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Active & Discovery in Holland & Belgium 2023

Amsterdam, Netherlands Round-trip
Length: 8 Days - Departs: Fri, Jun 23, 2023

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Special Offers

LOW UNPUBLISHED PRICES ON AVALON WATERWAYS (GLOBUS) CRUISES
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Save $500 per couple + Free Air on select 2023 Europe River Cruises

Mention Promo Code: PT3145
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Save $500 per couple + Free Air on select 2023 Europe River Cruises

Save $500 per couple + Free Air on select 2023 Europe River Cruises

Promotion Details
Book a select 2023 Europe river cruise to receive $500 off per couple ($250 off per person) on the cruise/land or cruise only price. Combinable with Free Air promotion and Welcome Back Credit. Plus, receive our AffordableTours.com everyday savings.
Must Book By Fri, Jun 30, 2023
View Promotion Terms & Conditions ›

*Book a select 2023 Avalon Waterways Europe river cruise to receive $250 off per person on the cruise/land or cruise only price. Booking must be made, under deposit, and discount applied between January 3, 2023 and June 30, 2023 for travel at select times in 2023. Not applicable to custom tours. Not applicable on TBA space. Offer does not apply to instant purchase air. Groups of 8 passengers or more do not qualify for this offer. Please call for Group promotion options. Offer reliant on space availability and may be withdrawn at any time. Combinable with Free Air promotion (PRMYFF) and Welcome Back Credit only. Applies to new 2023 bookings only and offer will not be applied to pre-existing bookings. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply; see Travel Terms & Conditions for details. Offer applies to participating GFOB offices only. PRMW1006 PRMW1006

Save $3,000 on select 2022/2023 Europe cruises for groups of 8 or more

Mention Promo Code: PT2970
Promotion Image

Save $3,000 on select 2022/2023 Europe cruises for groups of 8 or more

Save $3,000 on select 2022/2023 Europe cruises for groups of 8 or more

Promotion Details
Book a select 2022 or 2023 Avalon Waterways Europe river cruise for 8 or more people to receive $3000 off per couple ($1500 off per person) on the cruise/land or cruise only price. Plus, receive our AffordableTours.com everyday savings.
Must Book By Fri, Jun 30, 2023
View Promotion Terms & Conditions ›

*Book a select 2023 Avalon Waterways Europe river cruise for 8 or more people to receive $1500 off per person on the cruise/land or cruise only price. Group Booking must be made, under deposit and discount applied between January 4, 2022 and June 30, 2023 for travel on select 2023 departures. Offer reliant on space availability and may be withdrawn at any time. Combinable with Welcome Back Credit, Peace of Mind Credit and Group Advantage Program. Promotional discount will apply to Groups of 8 or more who provide their Group Block Deposit within the promotion's booking dates and will apply to all individual members of the Group until the due date of the passenger names/non-refundable individual deposits. Cannot be used in conjunction with any air promotion. Applies to new group bookings only and will not be applied to pre-existing group bookings. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply; see Travel Terms & Conditions for details. Offer applies to participating GFOB offices only. PRMW0934 PRMW0934


River Cruise Itinerary

Explore Holland and Belgium in more ways than ever on this Active & Discovery European cruise. Begin in Amsterdam and sail for Middelburg for a variety of excursions from Classic to Active to Discovery included excursions. Continue to Belgium and marvel at the artistry and natural beauty of the region. In Brussels, walk the ancient streets and sample treats at a Belgian chocolate-making workshop. Explore by bike or take a guided tour! In Antwerp, discover centuries of history. Experience the Red Star Line Museum where brave emigrants boarded ocean liners for America long ago, or see the stunning altarpiece by master painter Rubens in the cathedral there. Take an architecture tour by bicycle through Rotterdam or create a classic Delft tile in a pottery workshop. Return to Amsterdam to enjoy the colorful city of canals. Take a painting class, ride a bike through the Dutch countryside, or relax on a canal cruise through the grachten of this city of a Golden Age. A fantastic 8-day adventure through Holland and Belgium on this Active & Discovery River Cruise in Europe!

