Treasures of The Netherlands & Belgium: A 10-Day River Cruise & Tour During the Spectacular Tulip Season
Set off on an unforgettable adventure through the iconic landscapes of canals, tulip fields and windmills that the Netherlands and Belgium are so famous for during the incredible Tulip Season. Embark on a seven-day cruise aboard the first-class river cruise vessels Monarch Countess or Monarch Duchess, taking you from Amsterdam to the oldest town in the country – Nijmegen; then all the way to Belgium’s Antwerp and Ghent. Spend three days amid the timeless beauty of Amsterdam: admire canals from a glass-top boat cruise, enjoy an exclusive guided tour of the world-famous Rijksmuseum and visit this charming city at your own leisure. Your tour includes seven nights’ accommodation in an outside cabin aboard the Monarch Countess or Monarch Duchess, two nights of prime accommodation in Amsterdam, all-inclusive dining onboard, including a Gala welcome and farewell dinner, all cruise and hotel porterage, spectacular sightseeing, the services of English-speaking tour guides and much more.
There’s no better way to discover the magical beauty of the Netherlands and the romance of Belgium than aboard a deluxe ship. Step onboard the Monarch Countess or Monarch Duchess, both first class river cruise vessels fitted with the latest comforts, and cruise this idyllic part of Europe in style and class. With March and April departure dates available, you will have the chance to admire the famed tulips of Holland blossoming in a majestic display of colours and forms.
What You’ll Love…
The Ships – Admire the sights from a privileged point of view
Depending on your preferred departure dates, you will be welcomed on board the Monarch Countess or Monarch Duchess, two first class river cruise vessels that will be your elegant home away from home during your cruise. With a maximum capacity of 136 passengers, the ships feature 64 spacious cabins each, all complete with air conditioning, modern bathrooms and French balconies where to soak up the romantic atmosphere of the Dutch canals.
Both vessels are equipped with high-end facilities including a restaurant, a bar-lounge area, a sundeck fitted with sun lounges and Jacuzzi, a fitness centre and a 24/7 coffee and tea station with snacks.
Holiday like a VIP with daily breakfast (including an early riser breakfast), lunches, dinners with drinks included, late night snacks and a chic gala welcome dinner and farewell dinner.
Charming Amsterdam – Tour the Netherland’s capital and discover all its treasures
Your tour begins in Amsterdam, a city rich with culture, culinary delights and bustling food and flower markets. Here, you will board a glass-top boat and cruise the winding canals of this striking city, dotted with historic homes, charming churches and romantic bridges. Uncover the artistic neighbourhoods and all the iconic sights of Amsterdam as you follow your expert guide through the cobblestone streets on an exciting tour.
Experience the impressive accolade of European artwork at the Rijksmuseum Museum - arguably the city’s most important art venue. Wander the halls of this incredible collection, boasting masterpieces by some of the most famous Dutch artists, including Vermeer and Rembrandt.
The River Cruise – Experience fascinating culture, sublime scenery and witness the incredible Tulip Season
Your first stop onboard the river cruise is the port of Nijmegen, the oldest town in the Netherlands. Perched on the Waal river, this picturesque city boasts beautiful landscapes and a charming Medieval town centre lined with historic cafes, unique shops and boutiques that you will have the chance to discover at your own leisure.
Your next stop is Belgium’s Antwerp – one of Europe’s largest and most historic port cities. With a vibrant fashion and entertainment scene, Antwerp is a lively city ready to be explored: with the help of your knowledgeable guide, you will embark on a discovery tour of the main sites of the city, including the unique market place, surrounded by the gorgeous Renaissance Town Hall.
The vessel will dock in the historic Flanders port of Ghent, a prominent city-state during the Middle Ages and now Belgium’s cultural hub. Take in the Flemish wealth as you walk the streets of the historic city, boasting a remarkable collection of medieval and classical buildings.
Discover the fascinating Delta Works with a guided excursion of this incredible engineering feat: this is the world’s biggest storm surge barrier, a unique structure consisting of damns, sluices, locks and barriers built to prevent floods after the devastating impact of the 1953 North Sea flood.
Tulips are one of the Netherlands’ icon, and no visit to this country would be complete without a stop to Keukenhof Gardens, the largest flower park in the world which opens its doors only from March to May, just in time for one of nature’s most spectacular show: the Tulip Season. With departures in March and May, you will be able to witness the Tulip season in all its beauty: more than seven million flower bulbs blossom in spring in Keukenhof, creating a sea of multicolored tulips and flowers stretching as far as the eye can see.
