See everything from tulips to windmills on this journey during the season of rebirth.
From the canals of Amsterdam to the belfry of Bruges, you’ll discover the best of the Netherlands and Belgium. Stroll through colorful acres of tulips at Keukenhof Gardens to get a sense of the Netherlands’ extraordinary connection to these blooms. Then visit the 19 UNESCO-designated windmills of Kinderdijk to better understand how these mighty structures have been used to protect the Low Country from ever-rising water levels for hundreds of years.
Enjoy an exclusive “Morning with the Masters” visit to the Hermitage Amsterdam, the museum that is home of the sensational “Portrait Gallery of the Golden Age” exhibition. You’ll have the chance to see thirty massive 17th-century group portraits from impressive collections normally on display at the Amsterdam Museum and the Rijksmuseum–all under the same roof for the very first time. The thirty life-size portraits depict the lives of Dutch citizens in their respective cities. These “brothers and sisters” of the Night Watch are extremely unique and rarely seen due to their large size. Together, the portraits illustrate the collective citizenship that is typical of The Netherlands. Would you like to know why the Dutch attach so much importance to freedom and equality? Your answer hangs on the walls—in life-size form—at the Hermitage Amsterdam.
Wander through the picture-perfect villages of Veere, Hoorn and Enkhuizen, and the enchanting outdoor Zuiderzee Museum. Take in the dazzling skyline of Rotterdam as you cruise through the bustling harbor and drift along the canals of Bruges. All along the way, you’ll savor Dutch delights and Belgian treats as you sail the aquatic highways and byways of two amazing countries shaped by water.
Who will enjoy this cruise:
Those who wish to step back in time may visit historic villages and medieval city centers. Art lovers will enjoy guided museum visits, while garden lovers will find a host of wonders with springtime blossoms.
Arrive at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. If your cruise package includes a group arrival transfer or if you have purchased a private arrival transfer, you will be greeted by a Uniworld representative and transferred to the ship.
The Netherlands’ largest city, Amsterdam has been an international port and financial center for 400 years. Your day begins with a morning tour of the Portrait Gallery of the Golden Age at the Hermitage Amsterdam Museum. Later, see the sites by canal boat or stroll through the city’s history by walking in the footsteps of Rembrandt.
Spend all day or half a day among millions of brilliantly colored flowers in Keukenhof, then mix it up a bit with a visit to and exploration of Haarlem’s art, history and Dutch lifestyle.
Spend some time exploring the picture-perfect town of Enkhuizen and leave the modern world far behind as you visit a recreated 19th-century Dutch village. Later, you’ll discover the town of Hoorn’s seafaring past, where the swashbuckling derring-do of Dutch explorers will come to life on a guided walking tour of this historic locale.
For your choice of excursions today, visit the Kröller-Müller Museum, which is home to 97 works by native son Vincent van Gogh as well as other notable artists and sculptors. Or opt for a “Let’s Go” biking tour.
Rotterdam is thoroughly modern—you’ll soon understand why it’s sometimes called “Manhattan on the Meuse”: The Maas Tower, the Montevideo, the Millennium Tower and the spectacular Erasmus Bridge make for a dazzling skyline. Begin your day by exploring this modern city on a Dutch culinary stroll, with a stop at the architectural milestone, Market Hall. Erected in 2014, it’s known for its futuristic look and unique culinary offerings. Later, head to Kinderdijk to discover why windmills are such an iconic symbol of Holland; marvel at their engineering and learn about their role in changing the course of Dutch history.
Your ship docks today in the quaint Zeeland village of Veere, which will be your base for explorations of this charming town and the mighty Delta Works, the largest flood protection system in the world.
Your first day in Belgium offers you the chance to visit one of two national gems: beautiful Bruges, the capital of West Flanders and one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe, or fascinating Ghent, the capital city of East Flanders, whose long history does not weigh on its vibrant present. Belgium’s second largest city, Ghent abounds in medieval architecture, but there’s nothing museum-like about the city. It’s lively and brims with cutting-edge boutiques and galleries.
It may be the diamond capital of the world, but Antwerp is also known for a number of other sought-after cultural gems, including Golden Age art and Belgian beer, waffles and fries. Visit Antwerp’s striking Cathedral of Our Lady, with its UNESCO-designated belfry and its historic surroundings, or, if you’re feeling adventurous, hop on the metro and experience the city like a local.
Disembark the ship in Antwerp. If your cruise package includes a group departure transfer or if you have purchased a private departure transfer, you will be transferred to Brussels International Airport for your flight home.