Compare Blooming Tulips cruise (Amsterdam - Brussels - Amsterdam), MS Crucebelle by Crucemundo vs Country Roads of Belgium, Luxembourg & the Netherlands - Classic Group by Insight Vacations
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
Trip |
5 | Excellent
|
5 | Excellent
|
Duration | 8 days | 12 days |
Price From | $ 1,297 | $ 3,950 |
Price Per Day | $ 162 | $ 329 |
Highlights |
|
|
Trip Style | River cruise | Small group tour |
Lodging Level | Premium | Standard |
Physical Level |
|
|
Travel Themes |
|
N/A |
Countries Visited | ||
Cities and Attractions |
|
|
Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Airfare included |
Activities |
|
N/A |
Meals Included |
full-board, early-riser breakfast every morning |
N/A |
Description |
Blooming Holland & Belguim cruise onboard MS Crucebelle past springtime blossoms and windmills, pausing for memorable excursions with local tour-guides; delicious food in both the countries; and of course, blooming flowers of Keukenhof Gardens. |
This 11-day guided tour whisks you through scenic Belgium, Luxembourg and The Netherlands. In Luxembourg, indulge in a farm-to-table feast at the horse-stables-turned-restaurant L'Écurie du Parc, then stroll past the 12th-Century Clervaux Castle after dinner. Climb to the top of the star-shaped Mardasson Monument for a birds-eye view of the fields where the World War II’s Battle of the Bulge was fought. Cruise through Amsterdam’s canal district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, sailing past 16th-Century merchant houses and the iconic Magere Brug — the skinny, white-painted wood bridge over the Amstel River. Later, join a Local Expert at the Rijksmuseum, where you can view Rembrandt's ‘Night Watch’, and see a shoemaker whittle wood into traditional clogs. |
DAY 1/ APRIL 1, 2021
Amsterdam
The arrival day, check-in starts at 16:00. However, if you arrive earlier, you can leave your luggage at the reception to explore the city on your own before the check-in.
Meals: welcome buffet and dinner.
* Transfer Schiphol airport - port is available for extra charge
DAY 2/ APRIL 2, 2021
Amsterdam
This day is completely devoted to your acquaintance with the city of Amsterdam as we stay there for the whole day. With more than 800 years of history, Amsterdam is famous for its cozy houses on the canals, secret courtyards in the very heart of the city, colorful mixture of cultures and nationalities on the streets and of course the feeling of a true liberty. Moreover, it's a home to many of remarkable museums: Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum, Anne Frank museum, Rembrandt house, Banksy museum of street art and many more.
So, prepare your camera, pick up a map at the reception desk and don't forget an umbrella - Amsterdam is always unpredictable!
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
*Guided walking city-tour of Amsterdam is provided for extra cost (included in the excursion package)
Departure23:00
DAY 3/ APRIL 3, 2021
Rotterdam
Once you wake up and open the curtains, you will be fascinated by the Erasmus just in front of you. Staying the whole day in Rotterdam, take advantage of exploring this city!
Aside from its fascinating port, Rotterdam also features some fantastic modern architecture like the cube buildings, Pencil Tower (Het Potlood) and the Euromast Tower, but also has a wonderful variety of museums, eateries and activities to enjoy.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Arrival06:00
Departure20:00
DAY 4/ APRIL 4, 2021
Ghent
Leaving the Netherlands at night, we are finally in Belgium in the morning - in the city of Ghent.
Those who are very much interested in culture, history and art will take a guided tour and the experinced English-speaking Ghent-lover to reveal all the city's secrets. Those who are fond all calm walkings on their own will enjoy Ghent alone.
Ghent is a perfect blend of industry and medieval architecture which will appease every travellers European city palette.
Belgium and Ghent as well is the country of beer, do not forget to try some!
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Arrival10:00
Departure20:00
DAY 5/ APRIL 5, 2021
Brussels
Day 5 is completely devoted to the capital of Belgium, Brussels. It is a fascinating place with stunning architecture and fascinating history packed into every street and alleyway.
