Holland and Belgium Waterways River Cruises 2023/2024

Holland and Belgium Waterways Travel Guide

Holland and Belgium Waterways River Cruises Things To Do

• 
  Amsterdam

  When you first experience Amsterdam, it is hard to believe that it started as a sleepy fishing village in the 12th century. Today, Amsterdam is revered as being one of the most influential and historic cities in Europe. Not only does the city boast approximately 7,000 historic buildings, its 400 bridges connect numerous islands along Amsterdam's network of canals.

  Best Time To Visit

  The best time to tour Amsterdam is when the tulips are in bloom in Keukenhof Gardens. At this time, you have the rare opportunity to see an amazing display of the Netherlands' iconic blossoms.

   

  You Should Know

  If you want to visit the Anne Frank House, it is best to make reservations before you go on your river cruise journey. One of the highlights of a trip to Amsterdam is the Golden Age paintings of Rembrandt and Vermeer – seen in the famous Rijksmuseum. Vincent Van Gogh's artwork is prominently displayed in the city's Van Gogh Museum. Bloemenmarkt, which is Amsterdam's floating flower market, will ship tulip bulbs to your home so you can plant them in your garden.
• 
  Lisse

  Lisse, which is located between Haarlem and The Hague, has become the heart of the Netherlands' tulip-growing region. Not only can you see colorful fields of flowers during the springtime, you can also capture their fragrance and beauty at Keukenhof Gardens, noted as being the world's largest flower park. If you love flowers and springtime, Lisse offers you a tremendous travel opportunity. 

  Best Time To Visit

  To appreciate the beauty of Lisse, it is best to visit between late March and early spring. During this time, you can see thousands of tulips and flowers displayed.

   

  You Should Know

  The Keukenhof Tulips Gardens opens from late March to early May during the area's Tulip Festival. Each year, over 7 million flower bulbs are planted in the fall to bloom by March. The garden features 800 varieties of tulips. A flower parade passes through Lisse each year during the Tulip Festival. The parade route begins in Noordwijk and ends in Haarlem. Tulips did not originate in Holland. The bulbs were 16th-century imports from the Ottoman Empire, which is present-day Turkey. While tulips bloom from March to May, they reach their peak in mid-April. Lisse is also home to Keukenhof Castle, a restored 17th century estate that is used as an event venue.
• 
  The Hague (by way of Rotterdam)

  Stopping off at Rotterdam, river cruise travelers travel to their next stop, The Hague. This famous Dutch city is located on the coast of the North Sea in the west Netherlands. The seat of the Dutch Parliament, The Hague is also the base for the International Court of Justice overseen by the United Nations, or UN.

  Best Time To Visit

  Visit The Hague during the Netherland's Tulip Festival to add diversity to your Netherlands and Belgium Waterways river cruise.

   

  You Should Know

  The Hague's symbol on its coat of arms is a stork on a shield flanked by two gold lions. The bird stands on one leg and is eating an eel. Back in the 14th century, storks built their nests in the area, and were believed to be good luck. The bird was first seen on the court of arms in 1541. The Hague is home to the longest lane in the country, or Laan van Meerdervoot, which is about 3.5 miles long. However, don't confuse a lane with a street. In the Netherlands, that distinction goes to Oudebildtdijk (Street) in Friesland, which runs about 7.5 miles in length.
• 
  Kinderdijk

  You really cannot experience the Netherlands without visiting the enchanting village of Kinderdijk. This UNESCO listed attraction is known for its polder landscape and as a point of confluence for the Noord and Lek rivers. The real charm of Kinderdijk unfolds when you see its old-fashioned Dutch windmills.

  Best Time To Visit

  Visit Kinderdijk in the first part of May, when rains or flooding begin to subside.

   

  You Should Know

  Make sure you choose a river cruise provider that features bikes for exploring the Kinderdijk countryside. This is the best way to see the windmills and scenery. The village is home to 19 Dutch windmills. Begin your off-shore excursion by paying a visit to the Kinderdijk's Wisboomgemaal Visitors Center. Doing so will give you a better idea of the lay of the land and its sites.
• 
  Dordrecht

  The historic island city of Dordrecht, which borders five rivers, lies in the province of South Holland. The harbor town truly embodies the Dutch word for harbor ("haven"), given it historic district and its array of old warehouses, quays, and former merchant's mansions and homes. Dordrecht was known as an important port from the 1400s to 1700s in the Netherlands.

  Best Time To Visit

  Visit Dordrecht during the spring and enjoy lower temperatures and the lovely tulips and flowers on display in all parts of the Netherlands.