  1. Day 1
    AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND (EMBARKATION)
    Fri, Jun 23, 2023
    How Suite It Is! Welcome Aboard Your Avalon Suite Ship®.Flights into Amsterdam must arrive by 3:30 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm. During tulip season, you may take a Guided Optional Excursion to Keukenhof gardens—with more than seven million tulips, daffodils and hyacinths, as well as other bulbs, planted each year.Outside of tulip season, join a Guided Optional Excursion to Zaanse Schans to see historic windmills and charming Dutch houses. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MIDDELBURG(D)
  2. Day 2
    MIDDELBURG
    Sat, Jun 24, 2023
    A Castle Moat, an Oyster Farm and Dutch Sea TradeJoin your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.ACTIVE Take a Guided Walk through woods and dunes; see Castle Westhove and farmlands of the beautiful North-Sea area, OR:DISCOVERY Visit the fascinating Flood Museum to hear and see the stories of the flood of 1953, reconstruction, the Delta Works, and flood risk management – told by the people who have experienced it. Later, explore the town of Veere, OR: DISCOVERY Enjoy a Guided Visit to a family owned Oyster Farm, active in the cultivation of crustaceans and shellfish in the Netherlands since 1906. A taste of oysters and lobster, accompanied with a glass of wine is the perfect ending of this beautiful experience, OR: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. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO GHENT(B,L,D)
  3. Day 3
    GHENT, BELGIUM
    Sun, Jun 25, 2023
    Flemish Artwork and Street ArtistsACTIVE Explore the outskirts of the city and the lesser known sights on a Guided Bike Tour, OR:DISCOVERY Join a Guided Tour of Graffiti Street, where artists create striking spray-can art to their heart’s content. And do not miss the chance to become an artist yourself, creating your street art, 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." EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BRUSSELS(B,L,D)
  4. Day 4
    BRUSSELS
    Mon, Jun 26, 2023
    Ancient Streets, and Chocolate Sweet ACTIVE Take a bike tour to explore the beauty near Brussels, including the Belgian town of Laken, home to the Royal family estates, exotic pavilions from the world expo, and beautiful parks and lanes, OR:DISCOVERY Join a Belgian chocolate-making Workshop to learn how to create your own delicious candies. Enjoy a cup of the finest hot chocolate, while crafting traditional confections of pralines and mendiant from scratch, OR:CLASSIC Join a Guided Tour of Brussels, see the Town Hall with its landmark buildings, discover the many local bars, cafés, and shops of the Lower Town Streets, and visit the Atomium. The afternoon is free to explore Brussels —considered home to the European Union, and admire its magnificent palaces and cathedrals. Alternatively, enjoy one of the Optional Excursions on offer.Later enjoy live entertainment onboard. OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ANTWERP(B,L,D)
  5. Day 5
    ANTWERP
    Tue, Jun 27, 2023
    Bike Riding, Brave New Worlds, and Rubens’ ArtJoin your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.ACTIVE Enjoy a Bike Tour and discover centuries of history and a story around every corner. Don’t miss out the unique atmosphere of small neighborhoods and squares, OR:DISCOVERY Join a Guided Tour of the Red Star Line Museum. Follow the footsteps of the emigrants, become acquainted with the Red Star Line passengers and accompany them on their trip from their native village via Antwerp to the new world, 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.This afternoon 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. You might consider partaking one of the Optional Excursion available. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ROTTERDAM(B,L,D)
  6. Day 6
    ROTTERDAM, HOLLAND
    Wed, Jun 28, 2023
    Avant-garde Architecture and Art LessonsACTIVE Take a unique Architecture Bike Tour to see the architectural highlights of Rotterdam. Do not miss the interesting Cube Houses, the popular Market Hall, the spectacular Erasmus Bridge, the vertical city ‘De Rotterdam’, and the iconic Central Station. In the city centre, admire how historic buildings lash cheerfully with hypermodern skyscrapers.OR:DISCOVERY Attend a Pottery Workshop. In a characteristic painter’s room, a professional painter will guide you through the process of painting a Delft tile,OR: CLASSIC Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Rotterdam featuring unusual collection of cube houses innovative architecture, including the marvelous Erasmus Bridge, and plenty of other fascinating sites.Before dinner, enjoy a cruise through Rotterdam harbor.In the evening, enjoy live entertainment on board. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO AMSTERDAM (B,L,D)
  7. Day 7
    AMSTERDAM
    Thu, Jun 29, 2023
    Colorful Canals of Amsterdam ACTIVE Join a Biking Tour through the Dutch countryside past polders, dykes, and quaint centuries-old villages, OR: DISCOVERY Attend a Painting Class and be inspired by the masters’ techniques. Paint your own canvas and discover your inner artist. An orientation walk will complete your experience, OR:CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided Canal Cruise to explore the iconic waterways and sites of Amsterdam.This afternoon, choose among the many Guided Optional Excursions available or take some free time to explore Amsterdam’s colorful streets and canal houses, galleries, and shops. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AMSTERDAM(B,L,D)
  8. Day 8
    AMSTERDAM (DISEMBARKATION)
    Fri, Jun 30, 2023
    Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

Countries Visited

Belgium, Netherlands

Rivers Visited

Rhine

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Inclusions

  • 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 Information

Port Charges:
$210

Gratuities to Local Guides & Excursion Drivers are included.

