Active & Discovery in Holland & Belgium 2021

8 Day River Cruise Amsterdam to Amsterdam

Cruise Deals

Get a Quote Book Online From: $3,199$2,449

Showing 2021 Information.

Explore Holland and Belgium in more ways than ever on this Active & Discovery European cruise. Begin in Amsterdam and sail for Middelburg for a variety of excursions from Classic to Active to Discovery inclusions. Continue to Belgium and marvel at the artistry and natural beauty of the region. In Brussels, walk the ancient streets and sample treats at a Belgian chocolate-making workshop. Explore by bike or take a guided tour! In Antwerp, discover centuries of history. Experience the Red Star Line Museum where brave emigrants boarded ocean liners for America long ago, or see the stunning altarpiece by master painter Rubens in the Cathedral there. Take an architecture tour by bicycle through Rotterdam or create a classic Delft tile in a pottery workshop. Return to Amsterdam to enjoy the colorful city of canals. Take a painting class, ride a bike through the Dutch countryside, or relax on a canal cruise through the grachten of this city of a Golden Age. A fantastic 8-day adventure through Holland and Belgium on this Active & Discovery river cruise in Europe! This cruise's special offers »

Dates & Prices Get a Quote Book Online

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River Cruise Map of Active & Discovery in Holland & Belgium

Cruise at-a-Glance

See below for detailed itinerary »

Day 1 Amsterdam (Embarkation):Onboard welcome receptionDay 2 Middelburg:Choice of nature walk, or guided visit to Delta Works, or visit to an Oyster FarmDay 3 Ghent: Choice of mountain biking tour, or guided sightseeing, or Graffiti tourDay 4 Brussels:Choice of chocolate workshop, or biking tour, or Brussels guided tourDay 5 Antwerp:Choice of biking tour, or visit the Red Star Line museum, or Antwerp guided tourDay 6 Rotterdam: Choice of mountain biking tour, or painting workshop, or Rotterdam guided tourDay 7 Amsterdam: Choice of painting class, or biking tour or canal cruiseDay 8 Amsterdam (Disembarkation):Your cruise ends this morning

Always Included

You've always forged your own path...with your own distinct perspective of looking at the world. Avalon Waterways presents a river cruise experience with your unique style in mind—offering expansive views and wider perspectives. That's why we've designed a cruise experience that's just a bit different.

Here are just some of the features and amenities you'll experience on board our Avalon ships. See the Ship Amenities Section below for more information about the amenities in our fleet’s unique ships.

Throughout the Ship

Suites & Staterooms

Health & Fitness

Dining

Throughout the Ship:

Complimentary Wi-Fi
Panoramic windows
Elegant, contemporary design & decor
Friendly, English-speaking crew & Cruise Director
Sky Deck with whirlpool, shade awnings, game area and premium lounges
Covered Observation Lounge
Club Lounge with 24-hour self-serve beverage station with complimentary cappuccinos, lattes, tea, hot chocolate & premium coffees, as well as treats throughout the day

Suites & Staterooms:

Comfort Collection Beds^SM with choice of mattress firmness
Egyptian super-combed cotton linens
Bathrobes & slippers
Premium L'Occitane bath products
Large bathroom featuring shower with glass door
Flatscreen satellite TV with free movie channels
Individual climate control and in-room safe
USB Ports
Complimentary bottled water daily
And, much more.

Health & Fitness:

Bikes
Canoe, kayak and jogging excursions
Maps for hiking, biking and jogging routes
Fitness and wellness activities
Fitbits®
All through your Avalon Adventure Host^SM

Dining

FlexDining® for more venue and seating options, including flexible seating times in our Panorama Dining Room
Avalon Fresh® healthy cuisine options at every meal
Complimentary sparkling wine with breakfast; wine, beer, or soft drinks with every lunch and dinner
Early and Late Riser breakfast options
Daily full buffet breakfast with made-to-order egg station, hot and cold menu items
Daily lunch buffet with pasta or carving stations
Alternative light lunch at Sky Grill on the Sky Deck (weather permitting)
Daily Afternoon Tea featuring tea, coffee, sweet treats & sandwiches
Daily four-course a la carte dinner in the Panorama Dining Room with choice of appetizers, soups, salads, entrees and desserts. Includes selections of regional recipes, Western dishes and vegetarian options.
Enjoy a tasting menu with a view in the Panorama Bistro - a less formal "sit-down" atmosphere while lingering over several satisfying selections
Captain’s welcome & farewell receptions and dinners with sparkling wine and canapés
Panorama Lounge featuring premium spirits and Avalon specialty cocktails, along with local entertainment special guests
Cocktails available on the Sky Deck
Fresh fruit available throughout the day

