Tulip Serenade: The Netherlands & Belgium at Springtime
27 Apr –
9 May 2024
- 14 Days
- Hotel and Amadeus Rivier Cruise
- 26 Meals
- Group size: 15
Menu
Itinerary
Johannesburg – Amsterdam
We meet at O.R. Tambo International and check in for our flight to Amsterdam. Ahead of us lies a journey that will take us back in time to a world of cobbled streets, gabled houses, imposing cathedrals, grand buildings and spinning windmills. Our trip pairs luxury river cruising with a short stay in Amsterdam, showing you the Netherlands and Belgium in a new way.
Amsterdam – Arnhem
We arrive in Amsterdam and are met at the airport by a local guide. Our Amadeus Cruise only embarks in the afternoon, so we start the day with a city tour of Amsterdam.
Amsterdam is a horseshoe-shaped web of canals fanning outwards from Centraal Station at its heart. Wonky gabled merchant houses, waterfront bars, world-class museums and an estimated 837,000 bicycles line its narrow, busy streets.
Our tour starts with a visit to the Rijksmuseum, which is filled with priceless artworks from the Dutch Golden Age and beyond. Masterpieces by Vermeer, Rembrandt, Rubens and more adorn the walls. Next, we go to Dam Square. The historical centre of the city is the confluence of its key streets, and it is flanked by the Royal Palace and Nieuwe Kerk. Afterwards, we head to the Flower Market, which overflows with springtime blooms.
We enjoy a three-course lunch at a local restaurant and wander around the Nine Streets, a beautiful and historic part of the city. 400-year-old buildings house designer boutiques and trendy eateries, making this Amsterdam’s hippest neighbourhood. Our tour finishes at the Van Gogh Museum, where we learn more about the artist and his works.
We are transferred to the Port of Amsterdam in the afternoon, where we board our Amadeus Cruise. On board, we are welcomed by cocktails, dinner and a Shanty Choir singing traditional maritime work songs.
Arnhem – Middleburg
Our cruise ship weaves its way through the Dutch waterways to Arnhem. After breakfast on board, we set out to explore with a choice of shore excursions.
Arnhem and the History of World War II
In the morning, discover the sights of Arnhem and delve into the history of World War II. The city was the location of the infamous Battle of Arnhem and the vanguard of the Allied Operation Market Garden. After seeing the landmarks associated with this event, we visit the Airbourne Museum in Oosterbeek.
Netherlands Open Air Museum OR Kröller-Müller Museum
Later in the day, choose between a visit to the Netherlands Open Air Museum or the Kröller-Müller Museum. The Open Air Museum is located in a 44-hectare park and includes about 40 historic buildings, including houses, farmhouses and mills, which showcase the Dutch way of life from 1700 to 1970. The Kröller-Müller Museum and its sculpture garden house a famous art collection, including works by Van Gogh, Mondrian and Rodin. Situated in the Hoge Veluwe National Park, it’s a stunning place to visit.
In the evening, we relax on board the Amadeus and enjoy a delicious dinner as the boat makes its way to Middelburg, in the Dutch province of Zeeland.
Middleburg – Ghent
We have breakfast on board and take in the beautiful scenery. The famously flat landscape of the Netherlands stretches out in a tapestry of green fields dotted with windmills, sleepy villages and the occasional farmhouse. Just before lunchtime, we dock in Middleburg, where we’ll spend the afternoon exploring the area with a choice of excursions.
Middleburg Walking Tour
Middleburg was an important centre for the Dutch East India Company during the Dutch Golden Age. A guided walking tour shows us the town’s many landmarks, including the lavish 17th and 18th-century merchant houses and storehouses that line the canals.
Delta Works Experience and Veere Walking Tour
Alternatively, visit the Delta Works Project, a feat of engineering which protects the low-lying coastal areas of the Netherlands from flooding. The dams, sluices, locks, dykes, and levees form the world’s biggest storm surge barrier. Before returning to the ship, we stop in Veere, a delightfully pretty town with cobblestone streets and a quaint harbour.