It seems to be very business and bureaucracy focused, it is after all the administerial centre of the EU, but at other times it feels laid back and does not take itself too seriously: think Manneken Pis, The Comic Strip Centre, lots of flea markets.
NB: Don't forget to try true homemade Belgian waffles and Belgian Ale-braised mussels!
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
*Guided bus & walking city-tour of Brussels is provided for extra cost (included in the excursion package)
Arrival09:00
Departure20:00
DAY 6/ APRIL 6, 2021
Antwerp
Early at night the ship arrives in Antwerp, the second city of Belgium and home to the biggest port in the country.
Antwerp has everything a real traveller should wish for in a European city: world class museums and art, magnificient architecture and great food and drinks!
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
*Guided walking city-tour of Brussels is provided for extra cost (included in the excursion package)
Arrival03:00
Departure19:00
DAY 7/ APRIL 7, 2021
Dordrecht & Amsterdam
We are again in the Netherlands to appreciate its indeed low-lying and remarkably flat with large expanses of lakes, rivers, and canals sceneries.
This morning is so calm and gives you cahnce to enjoy the small town of Dordrecht located in the south west of the Netherlands in the South Holland province.
Today the city has a home of fantastic historical buildings such as the Grote Kerk and Munt van Holland, and some magnificent natural landscapes such as the De Beisbosch National park and the Wantijpark.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
DAY 8/ APRIL 8, 2021
Amsterdam
Check-out after breakfast
Meals: breakfast
*The transfer port - Schiphol airport can be provided for extra cost.
Day 1: Welcome to Brussels
Airport transfers depart Brussels airport for your centrally-located hotel at 09:00, 11:00 and 14:30. After checking in, the afternoon is yours to relax. At 17:00, join your Travel Director for a visit to the cheeky Manneken Pis statue and stroll leisurely around the Grand Place, voted the most beautiful square in Europe. Your delightful first evening also includes a Welcome Dinner with wine at a local restaurant in the heart of the Old Town, with an opportunity to mingle with your fellow travellers.
NH Collection Brussels Centre.
Dinner with Wine
Day 2: The Battlefield of Waterloo Relaxed Start
Explore Brussels with Insight Choice. Learn about Napoleon’s final defeat at Waterloo or alternatively, join your Local Expert for a walking tour through the streets of Brussels visiting its Chocolate Museum for a private lesson with a master chocolatier. Return to Brussels, where the remainder of the day is at your leisure. Perhaps join an Optional Experience to visit the historic town of Antwerp? In the evening, choose from a selection of hand-picked local restaurants on your Dine-Around Evening.
NH Collection Brussels Centre.
Breakfast
Day 3: Ghent and on to Bruges
In the morning, admire the contrast of the Chinese and Japanese Pavilions and the impressive, metallic spheres of the Atomium.Your journey then crosses the pasture lands of Belgian Flanders to reach Ghent, the City of Flowers, offering a fascinating cultural mix of medieval heritage and modern urban life.With a Local Expert, take a stroll through the historical streets and be mesmerised by the outstanding beauty of its quays, churches and squares. Visit St. Bavo's Cathedral, former home of the Eyck masterpiece, and see the Castle of the Counts.
Radisson Blu Hotel, Bruges.
Breakfast
Day 4: Sightseeing Bruges Relaxed Start
Meet your Local Expert from Bruges for a stroll along cobbled streets, lined with high-gabled houses from the 16th century. Visit the Market Square dominated by the 83-meter medieval bell tower, The Belfry of Bruges. Explore Burg Square with its ornate Gothic town hall and glorious frescoes on the walls of the Holy Blood Chapel. With your free afternoon, perhaps join an Optional Experience to visit the historic town of Ypres? Explore the market square and attend the famous Last Post Ceremony, commemorating the fallen Allied Forces on the surrounding Flanders Fields.
Radisson Blu Hotel, Bruges.