Avalon Choice

Avalon has designed included activities with a choice of experiences. We invite you to select the tours, activities, and events that interest you most, so you can experience your cruise your way. There are 3 types of included shore excursion on every Europe cruise:

Classic

Your local expert is ready to guide you through the history and heritage of local destinations. You’ll marvel at the legends, lore, and spectacular architecture of iconic and historic sites.

Discovery

We’ve found inspiring and interactive activities to speak to your interests - from cooking classes, to painting workshops - to immerse yourself in each culture you explore.

Active

Embark on energetic excursions to keep you in motion and on the go - from a guided jogging tour of Amsterdam, to biking, paddling, and hiking your way through scenic locales.

Plus independent exploration options and use of our exclusive AvalonGO APP.

Day-By-Day Itinerary

(B) = Breakfast (L) = Lunch (D) = Dinner

Day 1

(D)

AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND (EMBARKATION)

How Suite It Is! Welcome Aboard Your Avalon Suite Ship®.

Flights into Amsterdam must arrive by 3:30 pm.

Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.

During tulip season, you may take a Guided Optional Excursion to Keukenhof gardens—with more than seven million tulips, daffodils and hyacinths, as well as other bulbs, planted each year.

Outside of tulip season, join a Guided Optional Excursion to Zaanse Schans to see historic windmills and charming Dutch houses.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MIDDELBURG

Day 2

(B, L, D)

MIDDELBURG

A Castle Moat, an Oyster Farm and Dutch Sea Trade

Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.

Active

Take a Guided Walk through woods and dunes; see Castle Westhove and farmlands of the beautiful North-Sea area, OR:

Discovery

Join a Guided Tour of the Delta Works, the largest flood-protection system in the world, and a miracle of modern technology, OR:

Discovery

Enjoy a Guided Visit to a family owned Oyster Farm, active in the cultivation of crustaceans and shellfish in the Netherlands since 1906. A taste of oysters and lobster, accompanied with a glass of wine is the perfect ending of this beautiful experience, OR:

Classic

Join a Guided Walking Tour through the winding cobblestones and canals of Middelburg. See the 15th-century Gothic Town Hall and learn about its important role in the spice trade and Dutch East India trading.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO GHENT

Day 3

(B, L, D)

GHENT, BELGIUM

Flemish Artwork and Street Artists

Active

Explore the outskirts of the city and the lesser known sights on a Guided Mountain Bike Tour.

Discovery

Join a Guided Tour of Graffiti Street, where artists create striking spray-can art to their heart’s content. And do not miss the chance to become an artist yourself, creating your street art, OR:

Classic

Explore Ghent—“The Diamond of Flanders”— with a Guided Sightseeing Tour of this showcase of medieval Flemish wealth. You’ll visit St. Bavo’s Cathedral—with its remarkable Flemish artwork.

Alternatively, you may choose to join a full-day Guided Optional Excursion of Bruges to explore its canals, cobbled streets, and medieval buildings.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BRUSSELS

Day 4

(B, L, D)

BRUSSELS

Ancient Streets, and Chocolate Sweet

Active

Take a Bike Tour to explore Brussels in a fun and eco-friendly way and learn all there is to know about its history and culture. Your local guide will not only show you the must-see sights, but also some hidden spots, OR:

Discovery

Join a Belgian chocolate-making Workshop to learn how to create your own delicious candies. Enjoy a cup of the finest hot chocolate, while crafting traditional confections of pralines and mendiant from scratch, OR:

Classic

Join a Guided Tour of Brussels, see the Town Hall with its landmark buildings, discover the many local bars, cafés, and shops of the Lower Town Streets, and visit the Atomium.

The afternoon is free to explore Brussels —considered home to the European Union, and admire its magnificent palaces and cathedrals.

Later enjoy live entertainment on board.