   

  You Should Know

  The best way to see Dordrecht is by taking a guided walking tour in the medieval inner city. During your trek, you will also be able to view the 19th-century buildings that ring the outer part of the inner section. While Dordrecht was settled in 1049, it did not officially become a city until 1220. Dordrecht served as an important trading port when travel by waterway was the main mode of transport.
• 
  Ghent, Belgium

  Many river cruise travelers have expressed that Ghent, Belgium is arguably the prettiest city in Belgium. Located in Flanders, Ghent is a walk-friendly city with its smorgasbord of churches, old merchants' residences, and castles. The city's cobblestoned town center allows you to see examples of early Flemish architecture. 

  Best Time To Visit

  Make plans to see Ghent when the trees begin to bud and brief spring showers provide a quiet respite from sight-seeing activities.

   

  You Should Know

  Ghent is known for a cube-shaped candy known as a Ghent nose. The traditional raspberry sweet treat is sold by street vendors in the city. Waffles are popular at breakfast, and served with honey or sugar. The medieval Gravensteen Castle, also known as the Castle of the Counts, is located in the middle of Ghent. While you can see spetacular views of Ghent from the top of the castle, you may feel squeamish about visiting the torture museum located inside the building. About 25% of Ghent's population is made up of university students.
• 
  Antwerp, Belgium

  The city of Antwerp is synonymous with the diamond trade, as most of the world's diamonds pass through this Belgium city. Billed as the diamond capital of the world, Antwerp is also known for its Old-World charm and medieval personality. The influence of the painter, Pieter Paul Rubens, is greatly felt here, as you can see his works at the Rubens House, built in the 17th century.

  Best Time To Visit

  If you are visiting Holland as well, travel to Antwerp in the spring. That way, you won't miss the Tulip Festival in the Netherlands.

   

  You Should Know

  Noted for its Flemish Renaissance period buildings, Grote Markt sits in the center of Antwerp's Old Town. The Rubens House, constructed in the 17th century, displays the works of the Flemish Baroque painter, Pieter Paul Rubens. The Red Star Line Museum features interactive displays in the former warehouses of Red Star Line Shipping. A visit to a brewery and a beer tasting can be arranged for an off-ship excursion.
• 
  Brussels, Belgium

  The capital of Belgium, Brussels has been an important center of trade and commerce since the 1200s. This city hosts a number of fun and/or interesting activities, including chocolate making and beer tasting. You can also see some unique attractions, including the Atomium, a 338-foot high structure that resembles atoms. It was built for the World Fair in 1958. 

  Best Time To Visit

  Plan your trip to Brussels on a Holland and Belgium waterways river cruise during the middle part of April. Not only is this tulip-growing season in the Netherlands, it also is a propitious time to travel in Belgium. Crowds are fewer during the period, as the summer rush of tourists has not yet begun.

   

  You Should Know

  Brussels features one of Europe's most beautiful squares. The Grand-Place is home to a town hall that sits among Renaissance styled guildhalls. The Delirium Café in Brussels features around 2,000 beers. The Comic Strip Route in the city celebrates Brussel's self-proclaimed status of being the world's comic strip capital. Around 50 murals along the route highlight comic strip art.

Holland and Belgium Waterways River Cruise Packages

Holland and Belgium Waterways River Cruises Frequently Asked Questions

• What Are Holland and Belgium Waterways River Cruises?

  Most Holland and Belgium waterways river cruises begin in Amsterdam, where a walking tour is offered before departure. Other popular ports and attractions include Lisse (home of the tulip fields and Keukenhof Gardens), The Hague (the seat of the country's government), and Kinderdijk, home to Netherlands' old-fashioned windmills. River cruise ships stop at Belgium cities, such as Ghent, Bruges, Antwerp, and Brussels.

• What’s Included on Holland and Belgium Waterways River Cruises?

  Holland and Belgium waterways river cruises feature luxury suites with amenities, such as a hairdryer and toiletries, Wi-FI, and flat screen TV. You are also provided with escorted tours and free onboard, award-winning cuisine. In addition, river cruise travelers can drink unlimited beverages, including beer, wine, premium spirits, sodas, and bottled water.

• What’s the Best River Cruise of Holland and Belgium Waterways River Cruises?

  Before that question can be answered, you need to review what you can spend. Your best river cruise value provides you with luxury amenities at an affordable price. The travel itinerary should clearly outline what you will receive for taking an all-inclusive tour of the Netherlands and Belgian waterways. One top river cruise provider that offers this type of service is Tauck. You can also experience similar benefits by choosing Viking River Cruises.

• How Much Do Holland and Belgium Waterways River Cruises Cost?

  For a river cruise journey of 7 nights, plan on spending an average price per person of $6,000. This all-inclusive travel price includes gratuities and airport transfers upon arrival and departure.