Compare Essential cruise - British Isles and Cities Discovery by Titan Travel vs The Best of The Netherlands by CroisiEurope

Day 1 London Tilbury
At London Tilbury Port, embark Columbus (3T) in preparation for a late afternoon sailing.

Day 2 Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Following almost total destruction by the bombings of World War II, Rotterdam now boasts bold, futuristic architecture following its modern reconstruction. As the country’s second-largest metropolis, there are many top museums, the grand St Lawrence Church - the only remaining medieval building - the picturesque Kinderdijk Windmills and the Museum Boijmans-Van Beuningen, home to a superb collection of sculptures and paintings made by talented artists from across Europe.

Day 3 At sea
A relaxing day spent on board Columbus, perhaps indulge in a relaxing massage treatment.

Day 4 Kirkwall, Orkney Islands
This morning we arrive in the capital of the Orkney archipelago, Kirkwall - a beautiful town rich in Viking heritage, with beautiful grey stone buildings, enchanting streets and a handful of spectacular monuments including St Magnus Cathedral. Britain’s northernmost cathedral, known as the ‘Light of the North’, was founded in 1137 by the Vikings and has dominated Kirkwall’s skyline ever since.

Day 5 Portree, Isle of Skye
The Isle of Skye’s main town, Portree, is set among picturesque cliffs and scenic high ground and the settlement itself is located around the picturesque harbour, with colourful houses and picturesque fishing boats bobbing in the calm waters. Optional excursions allow you to visit the region’s incredible natural beauty including charming crofting villages, magnificent castles, small lochs and adventurous moorland. Ship to shore tender service.

Day 6 Belfast
Northern Ireland’s lively capital is renowned for its shipbuilding industry which in its Golden Age, created the ill-fated Titanic. Today, Belfast is a cosmopolitan city bursting with elegance and interesting attractions including the historic City Hall - a grand government building - the magnificent Opera House, Belfast Castle and the superb Botanic Gardens, home to many tropical plants and a glasshouse completed in 1840.

Day 7 Dublin, Ireland
This morning we arrive in the Republic of Ireland’s charming capital, Dublin, located along the banks of the River Liffey. An array of medieval, Georgian and modern-day architecture occupies the city centre, including the Dublin Castle - a Viking fortress as well as an important government complex - and the magnificent Christchurch Cathedral. There are also a number of delightful galleries and historic museums such as the Dublin City Gallery, National Museum of Ireland and Irish Museum of Modern Art. A visit to Dublin wouldn’t be complete without visiting the Guinness Storehouse, the producer of Ireland’s world-famous beverage; while here you can taste some of the renowned tipple and learn of its production process.

Day 8 Cobh
Located at the mouth of the beautiful River Lee is the town of Cobh. Disembark here to discover streets lined with coloured houses and the impressive St Coleman’s Cathedral, a magnificent structure hosting 49 impressive bells. Cobh is not only a picturesque town, it is the perfect place to embark on an optional excursion to the fairytale Blarney Castle, a medieval structure dating back to the 13th century.

Day 9 At sea
Spend a relaxing day at sea as Columbus travels towards France.

Day 10 Honfleur, France
Painters and writers have long been admirers of picturesque Honfleur in northern France, featuring half-timbered houses, narrow cobblestone streets and an old harbour. Roam the pretty streets to discover historic architecture, art galleries, welcoming boutiques, and fine restaurants and cafés. The harbour is an unmissable highlight, with its beautiful fishermen’s boats surrounded by picturesque centuries-old townhouses - the perfect place to sit back and take in the scenery.

Day 11 London Tilbury
Arrive at London Tilbury Port.

Day 1 AMSTERDAM or surroundings(1)

Passengers are welcome to board our ship at 6 p.m. After you’ve comfortably settled into your cabins, we’ll introduce our crew at a welcome cocktail. We'll enjoy dinner on board. The rest of the evening is yours to do as you please.