Your Package includes:
- Nine nights’ accommodation including two nights Amsterdam and seven nights in an outside cabin, complete with a French balcony on either the Royal Deck or Sapphire Deck aboard the First Class Monarch Countess or First Class Monarch Duchess
- Daily breakfast throughout the tour
- All-inclusive dining during the cruise plus early riser breakfast, access to self-serve coffee and tea station and snacks
- A welcome and farewell Gala dinner on board
- Daily entertainment including an on-board musician
- River port charges, cruise & hotel porterage
- A glass-top boat cruise through Amsterdam’s picturesque canals
- A unique excursion to the Delta Works, an engineering feat considered a technical miracle
- Dock in the historic Flanders port of Ghent and tour Belgium’s cultural hub
- A visit to the spectacular Keukenhof Gardens during the incredible Tulip Season
- Services of an English-speaking local guide throughout the tour
- Services of local guides
- Shore excursions and entrance fees per itinerary
- Comfortable wireless earphones for enhanced touring during excursions
- All tipping and gratuities
The tour begins and ends in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
International flights are not included in your package. Flights to Amsterdam from Australia will typically take a minimum of one stop and approximately 23 hours, departing from most major cities with Qantas, Emirates, Singapore Airlines and more.
Please arrive in Amsterdam before 2pm on your chosen tour start date.
Need Flights? We have a dedicated team who are able to assist with all your flight requirements. If you need a stopover or are looking at travelling to more destinations, our team can help. Contact our flights concierge team using the phone number on our website.
MONARCH DUCHESS ITINERARY
DAY 1 - Arrive in Amsterdam
Welcome to Amsterdam, Holland’s sophisticated and modern capital; transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free to discover the many cultural sites this delightful city has to offer. Tonight, a Welcome Drink and orientation meeting with your local host at the hotel at approximately 6pm, followed by a briefing about the journey. We recommend that you select flights which arrive in your destination no later than 4pm or earlier, if possible.
Overnight: Amsterdam
DAY 2 - Amsterdam City Tour
Today’s panoramic tour of 700-year-old Amsterdam introduces you to one of the greatest small cities in the world, with its world-famous museums and historical sites. Board a glass-top boat and cruise the winding canals for an up-close view of the stately historic homes, 16th-century warehouses and charming churches. Continue on foot to view the Anne Frank House, the Royal Palace on Amsterdam’s Dam Square and the Dutch National Monument dedicated as a memorial to victims of WWII. The rest of the day is on your own. Perhaps, visit the world-renowned Van Gogh Museum and explore the largest collection of his works in the world.
Overnight: Amsterdam
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 3 - Rijksmuseum Tour & Cruise Embarkation
This morning visit the world famous Rijksmuseum. On your guided tour you will explore the vast collection of works from some of the world’s greatest artists including the Dutch masters Vermeer and Rembrandt. This afternoon transfer to the port for embarkation. After arrival formalities, rest and relax on board. This evening, meet your Cruise Director and enjoy the Captain’s Welcome Cocktail and Dinner as it sets the mood for your delightful river cruise.
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 4 - Full Day in Amsterdam
Awake this morning in Amsterdam for a day at leisure to further discover Amsterdam on your own. Perhaps experience a taste of real Dutch life by renting a bike to discover the little alleyways, hidden courtyards and canal-side treasures.
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 5 - Tour Nijmegen, the Oldest Town in the Netherlands
The ship docks in Nijmegen, the oldest town in the Netherlands with its beautiful river landscapes and magnificent historic buildings. Uncover traces of the city’s past on a walking tour, before roaming the unique shops, outdoor cafes and cozy restaurants on your own. This afternoon, art lovers will not want to miss the optional tour to the Kroller-Muller Museum, home to the second-largest collection of Van Gogh paintings in the world, as well as artwork by Mondrian, Seurat and Picasso. The ship sails this evening to Antwerp, Belgium.
Optional: Kroller-Muller Museum Tour (PM)
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 6 - Antwerp City Tour
Today you arrive in Antwerp, one of Europe’s largest and most historic port cities, where more than half of the world’s diamonds are traded. Evidence of the wealth produced from trade during the 16th century can be seen in the opulent homes that line the city streets. The tour of the city begins at the Cathedral of our Lady, the highest Gothic building in the Low Countries and continues to the unique market place, surrounded by the mighty Renaissance Town hall and numerous guild halls. Rest of the day is at leisure in Antwerp, or return to the ship for a relaxing afternoon on board.
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 7 - Tour Ghent, the Historic Flanders Port
Discover the historic Flanders port of Ghent today, a showcase of Flemish wealth. Your tour of this medieval city includes views of the 7th century St. Bavo’s Cathedral and the imposing Gravensteen Castle. At the town center. View the gigantic Belfry, a symbol of the city’s independence and the Gothic-style Cloth Hall, glorifying the city’s major industry. Return to the ship or take the optional afternoon tour to Bruges, also known as the “Venice of the North” and home to some of Europe’s best preserved medieval buildings. Here, view the Lake of Love (Minnewater), the Beguinage Convent and walk along the picturesque winding cobbled alleys and romantic canals.
