glow brighter when you experience them in the most interactive ways.

Discover the graceful ways of Holland on an Active & Discovery cruise. The way the wind moves the grasses beneath the stalwart windmills of the “Low Countries;” how the city cobblestones buzz with the ubiquitous bicycles and lively cafes and canals in Amsterdam; or the narrow houses evoking a time gone by. The visions of Holland come to life as you float past unforgettable scenes, pedal past incomparable views, and capture it all in a painting class a la the Dutch Masters. Our varied selection of Classic, Discovery and Active excursions from Amsterdam to Brussels and back lets you experience Holland and Belgium in the most colorful and cultural ways.

Move.
Enjoy a little get-up-and-go on your cruising vacation when you:
•Soak in castle and farmland views on a walk through the woods and dunes of Domburg.
•Pedal past polders, dykes, and quaint centuries-old villages through the Dutch countryside.
•Take an architectural bike tour through Rotterdam to see the design highlights of Europe’s largest seaport.

And be moved.
Get off the beaten path and relish the world when you:
•Visit a century-old, oyster farm in Middleburg and savor the catch of the day.
•Paint the town red, green or whatever color you choose on an interactive tour of Ghent’s Graffiti Street.
•Discover your inner artist at a Delft tile pottery workshop in Rotterdam or a painting class in Amsterdam.

Start sooner with a one-night hotel stay in Amsterdam! Avalon Choice sightseeing is the perfect highlight of your stay.

Plus, Classic sightseeing is always available in every port along the way.

Style River cruise
See all the highlights and popular spots on a classic tour.
Itinerary Focus Classic Highlights
Mid-range budget with accommodations ranging from comfortable lodges, guesthouses, and homestays to three star hotels.
Lodging Level Value (3*)
Flight & Transport Inclusions N/A
Start City AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND
End City AMSTERDAM (DISEMBARKATION)

Destinations

Belgium

Attractions & Cities Visited

Amsterdam Antwerp Brussels

Activities & Interests

Culture River cruise

N/A
See more

Itinerary

Day 1: AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND

Welcome to Holland.

Your day in Amsterdam is free to explore at your leisure.

Day 2: AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND (EMBARKATION)

Amsterdam Off the Beaten PathYour Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding.

CLASSIC Discover the true beauty of Amsterdam with an off-the-beaten-path Guided Walking Tour through its cobblestone streets for a captivating look at this legendary city.

During tulip season, 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.

Outside of tulip season, join a Guided Optional Excursion to Zaanse Schans to see historic windmills and charming Dutch houses.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MIDDELBURG

(Breakfast,Dinner)

Day 3: MIDDELBURG

A Castle Moat, an Oyster Farm and Dutch Sea Trade

Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.

ACTIVE Take a Guided Walk through woods and dunes; see Castle Westhove and farmlands of the beautiful North-Sea area, OR:

DISCOVERY Visit the fascinating Flood Museum to hear and see the stories of the flood of 1953, reconstruction, the Delta Works, and flood risk management – told by the people who have experienced it. Later, explore the town of Veere, OR:

DISCOVERY Enjoy a Guided Visit to a family owned Oyster Farm, active in the cultivation of crustaceans and shellfish in the Netherlands since 1906. A taste of oysters and lobster, accompanied with a glass of wine is the perfect ending of this beautiful experience, OR:

CLASSIC Join a Guided Walking Tour through the winding cobblestones and canals of Middelburg. See the 15th-century Gothic Town Hall and learn about its important role in the spice trade and Dutch East India trading.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO GHENT

(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

Day 4: GHENT, BELGIUM

Flemish Artwork and Street Artists

ACTIVE Explore the outskirts of the city and the lesser known sights on a Guided Bike Tour, OR:

DISCOVERY Join a Guided Tour of Graffiti Street, where artists create striking spray-can art to their heart’s content. And do not miss the chance to become an artist yourself, creating your street art, OR:

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.