We return to the boat to indulge in another delectable dining experience before retiring to our cabins. During the night, the boat will continue to Ghent, Belgium.
Ghent – Antwerp
Awake in Belgium, in the charming city of Ghent, which we explore before embarking on an outing to Bruges.
Ghent and Gravenstein Fortress
Ghent was one of medieval Europe’s most prominent and wealthiest cities, and its impressive history is displayed through the elegant and imposing buildings which border its waterways. The city centre has been mostly car-free since 2017, making exploring it a joy. We admire the beautifully preserved old town in the morning and visit the 13th Century Gravensteen Castle, complete with fairytale turrets and a watery moat.
Bruges
In the afternoon, we travel to Bruges by coach. Also known as the Venice of the North, Bruges is filled with lovely, cobbled lanes and dreamy canals topped with crooked bridges. The compact historic centre is a patchwork of beautiful sights. Start at the Markt (the town square) and work your way to the Basilica of the Holy Blood and the Burg, or get lost amidst the narrow alleys where you’ll find artisanal chocolate shops and breweries.
Later, we return to the boat. Have a sundowner on the deck before heading to the restaurant for dinner.
Antwerp – Rotterdam
Today, the ship docks in Antwerp, one of Europe’s fashion and art meccas. We’ll explore the city in the afternoon – the morning is dedicated to the Belgian capital, Brussels.
Brussels, the Atomium and Cinquantenaire Park
Our tour of Brussels shows us all the key sights: the Laeken area, Heysel Stadium, Notre Dame of Laekan, the space-age Atomium, Cinquantenaire Park, the city centre, the Palace of Justice and the Royal Palace of Brussels. To finish, we browse the shops in the Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert, Europe’s oldest shopping mall.
Antwerp and the Cathedral of Our Lady
Antwerp is Europe’s second-largest seaport and the world centre of diamond trading. Sometimes called “The Diamond City,” it’s said that every diamond sold in the world has passed through Antwerp at least once. Surprisingly then, the city is devoid of sparkle but teems with architectural wonders. We visit the Cathedral of Our Lady, a Gothic masterpiece, and then explore the city and its lively shopping scene.
In the evening, we return to the boat and take advantage of the excellent amenities on board.
Rotterdam – Amsterdam
We return to the Netherlands, arriving in Rotterdam in the early morning. The day is spent diving into Dutch culture with a visit to the windmills at Kinderdijk and the tulips at Keukenhof.
The Kinderdijk Windmills
The Kinderdijk Windmills tell the story of the centuries-long Dutch struggle with water. Much of the land here lies below sea level, and without the many ditches, windmills, sluices, and weirs to pump the water out, the Dutch would find themselves with wet feet! We learn more about the history of the mills and how they’ve changed with modern advancements in technology.
Keukenhof Gardens
Keukenhof is only open for a few short weeks each year, and we are lucky enough to catch this stunning event. The bulbs that were meticulously planted in the autumn and winter push their way through the dark earth to create a breathtaking display of colour. Flowerbeds of all shapes and sizes sit in the dappled shade of towering trees, sculptures pose between the blooms, and perfectly mowed lawns complete the scene. Every year, one hundred growers supply a staggering seven million flower bulbs for the park.
During dinner, the ship departs for the final leg of the cruise back to Amsterdam.
Amsterdam
After breakfast, we discover the city of Amsterdam from a unique perspective with a canal cruise. The afternoon is spent north of the city in the picturesque towns of Volendam and Edam.
Amsterdam & Canal Cruise
Amsterdam is an example of purposeful city planning, and its footprint has remained largely unchanged since the 19th century. Ninety islands are linked by more than 1,700 bridges spanning 165 canals. We start with a city tour and finish with a canal cruise, the best way to see the city.
Volendam & Edam
The picture-perfect town of Volendam sits on the Markermeer, a lake popular with sailing enthusiasts. We stroll through the old village where painted wooden houses line the streets. Look out for ladies in high-pointed bonnets and embroidered dresses – Volendam is one of the few places where people still wear traditional clothing. We continue to neighbouring Edam, famous for the cheese of the same name. On the way, we stop at a local cheese farm for a tasting before seeing the sights of the village.
