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Springtime Tulips and Keukenhof Gardens

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You are viewing the 2025 itinerary. Select your departure year
20252026
8 days From £1,999 per person
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Sail through Belgium and the Netherlands as we discover picturesque cities along the enchanting Rhine river, delving into rich history and beautiful gardens with experts such as Colonel Piers Storie-Pugh and Charlie Dimmock

2025 Tour code: NER25

About the tour

Lose yourself in scents and colours on this flower-filled cruise through scenic Belgium and the Netherlands. Walk among floral displays at Keukenhof Gardens, visit poignant war sites, and explore the quaint streets of Amsterdam, Bruges, and Ghent.

Cruising aboard our luxurious ship, we step ashore at ports along the way to visit Ypres Battlefields, enjoy a nostalgic Medemblik Steam Train ride, and listen to a talk from Charlie Dimmock, star of BBC's Ground Force.

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Unforgettable experiences

Keukenhof Gardens
Keukenhof Gardens
Spanning an impressive 32 hectares with roots tracing back to the 15th century, a full-day guided tour not only showcases the vibrant tapestry of Dutch cultural heritage through breathtaking tulip displays but also invites us into a world of themed gardens, inspirational landscapes, and unique artwork.
Bruges
Bruges
Embark on an enchanting sightseeing tour through the captivating streets of fairytale Bruges, immersing yourself in the city's timeless charm and revelling in its architectural splendour that whispers tales of a bygone era.
Battlefields of Ypres
Battlefields of Ypres
Visit the Battlefields of Ypres and hear an onboard talk by Col. Piers Storie-Pugh OBE. Gain insights into the events that unfolded on these grounds, honouring the bravery and sacrifice of those who played a role in shaping history.
Amsterdam
Amsterdam
Explore the unique, cultural cityscape of Amsterdam, admiring its architecture and soaking up the lovely atmosphere that defines the Dutch capital.
Medemblik Steam Train
Medemblik Steam Train
Choose to journey on the delightful Medemblik Steam Train through the scenic landscapes of the Dutch countryside, capturing the essence of a bygone era.

What’s included

Itinerary

Day 1 – To Amsterdam to board our luxurious ship

Meeting at London St Pancras this morning, our holiday begins as we journey on the Eurostar to Amsterdam. Here, we board our luxurious ship and are welcomed by our wonderful crew. Once on board, take some time to settle into your cabin and relax in your surroundings. We enjoy a welcome drink in the lounge before dinner in the panoramic restaurant.

Includes
  • Dinner
Day 2 – Cultural Amsterdam

Today we enjoy a sightseeing tour of Amsterdam, a city famous for its pretty canals and bridges, friendly people, relaxing parks, unusual museums and laid-back atmosphere. Among the sights, we discover Dam Square, the city's main square dominated by the Royal Palace - a classical 17th-century masterpiece. You'll also get to explore the famous Flower Market, visit the Rijksmuseum, and enjoy a canal boat cruise, soaking up stunning views of the city's picturesque canals and architecture.

After lunch, explore this exciting city at your own pace before we set sail to Ghent this afternoon and enjoy dinner on board this evening.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 – Historic Ghent or fairytale Bruges

Waking up to the gentle lapping of the water, we enjoy breakfast on board before our ship arrives in Ghent, in Flemish Belgium. This morning, Colonel Piers Storie-Pugh comes aboard to deliver a fascinating talk about the battlefields in the region, using his expertise in the field to take us back in time. After a relaxed lunch, you can choose between two excursions: an afternoon coach tour to Bruges or a guided sightseeing tour of Ghent.

Bruges is an enchanting medieval town with a proud history - there you'll find winding streets, noble townhouses and friendly squares, often filled with locals enjoying cafés which serve up Belgian delicacies.

Alternatively, you could explore Ghent, one of Belgium's oldest cities, on a tour that showcases the city's medieval architecture and includes a chocolate stop.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 - Ypres Battlefields or Ghent at leisure

This morning you can choose to take an optional excursion to the poignant Ypres Battlefields, a key battlefront in the First World War, including the Sanctuary Wood Cemetery with entrance included. Alternatively, you could explore the attractive town of Ghent at your own pace, venturing into the narrow streets and pretty boulevards. The architecture lends an elegant grandeur to the buildings here, such as the impressive St Bavo's Cathedral and the Belfry. During lunch, we set sail and you can spend the afternoon enjoying the ship's facilities or relaxing in your cabin.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 - Hartenstein Airborne Museum or Netherlands' Open-Air Museum

We have breakfast and lunch on board today as we continue sailing to Arnhem where we arrive this afternoon. Here you can choose from two different excursions. Your first option is to visit the excellent Hartenstein Airborne Museum, in nearby Oosterbeek, for a guided tour. This institution focuses on the fierce Battle of Arnhem in WWII and was the setting of the war film 'A Bridge Too Far'. Alternatively, you could visit the fascinating and interactive Netherlands' Open-Air Museum, recounting the storied history of this proud European country.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 – Hoorn & the Medemblik Steam Railway

We wake to delightful harbour town views this morning as we reach Hoorn, one of the oldest cities in The Netherlands. You can explore independently or on an optional guided excursion by coach. Later, we enjoy a nostalgic journey through the enchanting countryside aboard the Medemblik Steam Train. During the journey, you'll admire the picturesque landscape of tulip fields, windmills, and charming villages - the epitome of Dutch culture. Back onboard later this afternoon, we begin sailing to Amsterdam where we dock for the night.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 – A fascinating talk from Charlie Dimmock and Amsterdam’s Keukenhof Gardens

This morning we're joined onboard by the wonderful Charlie Dimmock, star of BBC's Ground Force. We enjoy a presentation, followed by a question and answer session with her, learning about her time at the BBC and her tips on horticulture and garden care.

We then set off to experience a true highlight of our cruise - the vibrant Keukenhof Gardens. Known especially for its glorious tulip displays, this is one of the loveliest gardens in Europe. Tonight, we enjoy an elegant gala dinner for our last night onboard.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 – Homeward bound

After a leisurely breakfast, it's time to disembark and say goodbye to our wonderful crew. We journey to the railway station and head towards Brussels where we catch the Eurostar to London St Pancras. Here, we say goodbye to new friends and fellow travellers.

Includes
  • Breakfast

Additional information

Info - Travel Options

We offer a Standard Class and First Class rail options for departures on this tour. You can find out which class each departure is by clicking on the information button in the pricing grid. (Look for S - Standard Class and F - First Class)

Departure times

Provisional departure and return times, where available, can be found together with our dates and prices by clicking on the 'Prices & Availability' button. We write to all booked customers approximately 10 weeks prior to the start of their tour to advise the exact departure and return time for their particular group.

Mobility information

Due to the nature of our tours they are generally unsuitable for those with restricted mobility. If you’d like to discuss any particular holiday with us in this respect, then please don’t hesitate to call us.

Trains

Eurostar
Medemblik Steam Train
Thalys

Ship

MS Amadeus Star

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River Cruise Holidays 2025

River Cruise Holidays 2025

Experience the magic of cruising along some of Europe’s most picturesque waterways. Glide serenely along the romantic Rhine, explore the blue Danube or meander through the enchanting Douro Valley. With our river cruises, you’ll drift through beautiful landscapes and historic towns.

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