Alternatively, you may choose to join a full-day Guided Optional Excursion of Bruges to explore its canals, cobbled streets, and medieval buildings.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BRUSSELS

(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

Day 5: BRUSSELS

Ancient Streets, and Chocolate Sweet

ACTIVE Take a bike tour to explore the beauty near Brussels, including the Belgian town of Laken, home to the Royal family estates, exotic pavilions from the world expo, and beautiful parks and lanes, OR:

DISCOVERY Join a Belgian chocolate-making Workshop to learn how to create your own delicious candies. Enjoy a cup of the finest hot chocolate, while crafting traditional confections of pralines and mendiant from scratch, OR:

CLASSIC Join a Guided Tour of Brussels, see the Town Hall with its landmark buildings, discover the many local bars, cafés, and shops of the Lower Town Streets, and visit the Atomium.

The afternoon is free to explore Brussels —considered home to the European Union, and admire its magnificent palaces and cathedrals. Alternatively, enjoy one of the Optional Excursions on offer.

Later enjoy live entertainment onboard.

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ANTWERP

(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

Day 6: ANTWERP

Bike Riding, Brave New Worlds, and Rubens’ Art

Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.

ACTIVE Enjoy a Bike Tour and discover centuries of history and a story around every corner. Don’t miss out the unique atmosphere of small neighborhoods and squares, OR:

DISCOVERY Join a Guided Tour of the Red Star Line Museum. Follow the footsteps of the emigrants, become acquainted with the Red Star Line passengers and accompany them on their trip from their native village via Antwerp to the new world, OR:

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.

This afternoon take time on your own to indulge in Antwerp’s signature Belgian waffles and crêpes—or explore this bike-friendly city from its old wharfs to its legendary diamond district. You might consider partaking one of the Optional Excursion available.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ROTTERDAM

(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

Day 7: ROTTERDAM, HOLLAND

Avant-garde Architecture and Art Lessons

ACTIVE Take a unique Architecture Bike Tour to see the architectural highlights of Rotterdam. Do not miss the interesting Cube Houses, the popular Market Hall, the spectacular Erasmus Bridge, the vertical city ‘De Rotterdam’, and the iconic Central Station. In the city centre, admire how historic buildings lash cheerfully with hypermodern skyscrapers, OR:

DISCOVERY Attend a Pottery Workshop. In a characteristic painter’s room, a professional painter will guide you through the process of painting a Delft tile, OR:

CLASSIC Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Rotterdam featuring unusual collection of cube houses innovative architecture, including the marvelous Erasmus Bridge, and plenty of other fascinating sites.

Before dinner, enjoy a cruise through Rotterdam harbor.

In the evening, enjoy live entertainment on board.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO AMSTERDAM

(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

Day 8: AMSTERDAM

Colorful Canals of Amsterdam

ACTIVE Join a Biking Tour through the Dutch countryside past polders, dykes, and quaint centuries-old villages, OR:

DISCOVERY Attend a Painting Class and be inspired by the masters’ techniques. Paint your own canvas and discover your inner artist, OR:

CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided Canal Cruise to explore the iconic waterways and sites of Amsterdam.

This afternoon, choose among the many Guided Optional Excursions available or take some free time to explore Amsterdam’s colorful streets and canal houses, galleries, and shops.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AMSTERDAM

(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

Day 9: AMSTERDAM (DISEMBARKATION)

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.

(Breakfast)

Availability

Checking price
Price From $ 4,158
Price Per Day: $ 462 per day
Checking price
Start DateFinish DateBase PriceDeparture GuaranteedAvailability 
May-04-2024May-12-2024$ 4,158YesAvailable Reserve
Aug-02-2024Aug-10-2024$ 4,258NoSold Out Reserve
Aug-02-2024Aug-10-2024$ 4,258YesAvailable Reserve

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Avalon Waterways .