Day 2 AMSTERDAM or surroundings(1) - HOORN

We’ll spend the morning cruising Lake Markermeer. This afternoon, join us for an excursion to Edam and Volendam. Edam is known worldwide for its cheese. We’ll visit the warehouses from the 13th century that bring this delicious history to life, and we’ll be able to taste a few samples, of course! We’ll then continue on to Volendam, a charming village that has preserved its character for over six centuries thanks to the tough vitality of its fishermen. The village is famous for its traditional smoked eel, and we’ll enjoy a bite. This evening, take advantage of some free time to explore Hoorn on your own. While you sleep, our ship will begin to cruise to Gouda.

Day 2 AMSTERDAM or surroundings(1) - HOORN

We’ll spend the morning cruising Lake Markermeer. This afternoon, join us for an excursion to Edam and Volendam. This evening, enjoy some free time to explore Hoorn on your own. While you sleep, our ship will begin to cruise to Gouda.

Day 3 GOUDA - ROTTERDAM

We’ll spend the morning cruising. Enjoy a snack of poffertjes on board—fluffy pancakes the Dutch traditionally eat with a pat of butter and a sprinkling of confectioners’ sugar. This afternoon, we’ll set off for a tour of Gouda. We’ll explore the city to take in its major sites, including the canals, cobblestone streets, and Sint Janskerk—the impressive Gothic church known for its stained glass windows. At the end of our tour, we’ll have a tasting of the city’s namesake. Our ship will cruise to Rotterdam, and it will remain in port overnight.

Day 3 GOUDA - ROTTERDAM

We’ll spend the morning cruising. In the afternoon, we’ll set off for a tour of Gouda and enjoy a tasting of its famous cheese. Our ship will cruise to Rotterdam, and it will remain in port overnight.

Day 4 ROTTERDAM

This morning’s excursion is a trip to the Windmills of Kinderdijk—the only place in the world with so many windmills together. The mills were built in the 18th century to remove water from the polder. They are now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  We’ll be able to visit the inside of some of the mills to see how they work. This afternoon, we’ll head to The Hague for a visit to the Mauritshuis. The Mauritshuis is an art museum that houses works by many renowned Dutch and Flemish artists. Its collections include Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring, Rembrandt's The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp, and Fabritius’ The Goldfinch,  as well as works by Rubens, Steen, and Hals. We’ll enjoy a tasting of stroopwafel—fine wafer cookies with a caramel middle—first made in Gouda. Tonight is our festive gala evening. Our ship will cruise to Amsterdam overnight.

Day 4 ROTTERDAM

This morning’s excursion is a trip to the Windmills of Kinderdijk—listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the only place in the world with so many windmills together. This afternoon, we’ll head to The Hague for a visit to the Mauritshuis. The Mauritshuis is an art museum that houses works by many renowned Dutch and Flemish artists. Tonight is our festive gala evening. Our ship will cruise to Amsterdam overnight.

Day 5 AMSTERDAM or surroundings(1)

This morning’s tour will take us through Amsterdam on a tourist tramway to the Jordaan district. From its romantic canals to its world-renowned museums, Amsterdam never ceases to surprise. We’ll visit the city on an old-fashioned tram. Stops include Westerkerk—the biggest church in Amsterdam—regarded by many as the city symbol. We’ll continue on foot to the upscale Jordaan district, brimming with galleries, boutiques, restaurants, and street cafés. The Anne Frank House museum is located close by.In the afternoon, we’ll enjoy an audio tour of the Rijksmuseum. The State Museum is more than 200 years old and today is seen as having one of the most breathtaking collections in the world that includes famous masterpieces such as Night Watch by Rembrandt and Johannes Vermeer’s The Milkmaid. Even the museum building itself—built in the Dutch neo-Renaissance style using neo-Gothic elements—is considered a work of art.This evening, enjoy some free time to explore Amsterdam on your own.

Day 5 AMSTERDAM or surroundings(1)

This morning’s tour will take us through Amsterdam on a tourist tramway to the Jordaan district. We’ll visit the city on an old-fashioned tram, which includes a stop at the Westerkerk, the biggest church in Amsterdam.In the afternoon, we’ll enjoy an audio tour of the Rijksmuseum, home to acclaimed works by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Hals. This evening, enjoy some free time to explore Amsterdam on your own.

Day 6 AMSTERDAM or surroundings(1)

Enjoy breakfast on board this morning before disembarking at 9:00 a.m.