Dutch Waterways and the Beauty of Keukenhof

Dutch Waterways and the Beauty of Keukenhof

From the historic canal-laced streets of Amsterdam to cutting-edge Rotterdam, UNESCO-listed Kinderdijk and little-but-lovely Utrecht, this spring river cruise will take you on a journey of quintessentially Dutch experiences. Wander wide-eyed around the kaleidoscopic Keukenhof Gardens, where rows of millions of tulips are set to burst into bloom; sip coffee in canalside cafés in Utrecht; explore the series of awe-inspiring Delta Works. You’ll also float into Belgium for the day to explore the medieval city of Antwerp.

What's Inlcuded:

• 5 nights accomodation - On board MS Serenade 1
• 20 meals - 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 7 dinners
• Unlimited drinks during lunch and dinner
• Titan's VIP door-to-door travel service
• Titan cruise director
• Porterage
• Portable audio

Day 1: UK - Amsterdam - Zaandam

Titan’s VIP door-to-door travel service collects you from home for your journey to Dover, where we take a break before boarding our coaches, for the Channel crossing to Calais and onward journey to Amsterdam. Upon arrival, embark our ship, where light refreshments are available. We’ll have some time to settle in before we set sail this evening towards Zaandam.

Day 2: Zaandam - Utrecht

We awake in Zaandam, with the morning free to explore independently. Or you can join an optional excursion to the village of Zaanse Schans, home to six well-preserved windmills that were carefully relocated here. Among the historic buildings, there are museums too, demonstrating traditional Dutch crafts such as clog and cheese-making. Back on board we spend a leisurely afternoon cruising, arriving at the centuries-old university town of Utrecht, with its beautiful canals, where we spend the evening.

Day 3: Kinderdijk - Middelberg

We arrive early this morning in Kinderdijk; a beautiful marshland landscape punctuated by 19 traditional windmills. Watch lily pads float lazily on the water and listen for the sound of bird song - it’s a soothingly peaceful and quintessentially Dutch sight. Our included excursion takes you on a guided tour of one of the windmills. Later, we sail on to the town of Middelberg, where we remain overnight.

Excursions & visits: Kinderdijk windmills tour (morning)

Day 4: Middelberg

Historic canalside houses, a twist of charming backstreets and a Gothic town hall. Middelberg is the capital of Zeeland and has all the makings of a proud city steeped in tradition. You’ll no doubt feel as though you’ve travelled back in time as you wander through the old town centre - and you’d certainly never guess the area was mostly destroyed by German bombers in WWII. This afternoon, our included tour is to the remarkable Delta Works, a defence system where you’ll learn and experience the Dutch struggle against flooding from the sea.

Excursions & visits: Delta Works (afternoon)

Day 5: Antwerp

We float into Belgium today to explore little Antwerp. This port city may be small but that just adds to its charm. It’s vibrant and fun and just the right size to explore on foot. Amble through its cobbled streets, admiring Renaissance architecture and grand gabled houses. Perhaps peek inside the city’s Gothic cathedral to admire the four masterpieces by Rubens (there’s also a whole museum dedicated to the city’s resident painter). Or perhaps wander wide-eyed through the city’s famed diamond district - more than 80% of the world’s rough diamonds pass through this district at some point. There’s no better way to explore somewhere new than through taste - and today’s optional excursion does exactly that. Perhaps join us for a Belgian chocolate, beer and waffle tasting.

Day 6: Rotterdam (Keukenhof)

The Netherlands’ second city prides itself on its unique architecture and modern centre. It’s sometimes overshadowed by Amsterdam, but the truth is it offers an entirely different experience. This waterside city has less historic, canal-laced streets and more sprawling parkland, cutting-edge design and contemporary culture. From Rotterdam, we’ll enjoy a full day’s visit to Keukenhof Gardens; a 32-acre showcase of seven million flowers, set within sweeping gardens or as part of unique and inspiring flower shows themed each year. The endless beds of vibrant tulips, daffodils and hyacinths create the world’s most magnificent spring gardens. We return to the ship and spend the evening moored in Rotterdam.

Excursions & visits: Keukenhof Gardens (all day)

Day 7: Amsterdam

Enjoy a whole day in Amsterdam to explore the city’s crooked waterside houses and Golden Age architecture. We’ll enjoy the ‘classic’ Amsterdam experience as we sail along the world-famous canals on an included cruise. Enjoy the sights in the flourish of spring as we float under pretty bridges and past gabled merchants’ houses. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy Amsterdam - perhaps view the world-class collections in the Rijksmuseum or step inside the Museum Our Lord in the Attic, a townhouse which hides a secret 17th-century church in its attic.

Excursions & visits: Private Amsterdam canal cruise (morning)

Day 8: Amsterdam - UK

After breakfast we board our waiting coaches for the return journey to Calais and Channel crossing. Upon arrival in Dover, your Titan vehicle will be waiting for the journey home.