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

1,680 Avalon Waterways Travel Reviews & Ratings

97%
4.7 out of 5 (100+ reviews)
Excellent 1,448
Great 134
Average 45
Disappointing 15
Terrible 38
Value
4.7
Guide
4.7
Activities
4.7
Lodging
4.7
Transportation
4.7
Meals
4.7

Active & Discovery in Holland & Belgium with 1 Night in Amsterdam

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Company Reviews

1st river cruise exceeded expectations

5.0
Details
Value5.0
Guide5.0
Activities5.0
Lodging5.0
Transportation5.0
Meals5.0
My wife and I were looking to do something special for our 50th anniversary so we booked a weeklong cruise on the Rhone. We had done many ocean cruises but this was our first river cruise and it was wonderful. The food, the entire staff, and the excursions were all first rate. We made many new friends during the cruise and I suspect we'll be back on a 2nd river cruise with Avalon in the not too distant future.
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The staff was very wonderful.

5.0
Details
Value5.0
Guide5.0
Activities5.0
Lodging5.0
Transportation5.0
Meals5.0
The staff was very wonderful.

Extraordinary hotel and central staff!

5.0
Details
Value5.0
Guide5.0
Activities5.0
Lodging5.0
Transportation5.0
Meals5.0
The hotel manager Mahai Stancui and his staff were fantastic. Went way above and beyond. Will be forever grateful. The food, beverages, tours and entertainment were all great too:)
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BEST River Cruise!

5.0
Details
Value5.0
Guide5.0
Activities5.0
Lodging5.0
Transportation5.0
Meals5.0
Best river cruise that we have taken! Excellent food, included snacks, waters, and coffees in the back lounge. Nice light lunch and dinner options in the main lounge. Cruise director and tours were top notch. Cabin was lovely and, had the weather been better, the doors that open would have been wonderful! Looking forward to another Avalon adventure!
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This was a time of many firsts for me

5.0
Details
Value5.0
Guide5.0
Activities5.0
Lodging5.0
Transportation5.0
Meals5.0
This was a time of many firsts for me. First time in Europe, first time on a cruise of any kind! It was amazing!

The ship was spotless elegance. Our room was amazing like every part of our trip! The food and the excursions were perfectly executed.

I can’t wait to go on another trip. Thank you Avalon!
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This was my first Rhine River Cruise

5.0
Details
Value5.0
Guide5.0
Activities5.0
Lodging5.0
Transportation5.0
Meals5.0
This was my first River Cruise and I was very excited and truly enjoyed everything. The Cruise Director Daniela was amazing and very personable and keeping us all updated on where to be, when we were doing it and what was happening. Loved the different color codes for the excursions as well. We had many wonderful people that helped our experience go smoothly. Andrew, Mili, Omer, Kadak, Umit, Adrian, Julia (what a hoot), Deyar, Phyo Wai and especially Daniela. They were all very helpful in making us have a great Rhine River Cruise. Thank you to everyone on Avalon Expression.
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Details

Deck & Cabin Plans

Optional Activities

WAD|Active & Discovery in Holland & Belgium
WADQ|With 1 Night in Amsterdam

Group Size

Standard Group - 25 + people

Accommodations

Westcord Jakarta

A unique sustainable hotel in Amsterdam, where two worlds connect. At the former location where ships left for Jakarta, lies a green oasis in the centre of the city. Hotel offers 200 luxurious rooms with a Indonesian influenced style. Enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner at Café Jakarta or get a drink at the Malabar. Be pampered in luxury and relax in our wellness and swimming pool with views towards the river IJ.

Amsterdam

Netherlands

Javakade 766

Movenpick Amsterdam City

A stylish 408-room hotel in the perfect location, this waterfront property offers Free Wi-Fi internet access throughout. The chic restaurant serves creative international cuisine and there is a fabulous bar serving drinks and light snacks which is also a great spot for a nightcap. For relaxation there is a Lifestyle Studio featuring a gym, Finnish sauna, bio sauna & ice fountain.

Amsterdam

Netherlands

Piet Heinkade 11

Trip ID#:

AVALON-WADQ

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