Tulip Time in Holland & Belgium for Garden & Nature Lovers 2021

8 Day River Cruise Amsterdam to Brussels

2021 Information

If you’ve dreamed of a view filled with windmills and blooming fields of color in Holland and Belgium, it all comes true on your European river cruise from Amsterdam to Brussels! Cruise on the Rhine River to visit Nijmegen. From here, choose a visit to Arnhem’s WWII Airborne Museum or a bike ride in the forests of Hoge Veluwe National Park. In Maastricht, tour the old cobblestoned university town.

On to Belgium for a sightseeing tour of medieval Namur and free time to browse its ancient architecture, charming cafes, and bookshops. In Liège, see the ancient quarters of the “Fiery City” as well as its romantic streets, steps, and tiny alleyways. Next, you’ll explore the city of Antwerp—birthplace of the master painter Pieter Paul Rubens. Stroll its cobbled lanes amid 16th-century guildhall houses and the cathedral’s stunning altarpiece paintings by the famous artist on your guided tour of the diamond capital. In Brussels, you’ll find landmark buildings of Town Hall with a collection of cafes and shops on the Lower Town streets on your guided tour. Memories of Holland and Belgium will bloom in your memory for seasons to come!


Dates & Prices Get a Quote Book Online

Cruise at-a-Glance

Day 1 Amsterdam (Embarkation):Keukenhof garden visit; onboard welcome reception Day 2 Nijmegen, excursion to Arnhem:Choice of guided sightseeing of Arnhem or guided tour of Airborne Museum in Arnhem or hiking in National Park; free time in NijmegenDay 3 Maastricht:Guided tour, visit a National Park in BelgiumDay 4 Namur:Botany lecture; guided tourDay 5 Liège:Guided tourDay 6 Antwerp-Brussels:Choice of guided tour in Antwerp, visit the central Grote Markt or visit a botanical garden; botany lecture; free time in the evening in BrusselsDay 7 Brussels:Choice of guided tour, see the town hall or chocolate workshopDay 8 Brussels (Disembarkation):Your cruise ends this morning

Cruise YourWay

Avalon makes it easy to experience vacation your way with seamless extension options before and after your cruise. Your Way offers added nights in a selection of locales. From Budapest to Barcelona, you can spend a little or a lot more time getting to know more on shore with Your Way custom itineraries.

View 5 Your Way Cruise Options »

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 BedsSM 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 HostSM

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 a la carte breakfast with full range of classic breakfast items, healthy Avalon Fresh® options and daily specials*
  • Daily a la carte lunch including regional specialties, healthy Avalon Fresh® options and classic dishes*
  • 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

*Due to heightened health & safety measures, Avalon has replaced self-serve buffets with crew-served buffets and/or full a la carte menu options until further notice

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)

Welcome to Holland. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding.

Flights into Amsterdam must arrive by 2 pm.

Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.

Your day in Amsterdam is free to explore at your leisure.

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.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO NIJMEGEN
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Day 2

(B, L, D)

NIJMEGEN

Wildlife, WWII Valor, and Famous Mills

Discovery
Join a Guided Sightseeing to discover Arnhem—a key WWII operations site and home to impressive historical monuments and memorials—then visit a medieval castle for a regional herb and vegetable product tasting, OR:
Classic
Join a Guided Tour of the Airborne Museum of Hartenstein commemorating the 1944 WWII Battle of Arnhem.
Active
Enjoy nature’s splendor on this Guided Hike through Hoge Veluwe National Park, the Netherlands’ oldest and largest nature reserve!

You may join a Guided Optional Excursion to the Windmill of Thorn or an Optional Cooking Workshop.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MAASTRICHT
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Day 3

(B, L, D)

MAASTRICHT

Dutch History, School Spirit and an Architectural Feast

Enjoy an early morning sailing to Maastricht.

Classic
Discover this vibrant university town with its lovely cathedrals, old houses, historical buildings, and impressively cobblestoned town center.
Discovery
Join a Guided Experience in a unique natural reserve and discover the typical heath landscape of Benelux.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO NAMUR
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Day 4

(B, L, D)

NAMUR, BELGIUM

Ancient Architecture and Charming Cafés

Discovery
While sailing satisfy your curiosity about botany and nature during a lecture hosted by a local expert.
Classic
Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of the picturesque old-town, fortress citadel, and medieval architecture.

Take free time to stroll along Namur’s cobblestone lanes and visit its charming cafés and bookshops. This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN NAMUR
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Day 5

(B, L, D)

LIÈGE

Historic Wonders and Wonderful Waffles

Classic
Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of the “Fiery City” of Liège with its beautiful ancient quarters, peculiar alleys, and romantic streets. Don’t miss sampling authentically sweet Liège Waffles.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ANTWERP
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Day 6

(B, L, D)

ANTWERP

A Rubenesque Cathedral in Artful Antwerp

Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.

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, OR:
Discovery
Spend some time surrounded by nature’s magnificence on this inspiring guided excursion to the Arboretum Kalmthout botanical gardens
Discovery
While sailing, discover more about botany and nature joining a lecture hosted by a local expert.

