Tulip Time Cruise (Panorama)

Tulip Time Cruise (Panorama)

18 Views
8 Days From

$5025

$4022

Tulip Time Cruise (Panorama)

8 Days

Visiting: Amsterdam, Holland (Embarkation), Rotterdam, Antwerp, Belgium, Ghent, Veere, Willemstad, Amsterdam (Disembarkation)

Tour operator:

Avalon Waterways

From: $5025 $4022 Operator discount: -$1002 -20%

NB: Prices correct on 24-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

This springtime river cruise gets underway in Holland’s colorful capital of Amsterdam. This 700-year-old city offers an abundance of classic architecture, cafés, and restaurants to explore before you embark on your river cruise through Holland and Belgium. Sail through Rotterdam’s harbor, said to be the world’s busiest port. Garden enthusiasts will delight in a visit to see the breathtaking colors of Keukenhof, also known as the “Garden of Europe.” With 70 acres of parkland and lakes, it’s one of the world’s largest flower gardens with nearly 7 million flowering bulbs bursting with color. Next, sail to Antwerp, Belgium’s second-largest city, known for its centuries-old history in diamond trading amid ancient buildings and monuments combined with modern architecture. In Ghent, Belgium, join a local expert for a guided tour of the city, including a visit to St. Baaf’s Cathedral.

Your cruise traverses back into Holland where you’ll explore Middelburg, formerly an important trading city. You’ll still get a sense of its historic wealth today with its impressive structures like the Gothic Town Hall, Abbey Tower, and bustling Market Square. This beautiful and historic springtime river cruise concludes with more time to explore the wonderful city of Amsterdam. See the most fascinating views of the city on a canal cruise along the elegant grachten lined with homes dating back to the city’s “Golden Age.”

Highlights

  • Day 1 Amsterdam (Embarkation): Onboard welcome reception

  • Day 2 Rotterdam: Choice of half- or full-day visit to Keukenhof Gardens or walk with your Adventure Host; harbor cruise in Rotterdam

  • Day 3 Antwerp: Choice of guided sightseeing or bike with your Adventure Host

  • Day 4 Ghent: Choice of guided sightseeing, visit St. Baaf’s Cathedral or bike with your Adventure Host

  • Day 5 Middelburg-Veere: Guided walk in Middelburg; bike with your Adventure Host from Middelburg to Veere; guided walking tour of Veere

  • Day 6 Willemstad: Choice of guided walking tour or bike with your Adventure Host; cheese tasting on board

  • Day 7 Amsterdam: Choice of guided visit to Flower Auction, or canal cruise, or off-the-beaten-path walking tour or walk with your Adventure Host

  • Day 8 Amsterdam (Disembarkation): Your cruise ends this morning

Places You'll See

Westcord Jakarta

Movenpick Amsterdam City

Westcord Jakarta

Movenpick Amsterdam City

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Amsterdam,Holland (Embarkation)

Location: Amsterdam, Holland (Embarkation)

Meals Included: Dinner


AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND (EMBARKATION) Welcome to Holland. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding.

Flights into Amsterdam must arrive by 3:30 pm.

Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.

Your day in Amsterdam is free to explore at your leisure.

You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to beautiful Zaanse Schans where you’ll see a wonderful collection of well-preserved historic windmills and Dutch houses.

Enjoy dinner and explore the ship on your first night on board.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ROTTERDAM

(D)

Day 2: Rotterdam

Location: Rotterdam

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Join a full- or half-day Guided Tour of breathtaking Keukenhof—known as the “Garden of Europe”—for its 70 acres of lush parkland, lakes, and the world’s largest flower gardens—with more than seven million tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths as well as other bulbs, planted each year.

ROTTERDAM Dutch Treats and Flowers Sweet

Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.

ACTIVE Experience Rotterdam by foot with your Adventure Host, OR:

CLASSIC Join a full- or half-day Guided Tour of breathtaking Keukenhof—known as the “Garden of Europe”—for its 70 acres of lush parkland, lakes, and the world’s largest flower gardens—with more than seven million tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths as well as other bulbs, planted each year.

