Springtime Tulips & Keukenhof Gardens

Your holiday begins at London St Pancras, meeting the Tour Manager and rest of the group before boarding the Eurostar, travelling by rail to Amsterdam in the Netherlands.

On arrival in the Dutch capital, we head to our luxurious cruise ship and are welcomed by our crew. Once on board our floating home, there is free time to settle into your cabin and soak up the new surroundings.

This evening, we enjoy a welcome drink in the lounge before dinner in the panoramic restaurant.

*If you would like to travel by air, view our Fly & Cruise option here.

• Dinner

After breakfast onboard the ship, we get to know the Dutch capital on a scenic canal cruise, soaking up views of the city's picturesque waterways and architecture. Crossed by more than a thousand bridges and lined with elegant gabled houses, the canals reveal the history and charm of Amsterdam - a city unlike anywhere else.

We enjoy lunch back onboard the ship before a free afternoon to explore Amsterdam at your own pace. As you discover the city at leisure, you may choose to wander the charming side streets and hidden courtyards, enjoy a drink at a canalside café or visit one of the city's world-class museums, such as the Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh Museum. We set sail towards Ghent later this afternoon and enjoy dinner onboard this evening.

Please note: on the 6th May departure, Days 2 and 7 will be swapped and we will visit Keukenhof Gardens today.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning, we enjoy breakfast onboard before our ship arrives in Ghent, one of Belgium's most historic cities. As we cruise along, an expert delivers a fascinating talk about the nearby battlefields, offering insight into the region's wartime past using his expertise in the field to take us back in time.

Following a relaxed lunch onboard, you can choose between two excursions - an afternoon coach tour to Bruges or a guided sightseeing tour of Ghent.

Bruges is a medieval town of cobbled lanes, noble townhouses and tranquil canals. Stroll through the grand squares and discover the city's proud heritage, often best appreciated over a Belgian waffle or locally brewed beer. Alternatively, explore Ghent on a guided tour that showcases the city's rich past and medieval architecture, from the imposing Castle of the Counts to St Bavo's Cathedral. A local chocolate tasting adds a delicious finishing touch to your visit. We return to the ship this evening for dinner and drinks.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Your day starts with an optional excursion to the Ypres battlefield, including entrance to Sanctuary Wood. Once a key battlefront during World War One, the area remains a poignant reminder of the conflict and is a moving tribute to those who served. At the Sanctuary Wood Museum, visitors step back in time to 1914, with powerful exhibits and an original trench layout dug by British troops.

Alternatively, you could explore the attractive town of Ghent at your own pace. Wander along cobbled streets lined with shops, galleries and inviting cafés, or stroll along the Graslei and Korenlei, the city's picturesque canalside quays, once part of Ghent's medieval port. You might also explore the colourful street art of Werregarenstraat or stop by the Great Butchers' Hall for a taste of traditional delicacies and local flavours.

As we return to the ship for lunch, we set sail towards the Netherlands. This afternoon offers time to relax enjoying the ship's comfortable lounge and facilities or unwinding in your cabin as the scenery passes by.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Continuing our journey to the Netherlands, we enjoy breakfast and lunch served onboard as we sail towards the Dutch town of Arnhem. During the journey, a battlefield expert delivers a talk on the Battle of Arnhem, providing insights into the events of September 1944.

On arrival in Arnhem, there is a choice between two excursions. Your first option is to visit nearby Oosterbeek for a guided tour of the Hartenstein Airborne Museum, set in the former Allied headquarters. Through immersive exhibits and personal stories, you can gain a powerful understanding of the Battle of Arnhem and its pivotal role in Operation Market Garden in World War Two. Alternatively, step into centuries of Dutch heritage at the Netherlands' Open-Air Museum, an expansive museum park filled with authentic buildings, farmhouses and mills from across the ages, as well as demonstrations of traditional crafts.

Returning to the ship after soaking up the rich cultural heritage of the Netherlands, we enjoy dinner and drinks ahead of a relaxed evening on board.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Scenic harbour-town views greet us this morning as we reach Hoorn, one of the oldest and most historic cities in the Netherlands and once a major trading port during the Dutch Golden Age.

Here, we enjoy a guided walking tour through its well-preserved historic centre, discovering sights such as the 15th-century Hoofdtoren, once a harbour control tower and the elegant main square, lined with gabled buildings and the impressive Statencollege. We pause afterwards to enjoy a slice of traditional Dutch apple pie, a sweet treat beloved across the Netherlands. Later, we embark on a nostalgic journey aboard the Medemblik steam train, travelling through the scenic Dutch countryside. This leisurely ride offers postcard views of traditional windmills, stunning tulip fields and charming villages - the epitome of the Netherlands' culture.

We rejoin the ship later this afternoon and enjoy dinner and drinks this evening as we begin sailing towards Amsterdam, where we dock for the night.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Renowned horticulturist Charlie Dimmock joins us onboard this morning. The star of the BBC's Ground Force delivers an insightful presentation, sharing stories from her time at the BBC along with expert gardening tips and advice on horticultural care. Afterwards, there is the opportunity to ask your own questions during a question-and-answer session with Charlie.

Later, we set off to experience a highlight of the cruise - a visit to the world-famous Keukenhof Gardens. Known as the 'Garden of Europe', Keukenhof bursts into life each spring with an extraordinary display of more than seven million tulips, hyacinths, daffodils and other spring-flowering bulbs. Open only from the end of March to the beginning of May each year, the gardens offer a fleeting but unforgettable showcase of colour and creativity. Wander along beautifully landscaped paths, past water features, sculptures and seasonal flower shows.

This evening, we celebrate our final night onboard with a special gala dinner, accompanied by live music from a traditional Dutch sea shanty choir - the perfect end to our springtime cruise.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

From the flower-lined canals of Amsterdam to the spectacular tulip fields of Keukenhof Gardens, this wonderful river cruise through the Netherlands and Belgium has revealed the culture, history and beauty of these two countries. Experts including Charlie Dimmock were welcomed on board our luxury ship to deliver informative talks on the battlefields of Flanders and Arnhem, and horticulture. A choice of excursions also provided the opportunity to immerse yourself in your area of interests, giving you the chance to explore the attractive cities of Bruges and Ghent, or uncovering the poignant battlefields of Ypres and Arnhem.

After a leisurely breakfast, it's time to disembark and say goodbye to the ship's crew. From Amsterdam railway station, we head towards Brussels and catch the Eurostar to London St Pancras, where your holiday comes to an end.

• Breakfast