Avalon offers the opportunity for solo travelers to sail with no single supplement (subject to availability).

Please call for single accommodation details and prices. Triples not available.

Health and Safety Protocols for Avalon Waterways

Today's world has changed, but what remains certain is Avalon Waterways' commitment to guest safety, comfort and peace-of-mind while traveling with us. To that end, Avalon Waterways has established a worldwide Assurance program, with enhanced on-trip protocols and procedures, to ensure the health – and happiness – of guests throughout their travels with us.

It all starts with Avalon Waterways' Global Health & Safety Team, dedicated to ensuring that cleanliness of all operations exceeds today’s travel standards—from start to finish. The following areas address Avalon Waterways' commitment to providing a safe and clean environment for guests.

WELCOME ABOARD

New embarkation procedures to offer guests a safe start to their journey, including:

  • Social distancing throughout embarkation
  • Mandatory health screening, including touch-free temperature-check, for all guests and crew
  • Luggage disinfection prior to onboarding (with crew wearing gloves and masks)

FRESH AIR, INSIDE AND OUT:

In addition to Avalon Waterways' Open-Air staterooms, the air in the ships is not circulated between staterooms; only within an individual stateroom and mixed with fresh, outside air.

BLENDING CULTURAL PROXIMITY WITH SOCIAL DISTANCE:

New social distancing guidelines for guests throughout their Avalon cruise include:

  • Reducing ship capacity as required for more space on board per guest
  • Introducing more dining venues for more dining space per person
  • Crew wearing masks for the duration of the cruise during any guest interaction
  • Providing masks for guests to wear during any event where social proximity could become an issue, including disembarkation for excursions and safety drills
  • Adjusting ratio of guides and coaches for excursions, as required

NEW TECHNOLOGY TO ENSURE CLEANLINESS:

  • Electrostatic disinfecting systems
  • UV disinfecting systems

TOUCHING HEARTS, NOT HANDS:

Reducing risk with hands-free service, including:

  • More hand-sanitizing stations throughout the ship
  • Required use of hand-sanitizing stations when leaving the ship, returning to the ship and entering dining venues as well as entering each public/common space
  • Self-serve stations, including buffets, drinks, specialty coffees and snacks have been replaced with crew service
  • All buffets (breakfast and lunch) replaced by a full range of á la carte menu choices
  • Hourly (or more frequent) disinfection of all public areas

COMMITMENT TO THE CLEANEST SHIPS:

Enhanced cleaning procedures throughout each ship, including these additional steps that go above-and-beyond Avalon’s already strict procedures:

  • Deep disinfection of each stateroom between cruises, including:
    • Use of disinfectants and cleaning materials that meet the highest standards
    • Soft goods in each stateroom (mattress, sofa, window coverings, chairs, etc.) disinfected between cruises
  • Disinfection of all dining areas between meals
  • Disinfection of all shared items like umbrellas, bicycles and other Adventure Center items
  • Disinfection of all goods prior to loading on the ship
  • Ongoing crew training in protective equipment use and hygiene

FOCUS ON CREW HEALTH:

Ensuring a healthy crew, including:

  • Medical certificate required prior to start of contract
  • Daily temperature checks
  • Social distancing in crew living quarters
  • Regular health screenings

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Ship Information

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Cabins

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Life on Board

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Questions & Answers

Question: Will the day-by-day itinerary change?

Yes, the river cruise itineraries may change due to reasons such as inclement weather or unforeseen events. Your safety is the number one concern aboard and all precautions necessary will be taken in order to ensure passenger safety, including changing itineraries. Please note that when itineraries do change, the ship staff will do their best to substitute any missed port with an alternative destination.

Question: In what language is the river cruise conducted?

The river cruise will be conducted in English only.

Customer Reviews

Overall Rating
4.2
Accommodations
4.3
Itinerary
4.3
Professional Staff
4.5
Repeat with Operator
4.1
Value for Money
4.1

Ratings based off 74 reviews - currently showing 23 reviews with comments only

It was difficult to break larger bills on the trip, so I would recommend brings small bills for tips for excursions or staff members who are exceptional.