Take some free time to relax on the harbor-side in Rotterdam with an artisan beer, a slice of appeltaart (Dutch apple pie), and a koffie verkeerd, a typical Dutch drink with equal parts coffee and milk. Take a bike from your ship to explore Rotterdam and the surrounding area.

Before dinner, enjoy a cruise through Rotterdam harbor.

Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ANTWERP

(B,L,D)

Day 3: Antwerp,Belgium

Location: Antwerp, Belgium

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Take a Guided Tour of this sophisticated city to visit the central Grote Markt, lined with 16th-century guildhall houses. You’ll also see the beautiful city hall, the Cathedral of Our Lady with its stunning altarpiece paintings by Rubens.
ANTWERP, BELGIUM Cathedrals, Carats and Crêpes

ACTIVE Explore Antwerp by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:

CLASSIC Take a Guided Tour of this sophisticated city to visit the central Grote Markt, lined with 16th-century guildhall houses. You’ll also see the beautiful city hall, the Cathedral of Our Lady with its stunning altarpiece paintings by Rubens.

Alternatively, you may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to the nearby capital, Brussels—considered home to the European Union, and admire its magnificent palaces and cathedrals.

You might prefer to take time on your own to indulge in Antwerp’s signature Belgian waffles and crêpes—or explore this bike-friendly city from its old wharfs to its legendary diamond district.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO GHENT

(B,L,D)

Day 4: Ghent

Location: Ghent

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Explore Ghent—“The Diamond of Flanders”—with a Guided Sightseeing Tour of this showcase of medieval Flemish wealth. You’ll visit St. Bavo’s Cathedral—with its remarkable Flemish artwork.

GHENT Medieval Masterpieces and Flemish Finery

ACTIVE Explore a different side of Ghent by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:

CLASSIC Explore Ghent—“The Diamond of Flanders”—with a Guided Sightseeing Tour of this showcase of medieval Flemish wealth. You’ll visit St. Bavo’s Cathedral—with its remarkable Flemish artwork.

Alternatively, you may choose to join a full-day Guided Optional Excursion of Bruges to explore its canals, cobbled streets, and medieval buildings. You’ll see its crisscrossed canals, the 13th-century belfry of Market Square, and charming patrician houses. You won’t miss the opportunity to explore Ghent since this Optional Excursion ends with an orientation walk of the "Diamond of Flanders."

Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MIDDELBURG

(B,L,D)

Day 5: Veere

Location: Veere

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Join a Guided Walking Tour of Veere—a delightful historic town full of interesting sights dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries. Immerse yourself in its rich heritage, explore charming streets, and uncover hidden gems.
MIDDELBURG, HOLLAND A Spicy History in Middelburg’s Dutch Harbor Town

Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.

CLASSIC Join a Guided Walking Tour through the winding cobblestones and canals of Middelburg. See the 15th-century Gothic Town Hall and learn about its important role in the spice trade and Dutch East India trading.

Spend some free time biking or walking through Middelburg to sample Babbelaar cookies, fries, or beer before cruising to Veere.

During lunchtime enjoy a short sailing from Middelburg to Veere.

ACTIVE Alternatively bike from Middelburg to Veere with your Adventure Host.

VEERE

History and Scottish Houses

CLASSIC Join a Guided Walking Tour of Veere—a delightful historic town full of interesting sights dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries. Immerse yourself in its rich heritage, explore charming streets, and uncover hidden gems.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO WILLEMSTAD

(B,L,D)

Day 6: Willemstad

Location: Willemstad

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Later, enjoy a Cheese Tasting on board as you prepare to sail to Amsterdam.

Join a Guided Walking Tour of Willemstad and discover its many beautifully restored buildings from the 17th and 18th Century.

WILLEMSTAD Willemstad’s Windmills and Historic Harbor

ACTIVE See Willemstad by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:

CLASSIC Join a Guided Walking Tour of Willemstad and discover its many beautifully restored buildings from the 17th and 18th Century.

DISCOVERY Later, enjoy a Cheese Tasting on board as you prepare to sail to Amsterdam.

AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO AMSTERDAM

(B,L,D)

Day 7: Amsterdam

Location: Amsterdam

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Discover the true beauty of Amsterdam with an off-the-beaten-path Guided Walking Tour through its cobblestone streets for a captivating look at this legendary city, OR:

Explore the iconic waterways of Amsterdam on a Guided Canal Cruise past stately homes of Amsterdam’s “Golden Age.”
AMSTERDAM Canals of Colorful Amsterdam

ACTIVE Start your day joining your Adventure Host on an early morning walk in Amsterdam, OR:

DISCOVERY Discover Aalsmeer Flower Auction—the largest in the world, where around 20 million flowers are sold every day. Later enjoy a typical Dutch breakfast, OR:

DISCOVERY Discover the true beauty of Amsterdam with an off-the-beaten-path Guided Walking Tour through its cobblestone streets for a captivating look at this legendary city, OR:

CLASSIC Explore the iconic waterways of Amsterdam on a Guided Canal Cruise past stately homes of Amsterdam’s “Golden Age.”

This afternoon choose among the many Guided Optional Excursions available.

Take some free time to explore Amsterdam’s colorful streets and canal houses, galleries, and shops.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AMSTERDAM

(B,L,D)

Day 8: Amsterdam (Disembarkation)

Location: Amsterdam (Disembarkation)

Meals Included: Breakfast


AMSTERDAM (DISEMBARKATION) Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.

(B)

Notes

  • In the event of technical or water level issues, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or alter the program, including hotel overnight when necessary.
  • Guided Tours, Optional Excursions, activities, sailing and docking schedules may be contingent on weather conditions or other issues outside of our control and could therefore be subject to change at any time.
  • Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.

Accommodation

Amsterdam:Westcord Jakarta
Amsterdam:Movenpick Amsterdam City

Check out our Q&As

  • Cuisine

    All meals on board are prepared by accomplished chefs who prepare regional specialties as well as familiar favorites with only the freshest, local ingredients. Our Suite Ships® feature daily buffet-style breakfast and lunch with your choice of soups, main courses with starter, salad, or sandwich, and, of course, dessert. Complimentary room service is also available with Continental breakfast, lunch, and dinner. On the Mekong and Ganges, a mix of Western and local dishes is offered; in the Galápagos, you'll be able to taste some Ecuadorian specialties; and in the Amazon, you will be able to sample Peruvian specialties along with Western dishes.

  • Cruise Director

    A professional, experienced, English-speaking Cruise Director accompanies every departure. Naturalists are on board in the Amazon and Galápagos. Special Interest cruises typically include an expert specific to the cruise theme—from Wine Masters to History Experts.

  • What about young travellers and children?

    In our many years of cruising experience, we have found that children under the age of eight typically are too young to fully enjoy a cruise vacation. Because of this and for the safety and enjoyment of all passengers, we do not accept children under eight years of age. In addition, please note that there are no special arrangements or activities for children on our ships.

  • What are single room supplements?

    For single travellers who prefer the privacy of their own room and stateroom, single accommodation can, of course, be requested.

  • Clothing & Dress Code

    Your comfort is our first concern. Onboard and onshore dress codes are casual. Please bring comfortable walking shoes for sightseeing. Dinner attire is casual—open-neck shirts and slacks for men; slacks, skirts, or dresses for ladies. Coats and ties may be worn if preferred. The Welcome and Farewell Dinners in Europe are dressy, but not formal. On the Mekong, Ganges, Amazon, and Galápagos, dress attire, including coats and ties, is not recommended due to the warm, humid climate.

  • When will I receive my digital travel documents?

    Avalon will email you a set of travel documents, which includes a copy of your itinerary and, where applicable, information on your hotels and optional excursions. Electronic Travel documents, including applicable eTicket receipts, itineraries, and other information are sent approximately 2-3 weeks prior to departure, provided full payment has been received.

  • Where can I find the docking location for my cruise ship?

    Avalon Waterways strives to bring you the best docking locations along Europe’s rivers. In many cities, this includes multiple docking sites. Docking positions at each port are assigned by local authorities, and may vary depending upon the number of ships in port on any given day. This can sometimes result in double-docking with more than one ship assigned to the same dock and the ships “rafted” together, temporarily obstructing some views from on board the ships. Exact docking locations will be available 24-72 hours prior to embarkation. Before your cruise’s docking location is available, you can download a map of all possible docking sites for your embarkation city at www.AvalonWaterwaysPorts.com. Once your ship’s docking assignment is available, you can download a map that shows only that specific location, including address.