Tonight, we end our cruise in high spirits with the Captain’s Gala Dinner, a fitting end to a remarkable journey.
Amsterdam
A leisurely breakfast on board marks the end of our cruise. We are met at the port by a local guide and transferred to our hotel in the city centre. The rest of the day is spent at leisure in Amsterdam. The city’s green spaces come to life in spring as tulips bloom and trees sprout new green leaves. Alfresco dining becomes more popular, thanks to the warmer weather, so find a waterfront spot for dinner and enjoy watching the stylish locals going about their everyday lives.
Amsterdam – Volendam – Haarlem – Amsterdam
This morning we return to Volendam to explore the town and visit the Cheese Factory Volendam. Here we gain insight into the process of making Dutch cheese and sample some of their cheeses.
We continue to Haarlem, the capital of North Holland. Today, Haarlem is known as one of Amsterdam’s commuter towns, but it has a unique and prosperous history. During the Dutch Golden Age, Haarlem flourished and became a major centre for textile production, beer brewing and tulip trading. The remnants of this creative and lucrative era can be seen in Haarlem’s grand buildings and beautiful churches. We see St. Bravo Church and the Grote Markt and visit the Molen De Adriaan Museum.
We have lunch at a restaurant in Haarlem and then return to Amsterdam. Tonight, dinner is for your account, so head into the city to explore its lively streets.
Amsterdam – The Hague – Delft – Rotterdam – Amsterdam
Our final day in the Netherlands sees us visit The Hague (Den Haag), Delft and Rotterdam.
While Amsterdam is the Netherlands’ capital, The Hague is the Dutch seat of government and the royal family. The city emanates from the 13th-century Binnenhof, a complex considered the world’s oldest parliament building still in use. The Binnenhof is the city’s cultural heart, and we see it on our tour along with the Hall of Knights and St. James’ Church.
We continue to Delft, an enchanting city interwoven with canals. It’s here that Johannes Vermeer lived and painted his most famous works, and the city’s core has changed very little since that time. We view the key sights and visit the Royal Delft Museum. The recently renovated museum exhibits the fine Delft Blue pottery, which has been in production since 1653.
From Delft we go to Rotterdam. Rotterdam was hard-hit by World War II, and its subsequent rebuilding has resulted in an exciting mix of historic and contemporary buildings. We see the mind-bending Kubus Houses, designed by architect Piet Blom and built in 1977; the Markthal, a contemporary take on the traditional Dutch market hall and the Old Harbour.
In the evening, we return to Amsterdam for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
Amsterdam – Johannesburg
After breakfast, we check out of our hotel and head to the airport for our flight to Johannesburg.
Johannesburg
Touch down in South Africa. As we say our farewells and the group parts ways, we cast our minds back to an engaging and enriching tour. Filled with art, culture, cuisine and understated elegance, the Netherlands and Belgium are intriguing destinations which will keep us coming back for more. Seagull Travel & Tours hope to see you again soon.
Johannesburg – Amsterdam
We meet at O.R. Tambo International and check in for our flight to Amsterdam. Ahead of us lies a journey that will take us back in time to a world of cobbled streets, gabled houses, imposing cathedrals, grand buildings and spinning windmills. Our trip pairs luxury river cruising with a short stay in Amsterdam, showing you the Netherlands and Belgium in a new way.
Amsterdam – Arnhem
We arrive in Amsterdam and are met at the airport by a local guide. Our Amadeus Cruise only embarks in the afternoon, so we start the day with a city tour of Amsterdam.
Amsterdam is a horseshoe-shaped web of canals fanning outwards from Centraal Station at its heart. Wonky gabled merchant houses, waterfront bars, world-class museums and an estimated 837,000 bicycles line its narrow, busy streets.
