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Holland & Belgium in Bloom Itinerary
Day 1 - Amsterdam
Welcome to Amsterdam, where you’ll be greeted by one of our Emerald Cruises representatives and transferred to your contemporary Emerald Cruises Star-Ship.
Day 2 - Amsterdam – Zaanse Schans
This morning, you will have the opportunity to visit one of Holland’s main attractions as you venture to Zaanse Schans. Historic windmills, distinctive wooden houses, and artisan workshops make up this quintessentially Dutch town, where the smell of freshly baked goods and the sight of spinning windmills offers a truly memorable experience. Alternatively, enjoy a guided bike tour to Waterland, passing picturesque scenery and iconic fields of tulips.Relax on board your Star-Ship this afternoon, as we welcome a local clog painter on board for a demonstration. As part of our EmeraldPLUS programme, you’ll have the opportunity to try your hand at this unique craft.EmeraldPLUSClog painting on boardEmeraldACTIVEGuided bike tour to WaterlandIncluded ExcursionTour to Zaanse Schans windmillsDiscoverMOREVisit to the flower auction at Royal FloraHolland in Aalsmeer (extra expense)
Day 3 - Rotterdam
Rotterdam is a unique example of a Dutch city. Following the air raids of WWII, reconstruction efforts utilised a patchwork of architectural styles, forever altering the skyline. Today, you’ll have the opportunity to explore this contemporary city, which currently boasts the tallest commercial and residential buildings in the Netherlands. The reputation as the city of high rises has historical roots, beginning with the construction of the 45-metre-high office building, the Witte Huis, which, for quite some time, was the tallest office building in Europe.EmeraldPLUSArchitectural tour of RotterdamEmeraldACTIVECycling and tasting tour of RotterdamDiscoverMOREVisit to Delft pottery factory (extra expense)
Day 4 - The Hague
Today, you will visit the royal and administrative capital of the Netherlands, The Hague. Situated on the North Sea coast, the city is home to a thriving cultural and culinary scene, a lengthy coastline, and several historical monuments. It’s also famously home to the Peace Palace housing the United Nations International Court of Justice, sometimes known as the World Court. Within your guided tour, you’ll visit the beautiful Mauritshuis museum, home to the best of Dutch painting from the age of Rembrandt and Vermeer.In the afternoon, those feeling more active can enjoy a guided bike tour through the Dutch countryside.EmeraldACTIVEGuided bike tourIncluded ExcursionVisit to Mauritshuis & orientation walk in the Hague
Day 5 - Antwerp
This morning, you’ll arrive in Belgium's largest port Antwerp. Located on the River Scheldt, the city's large harbour provides a link to the sea. Home to the famous Baroque artist Pieter Paul Rubens, Antwerp attracts art-lovers from all over the world.Enjoy a guided tour of the city centre, with its café-lined cobbled lanes. Admire the Renaissance city hall and Hat Steen, a medieval fortress that was built during the early Middle Ages and one of the oldest buildings in Belgium. Afterwards, enjoy free time to explore Antwerp at your leisure.Included ExcursionWalking tour of Antwerp
Day 6 - Arnhem
Relax in the comfortable surrounds of your Star-Ship this morning as you sail along the Dutch waterways, passing quaint, time-honoured villages. Visit the Paleis Het Loo, which once served as the summer residence of the Dutch royal family. Today, the palace stands as a magnificent museum. The palace’s decorations and its gardens are bound to stun. Alternatively, embark on a guided bike tour of Arnhem, famous for its postcard-worthy streets, scenic parks, and fine museums.EmeraldACTIVEGuided bike tourIncluded ExcursionVisit to Paleis Het Loo
Day 7 - Amsterdam
Experience traditional Holland today during a visit to the beloved Keukenhof Gardens. Nestled in the middle of the region’s tulip farms, where row-upon-row of technicolour flowers stretch as far as the eye can see, the gardens boast incredible displays of millions of bulb varieties, all perfectly assembled by an expert landscape architect.Included ExcursionVisit to Keukenhof Gardens
Day 8 - Amsterdam
After breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to your fellow guests as you disembark your Star-Ship for your transfer to the airport, taking memories of wooden windmills and blossoming flowers with you.This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons such as high and low water. As such, the cruise may operate altered from that stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.