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ANTWERP

Day 5

(B, L, D)

ANTWERP

Bike Riding, Brave New Worlds, and Rubens’ Art

Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.

Active

Enjoy a Bike Tour and discover centuries of history and a story around every corner. Don’t miss out the unique atmosphere of small neighborhoods and squares, OR:

Discovery

Join a Guided Tour of the Red Star Line Museum. Follow the footsteps of the emigrants, become acquainted with the Red Star Line passengers and accompany them on their trip from their native village via Antwerp to the new world, OR:

Classic

Take a Guided Tour of this sophisticated city to visit the central Grote Markt, lined with 16th-century guildhall houses. You’ll also see the beautiful city hall, the Cathedral of Our Lady with its stunning altarpiece paintings by Rubens.

This afternoon take time on your own to indulge in Antwerp’s signature Belgian waffles and crêpes—or explore this bike-friendly city from its old wharfs to its legendary diamond district.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ROTTERDAM

Day 6

(B, L, D)

ROTTERDAM, HOLLAND

Avant-garde Architecture and Art Lessons

Active

Take a unique Architecture Bike Tour to see the architectural highlights of Rotterdam. Do not miss the interesting Cube Houses, the popular Market Hall, the spectacular Erasmus Bridge, the vertical city ‘De Rotterdam’, and the iconic Central Station. In the city centre, admire how historic buildings lash cheerfully with hypermodern skyscrapers, OR:

Discovery

Attend a Pottery Workshop. In a characteristic painter’s room, a professional painter will guide you through the process of painting a Delft tile, OR:

Classic

Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Rotterdam featuring unusual collection of cube houses innovative architecture, including the marvelous Erasmus Bridge, and plenty of other fascinating sites.

In the evening, enjoy live entertainment on board.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO AMSTERDAM

Day 7

(B, L, D)

AMSTERDAM

Colorful Canals of Amsterdam

Discovery

Attend a Painting Class and be inspired by the masters’ techniques. Paint your own canvas and discover your inner artist. An orientation walk will complete your experience, OR:

Active

Join a Biking Tour through the Dutch countryside past polders, dykes, and quaint centuries-old villages, OR:

Classic

Enjoy a Guided Canal Cruise to explore the iconic waterways and sites of Amsterdam.

This afternoon, choose among the many Guided Optional Excursions available or take some free time to explore Amsterdam’s colorful streets and canal houses, galleries, and shops.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AMSTERDAM

Day 8

(B)

AMSTERDAM (DISEMBARKATION)

Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.

In the event of technical or water level issues, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or alter the program, including hotel overnight when necessary.
Guided Tours, Optional Excursions, activities, sailing and docking schedules may be contingent on weather conditions or other issues outside of our control and could therefore be subject to change at any time.
Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.

Amsterdam is the largest city and the capital of the Netherlands

Visit the lovely town of Ghent in Belgium

Experience the beautiful city of Ghent in the evening

Ship Details

Artistry II

Visionary

Tranquility II

Artistry II

Cruise on Europe's most loved rivers with views that become part of your suite. The Avalon Artistry II delivers an intimate setting, along with two full decks of suites featuring Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Windows that transform the living space into a unique Open-Air BalconySM. Enjoy unmatched, seamless views of passing landscapes from your window-facing Comfort Collection bed for the ultimate in European river cruise views. With 200 square feet, Panorama SuitesSM are more than 30% larger than the industry standard, giving you the rare opportunity to wake each morning to the enchanting scenery and fresh breezes. Onboard amenities include complimentary computer use in public areas and Wi-Fi access, a Fitness Center, and a spacious Sky Deck with premium lounge chairs, shade system, whirlpool, and the delightful Sky Bistro.