Our tour starts with a visit to the Rijksmuseum, which is filled with priceless artworks from the Dutch Golden Age and beyond. Masterpieces by Vermeer, Rembrandt, Rubens and more adorn the walls. Next, we go to Dam Square. The historical centre of the city is the confluence of its key streets, and it is flanked by the Royal Palace and Nieuwe Kerk. Afterwards, we head to the Flower Market, which overflows with springtime blooms.
We enjoy a three-course lunch at a local restaurant and wander around the Nine Streets, a beautiful and historic part of the city. 400-year-old buildings house designer boutiques and trendy eateries, making this Amsterdam’s hippest neighbourhood. Our tour finishes at the Van Gogh Museum, where we learn more about the artist and his works.
We are transferred to the Port of Amsterdam in the afternoon, where we board our Amadeus Cruise. On board, we are welcomed by cocktails, dinner and a Shanty Choir singing traditional maritime work songs.
Arnhem – Middleburg
Our cruise ship weaves its way through the Dutch waterways to Arnhem. After breakfast on board, we set out to explore with a choice of shore excursions.
Arnhem and the History of World War II
In the morning, discover the sights of Arnhem and delve into the history of World War II. The city was the location of the infamous Battle of Arnhem and the vanguard of the Allied Operation Market Garden. After seeing the landmarks associated with this event, we visit the Airbourne Museum in Oosterbeek.
Netherlands Open Air Museum OR Kröller-Müller Museum
Later in the day, choose between a visit to the Netherlands Open Air Museum or the Kröller-Müller Museum. The Open Air Museum is located in a 44-hectare park and includes about 40 historic buildings, including houses, farmhouses and mills, which showcase the Dutch way of life from 1700 to 1970. The Kröller-Müller Museum and its sculpture garden house a famous art collection, including works by Van Gogh, Mondrian and Rodin. Situated in the Hoge Veluwe National Park, it’s a stunning place to visit.
In the evening, we relax on board the Amadeus and enjoy a delicious dinner as the boat makes its way to Middelburg, in the Dutch province of Zeeland.
Middleburg – Ghent
We have breakfast on board and take in the beautiful scenery. The famously flat landscape of the Netherlands stretches out in a tapestry of green fields dotted with windmills, sleepy villages and the occasional farmhouse. Just before lunchtime, we dock in Middleburg, where we’ll spend the afternoon exploring the area with a choice of excursions.
Middleburg Walking Tour
Middleburg was an important centre for the Dutch East India Company during the Dutch Golden Age. A guided walking tour shows us the town’s many landmarks, including the lavish 17th and 18th-century merchant houses and storehouses that line the canals.
Delta Works Experience and Veere Walking Tour
Alternatively, visit the Delta Works Project, a feat of engineering which protects the low-lying coastal areas of the Netherlands from flooding. The dams, sluices, locks, dykes, and levees form the world’s biggest storm surge barrier. Before returning to the ship, we stop in Veere, a delightfully pretty town with cobblestone streets and a quaint harbour.
We return to the boat to indulge in another delectable dining experience before retiring to our cabins. During the night, the boat will continue to Ghent, Belgium.
Ghent – Antwerp
Awake in Belgium, in the charming city of Ghent, which we explore before embarking on an outing to Bruges.
Ghent and Gravenstein Fortress
Ghent was one of medieval Europe’s most prominent and wealthiest cities, and its impressive history is displayed through the elegant and imposing buildings which border its waterways. The city centre has been mostly car-free since 2017, making exploring it a joy. We admire the beautifully preserved old town in the morning and visit the 13th Century Gravensteen Castle, complete with fairytale turrets and a watery moat.
Bruges
In the afternoon, we travel to Bruges by coach. Also known as the Venice of the North, Bruges is filled with lovely, cobbled lanes and dreamy canals topped with crooked bridges. The compact historic centre is a patchwork of beautiful sights. Start at the Markt (the town square) and work your way to the Basilica of the Holy Blood and the Burg, or get lost amidst the narrow alleys where you’ll find artisanal chocolate shops and breweries.
Later, we return to the boat. Have a sundowner on the deck before heading to the restaurant for dinner.