Enjoy cocktail or coffee aboard your ship as you sail to Brussels this afternoon. Later, enjoy dinner and live entertainment.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BRUSSELS
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Day 7

(B, L, D)

BRUSSELS

Ancient Landmarks and New Haunts

Classic
Join a Guided Tour of Brussels, see the Town Hall with its landmark buildings and discover the many local bars, cafés and shops of the Lower Town Streets, OR:
Discovery
See the major highlights of Brussels and join a do-it-yourself chocolate workshop for a fun and interactive experience.

The afternoon is free to explore Brussels at your pace

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BRUSSELS
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Day 8

(B)

BRUSSELS (DISEMBARKATION)

Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.

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  • 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.

YourWay Logo

Tulip Time in Holland & Belgium

Start Sooner, Stay Longer

Start your vacation earlier or stay longer with destination options before or after your Avalon cruise.

Ship Details

Imagery II

Imagery II

If image is everything, the Avalon Imagery II is the real thing. Added to Avalon's all-suite-ship fleet in 2016, the Imagery II continues all of Avalon's outstanding traditions. Passengers can choose from two full decks of Panorama Suites, featuring wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows that transform the living space into river cruising's only Open-Air Balcony. At a spacious 200 square feet, our Panorama Suites are more than 30% larger than the industry standard, affording the incomparable opportunity to awaken each morning with Europe's splendid scenery at your feet. Onboard amenities include complimentary Wi-Fi access, an expanded Fitness Center, elevator, alternative light menu options in the Panorama Bistro or al fresco grill lunch at the Sky Bistro. Relax to your heart's content on the an expansive Sky Deck's premium lounge chairs, take a dip in the whirlpool, get cool in the shade on deck, and play deck games too! Your image just got a lot more relaxed.

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®
    All through your Avalon Adventure HostSM
  • Active shore excursions, both included and optional

Avalon Panorama Suites & Staterooms

  • Open-Air BalconiesSM and Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Windows in all Panorama Suites
  • Comfort Collection BedsSM 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.
Avalon Deluxe Stateroom (Cat. D, E)
Features
  • Comfort Collection Beds
  • 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.
Panorama Suite (Cat. A, B, P)
Features
  • Comfort Collection Beds
  • 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
  • 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
  • Full shower with glass door
  • Vanity and lighted makeup mirror
  • Coffee table
Royal Suite - 300 sq. ft.
Royal Suite
Features
  • Comfort Collection Beds
  • 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
  • Full shower with glass door
  • Vanity and lighted makeup mirror
  • Coffee table
DECK PLANS

Hotels

 Optional Excursions

No matter what you’re into: food, wine, history, art, music or anything else, we give you the freedom to personalize your vacation with optional excursions that speak to your interests.

When you book your excursions with us, you can be assured that every optional excursion that we offer coordinates with the free time that you'll have in your destination, so you'll never have conflicts between included and optional activities. Our team of travel experts carefully selects each optional excursion that we offer to ensure that you receive the highest quality at a great value. Our tried-and-true partners have a finger on the pulse of the city in which they operate so they deliver the very best experiences. We offer experiences you cannot create on your own and because you’re booking with us, we coordinate all your transportation and timing needs.

The following optional excursions are examples only for this vacation. These may or may not be offered, and availability is subject to days of operation and seasonality. Please select a departure date to view optional excursions and pricing for a specific date (due to currency fluctuation, pricing shown is subject to change until purchased). Optional excursions are available for purchase on our MyAvalon site 90 days prior to the tour start date.

Price Ranges

$ ($50 USD and under)
$$ ($51 - $100 USD)
$$$ ($101 - $150 USD)
$$$$ (Over $150)


Amsterdam
Nijmegen
Namur
Brussels

Amsterdam

Keukenhof Gardens Visit

Keukenhof Gardens Visit

With more than 7 million dazzling bulb flowers creating incredible works of art, this exciting visit to Keukenhof is a true visual feast!

Price Range: $$

Nijmegen

WWII Operation Market Garden Liberation Museum & Jeep Safari

WWII Operation Market Garden Liberation Museum & Jeep Safari

Experience September 1944 and Operation Market Garden, the largest airborne operation in history, as you visit the National Liberation Museum and explore Groesbeek in an authentic war-era military vehicle to learn how the Allies liberated the Netherlands from Nazi occupation.

Price Range: $$

Into the Dutch Countryside: Windmill & Farm Visits with Carriage Ride

Into the Dutch Countryside: Windmill & Farm Visits with Carriage Ride

Head into the beautiful Dutch countryside for visits to an authentic windmill and a fruit farm, and a horse-drawn carriage ride through the Ooijpolder nature reserve.

Price Range: $$

Forgotten Foods Cooking Workshop

Forgotten Foods Cooking Workshop

Visit Nijmegen's 12th-century Commanderie for a fascinating cooking workshop featuring long-forgotten European recipes and ingredients, insight into how experts rediscovered them, and the chance to create and taste the delicious final products!

Price Range: $$$

Namur

Château de Modave, Belgium's Little Versailles

Château de Modave, Belgium's Little Versailles

Explore the majestic, 13th-century Château de Modave, Belgium's famed "Little Versailles", on this enjoyable excursion into the Hoyoux River Valley.

Price Range: $$

Brussels

Charms of Mechelen with Canal Cruise

Charms of Mechelen with Canal Cruise

Experience the impressive highlights of Mechelen, named a top European City of the Future by the Financial Times, on this half-day guided walk featuring a cruise along the scenic canals!

Price Range: $$

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