Included Amenities

Avalon Suite Fleet

Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the ship
Panoramic windows throughout the ship
Elegant, contemporary design & decor
Friendly, English-speaking crew & Cruise Director
Sky Deck with whirlpool, shade awnings, game area and premium lounges
Covered Observation Lounge
Club Lounge with 24-hour self-serve beverage station with complimentary cappuccinos, lattes, tea, hot chocolate & premium coffees, as well as treats throughout the day
Elevator
Non-smoking interior and staterooms

Fitness & Wellness

Fitness Center
Avalon Adventure Center
Your place for active gear and excursions, including

Bikes
Canoe, kayak and jogging excursions
Maps for hiking, biking and jogging routes
Fitness and wellness activities
FitBits®

^SM

Active shore excursions, both included and optional

Avalon Panorama Suites & Staterooms

Open-Air Balconies^SM and Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Windows in all Panorama Suites
Comfort Collection Beds^SM with choice of mattress firmness
Egyptian super-combed cotton linens
Bathrobes & slippers
Premium L'Occitane bath products & hairdryer
Large bathroom featuring shower with glass door
Wide selection of free movie channels and English-speaking TV
Individual climate control and in-room safe
Full-size closet and mirror
Additional under-bed storage
Complimentary bottled water daily

Staterooms & Suites

Avalon Deluxe Stateroom (Cat. D, E) - 172 sq. ft.

Features

Comfort Collection Beds^SM
Egyptian super-combed cotton linens
Soft & firm pillows
Choice of bed configuration
Bedside tables with reading lamps
L'Occitane bath products
Easy under-bed luggage storage
Alarm clock
Bathrobes & slippers
Complimentary water
Individual climate control
Large mirror in bathroom
USB Ports
Full shower with glass door
Vanity and lighted makeup mirror

Luxurious mattress toppers
European-style duvets
Extra blankets
Nightly turn-down service
Hairdryer
Spacious 3-door closets with shelves for ample storage
Flatscreen satellite TV with English-speaking channels & over 100 free movie options
Direct-dial telephone
Well-stocked minibar
In-room safe
Elegant, contemporary design
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Two windows
Writing desk and chair

Panorama Suite (Cat. A, B, P) - 200 sq. ft.

Features

Comfort Collection Beds^SM
Egyptian super-combed cotton linens
Soft & firm pillows
Choice of bed configuration
Bedside tables with reading lamps
Hairdryer
Spacious 3-door closets with shelves for ample storage
Flatscreen satellite TV with English-speaking channels & over 100 free movie options
Make-up mirror
Bathrobes & slippers
Complimentary water
Individual climate control
Large mirror in bathroom
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Window with Open-Air Balcony^SM
Full shower with glass door
Vanity and lighted makeup mirror
Coffee table

Luxurious mattress toppers
European-style duvets
Extra blankets
Nightly turn-down service
Hairdryer
L'Occitane bath products
Easy under-bed luggage storage
Alarm clock
Direct-dial telephone
Well-stocked minibar
In-room safe
Elegant, contemporary design
Marble countertops in bathroom
USB Ports
6-person sitting area
Writing desk and chair
Sofa

Royal Suite - 300 sq. ft.

Features

Comfort Collection Beds^SM
Egyptian super-combed cotton linens
Soft & firm pillows
Choice of bed configuration
Bedside tables with reading lamps
L'Occitane bath products
Easy under-bed luggage storage
Alarm clock
Direct-dial telephone
Well-stocked minibar
In-room safe
Elegant, contemporary design
Marble countertops in bathroom
USB Ports
6-person sitting area
Writing desk and chair
Sofa
Double sinks

Luxurious mattress toppers
European-style duvets
Extra blankets
Nightly turn-down service
Hairdryer
Spacious 3-door closets with shelves for ample storage
Flatscreen satellite TV with English-speaking channels & over 100 free movie options
Make-up mirror
Bathrobes & slippers
Complimentary water
Individual climate control
Large mirror in bathroom
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Window with Open-Air Balcony^SM
Full shower with glass door
Vanity and lighted makeup mirror
Coffee table

DECK PLANS

Visionary

Take in the view like never before on the Avalon Visionary. You'll enjoy the intimate setting achieved with two full decks of suites featuring Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Windows. Your suite is transformed into a unique Open-Air BalconySM, with your Comfort Collection bed facing the window for river cruising's unparalleled views of Europe's stunning landscapes. With 200 square feet, Panorama SuitesSM are more than 30% larger than the industry standard, giving you the rare opportunity to wake each morning to the enchanting scenery and fresh breezes. Onboard amenities include complimentary computer use in public areas and Wi-Fi access, a Fitness Center, and a spacious Sky Deck with premium lounge chairs, shade system, whirlpool, and the delightful Sky Bistro.