Antwerp – Rotterdam
Today, the ship docks in Antwerp, one of Europe’s fashion and art meccas. We’ll explore the city in the afternoon – the morning is dedicated to the Belgian capital, Brussels.
Brussels, the Atomium and Cinquantenaire Park
Our tour of Brussels shows us all the key sights: the Laeken area, Heysel Stadium, Notre Dame of Laekan, the space-age Atomium, Cinquantenaire Park, the city centre, the Palace of Justice and the Royal Palace of Brussels. To finish, we browse the shops in the Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert, Europe’s oldest shopping mall.
Antwerp and the Cathedral of Our Lady
Antwerp is Europe’s second-largest seaport and the world centre of diamond trading. Sometimes called “The Diamond City,” it’s said that every diamond sold in the world has passed through Antwerp at least once. Surprisingly then, the city is devoid of sparkle but teems with architectural wonders. We visit the Cathedral of Our Lady, a Gothic masterpiece, and then explore the city and its lively shopping scene.
In the evening, we return to the boat and take advantage of the excellent amenities on board.
Rotterdam – Amsterdam
We return to the Netherlands, arriving in Rotterdam in the early morning. The day is spent diving into Dutch culture with a visit to the windmills at Kinderdijk and the tulips at Keukenhof.
The Kinderdijk Windmills
The Kinderdijk Windmills tell the story of the centuries-long Dutch struggle with water. Much of the land here lies below sea level, and without the many ditches, windmills, sluices, and weirs to pump the water out, the Dutch would find themselves with wet feet! We learn more about the history of the mills and how they’ve changed with modern advancements in technology.
Keukenhof Gardens
Keukenhof is only open for a few short weeks each year, and we are lucky enough to catch this stunning event. The bulbs that were meticulously planted in the autumn and winter push their way through the dark earth to create a breathtaking display of colour. Flowerbeds of all shapes and sizes sit in the dappled shade of towering trees, sculptures pose between the blooms, and perfectly mowed lawns complete the scene. Every year, one hundred growers supply a staggering seven million flower bulbs for the park.
During dinner, the ship departs for the final leg of the cruise back to Amsterdam.
Amsterdam
After breakfast, we discover the city of Amsterdam from a unique perspective with a canal cruise. The afternoon is spent north of the city in the picturesque towns of Volendam and Edam.
Amsterdam & Canal Cruise
Amsterdam is an example of purposeful city planning, and its footprint has remained largely unchanged since the 19th century. Ninety islands are linked by more than 1,700 bridges spanning 165 canals. We start with a city tour and finish with a canal cruise, the best way to see the city.
Volendam & Edam
The picture-perfect town of Volendam sits on the Markermeer, a lake popular with sailing enthusiasts. We stroll through the old village where painted wooden houses line the streets. Look out for ladies in high-pointed bonnets and embroidered dresses – Volendam is one of the few places where people still wear traditional clothing. We continue to neighbouring Edam, famous for the cheese of the same name. On the way, we stop at a local cheese farm for a tasting before seeing the sights of the village.
Tonight, we end our cruise in high spirits with the Captain’s Gala Dinner, a fitting end to a remarkable journey.
Amsterdam
A leisurely breakfast on board marks the end of our cruise. We are met at the port by a local guide and transferred to our hotel in the city centre. The rest of the day is spent at leisure in Amsterdam. The city’s green spaces come to life in spring as tulips bloom and trees sprout new green leaves. Alfresco dining becomes more popular, thanks to the warmer weather, so find a waterfront spot for dinner and enjoy watching the stylish locals going about their everyday lives.
Amsterdam – Volendam – Haarlem – Amsterdam
This morning we return to Volendam to explore the town and visit the Cheese Factory Volendam. Here we gain insight into the process of making Dutch cheese and sample some of their cheeses.
We continue to Haarlem, the capital of North Holland. Today, Haarlem is known as one of Amsterdam’s commuter towns, but it has a unique and prosperous history. During the Dutch Golden Age, Haarlem flourished and became a major centre for textile production, beer brewing and tulip trading. The remnants of this creative and lucrative era can be seen in Haarlem’s grand buildings and beautiful churches. We see St. Bravo Church and the Grote Markt and visit the Molen De Adriaan Museum.