Optional: Bruges City Tour (PM)
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 8 - Excursion to the Delta Works
A fascinating excursion this morning to the Delta Works. After the 1953 flood in the Netherlands, where more than 1800 people drowned in one night, the Delta Plan was created to prevent a disaster of this magnitude from ever happening again. Taking 30 years to complete, the storm flood barrier, almost six miles long, stands as the final defense in the battle against the water and is considered a technical miracle. Rejoin the ship for lunch and continue cruising this afternoon towards Rotterdam where the ship will remain docked overnight.
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 9 - Morning in Keukenhof Gardens, Afternoon Windmill Tour in Kinderdijk
Depart early this morning for beautiful Keukenhof Gardens, the largest and most spectacular flower gardens in the world, where a sea of multicolored tulips stretches out over the flat Dutch landscape as far as the eye can see. Rejoin the ship in Rotterdam for lunch on board. This afternoon visit a windmill park in the small village of Kinderdijk on the north bank of the River Noord. The windmills, built in the 1700s, are still in use today and played a vital role in the development of the country. During this excursion, visit a windmill and learn more about the modern technology that is now replacing their existence. Tonight, join the Farewell Dinner and share wonderful memories of your cruise with your Tour Manager and newfound friends.
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 10 - Depart the Netherlands
This morning, disembark and transfer to the airport for your departure flight. Disembarkation will end at 9:30 am.
Meals: Breakfast
MONARCH COUNTESS ITINERARY
DAY 1- Cruise Embarkation in Amsterdam
Arrive in Amsterdam and transfer to the port. Embarkation begins at 2 pm. After arrival formalities, time to relax on board. Tonight, meet your Cruise Director and enjoy the Captain’s Welcome Cocktail and Dinner sets the mood for your delightful river cruise.
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Dinner
DAY 2 - Tour Nijmegen, the Oldest Town in the Netherlands
The ship docks in Nijmegen, the oldest town in the Netherlands with its beautiful river landscapes and magnificent historic buildings. Uncover traces of the city’s past on a walking tour, before roaming the unique shops, outdoor cafes and cozy restaurants on your own. The ship sails this evening to Antwerp, Belgium
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 3 - Antwerp City Tour
Today you arrive in Antwerp, one of Europe’s largest and most historic port cities, where more than half of the world’s diamonds are traded. Evidence of the wealth produced from trade during the 16th century can be seen in the opulent homes that line the city streets. The tour of the city begins at the Cathedral of our Lady, the highest Gothic building in the Low Countries and continues to the unique market place, surrounded by the mighty Renaissance Town hall and numerous guild halls. Rest of the day is at leisure in Antwerp, or return to the ship for a relaxing afternoon on board
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 4 - Tour Ghent, the Historic Flanders Port
Discover the historic Flanders port of Ghent today, a showcase of Flemish wealth. Your tour of this medieval city includes views of the 7th century St. Bavo’s Cathedral and the imposing Gravensteen Castle. At the town center. View the gigantic Belfry, a symbol of the city’s independence and the Gothic-style Cloth Hall, glorifying the city’s major industry. Return to the ship or take the optional afternoon tour to Bruges, also known as the “Venice of the North” and home to some of Europe’s best preserved medieval buildings. Here, view the Lake of Love (Minnewater), the Beguinage Convent and walk along the picturesque winding cobbled alleys and romantic canals
Optional: Bruges City Tour (PM)
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 5 - Excursion to the Delta Works
A fascinating excursion this morning to the Delta Works. After the 1953 flood in the Netherlands, where more than 1800 people drowned in one night, the Delta Plan was created to prevent a disaster of this magnitude from ever happening again. Taking 30 years to complete, the storm flood barrier, almost six miles long, stands as the final defense in the battle against the water and is considered a technical miracle. Rejoin the ship for lunch and continue cruising this afternoon towards Rotterdam where the ship will remain docked overnight
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 6 - Morning in Keukenhof Gardens, Afternoon Windmill Tour in Kinderdijk
Depart early this morning for beautiful Keukenhof Gardens, the largest and most spectacular flower gardens in the world, where a sea of multicolored tulips stretches out over the flat Dutch landscape as far as the eye can see. Rejoin the ship in Rotterdam for lunch on board. This afternoon visit a windmill park in the small village of Kinderdijk on the north bank of the River Noord. The windmills, built in the 1700s, are still in use today and played a vital role in the development of the country. During this excursion, visit a windmill and learn more about the modern technology that is now replacing their existence
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 7 - Panoramic Tour of Amsterdam