Breakfast
Day 5: Luxembourg
Travel into the French-speaking Walloon region, where picturesque country roads lead you to the late 19th century Scourmont Abbey. The surrounding plateau on which it is built was once considered wild and barren land, but the Trappist monks have toiled for over 100 years to create a successful farm, brewery and cheese plant. Visit the Chimay Experience to learn about the production secrets of Chimay Trappist beers. Your visit concludes with a sample of freshly brewed beer and a taste of golden-crusted cheese. Continue on to the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg to arrive at your 18th century château home for two nights. In the evening, you will be served a fresh and delicious Farm-to-Table Dinner at restaurant L'Écurie du Parc. See the 12th century Clervaux Castle illuminated on your stroll after dinner.
Château d'Urspelt (Castle Rooms), Clervaux.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 6: Luxembourg City and Countryside
Your travels continue to Luxembourg City for sightseeing with your Local Expert. Visit the grave of U.S. General George S. Patton, laid to rest alongside the men who fought and died in his great Third Army. Admire the view over the Petrusse Ravine from the Pont Adolphe and stroll through the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to see the cathedral and the Palace of the Grand Duke. With the afternoon free for you to explore at your leisure, perhaps join an Optional Experience to the ancient Roman city of Trier, home town of Karl Marx, to explore with a Local Expert?
Château d'Urspelt (Castle Rooms), Clervaux.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 7: Explore Bastogne then on to Rotterdam
Head for Bastogne to visit the Mardasson Monument, a star-shaped memorial dedicated to the U.S. troops who died during Battle of the Bulge in World War II. You may choose to climb to the top for a perspective of what it might have been like during the winter of 1944. Visit the Bastogne War Museum, a fascinating modern and interactive memorial centre highlighting the causes, events and consequences of WWII. Travel through the centre of Belgium as your journey continues to Rotterdam, the world's largest port rebuilt after wartime devastation. During your orientation with your Travel Director, see the impressive market hall and its radical modern design and the Erasmus Bridge.
Inntel Hotels Rotterdam Centre.
Breakfast
Day 8: Delft and The Hague Relaxed Start
Visit one of the manufacturers of original Delft blue pottery before moving on to the Hague, the elegant governmental centre of the Netherlands. See the Binnenhof courtyards where the Parliament is situated and the impressive Peace Palace. Pass through picturesque villages and windmills of the Dutch countryside to Amsterdam for three fabulous nights.
Grand Hotel Amrâth Amsterdam.
Breakfast
Day 9: Amsterdam Sightseeing Relaxed Start
Today you explore Amsterdam, a living museum of the 17th century, yet still a vibrant metropolis and port. The best way to see this remarkable city is from the water as you cruise through the canal district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admire the elegant merchant houses from the 16th and 17th centuries, their facades are a reflection of when trade flourished during Amsterdam's Golden Age. Relax as you pass stunning gables, beautiful churches and the iconic Magere Brug, better known as the Skinny Bridge. Disembark your cruise to wander the city and see the floating flower market, Dam Square and the Royal Palace. The rest of the day is at your leisure. With your free time, perhaps venture out to the Dutch Countryside to the village of Marken?
Grand Hotel Amrâth Amsterdam.
Breakfast
Day 10: A True Dutch Delight Relaxed Start
If you choose, you could start the morning by visiting the world's largest flower auction at Aalsmeer? Later, in Amsterdam, visit the newly refurbished Rijksmuseum with a Local Expert, Amsterdam's famed treasure trove of Dutch art, housing Rembrandt's ‘Night Watch.' Journey to the village of Monnikendam, learn the secrets of the Cheese Maker's craft, from milk to the finished product. Then witness a traditional Shoemaker turn a block of wood into clogs. In the evening, join your newfound friends and Travel Director at a beautiful restaurant in Monnikendam to enjoy your Celebration Dinner.
Grand Hotel Amrâth Amsterdam.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 11: Depart Amsterdam
Transfers to Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport arrive at 08:00 and 10:00.
Breakfast