We have lunch at a restaurant in Haarlem and then return to Amsterdam. Tonight, dinner is for your account, so head into the city to explore its lively streets.
Amsterdam – The Hague – Delft – Rotterdam – Amsterdam
Our final day in the Netherlands sees us visit The Hague (Den Haag), Delft and Rotterdam.
While Amsterdam is the Netherlands’ capital, The Hague is the Dutch seat of government and the royal family. The city emanates from the 13th-century Binnenhof, a complex considered the world’s oldest parliament building still in use. The Binnenhof is the city’s cultural heart, and we see it on our tour along with the Hall of Knights and St. James’ Church.
We continue to Delft, an enchanting city interwoven with canals. It’s here that Johannes Vermeer lived and painted his most famous works, and the city’s core has changed very little since that time. We view the key sights and visit the Royal Delft Museum. The recently renovated museum exhibits the fine Delft Blue pottery, which has been in production since 1653.
From Delft we go to Rotterdam. Rotterdam was hard-hit by World War II, and its subsequent rebuilding has resulted in an exciting mix of historic and contemporary buildings. We see the mind-bending Kubus Houses, designed by architect Piet Blom and built in 1977; the Markthal, a contemporary take on the traditional Dutch market hall and the Old Harbour.
In the evening, we return to Amsterdam for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
Amsterdam – Johannesburg
After breakfast, we check out of our hotel and head to the airport for our flight to Johannesburg.
Johannesburg
Touch down in South Africa. As we say our farewells and the group parts ways, we cast our minds back to an engaging and enriching tour. Filled with art, culture, cuisine and understated elegance, the Netherlands and Belgium are intriguing destinations which will keep us coming back for more. Seagull Travel & Tours hope to see you again soon.
The Netherlands and Belgium come alive in springtime. The trees sprout new leaves, tulips burst into bloom, and the streets are filled with the promise of summer. We visit the region at this enchanting time of year, drifting along waterways lined with spinning windmills and exploring centuries of history and culture.
Expertly curated by Seagull Travel & Tours, this itinerary starts with a seven-night cruise aboard a luxury vessel. Our floating hotel takes us from Amsterdam to the cities of Arnhem, Ghent, Bruges, and Antwerp. Along the way, we visit quaint villages, walk the cobbled streets of medieval towns and see the tulips at Keukenhof Gardens. We disembark in Amsterdam and use the city as a starting point for discoveries of Volendam, Haarlem, Den Haag, Delft and Rotterdam. Three nights in Amsterdam gives us ample time to explore the city’s magnetic sights.
English-speaking guides add depth and interest to our travels, while comfortable accommodations ensure that we greet each day well-rested and refreshed. The Netherlands & Belgium at Springtime is a tour which will immerse you in the history and art of the Dutch Golden Age while showing you the area’s many contemporary attractions. Seagull Travel & Tours looks forward to sharing this elegant and engaging tour.
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The tour leader collects a set amount from each member of a tour. This kitty is then used to tip the local tour guide and city guides, bus drivers, any other assistants, and restaurant staff. We believe in tipping for good service as a token of appreciation, especially as many workers in tourism rely on tips to supplement their income.
Although we cannot apply on your behalf, we are more than willing to give guidance and assistance with completing forms. We do this for many clients on a near-daily basis. It does, however, remain the responsibility of the client to ensure that they get the correct visa on time.
Remember that we limit the number of guests on our tours. This means more time at stops and sites. We definitely do not do groups of 30 pax, where guests are rushed from one site to the other. There is enough time to explore on your own.
We always suggest USD/Euro 50 to USD/Euro 100 per person per day. As we mostly include two meals per day on our tours, this will be enough for lunch/dinner, some snacks, and memento shopping. Should you want to buy larger items, we suggest taking along your credit card. Remember to advise the bank that you will be travelling.