  • Are Avalon River Cruises Handicap Accessible?

    Avalon Waterways makes reasonable attempts to accommodate the special needs of disabled and mobility impaired travellers but is not responsible in the event it is unable to do so. Because we cannot provide individual assistance to travellers in many situations, and most of our transportation services are not equipped with wheelchair ramps, we recommend that you view our terms and conditions for details or contact us to learn more.

  • Internet Access

    All Avalon ships in Europe have complimentary Wi-Fi available. On the Mekong and Ganges, complimentary Wi-Fi access is available in the Panorama Lounge. The signal is not always reliable, as you will be cruising through remote areas. To access the ship's Wi-Fi Internet network, you will be given a PIN number at reception to use on your laptop, tablet, or mobile device. Wi-Fi is not available in the Amazon or Galápagos.

  • Onboard Language

    The language on board is English. All staff, crew, and tour guides speak English. All announcements and commentary will be in English.

Reviews of this operator

Kristina McGuire  

Rhône river from Carmargue to Lyon

07-Jul-2023

I am in my 70’s And travelled with my son who is in his mid 30’s. We both had different experiences and many shared ones. We both agree that the Avalon cruise on the Rhone was a great experience. The crew,without exception, was friendly and helpful, the accommodation comfortable and food and wine, delicious. We both gained a lot from our daily shore based experiences,learning about many facets of France, history, culture, economy, farming, industry and the great and varied beauty. I definitely felt my experience extended me in many ways and my son did too. Highly recommend a cruise. Thank you

Trustpilot
MaryEllen Ferderber  

8 day active and discovery on the Moselle from Luxembourg to Frankfurt

07-Jul-2023

8 day active and discovery on the Moselle. Fabulous itinerary and well selected guides. The scenery and weather June 4th, were perfect. Katy, our cruise director was outstanding and well organized. Bitak, the activity host was wonderful, very personable, and helpful. Really all the staff were very professional, kind, and ready to make our vacation a trip of a life time. The chef, Michael I believe was 5 star! Can’t wait to book another river cruise.

Trustpilot
Fernand Baillargeon  

Memorable cruise on the Mekong

17-Mar-2023

The Vietnam/Cambodia Mekong cruise on the Avalon Saigon was our First river cruise and overall it was fantastic. Excellent service on board and outstanding guides for the shore excursions. The Crew/staff were friendly and professional. All of it conducted like a symphony by our excellent Cruise director, Khan. The only thing we would like to see improved is a two nights stay at the Vinpearl, Halong bay (one night is not adequate). Thank you Avalon and the Crew of the Saigon for making our trip memorable.

Trustpilot
Larry Preston Omo   Portugal

Festive Season in the Heart of Germany (Tranquility II)

14-Dec-2023

This tour with Avalon was our first river boat cruise. Overall we enjoyed the experience. The ship was very nice, the crew was terrific and the food was good and presented very well. Our room was fine and the cleaning staff did a remarkable job. We enjoyed all of the excursions and the beautiful German towns we visited, particularly Rothenburg - what a delightful place. We appreciate all of the assistance Tourhub provided prior to our trip. We will continue to use your services. Thanks for everything.

Bob K  

1st River Cruise Exceeded Expectations

07-Aug-2023

My wife and I were looking to do something special for our 50th anniversary so we booked a weeklong cruise on the Rhone. We had done many ocean cruises but this was our first river cruise and it was wonderful. The food, the entire staff, and the excursions were all first rate. We made many new friends during the cruise and I suspect we'll be back on a 2nd river cruise with Avalon in the not too distant future.

Trustpilot

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Apr 25, 2026 - May 02, 2026
$5025 $4022

Operator discount: -$1002

Prices last published on 23-Nov-2024

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    Avalon Waterways requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of avalon waterways charges.

    Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 35% of booking price.

    At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.

    At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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