Yuletide Spirit: Brussels to Amsterdam - Northbound 2021

Day 1 Welcome to Brussels / Embark Riverboat

Tour begins: 4:00 PM, Brussels. A transfer is included from Brussels Airport or Brussels Central Train Station to Tauck’s riverboat where embarkation begins at 4:00 PM. Settle into your cabin and join us tonight for a welcome reception followed by dinner.

MEALS : D

LODGING : ms Grace

PORTOFCALL : Brussels, Belgium

Day 2 Brussels in Winter

Wake up for a tour of the city that visits the enchanting cobblestoned square, Grand-Place, surrounded by ornately gilded 17th-century guildhouses, and the festive holiday markets of Winterfest, infused with the joys and spirit of the season. Time at leisure this afternoon lets you experience winter's wonders in Brussels as you wish. Your riverboat cruises to Antwerp tonight.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : ms Grace

PORTOFCALL : Brussels, Belgium

Day 3 Gems of Antwerp

Sugar and diamond trading put Antwerp on the map in the mid-16th century when it was one of Europe’s most important cities. Today it is also famous for being the home of Flemish painter Peter Paul Rubens, inviting you to walk in the artist’s footsteps and see his masterpieces where he painted them. Traditionally held every December, the Antwerp Christmas Market is spread over different squares of the city, within walking distance of the Grote Markt and other landmarks you’ll see today. Guided sightseeing showcases the highlights of Antwerp this morning before time at leisure to explore on your own. Return to the riverboat by shuttle at your convenience and enjoy musical entertainment onboard ship tonight after dinner.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : ms Grace

PORTOFCALL : Antwerp, Belgium

Day 4 City Sightseeing in Ghent & Bruges

Your riverboat arrives in Ghent this morning where you can walk off the boat into the heart of history in one of Belgium’s oldest cities. Join a local guide for a city tour followed by free time. Home to gabled guild houses and private mansions and linked by canal bridges, Ghent is a city best enjoyed on foot. Continue on to the fortified medieval city of Bruges for lunch and guided exploration along its meandering canals, magnificent squares, and narrow cobblestone lanes. As you wander in the shadow of its soaring towers, past whitewashed almshouses and historic churches, all remarkably preserved, you will see why it is called a fairy-tale town. Return to your riverboat for a special chef's signature dinner in the Compass Rose this evening.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : ms Grace

PORTOFCALL : Bruges, Belgium

Day 5 A Taste of Rotterdam or a Day in Delft

A choice of shore excursions today includes a locally guided walking tour of Rotterdam or a visit to Delft and its porcelain factory. In Rotterdam, view world-class architecture and urban design, along with outdoor sculptures randomly placed, and as you make your way to the city’s covered Markthal; topped with sought-after glass-walled apartments, the market is lined with some 96 stalls enticing with a taste of Dutch culinary specialties under an arched fruit-and-vegetable muralled ceiling. Little changed since Golden Age artist Johannes Vermeer lived here in the 17th century, the historic center of Delft is a veritable time capsule of medieval treasures and Golden Age glories. Tour the city’s Royal Delft factory to learn more about the distinctive blue and white Delftware pottery first introduced by local artisans in the 17th century. Continue to the royal city of Den Haag for a walking tour that includes a visit to Escher in the Palace; housed in an 18th century palace that was once home to the Dutch royal family and is now a museum, it features a permanent exhibition of works by Dutch graphic artist MC Escher.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : ms Grace

Day 6 Gouda

A leisurely morning cruise brings you to Schoonhaven in south Holland for a drive to historic Gouda, famous for its namesake cheese, but also inviting with its lesser-known candles – and stroopwafels. Join a local guide for a walking tour of its compact canal-ringed city center. Visit 15th-century Sint-Janskerk (the Church of St. John), astonishing with 64 magnificent stained glass windows, many of which date back to the mid-1500s, and see the pride of the town, the monumental 17th-century Waag, (weighing house) and the Town Hall. Credited with inventing stroopwafels, an iconic waffle sandwich with syrup in the center, Gouda was the only city to make them until 1870. Enjoy a demonstration and a tasting during your visit to Gouda today! Set sail for Amsterdam this afternoon.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : ms Grace

Day 7 Amsterdam – a tour of the Rijksmuseum, a light festival and more

Your day in amazing Amsterdam begins with a guided tour of the city's matchless  Rijksmuseum, filled with great works by the Dutch Masters like Rembrandt’s The Night Watch and Vermeer’s The Milkmaid. Amsterdam’s Winter Festival will be in full operation during your visit today; spend the afternoon exploring at your leisure. Illuminated artwork and sculptures lining the canals add a special glow to the city’s winter landscapes at night, and are a highlight of this evening’s festive canal cruise.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : ms Grace

PORTOFCALL : Amsterdam, Netherlands

Day 8 Journey Home

Tour ends: Amsterdam. Disembark your riverboat by 9:00 AM this morning and fly home anytime. A transfer is included from the riverboat to Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport, or Centraal Train. Allow a minimum of three hours for flight check-in at the airport.

MEALS : B

PORTOFCALL : Amsterdam, Netherlands