
Tulips Along the Rhine
CRUISETOUR
AmaWaterways
Ship: AmaLucia
TULIP TIME
10 days
Contact Diane Supino at diane@travellustre.com for an exclusive added on-board ship credit
Amsterdam, Netherlands to Amsterdam, Netherlands
At a Glance

Itinerary
Day One
Arrive in Amsterdam and check into your hotel.
Day Two
Follow your guide through the charming capital of the Netherlands, with its iconic meandering canals, bridges, and distinctive architecture. (B)
Day Three
Embark your ship in Amsterdam for your 7-night cruise. (D)
Enjoy an enchanting cruise along the canal in Haarlem outside of Amsterdam, passing historic architecture, bridges, and even a windmill iconic of the region. Later in the day, transfer to your ship.
(B,D)
Day Four
Enjoy a scenic cruise through the IJsselmeer to Hoorn, where you have a choice of four excursions. Visit a family-run tulip farm with over one million tulips, each in different phases of growth and in many species and colors. For those seeking to travel back in time, you can go on a walking tour in Hoorn or visit the Zuiderzee Museum, providing insight into the maritime culture and history of the lively Zuiderzee region. And for more active adventurers, go for a guided bike ride through the Dutch countryside. (B,L,D)
Day Five
After enjoying a scenic cruise through the Delta, you can explore medieval Middelburg, which was the second-largest trading city of the Dutch East India Company. Or, if you feel like exploring the city on two wheels, a guided bike ride is the perfect choice. Alternatively, you may discover the intriguing history of how the Delta Works, a unique storm surge barrier, came to be while visiting the Flood Museum. More than half of the Netherlands lies below sea level and the Delta Works were built to prevent a recurrence of the 1953 flood disaster. (B,L,D)
Day Six
There are several choices of excursions, depending on your interests. For those who wish to discover two medieval cities, Ghent and Bruges, you'll wish to go on a highlights tour. Admire Ghent's canal-side architecture and some of its famous sights, including the Castle of the Counts and Ghent Cathedral, and then visit Bruges, one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe. Alternatively, you may go on a full-day excursion to Bruges, which includes a visit to the Church of Our Lady, home to the beautiful Carrara-marble Madonna and Child sculpture by Michelangelo. Those more inclined to learn about the art of Belgian chocolate making can join a master chocolatier as he shares his insights. And for those who wish to enjoy more free time, join a walking tour of Ghent, followed by leisure time. (B,L,D)
Day Seven
Explore this trendy city on a walking tour where you'll see Antwerp's Steen Castle, Grote Markt, and Brabo Fountain, along with the UNESCO-designated Cathedral of Our Lady. For a more active exploration of the area, join a guided bike tour. Or you can visit the Rubens House, the former home of the famous 17th-century Flemish Baroque painter. Later in the afternoon, you have a choice of two excursions. Foodies will want to go on a culinary tour to indulge in chocolate, waffles, and beer. Flower lovers and gardeners can roam through the Floralia, an annual spring flower show featuring approximately one million bulbs that are hand-planted each year by the castle staff. (B,L,D)
Day Eight
During the morning, you can go on a walking tour of Rotterdam, nicknamed the "Gateway to Europe", and taste local specialties. Or visit Delfshaven, where, on August 1, 1620, the Pilgrim fathers departed on their epic journey aboard the Speedwell. Alternatively, go on an excursion to Delft, known as the home of the painter Johannes Vermeer, Delft Blue earthenware, and the Royal House. While here, you'll visit the Royal Delft Porcelain Factory and Museum. If you prefer a more active adventure, then go on a bike ride through Rotterdam and past some of its famous landmarks and architecture. In the afternoon, venture to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kinderdijk, a lovely village renowned for having the country's greatest concentration of windmills, all dating from the 18th century. You may also pedal past the windmills from the seat of a bike. (B,L,D)
Day Nine
One of the most impressive public gardens in the world, Keukenhof, presents a spectacular display of millions of flowering tulips spread out over 70 acres. Spend time ambling through this legendary garden, open only nine weeks a year and sometimes referred to as the "Garden of Europe". Later in the day, admire Amsterdam's historic harbor and canals, where you'll see beautiful homes lining the water and the fabled Skinny Bridge. (B,L,D)
Day Ten
Disembark the ship and prepare for your flight home. (B)
Included
-
Land program as detailed in itinerary
-
Entertainment on demand in all staterooms featuring free high-speed Internet access, hit Hollywood movies, extensive music library and English language TV stations
-
Complimentary Wi-Fi access on board
-
Terry bathrobes and white-on-white plush bedding in all staterooms
-
Fine dining with all meals included during your cruise
-
Multiple dining venues
-
Free-flowing red & white wines from Europe’s great wine regions, beer & soft drinks with every lunch and dinner on board
-
Bottled water in every stateroom replenished daily
-
Sun Deck swimming pool
-
Cocktail Reception, Welcome Dinner & Captain's Gala Dinner
-
Special highlights including lectures, cooking demonstration, onboard music performances and piano music
-
Choice of life enriching tours and excursions in every port with personal headset included
-
Small-Group "Limited Edition Tours" including guided biking, hiking and culinary delights excursions
-
Fleet of bicycles available to explore on your own
-
Services of professional Cruise Manager
-
All English language on board in a non-smoking environment (smoking permitted only on the Sun Deck)
-
Transfers between hotel and ship are included with the purchase of cruise and land package; airport transfers are included with the purchase of airfare from AmaWaterways
-
All of the local taxes
Not Included
Airfare | Land Extensions | Gratuities | Port Charges
For questions or booking inquiries
Please email Diane Supino at diane@travellustre.com