Europe River Cruises

Belgium and Holland at Tulip Time - a 9-night Spring cruise aboard Viking Pride, Europe, Danube or Sky

Holland's floral splendour only happens in the springtime. Come see the rainbow of colours, and visit some of Belgium’s most beautifully preserved medieval cities for the ultimate 10-day spring holiday in the Low Countries.

Explore Amsterdam's cosmopolitan atmosphere and world-famous museums. Experience Belgium's Golden Age in historic Antwerp and the lovely patrician cities of Ghent and Brugge.

Amsterdam

Learn more about Holland's age-old battle against the sea with tours of ingenious windmills and the massive Delta Works project. Our English-speaking guides will take you to famous Amsterdam landmarks as well as hidden gems on the cobbled streets of maritime Hoorn. Plus, enjoy savory Dutch cheeses, delectable Belgian chocolates and Belgium?s exquisite, intricate lace on this delightful cruise holiday.

Kinderdijk Windmills

A guided tour of Paleis Het Loo provides an intimate peek inside the Dutch Royal Family’s summer home. Tour a working windmill in Kinderdijk and visit the Neeltje Jans Expo to learn how the Delta Works protects the Dutch from the ever-encroaching sea.

More information about MS Viking Europe and MS Viking Pride

Amsterdam

More information about MS Viking Danube and Sky

R127: Cruise Departure Dates 2011
Mar 17, 18, 22, 23, 26, 27, 31;
Apr 1, 4, 5, 9, 10, 13, 14, 19, 22, 27, 28;
May 6
R127: Belgium and Holland at Tulip Time 2011£ price per person
Single Supplement: E: 25%, D: 50%, C&B: 75%, A: 100%
Please phone for no flight reduction and price and availability for club class flight upgrade
The cruise price includes
  • Roundtrip airfare and transfers to/from the ship
  • 9 nights accomodation aboard the Viking Pride, Viking Sky, Viking Europe, Viking Danube
  • Included meals: 9 breakfasts, 8 lunches and 9 dinners
  • Complimentary house wine with dinner
  • Welcome Cocktail Reception and Dinner and Captain's farewell dinner
  • Captain's Farewell Dinner
  • 8 guided tours
  • Onboard enrichment program
  • All port and airport taxes
The cruise price does not include
  • Travel insurance and gratuities
Additional Information
  • Regional flights available from Glasgow, Edinburgh, Newcastle,Birmingham, Manchester Cardiff, Bristol, Humberside, Leeds, Liverpool & Norwich. Please call for details
Call our dedicated Cruise Team
UK: 01756 706529
International: +44 1756 706529
Call our dedicated Cruise Team
UK: 01756 706529
International: +44 1756 706529

Dutch tulips

Itinerary
Day 1
Amsterdam

Arrive in Amsterdam. We meet you at the airport and transfer you to your ship. After boarding, you have free time to get acquainted with this canal-laced city or join our welcome walk to stretch your legs and start getting oriented. Meals: D

Day 2
Amsterdam

After breakfast, embark on a canal tour by glass-topped boat to see architecture from the city's Golden Age. Return aboard for lunch, then take free time to visit the Anne Frank House, the Van Gogh Museum, or just explore the city's charming neighborhoods and as always' your Program Director can help you plan your free time. Dine aboard with evening departure. Meals: B, L, D

Day 3
Hoorn

Early this morning, sail across the Ijsselmeer (once known as the Zuiderzee) to the ancient shipping village of Hoorn. After breakfast, enjoy a guided walk through Hoorn?s cobbled streets; see age-old cheese warehouses on the town?s main square, which dates back to Holland?s Golden Age. Lunch is served aboard; you have a free afternoon to explore Hoorn, visit a local bakery and shop for souvenirs. Or, take an optional excursion showcasing the small towns and bucolic landscapes of the northern Holland area. Depart during dinner and cruise through the night. Meals: B, L, D

Day 4
Arnhem and Nijmegen

After early arrival in Arnhem, take a journey to 17th-century Paleis Het Loo, for 300 years the Dutch royal family?s summer residence. Take a guided tour through its sumptuously furnished rooms and beautifully landscaped gardens. After lunch aboard, enjoy free time, or join the optional battlefield tour that also visits the Airborne Museum. Cruise through dinner to Nijmegen, one of Holland?s oldest cities, where you have a free evening. (Palais Het Loo is closed on Mondays when a battlefield visit or museum tour will be substituted) Meals: B, L, D

Day 5
Kinderdijk and Antwerp

Arrive this morning in Kinderdijk and disembark for a tour of this ingenious 18th-century community. Learn why the windmills were built and see how they work to help control flooding, then tour an actual working windmill to see its pumping mechanism and living quarters at this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lunch aboard as we sail toward Antwerp. After dinner aboard, relax on your ship or spend some time exploring the caf?s and brew pubs of this extraordinary Flemish capital. Meals: B, L, D

Day 6
Antwerp

This morning, enjoy a half-day tour of Antwerp featuring the Cathedral of Our Lady with its three monumental altarpieces painted by Peter Paul Rubens; the Grote Markt (Grand Square) surrounded by the Golden Age Town Hall and guild halls, and Het Steen (Steen Castle), Antwerp?s oldest building. You have afternoon free time before dining aboard; sail tonight for Ghent. Meals: B, L, D

Day 7
Ghent and Brugge

From Ghent, travel to Brugge, one of the oldest towns in Flanders. Your city walk visits the Church of Our Lady, with its famous Madonna and Child sculpted by Michelangelo. Also see the Beguinage, a hidden courtyard inhabited by nuns, and the town?s scenic network of canals. Stay in Brugge for lunch on your own, or return to Ghent for lunch aboard and an afternoon exploring this extraordinarily charming, canal-filled capital of East Flanders. Enjoy a beautifully lit evening departure from Ghent and cruise through the night. Meals: B, L, D

Day 8
Middelburg, Delta Works and Rotterdam

Your day begins with a walk through Middelburg. From here, travel to Neeltje Jans Expo to learn more about how the Delta Works protect Holland from the sea. See the hydraulic lock system and walk along the massive dam. Return to your ship for lunch and afternoon cruising. Arrive this evening in Rotterdam; rebuilt after much World War II destruction, it is the world?s second largest port. Your evening is at leisure; dinner aboard. Meals: B, L, D

Day 9
Keukenhof Gardens and Amsterdam

After breakfast, take a journey to picturesque Keukenhof Gardens, the world?s largest floral park. Admire the stunning floral beauty at both indoor and outdoor exhibits of millions of vibrant blooms including tulips, hyacinths, croci and daffodils. Return aboard for lunch.

The rest of the day is yours to discover Amsterdam?s hidden treasures. You may choose to explore Museum Square, take a bike ride, or shop for colorful clogs and tulip bulbs. Dinner is served aboard, followed by free time to enjoy Amsterdam?s nightlife. Your ship remains docked overnight. Meals: B, L, D

Day 10
Amsterdam

After breakfast, disembark and we take you to the airport for your return flight. Meals: B

Included meals: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

Cruise Extensions
Amsterdam 2-night pre-extension
Start your journey in Amsterdam, where you will be centrally located near key sites like Museum Square and the Anne Frank House. Two nights at the Radisson Blu (or similar), daily breakfasts, a canal cruise and transfer to ship are included along with the services of a Viking host. Please call for availability and price
Blue Water Holidays, Bridge House, Brook Street, Skipton, North Yorkshire BD23 1PP - 01756 706529
As a fully bonded member of ABTA (K9428) with an ATOL (9685), the Air Tour Operators Licence, we offer complete peace of mind when you  book your holiday through us.