Tulip Serenade
Cruising The Netherlands & Belgium’s Waterways
Experience the colorful awakening of tulip season in Holland & Belgium! Begin in Amsterdam, also known as “the Venice of the North”, before boarding your cruise to explore the intricate waterways of the region, taking you from quaint villages to classic Renaissance cities. Visit Ghent and Bruges to explore the cobbled streets, crooked bridges, meandering canals, and World Heritage-listed medieval buildings. Delight in the diamonds of Antwerp and the towering cathedrals of Brussels. Your visit to Rotterdam explodes with a riot of floral extravaganza at world renown Keukenhof gardens! View Dutch and Flemish masterpieces, taste Dutch cheeses and world-famous Belgian chocolates all while passing lazily spinning windmills and blossoming foliage. A bouquet of wonderful treasures awaits!
HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE
PACKAGE INCLUDES
*Escorted with 16 or more passengers, locally hosted by Amadeus Cruise Lines with fewer than 16
A passport is required to travel to this destination and must be valid for at least six months after your return.
This itinerary includes activities where moderate walking, possibly on uneven terrain, is required. Some of the most unique sightseeing can be restrictive to motorcoaches, especially in historic areas.
Itinerary
Mon, Apr 7: Depart on overseas flights from Indianapolis to Amsterdam.
Tue, Apr 8: Arrive in Amsterdam, the capital city of the Netherlands also known as the “Venice of the North” and transfer to your hotel. Spend some time exploring this picturesque and historic city on your own for the balance of the day.
Wed, Apr 9: Arise at your leisure and have breakfast in the hotel prior to your transfer to the ship, the Amadeus Imperial, your home for the next seven nights. Set off on a truly unique exploration of the sites of Amsterdam. Hidden in the heart of the city is a small wonder: Our Lord in the Attic Museum. Go on a journey through this well-preserved canal house from the 17th century. The narrow corridors and stairs lead you through decorated living quarters and kitchens until you reach the highlight of the museum, a complete church in the attic. Have lunch at the famous Restaurant-Café In de Waag, housed in the 15th century “fairytale” style Waag building—originally part of the city walls and gate entrance. Illuminated by 300 real candles inside, you’ll be drawn into its warmth and intriguing history. Top off your lunch with a liqueur tasting at a historic distillery. Tour the Major Bosshardt House, named after its most famous female resident, Major Alida Bosshardt—the most renowned member of the Dutch Salvation Army. Learn more about her incredible life story before returning to the ship. After a Welcome Dinner on board, enjoy a performance by a traditional shanty choir. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Thu, Apr 10: Voted “greenest city in Europe“, Arnhem rebuilt itself after the famed 1944 battle immortalized in the film “A Bridge Too Far“, and is now a thriving artists‘ town with fine museums and beautiful parks. Your morning city tour will take you to appreciate its beautiful sights and delve deeper into the history of World War II at the War Museum. Later in the day, choose between a trip to the Open Air Museum with views of charming Dutch buildings, industries and crafts of bygone times and the Kröller-Müller-Museum, housing the second-largest collection of Van Gogh paintings in the world. Relax on board in the evening, enjoying a delicious dinner as your vessel cruises onwards to Middelburg. (B,L,D)
Fri, Apr 11: The cruise ship will dock in Middelburg today, one of the centers where the Dutch East India Company flourished in the 17th century. This lovely city features historic merchant houses and storefronts lining its canals. This afternoon, visit the Netherland’s fascinating Delta Works, which protect the southwest of the country from the sea. Continue to the quaint historic village of Veere for a walking tour and free time. (B,L,D)
Sat, Apr 12: Wake up in Ghent, Belgium today—the ultimate medieval city, which you can explore in the morning. Admire architecture preserved since the late Middle Ages and visit 13th century residence of the Counts of Flanders, the Gravensteen or “Castle of the Counts”. This afternoon, take an excursion to the Belgian city of Bruges, bursting with fantastic brews, boutique chocolate-makers and canal-side bars! And don’t miss the Basilica of the Holy Blood, a double-decker chapel which has a Romanesque church down below and a neo-Gothic church up above. (B,L,D)
Sun, Apr 13: Antwerp, known as the “Diamond Capital of the World” welcomes you today! However, this morning your included tour will take you to the politically and culturally significant city of Brussels. View the iconic Atomium, which was created for the 1958 Brussels World’s Fair, and thanks to its popularity was not torn down as originally planned. Visit the Cinquantenaire Park with its triumphal arch, built to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Belgium’s independence. This afternoon, explore Antwerp on a narrated tour via motorcoach. Famous for its diamond trade, the city also boasts many cultural highlights such as the Cathedral of Our Lady with paintings by the famous Baroque artist Peter Paul Rubens. In the evening you will enjoy dinner while the ship returns to the Netherlands. (B,L,D)
Mon, Apr 14: Arrive in Rotterdam, the second largest city in the Netherlands. After breakfast, visit the windmills of Kinderdijk, the most unique windmill complex in the world! Built to drain water from the soil, these windmills are now protected by UNESCO and are one of the Netherlands’ most popular tourist destinations. After lunch explore the world famous Keukenhof gardens. During dinner the ship departs for the final leg of the cruise back to Amsterdam. (B,L,D)
Tue, Apr 15: Amsterdam welcomes you back today with its enchanting blend of old-world charm and contemporary allure. In the morning, cruise through the lovely canals while learning more about the city’s history and significance. After lunch visit Waterland in North Holland, where you will stop in the charming fishing village of Volendam and the equally picturesque town of Edam. Renowned for its cheeses, this is the perfect spot for an included cheese tasting! The festive Captain’s Gala Dinner will provide a fitting finish to the day. (B,L,D)
Wed, Apr 16: Following breakfast on the ship, transfer to the airport for your return flights home. (B)
Ship
MS Amadeus Imperial: Imperial grandeur meets contemporary design: The AMADEUS Imperial offers both exciting, novel experiences, as well as much-loved signature venues. Step aboard into a newly-designed atrium where natural light abounds, highlighting an impressive staircase of glass and marble that invites you to explore. Experience the state-of-the-art fitness center or ascend to the expansive sun decks to study the passing landscapes. Snuggle up in the Cafe Vienna for a quiet afternoon coffee. Highlights: Services of an experienced, multilingual Cruise Director, Gourmet dining with all meals included (buffet breakfast, lunch, dinner and midnight snack) in the elegant restaurant, free-flowing quality red & white wines from Europe’s famous wine regions, draft beer and soft drinks as well as coffee and tea with every lunch and dinner on board, 24-hour complimentary coffee and tea station, Cocktail Reception, Welcome Dinner and Captain’s Gala Dinner, Complimentary WIFI onboard, Complimentary bottled water in cabins, Special onboard entertainment including lectures, onboard music performances and nightly music in the Panorama-Bar, Complimentary state-of-the-art audio headsets for all excursions, Complimentary use of onboard bicycles, Non-smoking environment (smoking permitted on the Sun Deck).
PRICING
* Subject to change due to fuel surcharge and confirmed price for group air.
Call for additional promotions and discounts, as well as other stateroom category pricing and availability.