The entire Avalon staff were outstanding, especially our cruise director. I was very pleased to be able to book this trip with the single supplement waived.

Very enjoyable, relaxing experience. The accommodations, excursions, and service were exceptionally good.

I had a nice surprise of an upgraded cabin on the Avalon Tranquility II, done by the cruise lines. Very enjoyable to have a cabin with full window wall.

Despite the problem of the low water level of the Rhine in parts, Avalon went out of its way to provide us with wonderful shore accommodations and all the excursions we were looking forward to enjoying. They couldn't have been more solicitous of our situation. They are to be highly commended for the way the company handled the situation, and I would recommend this company to anyone looking to book a river cruise. They go above and beyond in caring for their passengers!

Was a great trip. Enjoyed every minute. We saw a lot of beautiful sites and cities.

Alex was very competent and professional. Whenever we had a question she would answer right away . We would definitely recommend her!

Wonderful trip, enjoyed every moment.

Excellent service. Once of a life time experience but wish that there extra days in smaller towns like Miltenberg etc to enjoy the culture of the place.

The entire cruise was wonderful. It was our first experience and it couldn't have been better. The staff was professional, courteous, fun and helpful. All the tours were well organized and very informative.

Avalon Waterways is a great company to travel with. They are efficient and have a variety of tours that you take. Very friendly people. Would highly recommend them.

We had a bad experience in that our room was flooded on the second day, thus we could not stay on the boat. However Avalon put us up in hotels and bussed us each day to the ship. They paid all of the expenses including a refund of our our cruise costs. We were able to do almost all of the same things that the other people on the cruise did. They were very upfront and tried to make the trip acceptable.It was unfortunate but it worked out pretty well for us.

There could have been more flexibility in the off-boat included tours. The trip felt very regimented. Up by 6:30/7:00 for breakfast, off the boat by 8:30 for the morning tour, back to boat for lunch, off the boat by 1:00/1:30 for afternoon tour, back to boat for some minor down time before dinner, then basically off to your stateroom for sleep. If you wanted some time for relaxation you felt like you were going to be missing out on something.

I would book another trip with Avalon but would want a different experience. We are in our mid 50's and the schedule was too early and too scheduled. Would like to have some meals off the boat.

Avalon portion was wonderful! Monogram portion was less than satisfactory!

We were very impressed with Avalon Waterways. It was top-notch, and we plan to travel with them again in the future.

The Avalon Rhine River cruise was phenomenal - first class in all ways. The Tranquility II ship was new and immaculate, and the cruise director and crew were first rate, taking care of our every need! The excursions along the cruise were outstanding with the local guides all very pleasant and knowledgeable. Avalon, as a cruise provider, was on par with the Insight land tour provider, and I expect my wife and I will return to Avalon in the future for another cruise or two in coming years!

Everything about this trip was top notch and definitely met and exceeded our expectations.

It was interesting to visit with the families in Croatia & the extra income helped them,I suspect,as well as helping us learn about the true reality of their lives.

The Avalon Panorama was a beautiful new ship. The captain, crew, restaurant and bar personnel were extremely friendly and made you feel welcome.

I would highly recommend Affordable Tours to anyone and everyone! We had the trip of a lifetime! The local guides at each destination were extremely knowledgeable! Our tour guide was great! He made sure everything went perfectly and everyone's needs were met. The staff on the ship were so friendly and personable. We felt like we were one big family by the end of the trip.

we all had a wonderful time. Our trip went smoothly 

Our Avalon River Cruise was superior . From the cruise director to the wait staff, all was excellent. The staff had fun so the passengers did as well. We can\'t say enough about our cruise director and our Maitre\' D. These individuals went above and beyond to make our vacation very special!

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AffordableTours.com is a travel agent for Avalon Waterways. Brochure Price is based on the itinerary's highest brochure price. Our price reflects our base price for the same departure as Brochure Price. All prices, itineraries, accommodations and dates are subject to change without notice and at any time. All prices are USD per person and based on double occupancy. Availability is limited and must be reconfirmed at time of booking. All prices change frequently and our website prices are not guaranteed until a deposit has been received by us. The prices on our website are intended to serve as a guide only and may not accurately reflect current prices. We are not responsible for errors, omissions, or changes in these prices until a booking has been confirmed by one of our agents. Please call us toll free at 1-800-342-0019 to confirm current prices and availability. Prices listed are per person, cruise only, and based on double occupancy.

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