Awake this morning in Amsterdam, one of the greatest small cities in the world, with its world-famous museums and historical sites. Board a glass-top boat and cruise the winding canals for an up-close view of the stately historic homes, 16th-century warehouses and charming churches. Continue on foot to view the Anne Frank House, the Royal Palace on Amsterdam’s Dam Square and the Dutch National Monument dedicated as a memorial to victims of WWII. Rejoin the ship for lunch on board, and spend a leisurely afternoon in Amsterdam. Later, rejoin the ship for tonight’s Farewell Dinner as you cruise to Amsterdam. Share wonderful memories of your cruise with your Tour Manager and new-found friends
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 8 - Disembarkation in Amsterdam, Rijksmuseum Tour
Bid farewell to you Cruise Director and meet your local host as you visit the world famous Rijksmuseum. On your guided tour you will explore the vast collection of works from some of the world’s greatest artists including the Dutch masters Vermeer and Rembrandt
Overnight: Amsterdam
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 9 - Full Day in Amsterdam
Day at leisure to further explore Amsterdam on your own. Perhaps experience a taste of real Dutch life by renting a bike to discover the little alleyways, hidden courtyards and canal-side treasures. Tonight, treat yourself to dinner at a fabulous restaurant, or join the effervescent night scene in this city filled with theaters, nightclubs and spirited cafes
Overnight: Amsterdam
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 10 - Depart the Netherlands
This morning after breakfast transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
Meals: Breakfast
The ‘7 day change of mind guarantee’ does not apply for Tour bookings. Due to the high demand and limited departures any cancellation / refund requests must be made within 48 hours of purchase. Otherwise, the standard Luxury Escapes Refund Policy applies.
Valid for the following departure dates:
20 March 2020 - Monarch Duchess
22 March 2020 - Monarch Countess
27 March 2020 - Monarch Duchess
29 March 2020 - Monarch Countess
12, 26 April 2020 - Monarch Countess
Important: Please allow for travelling time from Australia. International flights are not included in your package and must be purchased separately. It is your responsibility to make your own travel arrangements and ensure that you arrive in Amsterdam no later than 2pm on your chosen tour start date.
The package is valid for ONE PERSON (based on twin share). If you are travelling with another person you must purchase TWO PACKAGES.
Child Policy: Children aged 16 and over are allowed and must be accompanied by an adult.
Maximum River Cruise capacity is 140, maximum shore excursion is 45.
Standard bedding configuration is one double bed or twin beds on request.
Maximum Room Capacity: Maximum room capacity is two adults.
Tour includes accommodation at the following hotels:
Hilton Amsterdam Hotel or Bilderberg Garden Hotel, Amsterdam
Monarch Duchess or Monarch Countess river vessels
Booking confirmation must be presented at check-in.
All surcharges are payable directly to the tour company.
International flights and airport transfers are not included on this tour.
High & Low Water: European river cruising has gained in popularity for very good reason. It’s a relaxing and convenient way to experience Europe while enjoying the comfort of a deluxe ship. However, before making the decision to reserve your vacation, please be aware of potential conditions which may impact your cruise. While most of the time river cruises operate exactly as planned, weather conditions may result in high or low water levels which impact a ship’s itinerary and, on occasion, render a ship unable to sail at all. On very rare occasions, other events such as heavy fog, a damaged lock, or an incapacitated vessel blocking the river, may impact a sailing. These events typically occur with little or no notice. In the event that a cruise is partially or completely impacted, the itinerary will be operated by deluxe motor coach, accompanied by a Tour Manager, with overnights in hotels. The itinerary will include as many of the originally scheduled sightseeing features as possible, considering the travel time and distances required, as well as meals. While it is not possible to recreate the more leisurely comforts of sailings, we will endeavor to provide a comparable itinerary. These alternative services will be provided at no additional charge.
Please note: This moderately active trip covers a fair amount of ground each day. Expect from three to four hours walking every touring day. The pace is moderate, however you will encounter some uneven surfaces, stairs, steps and significant slopes. There is a potential for a small number of sailings to be impacted by river water levels, or other factors which may impact safe navigation. This may cause part or all of the cruise itinerary to be operated by motor coach and may also involve hotel accommodations.
Dining inclusions do not include beverages (unless otherwise stated). Menus are subject to change without notice.
Important: Please contact the tour operator with your flight times and passport number.
The package is non-refundable. It is essential at this time of purchase that your take out travel insurance to cover yourself against unforseen circumstances and finanical loss.
Travel insurance is recommended.
All services are subject to availability.
Booking confirmation must be presented at check-in.
All surcharges are payable directly to the tour company.
Please note this tour is not operated by Luxury Escapes. You will be contacted post-purchase with further details.
Please note that full terms and conditions apply. Refer to website’s terms and conditions.